DIY Maternity Clothes- Cottons
This is the last batch of maternity DIY, although there is just one more little party dress I'll be showing off a bit later. These are all of the cottons I sewed for my daughter-in-law, who is now 6 months along!
This first little polka dot number was intended to be a dress, but as with a few other projects I just didn't anticipate how short they would become with a growing belly! So more than a couple have turned into tops instead of dresses! Lesson learned :)
A simple little black fabric sash makes this plain cotton blouse just adorable.
This fabric remnant has been waiting for just the right project to come along and I think the sheer light fabric and cheerful colors are perfect for pregnancy. I followed a non-maternity pattern and added additional width to the front panel, then gathered it before sewing to the bust piece. I also added a bit of front length to cover the growing belly. Everything else it true to pattern, and I especially love the flutter sleeves.
The hot pink sash wraps around twice and can be tied at the front, side or back.
Not sure if this was breaking a spending fast rule, but if so....oops! I found the sparkly fabric on sale and needed just a yard to make this top. It's super sheer and lightweight and works great with leggings. Again I used a non maternity pattern for a simple shirt, adding extra width and length to the front and gathering for fullness above the waist.
This same black sash works for several outfits!
This mens shirt stripe is so summery, and the simple attention to detailing makes it not-so-ordinary. The pattern was non-maternity, and the only thing changed was extra material and gathers around the tummy area.
It has an interesting non-symmetrical ruffle detailing that I love. One little ruffle along the right waist and another along the left shoulder.
This last cotton shirt was a make-over. I fell in love with the fabric on a balloon sleeve top at a little boutique years ago and bought it on sale, but it never quite fit right. I decided to cut off the sleeves and take out the waistband to make it maternity.
To remove a waistband, simple cut it out above and below, staying as close as possible to the original seam line. Then sew the shirt bottom back on to the shirt top, matching the side seam lines, gathering the front if necessary to match them up. I actually removed the gathers on this one to make more room in front.
I love the little collar tie detailing at the top. When I cut the sleeves off I decided to leave the frayed ends instead of hemming them up nicely. I like the frayed effect and it's one less step to making this over.
As you can see from many of these tops and dresses, everything maternity just seems to be way cuter with a belt or tie above the waistline. Don't have a great collection of belts? The thrift stores are full of them!