I’m thrilled to announce that my first pattern has been released. Wait, not only has it been released, but the feedback has been AMAZING. It is so inspiring to have strangers post selfies, proclaiming that the “fit couldn’t be any better” and the “sizing is spot on.” It brings my heart so much joy.
Here’s the scoop on the pattern.
It has pattern pieces and detailed directions for making a modest nursing shirt and dress.
Directions are also included to make a non-nursing shirt and dress.
For maternity modifications, I didn’t include pattern pieces (because the pattern is BIG already with all of the other options!), but I did provide explicit directions on how to alter the pattern. You can also make it maternity and nursing friendly. If you have questions or need more help, you can either email me or ask in the Facebook 5 out of 4 Patterns group.
There is information (and pattern pieces) for sleeveless, elbow length, long, and extra long sleeves. Here’s a back view too. 🙂
There is also a bonus tip on how to add ruching to the side seams. One tester added ruching to the outside of the elbow length sleeves and it was super cute too.
I made myself a nightgown using ITY knit. Unfamiliar with ITY? I had seen it mentioned in the Athleta catalog and then ran across some on sale online. I snatched it up and planned to make myself a summer dress. According to Fabric Mart Fabrics (where I bought it, I’m not at all affiliated with the company), “ITY stands for Interlock Twist Yarn. It is a method of putting a twist in yarn used for knit fabrics resulting in a more natural elasticity and a soft feel inside & out.” ITY has a fantastic drape and is definitely soft, but in lighter colors it can be a little sheer…which is why I ended up making a nightgown instead of a summer dress. I would have LOVED to have a nursing nightgown like this when my kids were still breastfeeding. (Is there a classy way of taking pictures of a nightgown?! Sorry about the selfie.)
Here is the size chart so you can see that this is a pattern that can fit a wide range of sizes and stages.
And here is an image of the knit fabric requirements. I highly recommend using a lycra blend fabric for this project. If you use something without lycra, it is likely that your shirt will be baggy by the end of the day and show more than you care to share. 😉 You need fabric that has at least 25% stretch.
Notions that are suggested, but not imperative, include a walking foot, serger, and clear elastic (if making breastfeeding version). Otherwise you just need stretch/ball point needles, matching thread, a sewing machine, and scissors/rotary cutter.
Here’s an image of the finished measurements for the different options.
Now get sewing and come show us in the Facebook group! You can buy the pattern here. Need A4/A0/copy shop versions? Just email me your receipt and I’ll send them to you.
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