Made By A Fabricista: What to Wear?

What to wear? Do you ever find yourself standing in your closet asking yourself what to wear? Lately, I’ve been struggling due to my changing body and the changing seasons. I’m halfway through my second pregnancy, and it seems like most of my clothing just isn’t working for me. With Spring just beginning, it isn’t warm enough to wear most of the bump-friendly dresses I made during my last pregnancy. I’m no longer able to wear regular pants, and most tops are unflattering. So what do you do in this situation? If you are a seamstress, then you sew your way out of the “what to wear” hole.

Since I have a couple of pairs of store-bought maternity pants, I figured my priority should be to make a couple of bump-friendly tops. After falling in love with two different rayon challis fabrics on the Fabric Mart website, I placed an order and started planning. With a lovely royal azure, white, and gray rayon watercolor floral-print challis, I would make an Ellie and Mac Patterns Shantelle Shirred Top with beautiful long sleeves. With queen blue rayon crinkle challis, I would make a Victory Patterns Sofia Top.

 Both tops have some fun design elements, without them being overly structured for my growing bump. The Ellie and Mac Shantelle Shirred Top pattern has options to make the top open and flowy, or to add shirring or elastic to the waist for a more fitted, peplum-style top. The sleeves can also be made with shirring or elastic channels for a fun sleeve effect. The Victory Patterns Sofia Top is also a very customizable top pattern, perfect for body-changing sewing. When these top patterns are paired with rayon challis fabric, they are the perfect choice for spring layering and summer warmth to come.

First, I made the Shantelle Shirred Top pattern in the beautiful watercolor floral challis. I opted for the open body without any shirring at the waistline to make the top more pregnancy-friendly. I cut out the top in a medium-sized bust and graded out to a large waist and hip to give myself extra space to grow. I love that I can go back postpartum and add a couple of lines of shirring to the waist to give the top a more fitted shape later on.

The long sleeve has two elastic channels which give it a dramatic yet romantic vibe. I love that the sleeves of the top can be worn two ways. Wear them long when it's cool outside, or pushed up into a three quarter length when its warmer for a fun dramatic puff effect. The top was a very quick and easy sew, and the open style of the bodice is perfect for maternity and other body changes.

Second, I made the Sofia Top in the blue crinkle challis. I made the dress version of this pattern years ago, and I’ve done quite a few shirring projects, so I knew what to expect before making this top. If you are new to shirring, Victory Patterns gives some really helpful tips and instructions inside the pattern to help you master the skill. There is even a troubleshooting section to help if you aren’t able to get the shirring to work. I really can’t praise this pattern company enough for helping people master the art of shirring!

To make the top fit my body, I cut out a size 8 bodice and lengthened it by an inch.  I only added shirring to the bust area. This makes the top more of an empire-style, opening the waist and hip for growth. I sewed 11 lines of shirring stitches on the bodice front and back which ended right at the bottom of the bust. The bodice is hemmed with a simple line of overlocking to finish the raw edges. I didn’t want to turn over the hem and risk shortening the bodice length. 

In the past, when I made the Sofia dress, I made the cap sleeve with an elastic puff shoulder. While this sleeve is pretty, I did not find it very practical for wearing with a bra. My bra straps always showed, and having to wear a strapless bra with the dress stopped me from wearing it. This time around, I decided to make a more bra-friendly shoulder strap with a fun ruffle to make the top more wearable.

I’m thankful that my two recent Fabric Mart makes will be so versatile for the remainder of my pregnancy. These two new tops will eliminate the time I’m spending in my closet these days! The Shantelle Top with sleeves long or pushed up make it perfect for spring. The Sofia Top will be my summer staple when the weather is super hot. Thanks to Fabric Mart, I can stop wondering what to wear!

SHAINA  | @shaina_sews