All Things Baby: Handmade Treasures by Carolyn Neal and Rosemary Ham

Advent Auction 2013 is our chance to make a great school even better; it’s also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the hidden talents of Advent parents, grandparents, friends—and faculty and staff. Advent Registrar Carolyn Neal and Upper School Dean of Faculty (and Math Teacher) Rosemary Ham have each put their hidden talents to work creating handmade baby items that will make great gifts for parents-to-be.

Carolyn Neal began smocking 35 years ago when her niece was born. After her own children outgrew smocked clothing, she continued to smock as an at-home business because she enjoyed it so much. Mrs. Neal also does embroidery and French hand-sewing, but her real passion is antique laces, patterns, and buttons. (“I don’t paint or garden, and I’m not much of a cook, so I consider this my creative outlet,” she says.) This lovely, pale blue Hand-Smocked Day Gown with short bishop sleeves is sized at 6 months and is one of hundreds of day gowns, rompers, and Christening gowns that Mrs. Neal has made—a special garment for a special baby.

Rosemary Ham got started making “no-sew”  or “tied” fleece blankets six or seven years ago when her daughter, Jaclyn, saw and admired them. Their first creations were Auburn and Alabama blankets for friends and relatives; the soft Teddy Bear Blankets that Mrs. Ham has donated to Advent Auction 2013 as part of her It’s a Boy Basket and her It’s a Girl Basket are the first blankets that she has made for babies. In addition to the fleece blankets, each of the cute canvas baskets contains five charming Appliquéd Baby Burp Cloths made by her son, Brian Ham. “My son and daughter were very fortunate to have two grandmothers who were excellent seamstresses,” she says. “They started threading buttons when there were 2 or 3 and eventually worked their way up to using the sewing machines at both grandmothers’ houses…. Brian is now on his second appliqué/embroidery machine.” Each basket also contains newborn diapers, lotion, infant spoons, and other great accessories for new parents. “It was fun being able to contribute to the auction in such a personal way!” says Mrs. Ham.

  

What We Love About These Auction Items: They are true labors of love.
Estimated Value: Priceless!