When I found out I was pregnant I felt fortunate to know how to sew. As a plus-sized woman it can be difficult to find well-fitting, fashionable clothes. Since learning to sew I’ve come to feel good, real good, in the clothes I make. And still do, eight months into pregnancy. I accept the numbers on the scale, those one the measuring tape and just go from there. I made some great pieces that proved to work well throughout my pregnancy and I can’t help but breathe a huge sigh of relief. Only one maternity dress didn’t make it into this stage of the baby-making process (looking at you, Simplicity 1998 ). With a combination of previously owned ready-to-wear pieces that still fit, my me-made maternity wear and a few maternity pieces I bought on sale I’ve had quite a fun time with maternity fashion.
When I found out I was pregnant I was determined to show the positive energy I was feeling in my appearance. The bright colors and flirty fashion choices continued. And here are the me-made winners that have made it with me into the third trimester.
Purple Babydoll dress from Sew U Home Stretch.
Pregnant or not, make this dress. It’s so cute and über comfy.
Red/Navy Babydoll Dress from Sew U Home Stretch
Self-drafted Circle Skirt and Colette Jasmine Blouse
Feeling sassy? Make a circle skirt and sashay about. You won’t regret it.
Refashioned Colette Ginger Skirt
I’m glad I was able to save this skirt from the donation pile. Adding a tummy band quickly made it wearable.
Stripey Skirt based on an existing maternity skirt
This skirt is my jam. I love it so much.
My favorite and most loved, the Lace and Liberty 1970 Maternity Dress
I’ve really enjoyed sewing and dressing for my ever-changing body (refashioning jeans came in handy!) and I wouldn’t do anything different if I can do it again. A good mix of RTW and me-made pieces helped me until the near end. I never overexerted myself to make more. But now, with 4 weeks to go, I’m tempted to make a few more pieces 
. But the logical thing to do is stay content with what I have and call it a complete maternity wardrobe. And make baby stuff instead
I think the circle skirt and stripey skirt are my favourites.
Good for you in embracing the body that you have. Pregnancy suits you well!
I can’t wait to see this baby!! I hope you share if you feel okay putting pics of kids on the interwebs…
What an awesome recap and a wonderful success story! It’s an inspiration that you have this many pieces that work so well for you. I bet you’re quite excited to get your sewing space back.
your circle skirts is my favourite and you look great on your clothes.
Mela, you have the most stylish maternity wardrobe I’ve ever seen…what an inspiration! I love all the pieces, but I think your circle skirt idea is so imaginative. Lovely to see you looking so well!xxx
Thanks Marie!
What a nice round up of your maternity pieces – the Liberty dress is fab as are the Sew U Babydoll dresses, how useful and pretty.
You are definitely the most fashionable mum-to-be I have ever seen! I love the striped skirt and the self-drafted ones the best. I always admire how you knew your style and just went for it. My dream wardrobe would be inspire by items from the 20s and from the 50s, 60s and 70s.
You look wonderful! I hope you get a chance to share some of the baby clothes you are working on before baby arrives
I’ve been posting my baby makes on my pregnancy blog (My Chubby Baby Bump) but I’m sure an outfit or two will make its way here
In love the whole ensemble with the circle skirt. But the stripey skirt is probably my fave — it shows off your bump so well!
You look amazing dear. So pretty. It’s not fair. My nose was all swollen at this stage, and there here you are, looking beautiful. Not fair I say. OMG you have no idea how much I missed u on Saturday. We need to Skype one of these days. Let me know when.
Aw thanks. If it makes you feel better, two weeks ago I broke out like a teenager before their first dance. Not pretty. Let’s Skype! Email me when you have a free evening. I’m pretty open.
Only four weeks left! Time really flies! I’m with you – these are all so cute, but my fave is the Liberty Dress. OK, and the purple babydoll dress!
You look so great in all those outfits! RTW maternity stores should be paying attention and taking notes! I say make baby stuff. When the baby comes, you’ll be glad you did!
I’ve started making more baby stuff. Making them can be quite satisfying because they stitch up so quickly. Fast and easy can be fun.
You look fantastic. And I love, love, LOVE that stripey skirt. I want one. You made some really awesome maternity pieces. Good luck with the next four weeks! I’ll be excited to hear about the babe!
The stripey skirt is a winner. I highly recommend it. It was super fast and easy to make. You’d look awesome in one!
Pregnant or not, your wardrobe is fab!
There is a (Aussie rules football) saying here in Oz, “the countdown to the bouncedown” and when I was a Midwife I used to say it a lot, that is definitely the stage you are at! Your use of colour and texture, your lovely tights and beautiful shoes… you are one stylish mum-to-be! Good luck and best wishes for the next month or so, hope all goes well for you, your Partner and your baby
Thank you for your lovely thoughts. I really appreciate them.
