Today’s post is in honor of my dear friend, Celia (CeCe). She is now in heaven with Jesus, after a long, hard fight with cancer. Cece was a most amazing woman of God. She had a heart of gold, loved her family and always had a smile on her face. I’ve never once seen CeCe, in all the years I’ve known her, without a smile on her face. Oh how I miss the way she would say, “Hi Anita!” She had a smile in her voice. Whenever I spoke to her over the phone, I knew she was smiling because I could hear it in her voice. Yes, she had a smile in her voice.
I met Cece when I was in 7th grade. Her little sister, Tina, and I became best friends that year. Their mother had eight daughters and I fell in love with this family immediately. When I would visit their home, they all made me feel like part of the family. Their mom welcomed and treated me as if I was one of her daughters. I ate at their house, slept at their house, and had a blast some holidays at their house. One thing I could always look forward to when visiting the Anglon household was dancing. Oooh, how those girls love to dance. Their signature song was, and continues to be, “We are Family,” by Sister Sledge. There was this huge mirror on the wall in their living room. All the girls would line up in front of that mirror and dance and sing their hearts out. Whenever I was over, I would join them. I have so many fond memories with their family. Here’s a photo of Cece with her seven sisters. I love them all so much!
When Cece was diagnosed with cancer, she had the most amazing attitude that I’ve ever experienced by someone living in that circumstance. I never heard sadness in her voice, and not once did I hear her complain. Instead, she focused on her faith in God. She went to battle with the disease and always held on to hope. When we would talk over the phone, she would tell me about the new treatments she was trying and how she trusted God. Even when I knew she wasn’t feeling well, she would never tell me that. If I asked how she was doing, she ALWAYS said, “I’m good!” or “I’m better!” Near the end of her fight, when her health was failing rapidly, she continued to say she was okay. I am so amazed by the incredible strength she displayed during this battle. Cece showed us all what perseverance and faith in God looks like. I am honored to have had the pleasure of knowing Cece and experiencing her love. While I will miss her, I am grateful that she doesn’t have to suffer the pain of cancer any longer, and that she is in heaven with Jesus and her mom, dancing with the angels. I will see her again one day, and we will worship God together forever. Here is a photo of Cece with her husband and two children.
CeCe’s favorite color was navy blue. So I made this dress in honor of her. I call it my “CeCe” dress. Every time I wear it I will be reminded of her.
This is a very easy pattern to sew and it’s sized for knit fabrics only. It can be sewn up easily in 1 day and is beginner friendly.
Create the Look!
- Pattern: New Look 6469 (View A)
- Fabric: Ponte Knit
- Hat: Charming Charlie’s
- Shoes: Macy’s (Old)
Thanks for stopping by!
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Anita
All Photos Courtesy of CEMO!
Beautiful dress!
Thanks Tarah!
Dear Anita, God must surely love you. He’s given you an ability to show great love for those you love. Your tribute to CeCe is as beautiful as you.
The dress and that sleeve dart. BTW, your pictures are fabulous! I’m thinking that since you’re using a knit, it would be easy to take a dart in the pattern before cutting the fabric. I don’t know why that wouldn’t work, and I agree, I think it’s just a dumb design. Let me know what you think of my idea. I have a different pattern for this design but it has a seam right done the front, I’d have put the front on a fold. Wouldn’t it be great to figure out a way to put some pockets in this pattern, like a side seam? I like that there’s not too much fabric around the bottom circumference, this pattern is just enough to be flattering. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hi Alice! Thank you so much! Oh, I love your idea about removing that shoulder dart. Yes, definitely place that front piece on the fold and remove the seam allowance that you’ll be eliminating by doing that. Pockets would definitely elevate this dress. It would be easy too. Just take a pocket from another pattern piece or draw your own. Have fun making your swing dress.
Hi Alice! Thank you so much! I think removing that dart before cutting the pattern is a fabulous idea. Yeah, I would definitely place the piece on the fold to eliminate the seam down the front. Pockets would really elevate this dress and it would be easy to do. Just use a pocket piece from another pattern or draw your own and insert it. Have fun sewing your dress.
Anita, beautiful tribute to your friend. Loss of loved ones is very difficult and you did a great job sharing her with us through your blog. Not to mention this dress you made in her memory. I have the pattern and will give it a try (I hope to get as good an outcome as you did.) One questions…..does it have pockets? If not is it difficult to put some in?
Hi Gretchen! Thank you so much! This pattern doesn’t have pockets, but it would be very easy to insert them. Just take a pocket piece from another pattern or draw your own and insert it with this dress. Have fun making your dress.
Thank you so much for sharing the story of your lovely friend. It sounds like she was an amazing woman. It brought tears to my eyes reading about her and I haven’t even met her!
