buslady

My DGD asked me to make her a sundress with stretchy top, like you would do with that ribbed knit. I thought about buying a tank top and just using that, but then I cam accross some tank tops I had purchased on clearance last fall thinking I might use them to make myself some fancier shirts by combining them. Anyway, back on subject, LOL. I cut it up and made the "bands" out of that, and it worked great. I actually made 5 small sundresses from one long sleeved shirt that cost me $3. Maybe something like that would work?

sval

I thought about the necks of tshirts. But my husbands white ones are too grungy. But the knit tank top idea is a good one. Thanks.

madamekelly

When we made gowns like this, we used spaghetti ribbon to sew into the neck edge with a large needle to stitch up and down (about 1/4 inch stitches), just below the sewn hem. Leave the ends long enough to tie, then you can tie a bow, or it you leave them a little longer, they can be brought around to the front to tie. Do the same at the cuffs. This way each is adjustable to the size of the baby. We used bright colored solids, baby prints, florals, and plaids (for boys) and each was treasured by the receiver. When the bows are tied, they create a ruffle effect. You can also attach the ribbons to the back and stitch around to the front, putting a couple snaps in the back.
Since durability is not an issue, the ribbons are just threaded through the actual fabric. Clear as mud, right? PM me if you need pictures and I will whip one up to show you. Takes about 15 minutes each. Our pattern had raglan sleeves, so easy peasy.

riutzelj

i made many a tee-shirt for the kids growing up, using a heavier tubular knit for the binding, rather than the specific rib knit fabrics since i was on a very tight budget. I have massive amounts of off white left if you want it, PM your address and i'll mail it to you.

bearisgray

What are bereavement gowns?

madamekelly

They are made for parent of stillborn or deceased babies to wear.

bearisgray

Are they always white?

sval

The hospital I am making them for requests white or pastels. No bright colors or prints.

sval

I don't quite get the ribbon at the neck part. This pattern has raglan sleeves. I folded the hem under and tacked it with a little glue. Then sewed a decorative piece of lace over it. And also down the center front. The back opening I just turned under twice. The neck is what's giving me the most trouble since the pattern is shown using the rib knit.
This one I cut a piece of matching cloth on the bias about 1.5 inches wide and folded it in half and sewed it to the neck edge. I intended to fold it to the inside and hand stitch it down. But didn't make it wide enough so serged the edge.
I used the serger to sew the seams. But won't do that again. I couldn't pivot well at the underarm seam and unless the thread matches, which isn't very practical, a serger seam shows up an awful lot.
So first try not too bad. But will do things a bit differently on the next one.
I am interested in a bit more info about how you did the next edge.
Thanks.

bearisgray

What are you using for a pattern?