What a stylish bunch of outfits – you ended up with a great collection. You look fantastic in all of them and those babydoll dresses look so comfy. Hope you’re making some lovely stuff with those delicious looking lemons too!
My landlord generously gave us some (the bush belong to him) and we’ve used them to make lemonade. So delish, especially since it’s been a bit warm here.
You look so lovely especially in all those handmades! I especially love the circle skirt. Good luck as you move into the home stretch!
Thank you! The home stretch came too soon. Eek!
Stylish mama. You’re an inspiration! Glad to see how you’ve made an amazing maternity wardrobe to reflect how good you feel. I love every piece!
Pregnancy was not my best look, but it’s absolutely adorable on you. I was too tired to sew myself anything but one dress. Poor fabric choice resulted in a mu-mu look! Good for you.
These are really great mum-to-be looks.
Thanks. They do keep me happy
Your pregnant wardrobe is great! I love babydolls dresses, they are so cute and brilliant! But I fall in love with your Stripey Skirt outifit, I like how matches all the black and blues clothes!
Thank you. The stripey skirt is definitely one of my favorites. It’s super comfortable and so flattering. People often say not to wear stripes because they make you look bigger. I find it the opposite in the case of this skirt. It’s magical!
I love that you kept your groove! I turned into a sack-lady when I was at that stage. I think it is all about that positive energy you mention – you have injected such a lot of it into your maternity wardrobe – fab fab fab!!!
Wow! You look so glamorous! I can’t believe you’ve only 4 weeks left…this has flown by.
Thank you!
I know, right?! I think the business of the move helped speed things along
That would take your mind off of things! How are you settling in now?
Slowly but surely. We have less storage space so we’re trying to find a home for everything or give it to charity. I can see the light at the end of the moving in tunnel
You’ve done amazingly well. Hopefully you’ll be done in time for baby’s arrival.
Thank you. Me too. I get paralyzed at all that has to be done. I’m not used to clutter. Can’t wait for my mama to show up!
Clutter drives me crazy. Small steps and you’ll get there. Is mama there soon?
In two weeks! Can’t wait
I’ll bet…it will be lovely having her with you.
Now I want to make a circle skirt.
Very Nice collection. Such a fashionable mommy.
Make one. They are so fun!
I think I want to make a knit one this time, If I make it small, it should fit. My skirts always end up too big.
Lady you look lovely! And i’m so jealous of the beautiful lemon tree behind you in these pics! However i do vote for baby clothes, they’ll be good quick projects for you and i’m guessing you won’t have much time to sew for a wee while once you baby is born
)
Sassiest. Maternity Clothes. Ever. OMG I am having total wardrobe envy- you look absolutely smashing! And that stripey skirt? I need to make one of these STAT! I can’t beleive you’re at 8 months- it’s gone by so fast!
Thanks you! Time is zooming but. I want it to pause, for a a bit, so I can play catch-up. If only
You’ve got some great style, maternity and otherwise! I love the colors and silhouettes you’ve gravitated towards! I’m curious to see if you stick with fun, unusual colors for baby’s clothes!
Don’t be surprise if baby ends up wearing clothes made from remnants of some of my fabrics
How I wish I could sew my own maternity clothes like you do! The styles and colors you picked are very flattering; especially the circle skirt and the jasmine blouse. Really nice combo!
Thank you. It’s never too late to learn to sew
It’s a great skill to have.
You looks so happy and relaxed in those photo’s! The circle skirt looks fabulous, and so do the rest of the clothes.
Nice job on your wardrobe! It’s a beautiful thing that you set your sights on feeling and looking good, it totally worked.
What a great post on your thoughts. I appreciate how good you feel and the positive impact sewing has had on your life before and through pregnancy. I really like your circle skirt look.
Lookin’ just gorguss!
Oh wow – you have the best maternity wardrobe! And being pregnant looks like it suts you. I love all of it and you have made me rethink trying the Sew U baby doll dress. I still think the liberty dress is fantastic. Good luck with the next few months, I am thinking of you
xx
Thank you Debbie. Definitely give that Sew U baby doll another try. It stitches up quickly and it’s quite easy to fit. My two favorite things: fast and easy
Mellzza you are glowing and look gorgeous in your fab wardrobe. I can’t believe it’s almost time to meet bub. The time has gone so fast. Enjoy sewing for your bub. Praying all goes well for you. Enjoy.
Thank you so much. Time is definitely flying. I can’t believe it myself.
The outfit with the circle skirt looks particularly cute, but you’re adorable in all of them. You did such a great job!
Thank you.I’m so happy they are all still going strong
Melizza, your clothes, your pictures are gorgeous and you are absolutely glowing! Thanks for sharing your joy with us. I wish you all the best with the last few weeks of your pregnancy. xo
Those outfits are fantastic! You look wonderful
Thank you Gaby! I LOVED your sloth embroidery.