On the other note, this dress is simply stunning! I am sure CeCe would have loved it!
Thank you so much Anya! I wore this dress the other day and it made me smile to think of her as I got dressed.
Pingback: 1-Year Blog Anniversary Week - GIVEAWAY - Top 5 Favorite Posts!!! – Anita by Design
CeCe has a smile that lights up the world. May God rest her soul. I was so inspired by your tribute and loved the dress that I purchased the pattern and a lovely purple knit. I’ve never worked with a knit but think I learned enough from your superb tutorials that I’m going to give it a try. I’m hoping for the best as I really love the swing of that dress. Thanks so much.
Hi Marilyn! Yaaay! I’m so glad to hear that you’re stepping into new territory, and giving knit a try. It’s my favorite type of fabric. I’m so glad that you’ve found my tutorials to be helpful. This is a very easy pattern to follow, so that should be helpful in your first knit project. I wish you the best, and please let me know how it turns out.
Slay!!!!! Need I say more! You are truly living in your design, I can tell from the shine! 🙂 I found you earlier this week and I watch you every night! LOL. I went out and brought all but 1 pattern (I’m hippy and not a fan of circle skirts) and I’m ready to sew. Thank you for all your hard work. You and your cameraman are a perfect pair!!!!!!
Concerning CeCe – What a beautiful friendship and a wonderful family.
Heeey Deirdre! Hahaha! You have said it all, and put a big smile on my face. I’m so happy to know that you like the tutorials and are ready to sew. Thanks you so much for your wonderful feedback and encouragement. Thank you! Thank you!
Catching up on my blog reading. So sorry for the loss of your friend. Your dress and how you styled it looks lovely!
Thank you!
I just found your site through IG, what a beautiful tribute to your friend.
I’m so inspired to make some of my own clothes now too!
Thank you, Angie! Yes, come join the sewing community. You will love it!
Love it! I made the same dress, still on my mannequin.
Anita can I ask what camera are you using?
Your pictures are crystal clear and that is important when blogging.
Thanks DeeDee
Bust Waist Hips and Thighs) WHAT!
Thank you, SaDetra! The camera is Canon 7D.
Anita, this is a beautiful dedication to your friend and her family, I know she is very pleased by it! Your dress is a wonderful tribute to her memory, it is so beautiful just as Cece was. May she RIP knowing she will live on in every one of your hearts!
Thank you, Myra!
Wonderful dress and a beautiful dedication to your friend. I truly believe she is smiling down from heaven over this blog. I have lost so many family and friends to cancer and its always a tender spot for me, however this blog just makes me smile with such joy straight to my heart. I thank GOD for granting you the strength to share such a personal and touching topic in such an amazing way, be well Anita and thank you.
Thank you so much Armena! I am very sorry to hear about all the loved ones you have lost to this disease. My heart is with you too.
Gorgeous.
Thank you, Faye!
Hello Anita. My prayers go out to CeCe’s family and you. Lean on the peace and comfort that comes from our Lord Jesus Christ. Your dress is a beautiful tribute to your dear friend! Each day that goes by is one day closer to seeing her again.
Amen! Thank you, Sandra!
Thank you for sharing your story about Cece. No doubt you will be reunited in heaven!
The dress is so pretty on you and so beautifully made. I love it!
Thank you, Gayle!
What an amazing story and nice tribute to your dear friend Cece. Continue to remember the good times you all had. I know she’s smiling down on you wearing that beautiful blue dress in honor of her. You are an amazing and beautiful woman Anita.
Thank you, my beautiful sister, LaToria!
Wow! You had a wonderful lifetime friend with great fun-filled memories, how wonderful! I’m glad her spirit still lives on and you can share the love of God with everyone. Loss has also inspired me. For the past three years I have been making quilts for friends and coworkers with cancer, just giving them away, even to some I may not know very well but feel their need. I just feel the urge to do it. I don’t even know why (because I’ve been basically a slacker-lol) But, you’re right, when we seek God, He responds by helping us to help others, and so we shine. You sure do a fabulous job and a very important one!
Oh Julia! You just brought a huge smile to my face this afternoon. I absolutely LOVE what you are doing with your quilts. What a beautiful blessing you are to those you share your gift with. God is using your gift in a mighty way, touching your friends and co-workers with God’s hand of love. Yes, keep seeking His way as He continues to SHINE brightly through you, my friend. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you always.
What a beautiful story and tribute to a beautiful woman of god she was blessed a wonderful family and a wonderful friend in you she’s gone but not forgotten she left a legacy of courage with how she faced her illness god bless you and her family
Thank you, Shirley!
Beautiful tribute to your friend Anita! I lost a dear friend to Breast cancer in July of this year and I’m living with the hope of meeting her again, she was an inspiration to so many. Love your swing dress & the way you styled it!
