They suggested I sew up a black knit dress. Lisa then suggested I sew Vogue 1027, which I have sewn before, and Tessuti featured on their blog. I heartily agreed with Lisa that Vogue 1027 would be an excellent dress to accommodate a growing belly. Here is the pattern photo:
I made it up in a slinky black rayon jersey (which was the devil to sew) - I can't find the pics of that one, but I have the pics of the red cotton jersey:
I love the full skirt. I did things a bit differently with this one (than when I sewed it in 2009). I drafted a neckline facing - I actually did this for the black one as it was awful to sew, and I could just not turn it under nicely. The black turned out well, so I did it for the red too, even though the red knit is much more stable.
I also crossed over the bodice pieces more to account for my growing chest region (ahem). This is something I usually don't have to worry about, but pregnancy has changed my body!
I didn't follow the instructions for sewing the ties. They call for you to do a narrow hem - but this means the wrong side of your fabric shows. I really don't understand why they would do that. Plenty of the reviews on Pattern Review give instructions for avoiding that -- it is just a matter of sewing them right sides together until the notch. Easy peasy and looks much more professional.
Due to the stretch of the fabric, and the fact it is an empire line, I did not have to alter regarding size. In 2009 I made a size 8, and this size fits me just fine now. Don't you just love the forgiving nature of knit fabrics?
I've worn the black one alot already - and wore this red one out to dinner with Michael on saturday night.
I'll have another frock to show you soon - I've made a 'wearable' muslin of another Vogue DKNY dress that I hope to wear Christmas day. Am I the only one who likes something special (and potentially new) to wear on Christmas day?
that looks great! Knit dresses do seem to be a favourite to sew amoungst the pregnant bloggers I have seen. They would last the whole pregnancy due to the stretch of the fabric.
ReplyDeleteI want to make something special to wear for Christmas this year. I have seen a lot of dresses around that have a top like the macaron dress but instead of being two contrasting fabrics the top and sleeves are lace then the bust bit and skirt are cotton. I want to make something like that but with a gathered circle instead of a circle skirt like the macaron is. Do you think that would work?
thanks Kat! I think a macaron would look lovely with a gathered skirt - but I do think you'd have to be careful with fabric choice - something pretty light-weight otherwise you may not have a nice clean line at the waist. Does that make sense?
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing your lace -- make sure you show lots of pics!!
That looks absolutely fantastic on you. I love how the belt knots above your little tummy. You look so happy! Now that is one stylish maternity dress.
ReplyDeleteThe dress looks lovely. Red is such a striking colour. This is such a good pattern for a maternity dress. I only wish I had had something as stylish to wear during my pregnancies. I too, always like something new to wear on Christmas day. Always have. I think it started when I was a little girl and mum always sewed a new outfit for me for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI love this in red (and can't wait to see it in black)...what a great style. And yes, I'm one of those people that loves something new to wear on christmas day...but I'm usually delayed in getting it done and then it becomes a new year's dress..heheheeh
ReplyDeleteHi, I just found your blog via Sew Retro. I love your dress in red, it's such a gorgeous colour on you. I found during my pregnancy that it was easiest to sew maternity clothes using loosely cut styles of normal patterns or just by making some small tweaks to patterns rather than the very *fugly* maternity patterns that are out there! Can't wait to see what else you come up with
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Belatedly ... I also like a new dress on Christmas day, but I have not decided it yet. The red dress is wonderful and I love the knit fabric, it is so comfortable!
ReplyDeleteThat looks so good on you! Gee, wish I had have been so stylish when I was expecting Grumbles!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty dress! It's so twirly and feminine, and I bet it will be super comfortable in the coming months. It's so wonderful that you know how to sew! I remember shopping with a girlfriend when she was expecting and the selection was pretty dismal. You look awesome!
ReplyDeleteOoh this is gorgeous too... I'm not pregnant but I want one!
ReplyDeleteI just love this dress, it looks fabulous on you. I'm definitely going to snatch up this pattern once it goes on sale (and I linked back to this post too :)
ReplyDeletei love this dress!!! may have to make one next timeim expecting!
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