Autumn tartan skirt
Here's my new maternity skirt from Simplicity 5756, which was given to me (along with a slew of other maternity patterns) by another young mom at our church. This was my first time working with a "real" maternity pattern, so I was very curious about how it would be constructed and how much I would like the final result.
The skirt pattern is extremely simple -- two pieces of woven fabric plus a belly panel of stretch knit, all topped off by an elastic waistband. If your woven fabric is 45" wide, you end up with quite a bit of leftover, so I cut out three circular ruffles to add to the bottom of the skirt as well. I really like how simply and quickly it comes together.
However, the sizing is utterly bizarre. I decided to cut out the skirt in a size 16 (compared to my usual pre-pregnancy size 14). This was not based on my actual current hip measurements (which put me at a size 20), but on comparing the "finished garment measurements" (provided on the back of the pattern) with the measurement of a store-bought maternity skirt that fits me well. Well, the finished size 16 skirt was much too big -- it hung off the largest point of my belly and made me wonder exactly what the knit panel was for, since it clearly wasn't stretching over anything! I ended up taking a total of four inches off the upper waist area of the skirt, and I'm happier with the fit now. But this makes me think I could have gone down a size from my pre-pregnancy measurements! So be forewarned -- if one can gain around 45 lbs. and go down a size, I think the pattern runs pretty large. ;)
I haven't decided if I prefer the belly panel that goes up and over one's stomach, as in this pattern, or the wide band of knit-covered elastic that goes under the belly. The latter is more comfortable, but as my belly grows it doesn't stay in place very well. Moms, what's your preference?
Labels: sewing
posted by Laura at
7:39 PM
8 Comments:
I love it! The circular ruffles are so elegant and feminine, and the whole outift is very flattering. You have such a wonderful, happy glow about you!
But I'm afraid I can't offer any opinions on maternity skirts! ;-)
Blessings,
Shannon
I have to admit that I only made one piece of my maternity clothing and bought everything else, but when it came to maternity waistbands, I'm a definite fan of the over-the-belly styles. I felt like I was always having to hitch my pants/skirts up with the low ones. And you know, I've come to the conclusion that maternity patterns are just made BIG, because the one piece I made was a dress to wear for Easter, with a zip up the back and everything, and it was huge! As in, I could pull it right over my head huge. And I think I only made it up one size from my regular size, too.
Anyway, I love your new skirt (and your boots). You are one stylish mom-to-be!
:-) Elizabeth
Quietude, I have loved reading your blog and find SO much inspiration from your posts. I am expecting as well, but I am not a sewer. Your clothing that you make looks like high fashion and I love all of your maternity styles! After seeing your page and your work, I wish so badly I had learned to sew! :P
It's lovely - tartan is so autumnal, and you look lovely surrounded by the fallen leaves.
Thanks for your kind words, everyone. It has been a challenge to find cute things to wear on a tight budget, and that is part of what I love about sewing my own clothes!
Elizabeth, it's not too late to learn to sew! Give it a try! :-)
That's a great skirt! Next time I'm pregnant, I might seek out that pattern!
I preferred the over-the-tummy waistband style. It seemed to feel more secure, and although in the last month *everything* was sliding down (so it felt), having fabric over my bulge seemed to just work better for me.
You're looking very pretty and autumnal!
The only underbelly item I have is a pair of shorts - I LOVED them! I haven't worn them in the last 2 months so I don't know if the way they fit changed with belly size. I've been wearing 2 pairs of jeans lately, one has a panel that goes completely over the belly (and can be folded down) and the other has a panel that goes half way up and has elastic. Both of them constantly fall down. I've mostly been wearing non-maternity knit pants that I tie under the belly and they fit and feel comfortable, I just end up stepping on the hem though. So I'm assuming that I prefer underbelly. I really need to sew some maternity clothes - skirts especially, I have none and am starting to look like a frump all the time in my sweats. Maternity clothing has been harder for me to find, both because of price and I'm at 6 months and just finally have hit 15 lbs over pre-pregnancy weight.
I love looking at all your sewing pictures, they are so inspiring!
~Chelsea
The skirt is beautiful and looks wonderful on you. The circular ruffles are the perfect touch! Isn't it strange how they add soooooooo much ease to patterns?
I tend to favor below-the-belly waistbands. I should note that this applies solely to skirts, since I've never found a pair of maternity pants that worked for me. I did buy a pair of knit athletic non-maternity pants in a size larger than normal during my first pregnancy, because being ladylike while sitting on the floor during our birthing class was utterly impossible in a skirt.
I've carried low ("Oh, it's a boy!") both times, and haven't had a huge problem with the beneath-the-belly waistbands not staying up, though I can't say that much besides a cute, somewhat stretchy high-waisted dress is really comfortable past a certain point! I didn't like the above-the-belly waistbands because I felt like they hung off me strangely and made me look odd.
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