Same delusions, now with more detail!
My mind is still productive, even if my body is no longer capable of multitasking. It seems that finishing up this whole gestating thing takes all my physical energy. I still haven't finished the curtains for the nursery. Whatever.
A few more sleepless nights have further defined my plans for sewing my post-partum summer wardrobe. I'd like to get obsessed with sewing projects to make the last few weeks of waiting pass more quickly, but I'm a little hesitant to commit to making anything truly special. I have no idea what my measurements will be or how fast they will change. I'm not even sure that the whole breastfeeding thing is going to work, and I'd hate to put a lot of effort into clever bodice modifications if I don't need to. Solution: Start with easy wrap skirts, move on to adjustable wrap dresses, and then go for the spiffy dresses, working from the most adjustable/forgiving pattern to the least adjustable.
Curses! Foiled again! I had nice descriptions of my plans for each pattern/fabric combination all written up and Blogger ate it when I tried to tidy up the formatting. I don't feel like re-typing it, so you'll have to use your imagination. Here's what didn't disappear...
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I have big plans for Simplicity 8125 (above). Not only is it an easy-fitting empire-waist wrap dress, it's completely reversible! I'm going to use its potential for being reversible to put some scraps from the shower curtain fabric to use. The fabric is a white mod-ish floral with varying degrees of transparency. I'll use a solid cotton in a bright color for the reverse so the white flowers really pop against the shades of color that show through the sheer areas. I'm thinking about coral, turquoise, orange, green or basic black (not actually the fabrics in the picture above - those are candidates for the wrap skirt). Any suggestions?
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For Simplicity 2590 (above), I think I'm going to modify it to be separates. I'll make the tops longer and skip the elastic. Instead, I'll make a matching fabric belt/tie to gather the waist. I'll use the smooth hip yoke and the elastic waistline for the skirt. And I'll do it all in white linen lined with white batiste! I know, the white is impractical for taking care of a barfing, pooping baby. But! I can also use the skirt as a swamp-ass-proof slip under The Fluffer when I'm wearing swishy dresses. And a cool white blouse or two will be a useful addition to my wardrobe of brightly-colored wrap skirts. I like the tie-neck halter, but I don't think it's very compatible with nursing bras. I can't decide if I'm girly enough for the fluttery sleeves, or if I should go with the gathered short sleeves and risk the sausage arm effect. Opinions?
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McCall's 5898 (above) is one for The Fluffer. My plan is to make it up in this lightweight linen blend with an embroidered floral border at the hem. For nursing access, I'll use snaps to secure a flip-up front bodice to the waist and side seams, hidden behind the midriff "tied" section. The bodice lining and/or breastfeeding-friendly under-bodice panel will be made from yellow batiste. I'm ridiculously excited about this one. I hope I get it done before summer is over!
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I'm a little undecided about Simplicity 3744 (above). I think my fabrics are right for the pattern, but I'm not sure the dress shape will be kind to my poochy post-partum body. I've had this fabric (cotton with 3% stretch) in my stash for this dress for a long time, but now I'm having doubts. This one is at the bottom of my to-do list. What do you think?
10 comments so far. Please leave one!:
I think you have some great plans!!! Can't wait to see them all come together!
Great plans, and a word about post-partum, I went with making vintage wrap dresses for afterwards and build in a bit more at the waist so you have some wiggle room if you are having a bloated day, also check out Sandra Betzina's Power Sewing for hints about making wrap skirts a little bit wider for extra coverage, for your security and peace of mind. It helped me!
I didnt realize how much fabric you had cached! No wonder you have so many Joanne's coupons! ha
I like coral or turquoise with the shower curtain fabric. Something bright, cheery & fun.
A
Great dress patterns!
Love, love the yellow fabric with flowers at the bottom and that gorgeous green leaf print!
I've seen (and coveted) the grey vintage dress with the colorful daisy stripes. Stunning.
Kimberly :)
On 2590 - I would definitely go with the girly sleeves. I don't think think elastic gathering flatters.
i also like the idea of orange under the shower curtain fabric. If you wear the floral side - the white over orange will render some pretty peachy shades. If you flip it - the solid orange will turn heads.
My only note on post-partum and breast feeding: be kind to yourself and choose your fabrics with laundering in mind. Between you and Henry, you're going to get some daily stains, and you want to be able to get them out without worrying over delicates.
oh my your due date is right around the corner. I love all the dresses and fabrics in your plan. Best wishes to you & your family!
My baby is now 14 months old. It seems like my size changed every few weeks as I slowly whittled back down to my normal size. I guess it took close to a year; so I think you're right choosing syles at first that will change with you and be forgiving.
I especially love the yellow fabric with the flowers at the bottom. And I really think you should go with the flutter sleeves. It will look so much nicer. You are a very pretty girl, and it will accentuate that natural beauty. I'm currently remembering how much I loved you in the cloud dress.
I like the idea of having a sewing plan. I should make one myself. I can't wait to see these sewn up.
God speed!
www.sewingwithtrudy.blogspot.com
I love the idea of orange under the shower curtain fabric (who am I kidding, I just love the idea of orange - not enough people can pull it off, those who can, should!). McCall's 5655 must be the "new" version of Simplicity 8125 - I bought the McCall's pattern the other day at JoAnn's and now I'm wishing I had the Simplcity version - SO MUCH COOLER!
hello there. am stalking your blog via the Vintage Pattern Wiki (you had wishlisted one of MY FAVORITE VINTAGE PATTERNS, EVER). I've sewn that McCalls wrap skirt a couple of times and I love it, it's quick and easy and does have sort of a vintage early-80s feel when it's all made up. My bit of advice: instead of a button on the inside to hold it closed (on the opposite side from the tie), make an internal tie from some bits of twill tape or bias tape or whatever you have lying around. That gives you some 'give' with the fit in the waist, which with a new baby (Congrats!) you'll probably want. I wore that skirt like crazy one summer when I was newly pregnant and not only could no one tell, I didn't have to sweat my butt off in the one pair of maternity jeans I could fit into at the time.
Good luck!
P.S. I love your ideas for making a non-nursing dress into one with boob access. I always look at patterns like that and think they could be converted fairly easy, but then my inherent laziness wins out and I go "Aw the heck with it, I'll just wait until the kid is weaned."
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