A beautiful christening gown made from altar cloths donated by St Michael’s and All Angels, Linton is being offered for use in churches, thanks to the generous work of two local women.
When Grassington resident Jo Prowse discovered that the altar cloths from St. Michael’s and All Angels Church in Linton were being offered to the public, she felt she had to find a way to re-purpose them after they had been damaged by damp and mildew during a storage period during Covid. She came up with the idea of creating a christening gown which could then be used by families christening their babies in Church.
She found a Simplicity sewing pattern in a charity shop and enlisted the help of her friend, Julie Jones, to plan and create the new dress. Jo and Julie were in awe of the skills of the makers of these wonderful cloths, which included fabulous lace making, drawn thread work and chain-stitched cross motifs.
Their plan was to use as much of the work as possible and so they adjusted the paper pattern, then carefully placed the pattern pieces on the cloths avoiding worn holes and stains but including all the lace and most of the cross motifs.
They added a new satin under slip and pale green ribbons and pearl buttons, making the gown suitable for a boy or girl. One of the stitched cross pieces is attached to the front of the bodice. It has overlapping petal shaped short sleeves. The size of the gown is suitable for a baby up to 12 months, weighing approximately up to 18 to 21 lbs.
The gown and slip have a cover for protected storage made from one of the altar cloths, which includes the drawn thread work. They have incorporated a pocket on the front which includes another of the crosses, this time with an embroidered inscription showing 2023 and JP and JJ initials. This is duplicated on the inside of the back of the dress. Signing embroidered work is a tradition. Jo and Julie would love to have known more about the skilled makers of the original altar cloths, whose work they have used to make this beautiful garment.
The pocket on the front of the cover is to hold a book which will be used to record the details of the gown and the details of all the christenings at which the gown will be used in the future. A continuing history for years to come!
The Linton Christening Gown is available for use in all churches and Jo and Julie would love to hear from anyone who would like to use it for a christening. Contact Jo Prowse on email prowsefamily@hotmail.co.uk