My mom celebrates her 70th Birthday today. She is a remarkable woman. My mother raised five children, one severely disabled, basically single handedly. My abusive alcoholic father, luckily passed away early on. My step-father, a good man, worked hard, but was not the “fatherly” type, so mom was basically on her own. She not only worked a full-time job at night, but she raised us as if she wasn’t even working away from home. The memories of the smell of a freshly bleached floor and a smiling, singing, mom, dancing in sock feet, remind me daily to count my blessings for such as sweet mother and exemplary role model!

Even after raising five children, in their 50′s, my step-dad and mom, did it all over again. Adopting my brother when he was 6 months old. Going through the heart-wrenching ordeal of adoption, they were Critter’s advocate when his own mother refused to be. Our little Critter (now not so little) will be graduating from Emory University in the spring and Mom is beginning to feel the empty nester syndrome I think. I hope that she will allow us to take care of her for a change now.

Mom always said, this world is hard enough. Children need to be loved, nourished and their childhood protected as much as possible. It is their parent’s loving duty to do so. And she is absolutely right. But, it goes both ways mom. I hope to return just an ounce of the love and spiritual nourishment you have given to me.

I LOVE YOU MOM!!! I HOPE YOU HAVE A VERY HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY!!!

Here are some pictures of the nightgown and capelet I made for her this year:
Available from the Mercantile (okay, shameless plug, and I admit it)

The Nightgown is made from Swiss Pima Batiste. It has eyelet trim on the sleeve openings, silk ribboned buttonhole details on the front and an entredeux trim a few inches up from the hemline . Those ideas compliments of Susan on Sew Much More. I modified this one a bit to add a few extra inches to the width of the bodice. The bodice on the original pattern would have rubbed at the front armsyce and did not account for a slightly arched back. I also curved the bodice a bit more to just below the armhole and used a handsewn bias binding on the inside of the armhole opening to avoid any friction irritation from the threads. This pattern comes with a robe that I hope to modify in the next year. This batiste comes from Spechler-Vogel is just heaven to touch. I was out of the blue organza lining so I used a white silk interling in the bodice. I don’t think it matters that much. As soon as the holiday calms down, I want to make myself a long sleeved version in pink and use some of the violets lace on it. Playing with the fabrics all the time, just makes me feel like a spoiled child pouting I want one, haha, but it’s true.

Ballet Length Nightgown: (Mom is short)

Front Detail:

Entredeux Detail: (I wasn’t too happy with the quality of this latest entredeux, I need to find a better source for it, it just wanted to pull away from base fabric a bit more than usual, but I think it will hold up as Mom is really gentle with her clothes.)

Side Detail (I like the profile of my maxi-me. haha)

Sleeve Detail:

The Capelet: ( I think I make these just so I can rub the fabric, it’s heavenly)

Capelet’s Inner Double Welt Pocket Detail with the Irish Linen Handkerchief. Everyone needs a secret inner pocket, especially Grandmas.