Update: Snyder Homecoming Dress

A while back, I posted about a dress I was working on but didn't give many details at the time.  It was a dress that would become a very special surprise for a very special homecoming. 

It is my pleasure to share the story behind the dress through the words of my friend, Jenny Snyder:

"Last December my husband returned from an eight month deployment to Afghanistan.  As a family, this marked the end of our seventh deployment so I'm pretty well versed in the the "deployment stages."  Usually around the 3 month mark, I start searching the Internet for just the right homecoming outfits.  For my daughter, Katie, something patriotic but not too many bows and ruffles.  Tutus and lace are "too itchy."  And so the hunt usually begins: find something that shows Daddy how much we love and support him; something that is girly but not over the top; and above all else, something cute and comfortable!  
A friend from high school, Jessica Moore, contacted me in the Fall and offered to turn one of Jimmy's BDU's (Basic Dress Uniforms) into a dress for Katie; I was thrilled!  Jessica had made a dress out of my grandfather's shirt for Katie to wear to his memorial and it was beyond perfect.  I couldn't think of a better way to show my husband how proud we were than to have Katie running up to him in his uniform.  

Working with Jessica on the custom design was exciting, but seeing the finished product brought tears to my eyes!  Jessica kept so much of the original style by using the same covered buttons, pockets, name plate, USMC emblem and even the original inside tags.  The style we choose was perfect for winter and summer: Katie is able to wear a turtleneck and leggings when it is cold and just the dress when the weather warms up.   

The day of our reunion finally arrived and we received so many compliments on Katie's dress.  The biggest compliment of all came from her Daddy.  Not one to show emotion, even HE got chocked up at the sight of his little princess in his uniform.  We will treasure the dress for years to come and I'm so thankful for the wonderful memories Jessica helped create!"

I was so honored to make this heirloom for Katie.

Many thanks to the Snyder Family for letting me be a part of this special event and for the continued sacrifices they have made for our country.