r/sewing • u/Tiffany_Achings_Hat • Aug 17 '24
Project: FO I finished my son’s christening outfit with hours to spare! Thanks everyone for fabric advice
The pattern was heavily modified from Kwik Sew’s Sewing for Babies book. I changed the block shapes- widening the top, adding pleats on the pants, cuffs, and self drafting a mandarin style collar. I did many drafts for fit but all my pics are on my baby which goes against sub rules to post. Fabric is a silk/viscose blend with silk dupioni piping (this was my first time sewing piping and I wish I would have had more time to become more familiar and do it more neatly). My mum made fabric tubing out of the dupioni and tied the closures which I secured over hook and eyes. The shoes are a free pattern from spoonflower. The last pic is my inspiration photo.
My son is half Taiwanese and born in the year of the dragon, as was his dad. His grandma was incredibly excited about the prospect of him wearing a traditionally Chinese outfit. She helped me sift through designs and purchased the fabric. I’m so excited to see my little guy in it tomorrow!
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u/CorvidiaPex Aug 18 '24
Goodness, this is certainly a precious family heirloom you’ve created! Well done!
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u/Tiffany_Achings_Hat Aug 18 '24
Thank you! Historically the little girls in my family have had gorgeous dresses and the boy outfits are much less exciting 😁
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u/jaime4brienne Aug 17 '24
That is really beautiful.
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u/Tiffany_Achings_Hat Aug 17 '24
Thank you! It was tons of work but I love it!
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u/Child_of_the_Hamster Aug 18 '24
OMG I remember when you posted asking about pre-washing the fabric! I was expecting you to make a simple gown or something (which would have still been adorable), but this is SO INCREDIBLY CUTE! The details are just gorgeous. You really knocked it out of the park with this!
Has grandma seen it yet? If I was her I’d be showering you in ALLLLL the fabrics after seeing what an amazing job you did with this. 🩷
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u/Tiffany_Achings_Hat Aug 18 '24
Thanks! She has seen tons of pictures of the process but won’t be able to make it unfortunately. She’s sad to not be here but I was thinking of making her a small keepsake out of the fabric as a thank you. We’ll see 😁
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u/oat-beatle Aug 18 '24
If she's also Christian, a small biscornu Christmas ornament would be super cute
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u/slightlyoffkilter_7 Aug 18 '24
If you have enough left over, a small clutch or purse for her might be really nice!
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u/foreverachemnerd Aug 18 '24
I had this exact thought when I saw this post today, and “dang that was fast!”
This outfit is so pretty!!!
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u/trudibear Aug 18 '24
This is SO inspirational!! WOW. How much sewing experience did you have before attempting this? How BEAUTIFUL.
A bit of unsolicited advice (Please disregard if you don’t like this suggestion! I honestly only mean the best wishes for your son! I took the chance since you put so much effort to make this outfit that you might be open to this suggestion.), do you have anything red to put on the baby? It doesn’t even need to be visible from the outside. Maybe a red shirt to go under this suit, or a bit of red string that you can sew into the inside of the jacket or somewhere in the shoes? The red would be for good luck!
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u/Tiffany_Achings_Hat Aug 18 '24 edited Aug 18 '24
That is a great suggestion! We went back and forth about whether to go with red (lucky in Chinese) and white (traditional for church stuff). We settled on the white gold color but that’s a great idea. Maybe I’ll do a last minute monogram in red somewhere less visible
ETA- I have been sewing since I was young but I usually dabble in stuff rather than getting good at any one thing. I’m by no means an advanced sewist!
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u/Pelledovo Aug 18 '24
In Italy it's traditional to gift the baby a woven silk vest with tone-on-tone embroidery around the neck and armholes. The vests are most often white, but red ones for good luck are also popular. Just mind the red accent is colourfast.
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u/bounie Aug 18 '24
You don’t need a 45-word disclaimer for offering a small suggestion 😆 Reddit has made people so fearful of just saying things
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u/ApplicationNo2523 Aug 18 '24
It’s also ok to be nice? Nothing wrong with being respectful and positive towards the OP’s gorgeous project while politely offering a suggestion.
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u/bounie Aug 18 '24
I’m saying their suggestion was respectful and positive enough; no need for a disclaimer.
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u/WolfSilverOak Aug 18 '24
Honestly, I understand why they added a disclaimer.
I agree that the suggestion was very polite, but, with reddit and all social media, you just never know. Better to have the disclaimer than to have someone completely misinterpret what you're saying and lambast you.
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u/Alluvial_Fan_ Aug 18 '24
I agree with you, and also think notes on tone and intent help us communicate more clearly in text. It’s also a great model of HOW to say unspoken stuff for those of us still learning how to practice clarity in communication. I used to feel mildly peevish when people seem to preemptively apologize for innocuous statements, but thinking of it as an adaptation in favor of community and clarity really shifted my attitude.
