DIY
SEWING MATERNITY CLOTHES
By Barbara Gash
Smart-looking maternity clothes can enhance the special glow of
pregnancy. Even if you're a beginner, try sewing some for yourself and
you'll discover what fun it can be.
My first serious sewing
project--too long ago to mention--was a maternity top that looked like
a tent. Maternity clothes have become a lot more stylish since then,
with limitless fabric choices. And they are still easy to make, since
fitting is minimal. Because you wear these garments for a relatively
brief time, you needn't strive for perfection and durability. Instead,
consider it an opportunity to try new colors and creative details.
In
the first trimester, regular clothes are probably going to be fine.
Those popular long dresses and jumpers, for instance, will easily
disguise a growing tummy for a while. Then make a gradual transition to
garments with a looser fit, especially in the waist. Try an easy fit
t-shirt paired with elastic waist cotton knit capris or pants.
When
you get into the last four months or so, you'll need to buy maternity
patterns, so plan for the appropriate season. These special patterns do
follow fashion trends, and some don't look much different from regular
styles. Expectant mothers expand in five major areas--bust, waist,
hips, crotch depth (distance from waist to the seam where pant legs
meet), and front waist length. It's important to buy the same size
pattern you'd normally choose, since maternity patterns have that extra
ease built into areas where needed. Do the same alterations you
routinely make, such as shortening, lengthening, adjusting for narrow
shoulders, broad back, sleeves, etc.
In general, use light to
medium weight fabrics with at least some natural fiber in them, e.g.
cotton blends, rayon challis and lightweight wools. Knits--any
fiber--are especially comfortable. Avoid plaids, crosswise stripes and
directional prints because maternity patterns often have extra length
in the front and you don't want a distorted effect.
Pants are
a must, whatever length you like. Don't buy a larger size, or the legs
may be too wide. Instead, use a stretch panel in the tummy area and
stick with your regular size. Be sure your top is long enough to pull
down over that.
Moms-to-be in the workplace need to be
especially particular about styles and fabrics. The selection of
ready-to-wear may be limited in these garments, so "sewing your own" is
the answer.
You'll want to focus on an understated look with
clean lines. Interpreting the patterns in higher quality fabrics, solid
color or subdued print will help achieve that. Look for simplicity of
style. The jacket or tunic, paired with a skirt, can give the effect of
a business suit. A one-piece straight dress is also appropriate, or try
a jumper with crisp blouse or knit top. If the fabric is light enough,
a swingy open jacket could be layered over it. Make a few boxy blazers
or cardigan style jackets, and you'll feel just as professional as you
did before. Try to coordinate your pieces as much as possible for
maximum mileage with a limited wardrobe.
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About The Author
Barbara Gash is a Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based writer and sewing columnist for the Detroit Free Press.
