This blog post feels pretty special to be part of Chalk and Notch’s “Make It Mine” Tour for Gabriela’s latest pattern release – the Women’s Waterfall Raglan. Today’s theme is “hack”, and I am sharing how I hacked this pattern for maternity-wear.
Be sure to read through to the end to see where to find other “hacks” on the tour and opportunities to enter the giveaways and linkup prizes!
I’ve been dying over the sweetness of the children’s Waterfall Raglan pattern (and if it went to newborn sized I would have already sewn 4 or 5!). So when Gabriela offered to let me try out her new women’s version, I was on it like Nutella on vanilla ice cream.
The pattern describes the Women’s Waterfall Raglan as “a relaxed knit top or dress with a gathered ruffle hem. There are three sleeve options: short, 3/4 and long sleeve, along with a small pocket option.” The instructions and pattern pieces are beautifully laid-out and designed with really wonderful details – like 2 neckband sizes for knits of different stretch (with an excellent explanation of stretch and recovery) and a condensed pattern instruction page for experienced sewists (!!!!). This is the first Chalk and Notch pattern I’ve ever used, and I would happily try another of hers again based on this quality.
The trick being that I.am.so.huge. 33 weeks of pregnancy is no joke. Delivery feels close enough that getting new clothes feels silly, but things aren’t fitting very well anymore. With a couple more months of discomfort to survive, it definitely is worth getting a few more items to wear. So, could I hack the Waterfall Raglan into a maternity top? Why yes, I can, and very easily too!
#nottwins #nopenotduetomorrow #6moreweeks
To figure out which adjustments needed to be made, I made a straight size-18 version of the top first.
The result was pretty awesome. I normally need to do all sorts of hip and length adjustments to make patterns fit, but this “muslin” is definitely wearable even without adjustments, and will help me feel beautiful as my body recovers. I love loose-fitting tops for nursing and comfort those first few months.
I did decide to add length for maternity-wear though. See how the ruffle hits practically at the peak of my stomach? yeah. We can do better than that.
In the end, I added 3 inches (front and back) at the lengthen/shorten line to drop the ruffle below my belly. (I am tall and I carry my babies fairly low, if you are of a more average height and not a grand multipara, 2 inches should do it.)
WATERFALL RAGLAN
- Pattern: Chalk and Notch’s Women’s Waterfall Raglan
- Fabrics: Nicole Miller Rayon Spandex jersey (from Jo-Ann Fabrics), and black-on-white mini-dots Polyester ITY (from Fabric Warehouse)
- Measurements: Height – 5’10”, Bust – 41 inches, Waist – quickly expanding, Hips – 50.5 inches
- Size / Adjustments (black abstract print):
- Size 18
- Lengthened front and back pieces 3 inches at Lengthen/Shorten Line.
- Lengthened sleeves 3/4 inch.
- Size / Adjustments (mini polka dots):
- Size 18, but hemmed sleeves and ruffle 3/8 inch instead of 3/4 inches.
More Tour Goodies!
Be sure to check out the rest of the “Make It Mine” pattern tour to see more amazing versions of the Waterfall Raglan!
In honor of the pattern release, Gabriela has pulled together an amazing package of patterns. Enter to win through this Rafflecopter widget.
Annnnnnd…. if you sew yourself or your little girl a Waterfall Raglan before February 12th, use the hashtag #makeitminelinkup on Instagram and enter to win FREE FABRIC from Sew Stylish!
Thanks for having me, Gabriela!
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Want to see more DIY Maternity Inspiration? Click here.
Man, I had to go look up when I would be eligible to be a grand multipara. 1 more birth, and then I’ll have arrived! You look marvelous, and I definitely think the last few weeks of pregnancy when nothing fits but buying new clothes seems silly is made a little better by sewing. It’s easier to justify sewing a t-shirt than buying one, I think. Plus I always tell myself that I can redo the side-seams, waist, hem, whatever, later. My follow-through on that intent is not super, which is why I’m wearing maternity leggings today at 10 months post-partum…
You could easily adjust the side seams on RTW too. I’m find there are a couple little fixes that tailor clothes to fit me better. 🙂 But any excuse to sew, right?
Awww Jodi you look fantastic and your hashtags are cracking me up! I love love love that flower printed one. Wow, it suits you so well!
why, thank you, Mie!
You really look so beautiful! I love all of the great photos you took 🙂 thank you for joining! XO
Thank you so much for having me, Gabriela! It was an honor to be included in such a talented bunch.
Hey Jodi, wonderful post, wonderful job! You look like you’re 27 years old. And aren’t your kids and husband the luckiest? Come on, spring!!!
awww shucks. You know how to make a friend feel good about herself, Rachel.
SO so beautiful, i love both your tops especially the floral one, it’s gorgeous!! and your hashtags 🙂
Nutella on ice cream hahaha You are so funny 🙂 Surviving the remaining weeks should be easier(hopefully) now you have these beautiful tops 🙂
I love both of these tops on you! Especially that floral one. So gorgeous.
Nutella on ice cream…you’re speaking my language. You look fabulous, Jodi! And the floral print is so pretty on you.