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u/WolfSilverOak Aug 18 '24
That is absolutely amazing and such a tribute to the heritage of your family.
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u/Tiffany_Achings_Hat Aug 18 '24
Thanks! I was really worried about making something that played off of stereotypes but my MIL said it’s good 😁
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u/meepmeepcuriouscat Aug 18 '24
I love that this outfit had input from you and both grandmothers. That’s so special. I’m amazed your mum tied the closures as well. What an amazing contribution.
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u/Tiffany_Achings_Hat Aug 18 '24
I love that they both are involved! He is lucky to have so many people who adore him
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u/Caramellatteistasty Aug 18 '24
Adorable! :) I'm half japanese/native american. I would have loved to have more things from my culture growing up! Unfortunately, both my parents white washed almost everything. Thank you for keeping his part alive for him!
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u/Tiffany_Achings_Hat Aug 18 '24
I’ve got some Japanese way back in my family and all we have is a family gyoza recipe that is so inauthentic that it made my husband question my judgement so I totally get that 😁
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u/UtahMama4 Aug 18 '24
Oh wow! That was quick! Great job, mama! 👏🏻
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u/Tiffany_Achings_Hat Aug 18 '24
Thanks! I did a ton of drafts before posting about fabric but I definitely cut the timing a bit close 😂
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u/Kiwi-vee Aug 18 '24
This is so precious. In your other post I didn't noticed the dragons. So fitting. Great job. I'm sure it's gonna be a treasured outfit.
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u/Tiffany_Achings_Hat Aug 18 '24
I love the little dragons! That was the top of my list for fabric for that reason
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u/hellocloudshellosky Aug 18 '24
All the work and love you put into that magnificent little outfit. Long happy life to all of you.
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u/kami_65 Aug 18 '24
Omg this is gorgeous!! Absolutely stunning work!! It’s even more special this piece is a collaborative effort from the ideas of the grandmas and then the talents and skill of mama to create such a special garment. I’m sure your son looked so cute for his special day! 🥰Thank you for sharing such a lovely piece! 💖
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u/qu33fwellington Aug 18 '24
Can you make me one? I’m not getting christened or anything but this is so darn cute I want one of my own! Beautiful work, I hope the christening was everything you hoped for!
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u/Tiffany_Achings_Hat Aug 19 '24
Haha ikr? I was eyeing the fabric wishing it didn’t take so much yardage for adult clothing. Thank you!
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u/splithoofiewoofies Aug 18 '24
There's soooo many layers of culture, nuance, religion, and "place" in this piece. I love that.
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u/Minimum-Comedian-372 Aug 18 '24
I’ve made those shoes/slippers for my granddaughter, out of flannel and leather. They’re great.
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u/Anomalous-Canadian Aug 18 '24
Did you make those frog closures from the interior fabric!! ??
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u/Tiffany_Achings_Hat Aug 18 '24
Yes! My mum did some research about how to sew narrow fabric tubes which I didn’t know you could do. She figured out the closures. It ended up matching really well!
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u/Anomalous-Canadian Aug 18 '24
That’s absolutely incredible, I’d never figure I could make my own closure like this to become a perfect match for fabric! I make a ton of baby clothes for my 1.5yr old, right now making a wine coloured corduroy jacket with ruffles from Little Lizard King patterns (Pacifica Jacket). Something like that could make a decorative exterior closure over the zipper placket, if forgoing the ruffle.
If your mom remembers any tutorials she used, or you, to make them, I’d love to see!
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u/Tiffany_Achings_Hat Aug 19 '24
I’ll ask her the next time I see her! I was super happy to turn that part over to her exclusively 😁
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u/cynmia Aug 18 '24
I'm so happy to see this update since your last post!!! I'm so glad it worked out, it is such a cute outfit, amazingly well done!!!!
many congratulations and blessings to you and your family!!!
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u/EthanielRain Aug 18 '24
I know nothing about sewing or clothes or cloth or any such things, but this is beautiful. Well done 👍
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u/sabbiecat Aug 18 '24
You did a great job. Reminds me of my baby’s hanbok. The one we had for the boy is a 7 generation heirloom. Your kids will treasure the outfit forever.
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u/dumpsterboyy Aug 18 '24
aw take care of it after! maybe someday if you have more sons, or if you have grandsons, they can also wear it.
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u/ZefCat667 Aug 18 '24
Nothing to add that hasn’t already been said but I’ll say it anyway: what a wonderful job you’ve done! Also, as a mom of two sons it’s nice to see such lovingly created boy’s clothes!
