Starting at the Beginning....

Sentimental Baby began in 1998 as a specialty garment business specializing in custom Christening or Baptismal gowns, First Communion and special occasion dresses featuring hand embroidery, high quality fabrics and vintage laces.  Here are some examples of work from this early time.

This sweet First Communion gown and head piece were made out of Swiss Nelona batiste fabric, vintage and antique laces and was detailed with hand smocking and delicate silk ribbon hand embroidery.

First Communion Dress, photo by Susan Ewbank.

Another early example is this special occasion dress showing the front and side sleeve.  It was also created with Swiss Nelona  batiste fabrics and beautiful antique and vintage laces, and detailed with hand embroidery.

Bullion rose detailing on sleeve and collar.

Antique laces and shadow work embroidery at the hem.

Occasionally I'd work in either silk or, as in this example, wool.  This little coat also features hand embroidery on the collar, the handmade buttons and on the sleeves.

Rose bullion embroidery on collar and handmade buttons.

Sleeve detail.

These early pieces are some of Sentimental Baby's favorite First Communion gowns, specialty dresses and dainty little coats!  I'll share more soon!  :-)

Lucky Find!!

I can't go by a thrift store without going inside, I just have to, I never know what I'll find.  Over the years I have found some wonderful treasures including a vintage 1930's Double Wedding Ring quilt in pristine condition for $15.00, so far my best find.

Well, several weeks ago, thumbing through the used sewing patterns at my local thrift store, I found these treasures!  Vintage sewing patterns from the 1930's!  Three vintage Butterick, a DuBarry and a Pictorial Printed Pattern.  And, because it was the thrift store, I got them for a song.... oh happy day!!

Vintage DuBarry sewing pattern dated 1939.

This Pictorial Printed sewing pattern is dated 1931.

The take home message:  Don't ignore your local thrift store for vintage sewing pattern finds!

Little Girls' Patterns Featuring Pleats

These patterns come from our vintage pattern library.  Most of these are from the 1960's and 70's although one looks older, maybe from the 40's.  The feature that ties them together is the wonderful use of pleats.  

Sweet Dachshund transfer pattern! 

This Simplicity pattern was used to make the dress below using Girl Scout and s'more fabric.

The bags were made with a combination on contemporary and vintage Girl Scout fabric.