When I returned home from the SAGA Retreat on Sunday I had a request for a Wee Care gown for a 34 week baby girl, born at just over 4 pounds.
I was too tired to sew Sunday night but I did manage to pull fabrics and start Praying Over Baby.
I like to send two different sizes when possible since patterns are iffy and baby weight can fluctuate in the first few weeks. So I made the SAGA Stitches gown, 3/4 pound size, in Martha Pullen's Victorian batiste in the peachy color.
Yep, that is the full size. It always takes me aback just a bit when I finally see one put together. It IS tiny.
I used the Martha Pullen Victorian 6" wide edging for the yoke decoration.

I just used it as an overlay and trimmed it to fit.
I also made a tiny WEE CARE bonnet from the 6" edging. This is EASY PEASY!
1. Cut 12" - 13" length of 6" wide Victorian edging.
2. Press in 3/8" on each short end, then turn half of that under and press for a narrow hem at each side.
3. Stitch side hems in place.
4. Press in a fold about 1" behind the decorative embroidery, right sides together.
5. Machine stitch 1/4" away from the fold.
6. Press fold to the front.
7. Press 1/2" to the wrong side at the back edge. Turn half of that under forming a 1/4" tunnel for the back ribbon.
8. Machine stitch in place close to the folded edge.

9. Cut 2 lengths of 1/8" - 1/4" ribbon, 18" - 20".
10. Weave 1 ribbon through each of the folds.
11. Gently pull up the ribbons to form the bonnet shape.

12. This is fully adjustable both at the front and sides for better fit.
That is a 3oz. cup supporting the softball size form.
The larger gown is for a 5# - 6# baby.

It is a variation of a layette gown from vintage book.
It is simple, with just a touch of French cotton lace at the sleeve edges and hem.
I slightly gathered the lace just to keep it from cupping under as it was sewn with a roll and whip to the edges. I learned that little trick from Lyn Weeks.

So off they go to comfort Avery's parents who must be worried sick. I hope Praying Over Baby as I made these help ease their fears.
I PROMISE to write about the SAGA Retreat later! Now I need to put away my sewing supplies from travelling and sewing.
Smock on, Friends!
maggieb!