Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Maternity Maxi Dress

When I saw Jorth's tutorial for a shirred-bodice dress (she made one for her super cute daughter, but gave instructions for a more lady-sized version too), I knew I had to make one for my Christmas day dress.

I've had many a shirred-bodice sundress in the past, but for some reason can't locate any of these currently. Odd - must have been too thorough in past wardrobe clear-outs. I practiced shirring, having not done this in the past, and then went to Tessuti Fabrics to buy some pretty special fabric. I ended up with a silk and cotton voile called 'Senegal Garden':


I fell in love with the colours, and the softness. It is also nice and light, which is important as we are in Queensland for Christmas this year and it will be hot hot hot!!

So, using Jorth's tutorial, I mocked up a pattern. I made it slightly different to Jorth's version by adding a ruffle at the bottom. I also had to do about 18 lines of shirring - I think maybe the 'foot width' of my machine is narrower than Jorth's - I needed way more lines of shirring.

So - here it is!!



I don't really have anything groundbreaking to say - it came together easily (I'm glad I practiced the shirring though), and I've worn it to a farewell party and was very comfortable. The fabric was fantastic to sew with- really easy and held its own well. It will be great for our Queensland holiday - we're leaving on thursday of this week for a week at the beach, and then a week with my family.

In case you're interested too - I'm 22 weeks pregnant this week!! All is going really well, we're beginning to really feel like we have a  baby coming soon! There has been lots of little movements for Michael to feel, and I've been feeling very well. Although I'm a bit more tired this week than previous weeks. Here is a picture of my bump - my obstetrician says I have a nice little cantaloupe.



I've got a few more frocks to show you in the coming weeks, and some bags I made for some Christmas pressies. How are your Christmas preparations going?

18 comments:

  1. Nice work Rach, I can't wait to see if your Christmas bags are as nice as Boo Doggs bag!
    xxx Michael

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  2. It looks so lovely and soooo comfortable. :)

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  3. You look lovely (as always). Glad to know everything is going well. Have a great holiday (must be weird having a hot Christmas!)
    x

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  4. Great dress. And you look absolutely beautiful , especially in that last picture.

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  5. Love this dress! You look so pretty in it---you've definitely got that Mama-To-Be glow! Congrats again!

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  6. My FAVE outfit both times I was pregnant was a sundress with an empire waist in the front and shirring in the back (and it wasn't even a maternity dress). The perfect way to combine a flexible size with fit when you're pregnant. :) Yours looks great!

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  7. Gorgeous dress and gorgeous bump...congratulations!

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  8. Oh that fabric is just gorgeous on you! (Cute canteloupe too;)). How easy was the shirring? I've always been too intimidated to try it.
    ~Alana

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  9. Thanks everyone!

    Popababe - the hot christmas is just normal now - I've had a melbourne christmas in the past few years where it was freezing, and I just felt weird and out of sorts!

    Alana - yep, it is easy. You just have to wind the elastic onto the bobbin really tightly, or it won't work. Give it a go!!

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  10. A cantaloupe-- how cute is that! Lovely dress. The fabric you chose is absolutely gorgeous.

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  11. Gorgeous dress! I love the fabric choice. Where abouts in Queensland will you be for Christmas? We are on the Gold Coast and it does get very hot but if all this rain keeps up as they are predicting you may need a cardi.

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  12. Great dress and I love your little canteloupe!

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  13. Hi Kat - we'll be at Caloundra for a week and then in Brissie for a week. My brother has warned it is pretty humid, and told me to bring plenty of summer clothes! I just can't wait to have a swim.

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  14. Gorgeous! Great print, love the fabric. It looks awesome - you and your canteloupe are looking radiant! :)

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  15. Lovely dress, lovely fabric, and you now have a proper bump!

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  16. How exciting! I'm glad it turned out so well!

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  17. Wow I was so very amaze on the maternity clothes the women wears in the photo cause the prints are very artistic that why I love it very much.

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  18. This dress is so nice and this lady is looking so pretty.A decent maxi dress can also give the illusion of height, which is useful for us vertically challenged girls.This high glamour option on the right and she is looking pretty in this dress The stunning color will suit most skin tones, and the maxi dress is well proportioned to show off your brilliant bosom without swamping your figure. Thanks for sharing with us.
    maternity maxi dresses

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