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Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Little White Treasures






I still hear stories of the family christening gown being called into service generation after generation. White has always been traditional for ceremony. And for children, holiday finery was almost always white.




All lacy and pin-tucked, they elicit tales of grandmothers and grandfathers alike, because babies of both genders formerly wore gowns indiscriminately.




But fine antique baby things don't have to have the baby to go with! They stand alone on display in a charming way. They are symbols of cherished memory. Of loving and being loved. Reminders of the sweet and brief moments of infancy.




Recently a beautifully ruffled gown turned up in a nursing home thrift store. Opening it's aged folds I found a small note tucked inside that read simply,"My baby dress." How tenderly that keepsake had been guarded over the years.





It isn't only the beauty that admirers respond to, but the residual joy woven into a gown's very threads.





I like to play dress up with my own grand-babies, and love to loan gowns for a romantic photo shoot. And what a happy occasion it can be to begin a new tradition with a borrowed story. Add a little monogrammed towel to tuck under a chin, or over a new mother's shoulder, and you have a truly original and priceless gift.




Little Eva napping in her everyday garb.
Thanks for stopping by! AND. . .Thanks to Kathleen from Faded Charm for hosting White Wednesday!

6 comments:

  1. Oh my Gosh ~ what lovely gowns and ceremonial whites. I love the way little Eva is napping, I miss that. My youngest is 2 now and if she naps at all Im lucky. Your china photographs are lovely as well. Happy WW!

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  2. That gown is just divine, but nowhere NEAR as divine as little Eva! Isn't she precious?!

    Thanks so much for stopping by today!

    Hugs,
    Anne

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  3. My wife saved my daughters gowns and they used them for their children. You are right, it is a wonderful tradition. You gotta love Eva, she is too adorable.

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  4. Jacqueline, You just keep the beauty coming!! That gown is just too gorgeous for words!! And to think some dear, old lady put that little note with it, is just so tender and touching! My youngest grand"baby" is already 14 months old and lives far away, so I haven't gotten to see him much. Maybe soon we'll have another little baby living close by, to cuddle. Meanwhile, I'll try and grab some hugs and kisses from my older grandbabies--the oldest, Bella, turns 8 today!! Thanks for another gorgeous post.
    Love, Kay

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  5. Oh that little Eva! I could just smooch her up. What an adorable pose!
    I adore any vintage baby items too. I just can't imagine why families want to part with these things, but is is good for us pickers!!
    Blessings~

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  6. OMG! What a beautiful post! Love the gowns, and the baby is just soooo sweet!!!!
    Thanks for stopping by and for your lovely comment!
    Monica.

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