Thank you, Andrea! I’m so sorry to hear about your friend, too.
Anita…I was looking for a swing dress for this winter to wear with tights…this is the exact look I was going for. I am running out to get this patter asap:) I am truly sorry to read about your friend. May God Bless her family and yours:)
Awesome, Lora! So glad you found what you were looking for. Have fun sewing! I think I will be making another one too. Thank you!
Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend..but she’s in a better place..Love the dress and you look lovely!!
Thank you, Trudy!
I am sorry to hear about your lost of a dear friend. You are indeed in my prayers. May God bless you and CeCe’s family. I love the dress you made in her honor.
Thank you, Michelle!
Such a beautiful tribute and what an amazing example of faith and trust. Cece has inspired me 🙂
Thank you, Tasha! She inspired me too, so much!
Ms. Anita, I’m so truly sorry for the loss of your dear friend, my condolences to you and your sister family. I think what you did by making the CeCe dress in honor of your friend is beautiful tribute to her. I’m a loyal follower of yours and I will make a CeCe dress too in honor of your friend, and send you a picture. You look absolutely stunning!!!!
OMGosh, Jennifer! You just brought tears to my eyes. Even the thought of you doing something to honor CeCe makes my heart melt with gratitude. Wow! Thank you so much! I can’t wait to see your CeCe dress!
Anita, this is such a beautiful tribute to your friend. I lost one of my dearest and closest friends two months ago to cancer as well. However, like you mentioned, I know that I will see my friend again in Heaven. Also, your dress is simply stunning. I’m unsure if I’ve seen this pattern before, but I’m going to check now. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much Candice! My heart is so sorry to hear about your friend, too. We will all see each other in heaven. Praise God!
That was a lovely tribute to your friend Anita. I’m not really a religious person but I do believe the friendships we make shape our lives & understanding for each other. It’s like a good sewing project that starts off all new & exciting, we learn a lot along the way. We tackle the difficult parts & make mistakes and in the end we have achieved something that is worthwhile, that we value & it’s something we can wrap ourselves up in & take comfort in. I hope that even though you will miss your friend whenever you think of her she will still make you smile. The dress looks great bye the way.
Thank you so much, Tracy! Yes I can’t help but smile when I think of CeCe.
So sorry for you loss Anita. What a beautiful tribute to your friend. Your work and blog is flawless as usual.
Thank you, Avis!
I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to your friend CeCe. Whenever, you wear that dress you will remember the memories of your friend. That touched my heart. I love the color, the style and as always you look magnificent!
Thank you, Patricia!
I love tonal dressing and your entire look is perfect from head-to-toe! I’m so sorry about your friend. It truly makes me question God’s plan when he calls the good ones home.
Thank you, Erica!
Cece is rejoicing in heaven this day with your Lord and Savior. I will be in pray for this lovely family. I am so sorry for your loss but so Glad God blessed you with them. You are such a class act and inspiration. Thank you for sharing your friend, your styles and yourself. Although you may not know me, I appreciate you just the same. Keep on keeping on baby.
Thank you, Paula!
So sorry for your loss Ms. Anita. Thank you for sharing such a personal and wonderful story of life and trust in our Lord. CeCe I’m sure is giving her approval of this lovely piece from heaven. ?
Thank you, Nola!
Please forgive the typos.
God bless you Anita,
What a beautiful tribute to your friend. I recently lost a brother in my church. He was like a real brother to me and I look up to his wife who also is a dear, close friend. As his service, it was his wife that encouraged everyone else. I think of that day and it still gives me comfort and strength. I thank Adonai, God for blessing you to have CeCe in your life and thank you for sharing it with us.
The dress looks perfect! I adore the color and the hat truly makes it. Love the shoes too.
Be blessed!
Thank you so much! I’m also very sorry to hear about your brother/friend. Blessings to his wife, family, and friends. His wife’s strength is from the Lord, for sure.
Oops. I forgot to add that I’m sorry for you loss in Cece. But our loss is God’s gain. You shall see her again. Rest in God Cece.
Thank you, Shawn!
I’m so amped. I just brought this pattern by accident. Joann’s ran out of the pattern I wanted. I turned around and saw this one. It’s exactly the one I wanted . It looks great on you!! I can’t wait to create this one!!
Awesome! Have fun sewing it!
Dear Anita: First of all, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Friends in this day and time are very hard to come by-especially long time ones. It is heart breaking when we lose someone we’ve grown up with. Thank you for sharing. May the LORD comfort you and your friend’s family. As always, your dress is stunning! I love the color. You are certainly ready for the Fall! God bless you and thank you for sharing! -JC
Thank you, JC!
What a lovely tribute & dress, Anita. Rest in peace, CeCe.
Thank you, Sandy!