Sewing With A Plan: A Semi Handmade Maternity Wardrobe

I have dreamed of making myself a handmade wardrobe for years. Really it was my desire for it that started this whole Sew Fearless journey. The “trouble” is that whenever my weight normalizes and I roll up my sleeves to delve into sewing my own clothes… BAM! I’m pregnant again. Then, I’m putting off the wardrobe dream again for another year or two.

Frankly, I’ve had it. I’m sick of waiting until “someday” to work towards this, because this ideal “someday when my weight stops fluctuating” seems to be getting farther away not closer. Instead, I choose to make “someday” today. 

So, inspired by the fabulous Megan Nielson’s DIY Maternity Fall/Winter Sewing List, and with an eye towards flexibility and usability, I will attempt to sew myself a maternity wardrobe. The likelihood is that I won’t be able to finish it all, but even attempting it is a worthwhile pursuit. Don’t you agree?

I am calling it “Semi-Handmade” wardrobe because it requires the addition of a couple of good pairs of jeans and a pile of colorful laying tees and tanks. Both of these fall in the better-to-buy-than-sew category, at least in my opinion. Here’s the break down of the rest:

1. Cute Tee – If I do get around to sewing tees. I love the style of Megan Nielson’s Ruched tee. I can’t for the life of me understand why this style of belly is so hard to find. It is by far the most flattering I’ve worn.
2. Draped Neck Top – I saw this gorgeous number on Pinterest and I think McCall’s 6513 (view c) could be matern-ified to replicate it. It pretty much has to be done in stripes. The stripes make the top, right?
3. Empire Waist Crossover – I made this Jalie (#2804) pattern up when I was pregnant with Gladys. I looooooved it, but I think I would tweak it a bit so it would fit even farther into pregnancy. Namely, I’ll remove the “under-layer” on the belly of the shirt.(click here to see more)
4. Cardi Wrap – Simplicity 2603 is another repeat from my last pregnancy. It is a great layering piece. I’m actually thinking crazy thoughts and I might try it in stretch lace. Is that too nuts? We will see.
   
5. Blazer – Yes, the blazer. I won’t be able to button by the end, but I think it will class up a lot of different types of outfits.
   
6. Dress as Shirt – Stay with me here. I know McCall’s 6347 ‘s funky saddlebag things are off-putting, but after looking at the directions I think I can remove them easily. Pair it will leggings or skinny jeans I think it would a great top that will cover everything, even at the end of the pregnancy. During cold weather, I can wear it under a blazer, or layer it over a long sleeve tee.
7. High Waisted Maxi Skirt – I’m thinking about giving an Above-The-Belly skirt a try. November Grey pulls off this look well. Worse case, I hate it and shorten it for an underbelly maxi.
8. Wide-legged Trousers – This is by far the scariest one on the list. I’ve never sewn “real” pants even when not pregnant so tailoring something to fit will when your body is growing seems almost impossible. Fortunately, I am consulting with Steph of 3hourspast to make this happen. *Fingers Crossed* I’m still trying to figure out a pattern to work with. MCall’s 6515 looks like a possibility.
9. Matern-ified Leggings and Jeggings – This one is in the “semi-handmade” category. I will swap out waistbands on some regular jeggings and leggings to pair with the rest of these items. Tutorials all over the internet, including some listed here.

So what do you think? Am I missing anything? What would you choose differently?

But most importantly…
Will you support me doing this? Offer your advice and hold my hand when things don’t go well?

pssst…. if you want to see more of my inspiration for this project, check out my Fall/Winter Wardobe 2012 Pinterest board.