Tops #2 and 3

The second and third tops I made were from the same pattern, a kimono ruched-side tee that I made up based on the back piece of Butterick 5196. I liked the side-ruched T from Motherhood Maternity, but it costs about $25. I can't pay that for a T-shirt, even if it is a really big T-shirt. They do have a promotion to buy one and get one half off, but still...

I made my two for $4 and about two hours of work each. It was super easy to sew, and I really liked the way the first one turned out. I got the fabric (again) on clearance for $3 last summer. It's an extremely stretchy unknown jersey, probably cotton and/or rayon as well as spandex. I think it's cute now, but will be cuter as my tummy gets bigger.

I made the second with a few modifications because the fabric was less stretchy: I widened the bust and lengthened the back. I also narrowed the neck, since I was having a problem with bra straps showing. It didn't really work. Hm.
This fabric is a cotton (I think) jersey that I got five yards of for $5 at Wal-Mart last fall. It is very drapey where the other top was clingy, and I don't think I like it as much because of that. I may add some embellishments or something.

There you have it! I made three tops in three weeks. For about $8.50 total, may I add. Yay, me.

Top #1

For top #1, I wanted to recreate my favorite maternity top from my last pregnancy. It was an extra-large shirt that I got on clearance when Mervyn's was closing, because of its beautiful fabric. I ended up making a few modifications, and voila! Cuteness.So I made a pattern based on the purple top, then added a band on the bottom that would tie with a bow (something I saw on a maternity top someone else made and thought was extremely cute). I used a fabric that I got on clearance last summer. It is a cotton (I think) jersey with a very subtle green floral print. It took me two weeks total to complete, with several days of no sewing at all.

It worked out pretty well, though the fabric I used for the second version is not as stretchy as the original. I think it will fit until the baby comes, though. :)

A Goal

So, I've decided to actually participate in an online bloggers-make-a-goal-together-thingy. Amazing! Are you ready? I am going to do Made By Rae's Spring Top Sewalong.



I'm excited. I have a couple of maternity tops that I've been planning to make, and I'm not really doing any particular sewing project at the moment. Also, I'm feeling dissatisfied with my current maternity top selection. And even more dissatisfied with the prices to get cuter ones at a store.

So! I'm going to use the patterns and fabric that I've had sitting around, and attempt to class up my pregnancy wardrobe. And if you think it's boring to read about that...oh, well. It's not like you really expect me to post about anything very much, right?