Maternity Sewing During a Pandemic
It’s been a crazy… 7 months?!? since I last posted something here! And a lot has happened.
Just in the world, we’re still battling the COVID-19 pandemic, fighting for civil liberties, and currently going through what is possibly the most important election of our lifetime. Colorado has also been going through a terrible fire season, which is so heartbreaking.
And then on a personal level, we lost our sweet Riker at the end of June, brought a new pup, Miles, into our lives in August, and we’re welcoming a baby in January. Navigating grief and elation and feelings of being unable to help in a world that is so desperately in need of help while having pregnancy hormones coursing through your veins is not for the faint of heart.
ANYWAY - I have been sewing still. Not at my usual pace due to pregnancy and puppy-raising, but I’ve made a handful of simple, useful pieces for both my maternity and postpartum wardrobes. It’s hard to want to make anything too crazy, since pregnancy doesn’t last forever and my body is changing very quickly, so I decided on some staples that should get me through most, if not all, of my pregnancy and still be useful after.
I bought this adorable blue polka dot fabric (from So Sew English - can't find specific link anymore) before I knew I was pregnant because it gives me vintage Minnie Mouse vibes. This is the Boho Babydoll pattern by Patterns for Pirates, and I used a nursing “hack” for a different dress (the Boundless) where you have two front bodice layers. The top layer pulls away and the bottom layer has holes cut for breastfeeding access. I elasticized the bottom layer and added snaps under the bust because the weight of the fabric was pulling the bottom layer down a little low, which is extra noticeable because I used a plain white fabric as the underlayer (so I could save as much of this fun fabric for something visible). This pattern is great for maternity since it has lots of room for the bump to grow, and I’ll still be able to wear it while nursing (and beyond).
The second piece I made was also from fabric I bought before I knew I was pregnant. I saw this adorable sewing machine fabric online and knew I had to have it, and I decided to make a Tulip Tee from Patterns for Pirates. This was a free pattern, and already included a nursing option! It’s also nice and loose, leaving plenty of room for baby as I grow.
Megan Neilsen Patterns has a handful of maternity patterns, so I decided to try out the Erin Skirt and the Cara Shirt. The skirt is a nice quick sew - just two pieces and some elastic for the basic pattern. There’s also an option to add a ruffle. I made a plain black version (because it is super versatile), and a polka dot version with a ruffle. Again, gotta get after those Minnie Mouse looks regardless of how big my belly is! The polka dot fabric is from Joann’s and is a bit thinner than the plain black I got from Blackbird Fabrics. I prefer the sturdiness of the black skirt, but I will still absolutely keep wearing the polka dots.
I also used some of this polka dot fabric for a Cara Shirt. I made the sleeves ever so slightly ruffled on this version. My favorite maternity make, though, has to be the blue floral shirt. I used a double-brushed polyester from Joann’s so it’s super soft and comfy. Even hubby says this shirt is one of his favorite things i’ve ever made (maternity or not!). I’m super proud of how nicely the neckline turned out.
I still have a handful of things I want to finish making before baby comes, but for now these few pieces (along with some gently used maternity clothing gifted to me and all my stretchy clothes I already had) are doing just fine for now. Especially during a pandemic. I’m not going anywhere, so most days I just wear some leggings and whatever shirt is closest to the bed. 🙈
