So, now that the news is out there, the fun begins. Let me tell you, I'm so glad I sew. Despite my grousing about my bump not being more obvious, my body is actually changing rapidly and has been for some time.
None of these were sewn with any maternity alterations except that the black Tracey Reese dress has some extra wiggle room. However, as my belly has started to grow, I've begun to contemplate a small wardrobe designed specifically to carry me through late-pregnancy and the first few months postpartum. I really want it to be fun, flattering and feel like me. Here are some considerations/challenges.
As I've already said, maternity RTW is a rather bleak scene. How bleak? Check out my "Dark Side of Maternity" Pinterest board for an inkling. I'm not against maternity RTW, but it has the same problems as normal RTW amplified by it's brief lifespan. Big price tags, poor fit and shoddy fabric and construction all seem to converge somewhere around the belly. So far the only RTW purchases I've made are a few cotton tank tops for the gym and some super stretchy camis to wear as basics/base layers.
So what am I wearing these days aside from new swimmies? Good question. Well, I'm wearing a lot of non-maternity items that I sewed for myself, both before and during early pregnancy, including all of these.
 |
| Thank heavens I sew!! |
Top row (l to r): V1314 Tracy Reese dress in black and tomato red , and Simplicity 3503 which I sewed in 2009!
Middle: McCalls 6556 Fashion Star dress/tunic and 2 pairs of Ralph Pink Hareem pants in purple silk and black modal.
Bottom: Vogue 8959 Ewok fur cape (ok, I'm not wearing this now since its summer, but I sewed it as sneaky maternity wear knowing I might need it this fall/winter), V8977 Oonapalloza dress and BurdaStyle 07/2011-124 Kimono. Trust me that the lounge wear is getting lots of use!
None of these were sewn with any maternity alterations except that the black Tracey Reese dress has some extra wiggle room. However, as my belly has started to grow, I've begun to contemplate a small wardrobe designed specifically to carry me through late-pregnancy and the first few months postpartum. I really want it to be fun, flattering and feel like me. Here are some considerations/challenges.
- My legs: Early on I had plans to sew maternity trousers and alter RTW trousers with a maternity panel . However, a strong hereditary risk for varicose veins (thanks mom, grandma and grandma) meant that at the first sign of swollen, tired legs/veins I decided that medical grade compression hoisery was a must. I give myself one day a week off if my legs feel ok. But on a daily basis I am rockin' the granny pantyhose. Skirts and dresses rule.
- Limited time: My due date is in 13 weeks and in the last week my belly has noticeably grown. So, time is clearly of the essence. This is not my normal sewing style.
- My sewing style is my own worst enemy: Oh boy. How I hate sewing basics! And I love complicated technique and really good finishes. And I over fit things. Also, once I sew a pattern, I'm usually on to the next complicated thing. But for pregnancy, I need a compromise - sewing things that are easy, can be replicated, but won't feel like I'm sewing the same things over and over or wearing a boring and monotonous wardrobe.
- Limited sewing patterns: Maternity is a very small niche for pattern companies and I'm already picky about patterns. There aren't that many different styles to choose from.
- Work life vs Maternity Leave/Postpartum: I very much need to focus on things I can wear to work now, but include garments that I'll be happy to wear while on maternity leave and work for breast feeding. This is a challenge of both style and fit.
- Time of year: It's summer now, but will be almost winter by my due date. I'm hoping to transition garments through the seasons using layering - shrugs, tights, base layers, etc.
Here are my assets:
- I sew. Smartest skill to learn ever!!!
- I have a serger. It has become the star of my sewing room in the last few months.
- I have lots of fabric! Yay fabric! Raw materials are a great thing!
- I have mojo! I see the above challenges as fun obstacles to overcome and it's really got my mojo in overdrive.
- I'm open minded. I've already been experimenting with volume (wasn't I sneaky about that, folks?) and trying more shapes and styles, which has made it easier to see the potential in non-maternity patterns. Also, I'm feeling less nervous about sewing with prints and knits since this is a limited time project.
Anyway, what advice do you have for me given my challenges?? If you've ever been pregnant, what were the indispensable items for you during and after pregnancy? Did you sew for yourself? I've already finished a few things and have begun a few more. So, next up, some fun garment reveals and sewing plans.
