Edited 11/10/14: Welcome to anyone who landed here from DIYMaternity, where I guest blogged today. You can find all of my other maternity posts under the label Project Bump. Happy sewing and healthy pregnancy!
A short while ago, Phin commented "Don't take this the wrong way, but it seems like you're getting a lot more done with your sewing time these days..."
He's absolutely right in terms of number of garments sewn. My output has increased without devoting more hours to sewing. I've been churning out 2+ garments most weeks rather than one garment every 2+ weeks. So, now that I'm nearly done with the pregnancy phase of Project Bump and ready to move on to the preparing for baby and post-partum phases, I thought I little recap was in order.
Oh, right. And I did sew a bikini, too.
I did not make any changes for maternity.
A short while ago, Phin commented "Don't take this the wrong way, but it seems like you're getting a lot more done with your sewing time these days..."
 |
| All are still fitting and regularly worn |
Oh, right. And I did sew a bikini, too.
I normally tend to take on time-consuming and challenging projects that stretch my skills and require me to learn new techniques. Because of this, a mostly sewn wardrobe has always been beyond my reach. And yet, that's exactly what I have right now. Granted, it's a mini-wardrobe.
What really surprises me is how fulfilling I've found this sewing. It can be pretty dull to sew the same pattern multiple times, but it's really satisfying to have finished so many garments. Mostly I did this by keeping things very easy - no zippers or buttons, only knits or loose flowing wovens, no complicated finishes and little to no hand sewing, and using patterns multiple times. My serger has been an invaluable tool.
What really surprises me is how fulfilling I've found this sewing. It can be pretty dull to sew the same pattern multiple times, but it's really satisfying to have finished so many garments. Mostly I did this by keeping things very easy - no zippers or buttons, only knits or loose flowing wovens, no complicated finishes and little to no hand sewing, and using patterns multiple times. My serger has been an invaluable tool.
At this point, my sewing is shifting. Friday is my last day of work before a very generous maternity leave. So, my main priority for sewing in these last few weeks is his and hers diaper bags and some comfy clothing for breast feeding and keeping cosy that also makes me feel put together or fun when I decide to leave the house.
I've started with this cocoon-type cardi, which I think will be equally at home over a pair of jeans, a black dress or skirt, and to add another layer for nursing. Honestly, it's the sort of thing I always want in my wardrobe but never seem to have.
This is the "loose fitting unlined jacket" from Butterick 6065, one of their Lifestyle Wardrobes. I sewed it up in a sweater knit fabric in about an hour, plus cutting time. Seriously, this is one easy make. It's just two pattern pieces that are sewn with a few darts and folds.
I've started with this cocoon-type cardi, which I think will be equally at home over a pair of jeans, a black dress or skirt, and to add another layer for nursing. Honestly, it's the sort of thing I always want in my wardrobe but never seem to have.
 |
| Butterick 6065 |
This is the "loose fitting unlined jacket" from Butterick 6065, one of their Lifestyle Wardrobes. I sewed it up in a sweater knit fabric in about an hour, plus cutting time. Seriously, this is one easy make. It's just two pattern pieces that are sewn with a few darts and folds.
I did not make any changes for maternity.
I like how the pattern makes the stripes run in different directions.
That's about all there is to say on this one. Easy. Comfy. Fun.
18 comments:
Love this wrap on you!
LOVE THAT WRAP.
phin is very observant, and as always, a gentleman and a scholar.
More sewing than I can dream of in an entire year (or two)! So many snazzy outfits, my favorite is the middle one on the bottom row. Good luck with prepping for Raspberry's arrival and beyond!
Thanks! It's a neat pattern and very easy.
He is, isn't he.
I could totally see you in this pattern. The louder the fabric, the better. Really.
Thanks! Yeah, that skirt was ultimately a win.
I love this jacket. It looks so chic and cozy
Great sweater Clio!
I'm actually really inspired to see just how productive you've been during your pregnancy, like you I sew slooooowly and had wondered on the odd occasion how that wouldn't really work were we ever to start a family. The jacket is really fabulous on you - great choice of fabric for it!
I totally get the slow sewing, but still enjoying the finished garments after a bout of quick sewing. Love your capsule wardrobe, and it looks like all the garments may be wearable afterwards, too. I love your stripey cardi - all the stripes in different directions make it interesting. You look great!
You are a sewing MACHINE! (hoo-boy I crack myself up) Practical and fabulous makes! ;) well done!
You're looking great!!! ....and I love that cardi pattern and the striped fabric you used!!!
That's not a mini wardrobe but a maxi one! You picked smart patterns that are stylish but easy to make, we can all learn something from this!
You've fashioned a great maternity wardrobe! And not to sound too motherly but remember these things you learned here because that new little bundle of joy is going to eat up a lot of your time. So you can use some of these techniques to make a few things going forward.
Mothers need mothering! Mother away! Yeah. I've learned a lot in the last many months - more than I thought I would when I decided to simplify my sewing. ;-)
;-) You crack me up too!
Yeah - this is very not-me sort of sewing and I'm kind of surprised it's all gone so well. But to be honest (and should you decide to cross that bridge in the future) I just don't have quite the same stamina or patience for the long projects at the moment. So, this worked on many levels.
It's gratifying to wear a "hot off the sewing machine" outfit, isn't it?
Post a Comment