“Stitches” 2006 Annual Stitch-off-Best Use of Embroidered Lace

I returned from the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo ten days ago and brought home memories of a wonderful experience…seeing my ME freestanding laces as being showcased and judged as Best use of Embroidered lace on an absolutely lovely christening gown and bonnet. The Christening gown and bonnet were created by Carolyn Edwards, a dear and wonderful friend. Carolyn has been involved with the apparel industry for quite some while now and has opened her own website where she showcases some of the most easiest and wonderful purse patterns: http://www.creativeneedlecraft.com  I met Carolyn about three years ago at the AEC where I learned of her various talents as well as formed a wonderful friendship. When I learned of her submitting her entry for the Stitches competition using my Tambour Lace II designs, I was on pins and needles to view the outfit. At the KC Sewing and Quilting Expo I was to see this wondorous submission as well as Carolyn’s excellent use of the laces as well as her ingenuity in presenting the christening gown and bonnet as an excellent piece of heirloom.

The pictures by no means do justice to the excellent tailoring and execution of the gown and bonnet using the laces.

The bodice was covered with the tambour lace inserts and tiny pintucks. The sleeves and the front of the gown was overlaid with more of the laces with yellow and green ribbons woven to gather and to add accents to the outfit.

 Upon closer view, the front lace panel was further adorned with the cross design from Heirloom Crystals II as shown on the right.

The subtle use of three tones of white and offwhite threads set off the embroideries and the laces with the silk gown and bonnet.

The bonnet was covered with the laces gathered in the back with the same yellow and green (Irish colors). The sleeves, the gown and the bonnet were then trimmed with more laces as the edge trim allover. The gown and the bonnet is truly a work of art and excellent workmanship and a wonderful way to showcase the laces as an heirloom for tomorrow. And yes…there was a wee freestanding lace Shamrock (from my Shamrock Lace collection) stitched out and pinned to the underskirt. A true Heirloom and what a treat for see. Thankyou Carolyn for your exceptional work.