Courageous - The Movie

I've been debating for a couple of days over what to write on the blog, and after watching this movie tonight on dvd, I decided I would share my opinion of it with you.

I am the Christian mother of 3.  And I'll be the first one to admit - the world we live in is a harder place for Christians than it was when I was a child.    Todays kids are faced with so many challenges - broken homes, mothers forced to work out of necessity, fathers either missing or working fast-paced, demanding jobs that require so many hours . . . and then, of course, there's the drugs, the alcohol, the unprotected sex . . . and it just goes on and on.  The world we live in has become a place where so much is accepted that shouldn't be.  Ever.

Courageous is a wonderful movie about a group of Christian men who decide to draft a resolution to be godly husbands and fathers.  To take total responsibility for their wives and children's lives and spiritual growth. You will laugh and cry through their defeats and victories.  It is most definitely a film I would recommend every family watch.  You won't be sorry! 

What is heirloom sewing?

What is considered "true" heirloom sewing?

Heirloom sewing is a collection of sewing techniques seamstresses used up into the 1920's.  If you've heard the terms "rolled hem", "entredeux", "french lace", "swiss embroidery", "whitework", etc., you've heard descriptions of heirloom sewing.  Sewing, at that time, was done by hand.  Garments, linens, etc., were created from natural fabrics (cottons, lawns, linens, silks, etc. - there were no synthetic fibers) and embellished with different types of embroidery.  Hand-smocking was very popular in clothing, especially childrenswear. 

Today, heirloom style garments may be created with techniquess used on sewing machines, to recreate the same look.  For your item to be considered truly "heirloom", it should be created from all natural fabrics.  For storage, use acid-free tissue paper, in a breathable container or chest.  Some individuals also wrap their items in cotton sheets.

Spring Baby Bubbles

Cool, comfortable bubbles for spring and summer.  High quality cottons.   Closes at the crotch for easy diaper changes.

The Christening Ceremony

Since I was already researching the history behind the christening gown, I thought it might be interesting to research the christening ceremony.  I was not familiar with the background, since I'm a Baptist - cough.

The christening/baptism ceremony was mandated by the Catholic church in 416, and the edict was written that all babies that died before being baptised would enter limbo.  (This was later lifted in 2007 when the Pope proclaimed that all babies and children went to heaven, baptized or not.)

The baptism ceremony removes sins and unites the child as a child of God and a member of the Catholic church.  The parents and godparents take a part in the ritual - the godparents promise to see after the child's religous training, and his/her progress through life.

The white christening gown is a sign of Christian dignity and purity, the oil placed on the head and chest in the sign of the cross is the Holy Spirit, and the lit candle is symbolic of the light of Christ, which we are all asked to keep lit.

The History Behind Christening Gowns

Just exactly when did babies start wearing the christening gowns we see today?

Up until the 20th century, babies and toddlers - both boys and girls - wore dresses.  Around the mid 1700's, the long christening robes, and dresses, were used during christening and baptisms.  (Before that, babies were kept tightly swaddled - even for the christening ceremonies.)

Expectant mothers would create the family christening gowns before the first baby was born - created by hand with pintucks, pleats, french and swiss laces - showing detailed workmanship.  The fabrics, laces and embroidery flosses were white - symbolic of new life, purity and joy.  These works of art were carefully stored after babies baptism and used for each new child, carried down through generations of babies.  I had the opportunity to design a christening gown for a mother whose family actually had a gown created hundreds of years ago - stored in a family vault!

Todays gowns come in all styles - mass-manufactured and sold in stores, and also handmade by seamstresses and sold individually.

Giraffes, anyone?

Isn't this cute?  Cute little ruffled diaper cover and appliqued top.  Can be worn together or alone - sold as a set on Etsy or separately on website.  Available in sizes NB, 3M, 6M and 12M for a limited time only!

FLower Power Pillowcase Romper

 I don't know about you - but I've bought all the winter clothes I intend to - and I'm looking forward to spring!  This little romper is a great transitional piece - it can be worn over long or short sleeves - or alone in warm weather.  We're even offering the orange tees in short and long sleeves!

Sizing starts at 6M and goes up to an 8 - 100% cotton fabrics.