Sweet vintage baby...

What is is about vintage baby gowns/dresses that we find so appealing?

For me, they bring back sweet memories of childhood; being a little girl in Cuba in the 1960's, living out in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by fruit trees, sugar cane fields, and in our front yard -  tons of wild rose bushes.  

My mother, Nancy,  always insisted that my brother and I take naps after lunch.  Upon awakening, she would bathe us and dress us in our "nice" clothes for the afternoon/evening.  We weren't going anywhere, or expecting company, but she felt comfort,  pride and joy in seeing her children in their handmade finery when so many things in our lives were lacking.    Her children would not be seen running around the countryside barefoot and dirty!  (Trust me, I tried)

 An amazing seamstress, she made all of our clothing (and in some instances, our shoes!) out of scraps saved from the sewing jobs she took on.  

I remember many of those dresses she made for me...  my earliest memories were of a very pale yellow cotton dress with embroidered roses in peaches and pinks along the collar.  My mother can't believe I remember that little dress, as I was a mere 3 years of age when I she made it!

When I'm out and about shopping for vintage, I'm always attracted to vintage baby items - especially the handmade clothing.  Last weekend I was lucky enough to find a stash of them at a local estate sale...  it was the 3rd and last day of the sale... actually, the last hour of the sale!  I could not believe that those sweet gowns were still there!

 

 

... many of these vintage gowns have lovely tatting...

 

 

 

... see the little rose? The ones that I remember being on my dress were JUST like this!  Made out of embroidery thread, my mom called them "capullitos" (which translates into the chrysalis stage of the butterfly's metamorphosis)...  I always thought that definition was so creative!

 

My palms were sweating when I picked up this beautiful christening gown...  it was not in perfect shape, but that just made it more precious.

 

... the photos really do not do it justice!  It has so many details!  The fabric is deliciously soft and luxurious.

Even the cuffs are sweet...

 

 This is another christening gown... much simpler, less "flashy",  but still very pretty.

 

 

 

Another incredible find was this bonnet...

 

 

... love them lacy ruffles!

 

It was a delightful trip down memory lane.

 I was tempted to keep all of them, but alas, have decided to part with a few (which are now for sale in my Etsy shoppe).  

Happy Monday and enjoy your week!

 

Comments

[wendy]

wow what i lucky find ... my mum give me my christening gown years ago and I didn't look at it until last year when hung it on my studio door... I now see it every day.. and I love it

[rene@missgracieshouse]

What a sweet memory...yes, I love the delicate baby dresses...they are all so beautiful in their own way...how did you choose which ones to let go of?!
Rene

[carmelina lounsbury]

OH how beautiful that delicate tatting is! I think all the details that went into these vintage items reflects the quality of living in days gone by!

your blog is beautiful, I read your comment on debi's blog and thought I'd swing on over here. all of your collected crochet is so charming....this coming from a girl who crochets almost every night in front of the television! lol

ciao bella

CREATIVE CARMELINA

[debi]

Oh Mercedes, what a beautiful find! Those little dresses are so sweet.

[Becky H]

Beautiful stuff. I received your tag in the Birdsong Tag swap and it is gorgeous.
Thank you
~Becky

[Pamela Gordon]

Hi Mercedes, I came back to thank you for visiting me and leaving your lovely comment but really was taken with this post today. What beautiful baby clothes!! I love vintage baby and childrens clothes and have many pieces that were in my family. They are so pretty and well made aren't they? I hope you have a lovely day. Pamela