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Wardrobe Planning
First off, thank you everyone for all the well wishes and congratulations! We are all absolutely thrilled to be having a new addition to our house next year! I'll be keeping you posted as time goes on....
So, what's the next plans after the apron? Since I still haven't found a valance that I like for my sewing room, I've decided it's time to start wardrobe planning. The problem - horrible maternity patterns.
Currently, I have 4 - Jalie 2788 (which is not specifically designed as maternity, but can be made into a maternity top if a very stretch 4 way material is used), Kwik Sew 3487, Burda 8376, and Burda 7999. Otherwise, I've discovered that the patterns are horrible! I'm currently researching how to make alterations to regular patterns for a maternity fit. I had thought that there was a Sandra Betzina article out there talking about making some sort of inverted "L" shape onto tops, but I can't seem to find it anymore. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?
Previous Comments
[1] On Oct-14-2007, Anary wrote:I am certain you have the skils to make modifications in any pattern you wish to put in your wardrobe!I am sure you will be the most glam of all! I will keep my eye open for the Sandra thing you mention.
Anary
[2] On Oct-14-2007, christina wrote:
I'm not familiar with that Sandra Betzina article... But I did notice some nice maternity patterns in the 8/2007 BWOF if you have that, although the top is pretty similar to the KS3487 pattern you mentioned.
[3] On Oct-14-2007, Cherie wrote:
Stacy,
That first pattern actually does have a maternity model on the pattern front...I think if you get 2-3 pairs of pants made from a double knit, they would get you through the whole pregnancy! Get a jean, and wear it to death. And those tops, some of the Duro inspired ones could actually be made reversible, that would be a bonus. The dress is nice. Pay attention to the necklines, keeping them in a nice V or U shape, plays up your glowing face! How ab out that HP Cosmo dress pattern?
Just remember that you can adapt any top, simply by making the front hemline longer. I think a back tie snugs up the top nicely also, I like that better than a boxy shape. Use knits, they stretch enough to accommodate increasing inches in arms, bust and back also. Find a high-end clothing store and copy those items!
I think you can get by on very few patterns just changing out the details, trims, etc. Remember to get something pretty and lacy, fuller sleeves with a bow on the sleeve bands, can make you look adorable!
Best wishes to you.
[4] On Oct-14-2007, Miss Sassy wrote:
I wish you luck! Wish I could help. Maternity clothes bite, especially if you are overweight (like me - definitely not you!). I bet you can make the coolest tops and am anxious to see how they turn out. BTW - due date?
[5] On Oct-14-2007, Amy wrote:
I'm behind on reading my favorite blogs! Just wanted to congratulate you on your little addition! What wonderul news!
[6] On Oct-14-2007, Cidell wrote:
I hear you. I wanted to make something for a friend and struggled to find something. I eventually went with the recent Maternity issue of BWOF. But, it's hard out there!
[7] On Oct-14-2007, Kris wrote:
Hmmmm... I was going to make some things but didn't even bother - BUT, if you do make some things, I agree with the post above that a few pair of pants will get you by. I was lucky and borrowed a lot of clothes from friends - Old Navy is also great for t-shirts and shorts (they have great sales now and again). I've sent a bunch of things to friends to borrow, but have some t-shirts and shorts left-over if you'd like to borrow them. So excited for you!!! :)
[8] On Oct-15-2007, Laurel wrote:
How exciting on two levels!
I brand new bundle of joy, and a new wardrobe! I'm sure your maternity clothes will be fabulous! There are SO many cute ones around now!
We'll be working on wardrobes at the same time. Yay!
Congrats again! How exciting...
[9] On Oct-15-2007, bernadette wrote:
Love that Kwik-sew pattern! A few of those plus stretch slacks and a skirt can be most of a wardrobe'
I'm remembering that maternity clothes look best when the armholes are high and fitted, plus the upper chest and seat are fitted. If these areas are big or loose, you will look "big" all over instead of just at the cute bump.
(During one of my pregnancies, the "bigger shoulder" look was said to "balance" the pregnant tummy. NOT! It just made the wearers look like a billboard of fabric. Fortunately, loathing most shoulder pads, I figured that out before investing in that clumsy "look".)
Black really is slimming even in pregnancy!
Maybe go to a high-end maternity store to try on a few things and get ideas.
A new wardrobe...ooh!
[10] On Oct-15-2007, bernadette wrote:
Just thought of one more idea - jumpers. They can be worn as dresses with a cardigan over or worn with a close-fitting tee or a bow-collar blouse under. A shortish jumper would look great with leggings or tights. And all that stuff is "in" right now.
Also liked a silk, bordered-scarf-print, simple, halter dress I saw on pea-in-a-pod.com for dressy look.
[11] On Oct-15-2007, Elaine wrote:
Hi!
Congratulations! It has been a long time since I needed maternity wear but last April a friend at work asked if I could help her sister. Being a working girl and needing professional attire she was having difficulty with purchased clothes. Since she was small RTW 6-8, I used a jumper/dress pattern size 12 with button front that I had in my many boxes. I measured her bust and waist and went from there. It turned out just fine. One pattern (maternity jumper)we purchased was a disaster on her small frame. I also found a book but did not get a chance to order it. The book was by Sarah J. Doyle see www.patternsthatfityou.com/Maternity. You make such great tops I am sure by allowing for bust and waist you will do fine. I love your blog and all the wonderful sites you direct us too! Good Luck.
[12] On Oct-15-2007, mamafitz wrote:
do you not like the lauren sara M patterns in Vogue? i loved the wrap dress.
also, as others have mentioned, just about every august issue of WOF has maternity patterns. i know i have 2 or 3 of them.
try looking on rowena's blog for maternity adjustments, i think she has some posts on that. i also used KS3115 to make underbelly pants (i wrote a review, i think). loved those.
congratulations! i loved being pregnant!
[13] On Oct-15-2007, stacy wrote:
Thanks so much for all the ideas everyone - I can't wait to try them out!
[14] On Oct-15-2007, jemima bean wrote:
You know, with all the empire styles out there right now, and you being so tiny anyway you're good to go with top patterns I'd guess. Pants may be the bigger issue! But you could always buy those (the horrors!) and make tons of pretty tops & dresses!
