Almost five years ago now (😲) I walked into Ellie's Cardiac Intensive Care Unit "pod" as they called it and noticed a blue quilt was placed over her. All warm and snugly, I stared at her under the blanket and thought how comfortable that blanket looked. Comfortable, soft. But also, comfortable as in, homey.
I observed the quilt some and found a tag on the back. It said something along the lines of "donated with love by ____ church women's group". Someone had made that quilt and it was rotated and washed and rotated again for the children coming in and out of the ICU. At that moment I thought to myself, "If things ever get back to normal (dramatic, I know) I'm going to learn to sew and make a quilt to donate to this hospital."
After hours and hours of on line classes, a purchase of an above average sewing machine, friends from church who sewed and showed me the ropes, wearing headphones while watching how-to videos on line at night...I can sew.
I sew clothes. I sew quilts. I'm on my second quilt for Egleston Children's Hospital of Atlanta. And I've started practicing another long term goal of mine which is to sew a Holy Communion gown for Julia next May. But over spring break I got the idea to try to sew a baptism gown to possibly sell. I have spent the last month researching, learning, and calling the customer help line of the company who made the pattern for the gown.
After lots of sweat, quite a few tears and even blood when I pricked my finger and I don't know how, but avoided getting it on the dress...I thought you might like seeing the finished product!
An old fashioned slip to go underneath. Is that the sweetest thing or what?!
I plan on selling it to anyone at church that wants it and if there is interest - I'll make more! It was fun and I always have Ellie to thank for a new hobby that I never knew I'd love so much. Another "gift" from Ellie. She has brought so much beauty to the world. In this particular instance - the beauty is in the form of the softest cotton you've ever felt and the most delicate lace you've ever seen. I pray the baby that wears it is as sweet as our Ellie!
