Made By A Fabricista: The Ultimate Secret Maternity Dress

When you find the perfect summer dress pattern that also happens to be 100% bump-friendly, you don't just celebrate—you immediately plan to make it in every single color of the rainbow.

At least, that’s the executive decision I made after sewing my first Tilly and the Buttons Mabel Dress for the Fabricista Blog.

It all started with a classic late-night scroll on the Fabric Mart website, where I fell hard for a gorgeous midnight blue cotton lawn block print. I knew I wanted an easy-to-wear, breezy summer dress that could accommodate a growing bump, but I didn't want to buy a pattern I’d only wear for a few months. So, I turned to the internet.

After researching bump-friendly patterns, the Tilly and the Buttons Mabel kept popping up. Sewists everywhere were praising it for its ability to adapt to a changing body. Could it really live up to the hype?

Now that I’ve made one, I can confidently say: Yes. Absolutely.

Here is what makes the Mabel so magical:

● The Silhouette: A gorgeous elastic neckline with a unique keyhole detail.

● The Fit: A bodice cinched with a comfy, stretchy shirred waistline.

● The Sleeves: Perfectly dramatic, puffy shirred sleeves.

● The Length: A classic, effortless midi skirt.

Because the pattern is designed for woven fabrics, it was the absolute perfect match for my dream cotton lawn. With the pattern decided, I finalized my Fabric Mart order:

● 4 yards of that stunning midnight blue cotton lawn

● 3 yards of ⅜” cotton elastic

● A large spool of Gutermann Sew All Thread in midnight

● Plus, some shirring elastic dug out from my existing stash!

When it came to cutting, I decided to play it safe and size up one size from my pre-pregnancy measurements. This pattern is incredibly forgiving and I probably would have been fine with my normal size. The design includes about 7 inches of ease in the bodice, and even more room in the waist and hips thanks to the elastic gathering.

If you hate spending hours cutting out fabric, you'll love that there are only 5 pattern pieces total. The cutting process is very fast, and the construction is incredibly straightforward. The only real time commitment? The shirring on the bodice and sleeves. If you've never used elastic thread before, don't panic! The pattern instructions walk you through the process step-by-step with brilliant tips. It takes a little patience, but watching that fabric gather up is pure magic. Before you know it, you’re crossing the finish line.

The Tilly and the Buttons Mabel Dress is easily one of the most comfortable, best-fitting non-maternity patterns I have ever encountered. Whether you’re rocking a baby bump or just want a dreamy, summer dress, this one is an absolute winner.

SHAINA | @shaina_sews

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