My sister-in-law, Katie, had reminded me recently that I hadn't posted any pictures of the maternity dress that I made. I drafted the pattern using a blouse pattern as a jumping off point. I extended the skirt, added pleats around the neck to get the extra volume needed for my belly, included a neckline facing, removed darts, and made a belt to cinch the waist. You can't see all of the details in the pictures because of the print, but they are a little more obvious in person. My intention was to make a dress that would work for maternity and when I'm not pregnant. I think this will still be cute without the baby belly; the skirt will just look more gathered without a big belly in it. The only problem, I realize now, is that this dress will not work for nursing. It is not stretchy, and it zips in the back. Oops - new mom mistake. Oh, well. I'll be able to wear it eventually.
Here are a few pictures. I usually wear it with a solid cardigan to tone down the print a little. It definitely works for maternity, and I think it turned out cute. I've gotten a few compliments on it at church, and that makes me feel good, especially when people ask where I got it. It's always nice when people think a home sewn item looks nice enough to have come from a store. I'm putting this one in the success column.
