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An Early 20th Century French Communion Gown

09/12/2012

I bought this cotton organdy gown two summers ago at a street market in Paris.
I had meant for it to be a first communion gown for my daughter but I realized it was much too big, and to tell you the truth, it was very inexpensive.  I just wanted it.
Today we finally found someone who fits into it.
Rachel is very petite and she looks like a little French girl in this dress.
You see, in the old days the Catholic church in France had the tradition of giving the First Holy Communion around age 14 so this dress is made for a young girl of about that age.
Now in the church children generally receive The First Holy Communion much younger, around seven, so I did end up making a dress for my daughter as sadly, this one was huge for her. I didn’t want to damage it by altering it.
It sits in my closet, a memory of a trip I took to see my friend and her new baby.
It was actually on that trip that I decided I would start a blog.
You can see my early posts about buying fabric in Paris and my trip here.
These photos were taken with my new 35 mm fixed lens which I am loving so far.
I desaturated the color a little, to give the photos a more vintage look, but still keeping the color.  I like this little trick.

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Related posts:

Early 20th Century Circus Costumes: Research For A Play Wedding Dress to First Communin DressRefashioning Mom’s Wedding Gown Into A First Communion Dress- Finished! Hand beaded sleeveWorking on: Wedding gown upcycled into a girls first Communion dress Finished First Communion Dress
-McKenzie

Filed Under: Girls couture, Vintage suitcase

About Justine

You made it to the end of the post! Please stop by often for a variety of sewing projects, clothes making tips , and stylish handmade living. Feel free to email me at justine @ sewcountrychick.com if you have questions.

Comments

  1. Jennifer Gregory Miller says

    09/12/2012 at 2:36 pm

    Oh, this is so beautiful! The detail work, the pintucks, the eyelet–I just love the simple lines and material. And all done in King Cotton, my favorite! My mother made my dress, at the time empire waist/Holly Hobbie style was in. She now creates gorgeous baptismal gowns with this kind of detailing. I wish I could go back and have a dress like this! Alas, only boys for me, so no chance for my own children.

  2. Christine says

    09/12/2012 at 10:47 pm

    Beautiful dress and gorgeous model!!
    Your link brought back some memories for me & DH. We love visiting those shops and bought some very pretty scissors on our last trip…… thanks for the memory.

    xxxx

  3. OakRose Mama says

    09/12/2012 at 11:07 pm

    This dress is so sweet and lovely. Thank you for sharing it!

  4. kristin says

    09/12/2012 at 11:49 pm

    Oh the dress is so beautiful, and the photography makes it almost creepy! Throw some dark circles under her eyes and it’s a great Halloween costume. 😉

  5. Max of Max California ★ says

    09/13/2012 at 9:55 am

    That girl is so beautiful! These photos are amazing! The dress is gorgeous! Exclamation mark!

  6. nest full of eggs says

    09/13/2012 at 2:17 pm

    just had to chime in here.. as I was reading along… I came across: Rachel, petite, Catholic, France… & was thinking wait this post is all about me??
    gorgeous find you got there !

  7. brandi b says

    09/13/2012 at 5:43 pm

    Now that is a business to be in! Making communion, quinceanera, baptismal wear. GORGEOUS dress and that little lady DOES look VERY French/Spanish.



I'm Justine! Welcome to my sewing blog! Here you'll find lots of handmade clothing for myself and other lucky folks! I'm a native Los Angeleno who moved to a small farm outside of LA with my family.

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