Miss Gioia

Monday, April 13, 2009

The Dress


Gioia's Easter dress has been waiting a long time for today's service. I made it a long time ago (13 or 14 years ago, actually) during a summer trip to visit good friends of our family who live in Ecuador. They graciously hosted me in Guayaquil for six weeks that summer. Looking back, I am astounded that they opened their home to me so completely, letting me experience every bit of their life and culture.


This dress was made that summer. The mom of the family I stayed with owns a factory that makes little children's clothes, mostly beautiful hand smocked dresses for little girls. Most days that summer, I accompanied her to work and was given my own task to work on - namely this dress. The lady that oversaw my stitching was very experienced and exact. I would show her my seams, and invariably she would say it was not good enough and make me rip it out and do it again. It was such a great learning experience. I had already been sewing and embroidering for many years before this summer, but it was in Guayaquil that I learned how to be so exact, how to do it right.

It was lovely to see Miss G wear the dress that I painstakingly created so long ago. It fit her beautifully. The proportions were just right: the puff in the sleeve, the bodice detail, the crisp sash.

Labels: ,

3 Comments:

Blogger Tara and Dale said...

the dress is gorgeous as well as the story behind it. just waiting for her to wear it, it seems. we seem to have all sorts of connections...i lived in guayaquil for 5 years, and it is still so dear to my heart. happy easter to you all.:)

April 13, 2009 3:11 PM  
Blogger Thespa said...

It's an absolutely beautiful dress, I've always loved those smocked designs. Wish I knew how to do it, sounds like you learned from the best. Thanks for sharing your blog!

April 15, 2009 12:04 AM  
Blogger Rita Viana said...

What a nice dress, and wow 14 years to find its real owner? hehe

Nice story behind it! The model is cute!!!

Happy easter late!

by the way, I'm tex82 from swap bot!

April 15, 2009 8:33 AM  

Post a Comment

<< Home