The Heart Behind the Design

Happy February, Friends! I've always loved this month...my birthday, Valentine's Day, hopefully a few surprise snow days...all things that make me smile. :)

Today I want to introduce you to someone special. Her name is Robin Boyd, the middle daughter of Gene and Verna Boyd. Robin was born years before I was, and unfortunately, she died before I ever knew her family. This may sound like a depressing introduction, but please keep reading. There is a lot of joy to share. 

Meet Robin.

I met her parents in 2000 when we joined Liberty Christian Church in Mechanicsville, VA. Her parents were founding members of this church, and please believe me when I say, two of the sweetest people I have ever met. Over the years, I got to know them well, and through our conversations, I got to know Robin, too. Having a daughter with Down Syndrome in 1962 wasn't easy, but oh how they loved her! When I would visit with them at their house, I was always drawn to this picture of Robin...a beautiful baby in a precious dress. Vintage baby clothing perfection. :)

Mr. Boyd passed away many years ago, but Mrs. Boyd, despite some serious health conditions (including the inability to ever walk again) is still alive and as funny and kind as ever. She has a heart of gold, and I love her. About 18 months ago, I came up with the idea to design a dress in honor of Robin. Obviously, it would need to be yellow. And, it would need to have birds. I couldn't design a dress in honor of "Robin" and not incorporate birds, right?

Designs take time. After initial drawings and several changes, I finally got it right. (I hope you'll agree!)  Here I am showing Mrs. Boyd the dress right before Christmas. Y'all, there were a lot of tears. Happy tears, and I was so incredibly grateful to be able to do this for her. 

She kept hugging the dress and wanted to know if she could have it. Yes, Mrs. Boyd...yes, yes, yes! :)

I had no idea what was in store when I began Dressie Jessie Smocking. I am so grateful to be able to do what I love, and even more grateful that owning this business affords me opportunities to use something as simple as children's clothing to bless others. 

I couldn't decide what I wanted to name this dress (and bloomer set--can't forget the bloomer set). It felt important...like I needed to get it right, and then it came to me. Robin's Song. From singing in church with her parents to her beautiful life that reached deep and wide and touched so many, Robin's Song is perfect. 

Thank you for reading about "the heart behind the design." I loved sharing it with you, and now I can't wait to show you Robin's Song Dress and Bloomer Set. :)

What do you think? I would LOVE it if you'd leave a comment and let me know!

Thank you all for reading and for being a part of our Dressie Jessie Smocking family. I am forever grateful. 

XOXO, Jessie