Now,  I take the risk of boring you, but I couldn’t resist post the new photos Nitzan took of my favorite retro maternity swimming suit.

The pattern is from one of those oldies 70s burda magazines, and the fabric and lining are Lycra.   It’s extremely comfortable and I love it.

The original post can be found here.

One word about the bra pad. It took me a while to figure out how to do it…

What I eventually did, which is very simple when you think about it, was after I sew the lining I put it on me, pinned the padding in its place above the lining and then machine stitched the lower part of the padding to the lining. piece of cake!

I had no idea I look like this… not until I saw the pictures my friend Teressa took on the beach.

But, I guess that’s called being pregnant. it’s just that… my belly and buttocks are enormous comparing to my legs which somehow remained skinny, and it looks funny.

Anyway, this is my new retro maternity bathing suit. It’s very comfortable and I love the fabric. I’ve made it using a pattern from a 40 something years old burda. The pattern is not originally maternity, but it’s size 46 and luckily it fits (Lycra…)

As for the behind views, I’ll spare you the close ups

I’ve drafted this pattern from a basic sloper. It was very easy – just got rid of the darts, added the pleats and used a bias strip for the collar. I will try to upload the pattern (along with the  60s maternity dress pattern) as soon as I get near a scanner (or perhaps I’ll finally buy one).

The fabric is such a delicate cotton, it almost feels as silk. If you happen to be in Israel, you absolutely HAVE to go to the fabric district in Tel Aviv.  For me, it’s just 10 minutes drive from home, and there are about 25 fabric and notions stores on the same street (Nachlat Binyamin). You can find really good expensive stuff, but you can also find designer outlet fabrics for really cheap prices like the Miss Sixty’s one I used for my 60s maternity dress (2.5$ per meter) or 2$ for the whole piece of fabric I used for this top.

Next post I’ll show you my latest fabric bargains from last week (have to take photos…)

I decided on the burda 03/2012 front knot dress, the longer version, because this fabric calls for a long dress…

Of course I said to myself, no way this dress needs 5+ meters of fabric, it must be one of those burda exaggerations.

After hours of copying the pattern pieces (you need to glue several big sheets of papers together), I found out indeed my 3 meters are not enough…

So, quickly, before I loose the moment of actually sitting down and sewing, I shortened the pattern and used another fabric from my stash.

The beautiful fabric will have to wait for another long dress…

This fabric is jersey, so I had to take it down one size and also take the shoulders further in.

It is very flowy and comfortable, and I used a very thin netting for the lining so it’s not too heavy for the summer.

Closeup…

Tummy posing…

Just happy…

Now, you might think what a lovely, delicate, English Rose she is.

However,  she’s rather hyper active, sweet and full of life and happiness!

Seconds before the dress was soaking wet…

The top part of the dress and the sleeves are from Fait Main 353, the bottom part is just a rectangle (what was left of the fabric).

I’ve used the Burda 02/12 maternity pants pattern:

but didn’t like the skinny hem, so altered it to be more flared. this is really easy to do! you just continue the hemline to both directions by the amount of “flariness” you want it to be (I’ve added 4 cm in each side) and then connect the knee mark with the new hem.

I’ve also added  pockets. Isn’t it annoying to not have pockets?? especially when you’re embarrassed and need somewhere to comfortably place your hands…

There is no rule for drafting pockets, except that your hand should comfortably slide in and that it’s big enough inside for your hand.

After drafting the pocket, I copied three pieces: the pocket facing, the pocket lining and the new front.

When sewing the pockets, first join the front and pocket facing pieces, right side to right side on line “a”. then cut the seam allowance in some places so that it’s easier to fold back. fold it left to left. join the pocket facing and the pocket lining on line “b”. baste the front piece to the pocket facing on lines “c”.

In general, I don’t moan at all about the pregnancy… It’s just that I’ve been going to a Pattern Drafting course for about 6 months… and just now, when we’ve finally learned how to design and draft interesting and fitted dresses and trousers…  I can’t really because of my belly.

So anyway, I designed this dress, at least it fits my upper bodice. and is cute, I think

If someone is interested, I can try and upload the pattern. The size is about 40 (burda sizes).  Please write to me if you do.

It’s a boy! and his current name is Nooshnoosh.

I was so busy with the wedding and pregnancy tests so I didn’t have any time left for sewing

Luckily, I’ve made this tunic a few months ago and it fits perfectly as a maternity wear.

The pattern is from Burda 08/11 #116. I’ve added the belt which accentuate the high waist.

It was very easy and I plan to make a few more of these. (plannings, plannings…..)

Next post -  a 60′s maternity dress I’ve designed and drafted myself. (I only need to photo shoot it)

this threesome is all very soft and quite sheer jersey. I think they will be perfect for tops.

I love this print and the fabric feels great. It’s a cotton blend I think.

This one is linen – perfect for a summer dress! There’s a “Miss Sixty” text printed on it. I wonder if it’s truly a Miss Sixty original fabric…

well… all those beautiful fabrics cost about 2.5$ (US) per meter. so I guess it’s not so bad… if only I had the extra room to place them…

Just like all good things, this one began as a mistake.

When I bought this fabric, I didn’t realize that there was not enough to make my favorite wrap top pattern from burda 11/11.  So I just threw the fabric in the pile. but then it happened to fall just next to a nice lace fabric I still hadn’t figured out what to do with. And then it hit me to combine them  together.

I slashed the front pattern in two using a french curve, so that the lace would be used for the neck edges and integrated back top.

On a second thought, I probably should have made the slashing line more flat and make it start in the front mid arm hole instead of in the shoulder… but that’s for next time

What line do you think is  better?