Sorry readers, I've been away from the internet but I haven't had the baby yet! I've just been so busy with last minute preparations that I've been ignoring the blog. And because I recently changed the way my comments are handled, I didn't realize I had so many comments pending from the curious among you (usually they go straight to my email inbox)!
This is the first weekend in months that I don't have a birth or parenting class to attend. And yesterday was my last day at work (for a few months anyway). I feel like a free woman... I just hope this little girl lets me have at least a few days to enjoy nesting at home before making her appearance.
I finally got around to taking pictures of a few more of the maternity garments I've made. This Patrones blouse has actually been a favorite.
This Jucca maternity tunic pattern was included in the 268/Extra issue, back when Patrones regularly included a maternity spread in most of their issues (although Melissa has just informed us that there is a maternity t-shirt in the 289/Extra issue).
38 weeks
Fabric
Chartreuse textured silk charmeuse from the Vera Wang Lavender Label collection, purchased June 2009 from Fabric.com. I used the matte side of the fabric (not the shiny side) as the right side - in some light the shininess was okay and in other light it was just too much, considering I wanted something appropriate for day as well as night.
Notes on construction/alterations
I made a muslin using a sheer cotton, as I originally thought I'd make this blouse in a cotton voile or lawn, as was used in the model photo. I found it looked a bit too stiff, so that steered me towards a more fluid fabric for the final garment.
This blouse features two drawstrings that meet at the upper bust, and a drawstring that winds around just below the belly. To form the drawstring casings, I stitched ivory Hug Snug rayon seam binding to the inside of the garment - much easier than forming casings out of charmeuse.
The pattern also included drawstrings at the sleeve hems, but I figured those would be more bothersome than not, so I finished the sleeves with a simple band.
Conclusion
I have mixed feelings about the drawstrings at the upper bust, I don't think it's the most flattering placement; putting them just under the bust like an empire waist would be another option.
Overall, this has been a great blouse for dressing up a bit during pregnancy. I pretty much live in knits, so it feels nice to wear something silky and somewhat sophisticated every now and then.
10 comments:
You look great!
You top looks wonderful on you and I like the color.
The tunic is lovely! I have yet to get my hands on any Patrones, as the store in NYC, Around the World, that used to carry them doesn't anymore.
And I so hear you--I'm got at least 7 more weeks to go before the little girl arrives... but won't end up finishing my mini-wardrobe contest entry on time due to all the childbirth classes, breastfeeding class, newborn care class, birth center orientation, infant CPR class... today was baby-wearing class.
You look fantastic Christina . Your blouse is such a lovely colour it really compliments your dark hair .
You look great! All the best for the weeks ahead, and I hope bubs lets you have a few, last weeks to yourself.
Beautiful blouse and perfect for later breastfeeding, I'd say!
What a pretty blouse! I hope you enjoy your last few days before your sweetie arrives. You look fabulous!
I really like this top! I have enjoyed reading about your maternity sewing and it has given me plenty of inspiration for myself. Soon you will be making all sorts of little girl clothes!
So cute!
As always, I love what you made, but what I really wanted to say is that I'm so glad you decided to take parenting classes in addition to the birth ones! So many people fail to appreciate how difficult parenting is, or assume that it'll come to them naturally. I read several parenting books, and they helped me greatly. You are obviously a very smart person!
Beautiful tunic and nice color for you, too. You look great!
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