Thursday, May 16, 2019

Maternity Sewing: True Bias Shelby Dress & Megan Nielsen Briar T-shirt

I've recently discovered the key to good maternity clothes is not wearing maternity clothes. With pants it's hard to avoid, but so many of my favorite tops and dresses have proven maternity friendly (at least for the second trimester). I tested the brand new Shelby Dress sewing pattern by True Bias a month or so ago. I was delighted to discover that it still fits even at 26 weeks pregnant! I'm a little desperate for variety after wearing the same 3-4 maternity outfits on repeat for a few weeks. 

The Shelby Dress sewing pattern has 2 lengths, 2 sleeve options, and skirt or pants options for the bottom. I made the long view b dress with the longer sleeve. It features head to toe princess seams, a back tie, and button front. The long view buttons end above the knee for a really nice slit front. 

For the fabric I wanted something with a true 90's vibe of dainty floral on a dark background (just like the one I used to borrow from my sister in high school). When I first got this swishy rayon challis floral (similar*) from Fabric.com* (affiliate link) I sort of panicked because it's not 1995 and I gave up on bold floral prints long ago. To hedge my bets, and add some layers to the maternity look, I made a Briar Top by Megan Nielsen to wear over it and make it more of a skirt/top combo. I've recovered from my print anxiety, but it's still nice to have options. 

For the Briar Top from Megan Nielsen Patterns I used a Kaufman Laguna Stretch Jersey* in Pepper from Fabric.com*. I sized up based on my measurements, but I wouldn't next time. 
I've been torn about how much time to spend (or is it waste?) sewing for my pregnant self. Pregnancy and postpartum are a moving target, and I like to invest my time and energy into garments I will get a lot of wear from.  I've decided hedging my bets with maternity friendly standard patterns is the best use of my time. 


Details:
Dress Pattern: Shelby Dress by True Bias
Dress Fabric: Floral Rayon Challis (sold out, similar*) from Fabric.com
Top Fabric: Kaufman Laguna Stretch Jersey in Pepper from Fabric.com*

*Fabric.com links are affiliate links.



9 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. I'm so tempted to pull out my original Doc Martens from 1995 to wear with this. I know I still have them somewhere...:)

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  2. Very cute maternity look! I like your take on 'reuseable' maternity clothing.
    I forgot that I purchased the Briar before I developed my fear of knit finishes. But I plan on a black summer maxi Isla dress (Made by Rae). Do you think that the Laguna jersey would be a good choice for my dream LBD??
    P.S. Congratulations on your pregnancy!

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    Replies
    1. I think the weight of the Laguna would be great, it doesn't have a ton of drape. Maybe something with some rayon or bamboo? Depends how slinky you want the dress to be!

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  3. Everywhere I look, it's 80s and 90s fashion. Crazy. I like it with the Briar top and the denim jacket. I sewed very few "maternity" things my last pregnancy, but ended up wearing those and my hand-me-down rtw maternity clothes for, ahem, years afterwards.

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    Replies
    1. Ha! I distinctly remember my sadness when I had to give up the maternity jeans with the big elastic waist. They're just so comfortable! :)

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  4. Your dress is so cool, I love the print Really beautiful look and photos! I love it!

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  6. This maternity sewing project is inspiring! The True Bias Shelby Dress looks both stylish and comfortable. Thanks for sharing this wonderful tutorial! Have a look at the modern maternity clothes online in Singapore

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