Pattern Description:
This is a 1970's maternity dress pattern that I bought off of Ebay. I picked this one because of it's simplicity---I've never actually sewn anything even slightly fitted (to me) before, and only one skirt for me to actually wear in my normal wardrobe. Mostly I sew costumes, because it doesn't really matter if you goof up on them. Anyway, I'm rambling, but I wanted to make something fitted and for me to wear, and this was a challenging piece for me, because I had to do tons of adjustments, which I've never done before. Also it looked like it would be a cute retro dress and not too outdated.
Pattern Sizing:
So this was my first problem, the dress was size 14, bust 36. I thought that was my size, and I forgot to take into account being pregnant and the extra chest size weight gain. Oops.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, except for alterations I made.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, very simple.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I LOVED the fact that I won't have to layer anything to wear it. I'm due in August in Houston in the humidity and heat and I HATE the fact that most maternity clothes you have to layer to keep your chest covered up (at least when you have a 1 and 3 yr old fighting over your lap). I expose enough of my chest to the public for the next year while I'm nursing.  And then if they are a knee length dress they end up thigh high by the time I'm 8 months pregnant.
Fabric Used:
I used a very, very light cotton and I didn't line it on purpose to make it as light and airy as possible. Perfect for the horrible hot last few months of pregnancy. I think it was from the Lisette fabric line last summer at JoAnns.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Okay, this is where I was challenged. I used Pattern Fitting with Confidence by Nancy Zieman to adjust the bust to size 38. Then I added 2 1/2 inches to the bodice because I'm horribly long waisted (19 inches neck to waist measurement) and added a 1/2 inch to the shoulders since I'm broad shouldered too. I had to lower the bust dart and make a 1" FBA for my D cup pregnancy size. And I added 4" to the length of the skirt so it wouldn't be to my thighs by the time I was 9 months along since I'm fairly tall--5'9". Oh, and I changed the pointy 70's collar to more of a Peter Pan type collar. I followed all the directions in the book, and drew out the new patterns on tissue paper, and what do you know? It all worked. I am very, very happy with it. This opens a whole new world in sewing! I didn't bother to try to match the fabric pattern up at seams, because I didn't really care and I had barely enough fabric for the dress as it was. Oh, and my invisible zipper, didn't turn out to be so invisible. But it's nice and neat, so that's all right.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yeah, I totally would. But right now I have three other vintage maternity dress patterns calling my name.
Conclusion:
Once again, I love that I don't have to layer and that it actually fits me! And I can wear this with my red heels. What could be more perfect?
**As a side note, I liked this dress even better when I was 8-9 months pregnant. I think the fit looked much better with my big huge belly.
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Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
Lovely! My daughter was pregnant during the same months last year. I had a difficult time finding maternity patterns. Your dress is really nice.
2/25/12 4:21 AM
This is so flattering and " ladylike"! you look radiant! Kudos for working out all of the adjustments!
2/25/12 7:53 AM
How cute!
2/25/12 7:56 AM
Looks like a great pattern. Congratulations on your fitting success.
2/25/12 8:01 AM
Wow you look so adorable. Am off to have another look lol.
2/25/12 8:02 AM
Looks so cute on you! Love it.
2/25/12 9:25 AM
So cute on you! Congratulations on your dress and pregnancy!
2/25/12 11:17 AM
Darling dress and it looks as though it will be comfortable in hot weather.
2/26/12 9:09 PM
Pretty dress, the contrast collar and button detail really lifts the print.
2/29/12 6:33 AM
Nice job!
3/3/12 11:47 AM
Nice job!
3/3/12 11:47 AM
I love it. Great fabric, too.
3/3/12 10:30 PM
Very pretty and sounds like it's much more practical than what's on offer in RTW! The fit looks great, and I love the print and contrast collar (and shoes)!
3/4/12 3:16 PM
Great job. I like your interpretation better than the pics on the pattern envelope.
3/4/12 11:37 PM
So cute! Are those functioning buttons? If so, this could even be worn as a nursing dress for the first couple of postpartum months. Great job!
12/5/12 3:10 AM