I put the t-shirt on and marked how long it needed to be to cover my bust+1 inch seam, then I cut it off at that length. I make the skirt so it was hip circumference +4 inches ease by underbust-to-floor length, sewed it into a tube, then put a hem at the bottom and an elastic casing at the top. I sewed two long rectangles (about 3m long by ~5 inches wide) together to make ties in the usual sew-a-tube-then-turn-inside-out method. I sewed the skirt to the back of the shirt and oversewed at the sides for security. I topstitched the middle section of the tie to the front of the shirt, stretching the tie as I sewed to make the top gather in a bit. Then I threaded elastic through the casing, joined the ends and tried on the dress! And then I shortened the elastic by 10cm because the weight of the skirt stretched it and made it gape at the front - I think I will need to put a press-stud at the centre front to join the skirt to the top. I also made a petticoat to go underneath, since the fabric is quite see-though in the sun. Petticoat - 1 maternity bra in correct size, 1 too-big petticoat. Unpick elastic from petticoat. Unpick back seam of petticoat ~4 inches. Gather top edge of petticoat and zigzag to lower edge of maternity bra. Bingo! Maternity petticoat!I put the t-shirt on and marked how long it needed to be to cover my bust+1 inch seam, then I cut it off at that length. I make the skirt so it was hip circumference +4 inches ease by underbust-to-floor length, sewed it into a tube, then put a hem at the bottom and an elastic casing at the top. I sewed two long rectangles (about 3m long by ~5 inches wide) together to make ties in the usual ... Read full instructions »Difficulty:
1 long-sleeved t-shirt from Rivers' sale rack; long thin scraps of dark purple bamboo/elastane jersey for the ties; printed polycotton for the skirt; sewing thread; elastic
What was your inspiration?
I unexpectedly found a long-sleeve t-shirt in my size, and it was a nice light weight for a summer sun-protective outfit. I had been lamenting the un-nursing-friendliness of my existing summer dresses, and so this was the perfect solution.
What are you most proud of?
I feel very Jane Austin in it.
What advice would you give someone starting this project?
As I said above, I think it needs a press-stud in the middle to prevent the skirt pulling down and exposing my tummy unexpectedly. Especially when 10kg toddler pulls on it.
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