While I am still
waiting for the definitive list of ‘who is playing what in panto 2015’ I have a
weekend of doing something (nearly) completely different.
I say ‘nearly’
because 24 years ago I was attempting my own foray into maternity clothing that
didn't go too well. In retrospect I am
not sure if it was due to the pregnancy itself or lack of ability as I only
managed to make one dress and have a complete breakdown over a pair of
maternity trousers that were never finished (the fabric ended up being made
into a party dress for eldest daughter).
But there has
appeared an unexpected, but very welcome, baby bump on eldest daughter in the
last few weeks (if you look carefully you can see how tight her Victorian dress
was over the tummy!) and she is now complaining that all her normal clothes are
too tight.
I had previously
bought some cotton for a maxi skirt for her, so project number one is to make
her a skirt but use buttonhole elastic on the waistband instead of a fitted
one. I am, of course, using my skirt
from a rectangle pattern as there will then be plenty of fabric to cover the
bump throughout the pregnancy (2 metres).
I made the skirt up
but only put the elastic through the back half of the waistband. The skirt will now expand through the back by
loosening the elastic with the button.
I
then measured 8 inches from both sides of the centre front and marked , then cut out two
strips of fabric to make into ties. At
this point I would love to show you pictures of how I continued but my friend
turned up and I forgot to take the photos being eager to finish the skirt
before my daughter came to visit later on in the day!
However, I can show
you how it looks when it is finished. I
sewed the ties into the waist by folding over around half an inch and sewing
the ties into the fold at the previously marked points.
I made the the ties long so that the skirt can be loosened at the front allowing room for the
bump to grow. You can just see in the pic how the extra fabric folds behind the ties to make a pleat.
I promise you, there
is a pretty bow at the front that has disappeared in the photo!
If she likes this style I may make another one for her in which case I promise to remember the photos.
First project
completed I will also be having a go at upcycling some old clothes for her, so
watch this space!
