How to Make Vestments for Infant Jesus of Prague
One of the most captivating aspects of the Infant of Prague is the diversity of vestments with which we adorn the Child King. The pious practice of dressing the Infant of Prague brings His humanity closer to us. While some Infants don elaborate robes with exquisite beadwork and embroidery best done by professionals or, at the very least, extremely talented individuals, making vestments for your Infant of Prague is not at all hard to do.
The original Infant of Prague and many that we see in our parishes have four components to their garments. First, the alb, which is a plain white undergarment which may have a small lace edge added to the hem. It looks like an old fashioned nightshirt. Over the alb is a gown referred to as a robe. It closes in the back and has ornamentation on the front. This is followed by the mantle or cape which can have a stand up collar. The last pieces are called ruffs. These are the lacy cuffs for the hands and around the neck. Over the years I've handled more Infants and their vestments than I can count and frequently I've come across detachable ruffs. I thought these were the result of lazy seamstresses, but I recently learned that even the Infant housed in Prague has vestments with detachable ruffs! (There's always something new to learn!) We'll deal with the crown in a separate area.
There are three basic ways of creating garments for the Infant of Prague. The first is by following a pattern that yields a separate gown and mantle (robe). These are based on the now out-of-print McCall's Infant of Prague pattern. You'll find a discussion of this method below. The second method is the simplest and involves two half circles. You won't believe how easy this one is. We'll discuss that as well with photos of the diversity possible with this design. Finally, there is the version which involves the alb. (see photo at right) This is where so many go astray. Very few Infant of Prague statues are designed with arms that will accommodate an alb with sleeves. And once you make one, you're likely to find it is no mean trick to get it over His head and the sleeves onto the arms of the Infant. Sort of like a real baby, isn't it? We'll cover that last.
A final note. There are people in this world who follow instructions and who seem not to be able to do much without instructions. There are other, terribly talented people who make those instructions. Finally, there is that group who don't "stay within the lines" when they are coloring. They can't (or won't) follow instructions and don't seem to be troubled by not know things - like how to sew. I fall into that last group and I'd like to invite you to join me there. Look at the many images of the Infant of Prague I've posted here and find a little inspiration. Next, look around for fabric and trim you like. If you don't have a sewing machine, don't worry. These are relatively small items that you can easily make by hand. Then spend some time with your Infant and let Him guide you. Trust Him. He will never let you down.
