Maternity skirt

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!