Sunday, September 14, 2008

A Change Of Wardrobe





Hanging on the wall at the head of my bed is a piece of architectural salvage. Once the top pediment from an antique armoire it has found new life. Fitted with old drawer pulls, it makes a perfect place from which to hang treasured children's dresses from the past.

As the seasons change so do the garments. Like a metamorphosis the white and cream angelic gowns are enhanced with darling girls' frocks from the late 1800's.

The earthy, brown, calico dress with its delicate gathers, perfectly placed piping and tiny crocheted trim on the sleeves and pockets is my favorite.



Though the colours have faded each and every stitch is hand- done. Dating from the 1870's its charm is still endearing. Dancing dresses above my head entice me into gentle slumber and sweet dreams.

22 comments:

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Ingenious idea, and such pretty colors! Do you ever hear them whispering to each other around three in the morning?

Dixie Redmond said...

What a wonderful dress. It's inspiring to me. The brown one, I mean.

Anonymous said...

Susan,

I love the dress too. Such a sweet frock. You can almost imagine the girl who wore it. I bet she had braids.

Thanks Susan for the words of sympathy. This is indeed a very tragic time for our family. I worry about the kids and my son. We will be staying with him for an indefinite period of time to help with the children. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Hugs,
Kris

Kris

Anonymous said...

I love this idea. Like little pieces of art floating like dreams while you sleep!!
D.

softinthehead said...

Haven't been here in a while and I just love the new look! I too have antique children's clothing hanging in special places in my home. I love imagining the antics of the young ones that wore them at one time and what kind of adults they became....Pam

Gabriela Delworth - Instructional Designer said...

Hello Susan,

Thank you so much for your visit and please to meet you!
Historic Niagara, I would have to visit, it sounds wonderful!
Thank you for the information on the colour, very interesting.

~ Gabriela ~

Suzanne said...

Oh my! You live, breathe, and sleep textiles! Those are beautiful pieces to fall asleep to.

Sharon at American Harvest said...

Hi Susan,
You are showing two of my favorite things....architectural pieces and Christening dresses. Nicely done!!!
Sharon

Pinkie Denise said...

Oh, I love this beautiful display of the past...I collect childrens clothing, they are one of my favorites. Thank you for sharing yours Pinkie

Fete et Fleur said...

This is the sweetest thing ever. It looks so delicate hanging there.

Hugs!
Nancy

Heather said...

they are so beautiful! the skill and love that went into making those dresses is just amazing!~

Anonymous said...

Well, leave it to the creative genius (YOU) to come up with such an incredible display! I love the architectural salvage piece to form the bones of the 'soft sculpture' that you created... just so soft and sweet. Who wouldn't have the most pleasant of slumber under those sweet dresses from the past?
xoxo
Karen

HAWTHORN HALL said...

That is a really pretty display and love vintage feel it gives your bedroom. I really like items with a history as they seem like they have a story to tell.

Gillian

Rosie said...

Oh, what pretty dresses with so many tales to tell no wonder they whisper to you in your dreams:)

Dixie Redmond said...

Hi, Susan - yes, I did get to the Strong Museum. If you scroll down on the Izannah Walker Chronicles you can see some of the pictures of dolls I took there. You may have to go to older posts. While I was there I took pictures of doll dresses, too. Wonderful dresses. :-)

Dixie

Doreen Frost said...

What beautiful dresses..I would love to own any one of them....goodness..they are lovely.

Hugs,
Doreen

Lana Manis said...

Oh Susan ~ how lovely! I enjoy each and every visit to your blog.

Christine LeFever said...

That is so very beautiful, and you have given me a wonderful idea to do something similar over MY bed! Thank you, Darlin'!!!

Christine ~ Zwee!!!!!!

FrenchGardenHouse said...

This little dress is so endearing. What love was poured into making this special little dress. Wish we could peek in on the little girl the very first time she wore it. magical!
xo Lidy

Anonymous said...

A beautiful tribute to old times.

SweetAnnee said...

Beautiful beautiful..Last year I was admiring you lovelies on the clothes line..I love your treasures!!
fondly, Deena

Mariangeles M said...

Love those dresses!!