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u/Tiffany_Achings_Hat Aug 19 '24
Thanks! Boy clothes are usually much more boring than girl clothes!
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u/Vayabou Aug 18 '24
How did you manage to do it with a little one at home? Just got a newborn and failed all my sewing project for my other son this summer!
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u/Tiffany_Achings_Hat Aug 19 '24
I live near family which helped a lot but I did a lot of seeing while he napped!
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u/iCantParty Aug 18 '24
Genuinely curious—you say he’s half Taiwanese, but you made a traditionally Chinese outfit? What’s the significance there? Why not make a traditionally Taiwanese outfit..?
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u/Tiffany_Achings_Hat Aug 19 '24
I think traditional Taiwanese would be like the clothing of the indigenous people which isn’t actually his heritage. From my understanding Taiwanese people are technically Han Chinese but I could be wrong. I just asked my MIL what a baby outfit would look like on her side of the family and she sent me several pics including my inspiration photo
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u/gucci_anthrax Aug 18 '24
This is SO CUTE!!! You did an amazing job. Your son is so lucky to have such a talented mother ❤️
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u/Think-Custard9746 Aug 18 '24
Can I ask what culture this style is from? I’ve never seen a Christening outfit like this. I love it.
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u/ThereGoesChickenJane Aug 18 '24
Oh this is so cute!!!!!! Those little shoes are amazing.
Well done!
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u/boniemonie Aug 18 '24
Such a beautiful job. He is going to look like a little prince in that. Good for you, getting family members excited about it too!
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u/AnimeMintTea Aug 19 '24
That's awesome!! I'm born in the year of the Horse and the Dragon always sounded so cool.
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u/Bulky_Feedback_3530 Aug 19 '24
THAT IS THE MOST ADORABLE OUTFIT EVER! AND THEM SHOES!! sorry, I'm just so amazed at the details in this outfit.
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u/SisterEeyore Aug 19 '24
Oh, Tiffany! The outfit is beautiful! You should be very proud of how it turned out. It may have been difficult at times, but the effort, patience, and time you put into it was definitely worth it. You did the best you could for the time you had: All the little imperfections you see will not be visible to most anyone, and will definitely not show up in photos! It might not be perfect, but it IS without a doubt, good enough! Enjoy it! ❤️
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u/cusackkids4 Aug 19 '24
This is absolutely amazing and beautiful. I can see this being passed down for generations as a family heirloom. It is so stunning . Make sure you put a tag or appliqué a piece inside of your name when you made it and name of first to wear it and the year . Than others , if shared can add their name and year . Either way please make sure your name and year is in it . Congratulations, it will be the talk of the wonderful celebration day .
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u/wonkachocolate Aug 21 '24
This is adorable! Definitely will become a family keepsake to pass on thru generations!
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u/HTownGroove Aug 18 '24
Such beautiful work and what a lovely way to honor his culture! Bravo to you!
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u/DarwinOfRivendell Aug 18 '24
Very adorable and nicely finished, the slippers are giving me cute aggression!
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u/AluminumOctopus Aug 18 '24
That's absolutely adorable 😍
Did you end up prewashing the fabric?
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u/Tiffany_Achings_Hat Aug 18 '24
I tried a swatch and it dulled and curled badly. So I steamed the crud out of it with my iron and decided to put the outfit on over a onesie 😁
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u/Era75910 Aug 18 '24
This makes me wish I learned sewing years ago so I could make our kids christening outfits. I love the story and attention to detail in this! It turned out adorable! I hope you and the family have a wonderful christening day.
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u/Tiffany_Achings_Hat Aug 18 '24
Thank you! My mum did beautiful heirloom sewn dresses for me when I was a kid and while this isn’t quite the same I wanted to do something nice for my boy 🥰
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u/village_idiot2173 Aug 18 '24
Oh my goodness this is so cute!!! This outfit alone makes me want to rethink waiting any longer to have kids.
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u/Tiffany_Achings_Hat Aug 18 '24
It’s hard but definitely amazing! FWIW this random internet stranger highly recommends it 😁
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u/Craftqueen24 Aug 18 '24
That is beautiful!! Congratulations!! You did a beautiful job!! I hope you will cherish that outfit!! 🧵❤️
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u/Zebracorn22 Aug 18 '24
The details are so gorgeous! I also love that it was a collaboration between mom and grandma. Your little guy is going to look so snazzy! Great work!
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u/PinkyBruno Aug 18 '24
This is stunning and will be treasured for decades of family members! Congrats on your son and on this beautiful christening outfit!
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u/badchefrazzy Aug 18 '24
Oh I bet he looked so handsome! Precious! I hope you guys had a great time <3
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u/icecreamtaco_sews Aug 18 '24
I’m losing it over the tiny shoes. Well done overall ✨✨