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 🙂
Pincushion Treats 
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…
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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. 🙂
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your circle skirts is my favourite and you look great on your clothes.
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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
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Thanks Marie!
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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.
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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.
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You look wonderful! I hope you get a chance to share some of the baby clothes you are working on before baby arrives 🙂
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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 🙂
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In love the whole ensemble with the circle skirt. But the stripey skirt is probably my fave — it shows off your bump so well!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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!
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The stripey skirt is a winner. I highly recommend it. It was super fast and easy to make. You’d look awesome in one!
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Pregnant or not, your wardrobe is fab!
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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 🙂
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Thank you for your lovely thoughts. I really appreciate them.
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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!
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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.
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You look so lovely especially in all those handmades! I especially love the circle skirt. Good luck as you move into the home stretch!
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Thank you! The home stretch came too soon. Eek!
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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!
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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.
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These are really great mum-to-be looks.
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Thanks. They do keep me happy 🙂
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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!
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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!
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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!!!
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Wow! You look so glamorous! I can’t believe you’ve only 4 weeks left…this has flown by.
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Thank you!
I know, right?! I think the business of the move helped speed things along 🙂
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That would take your mind off of things! How are you settling in now?
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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 🙂
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You’ve done amazingly well. Hopefully you’ll be done in time for baby’s arrival.
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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!
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Clutter drives me crazy. Small steps and you’ll get there. Is mama there soon?
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In two weeks! Can’t wait 🙂
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I’ll bet…it will be lovely having her with you.
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Now I want to make a circle skirt.
Very Nice collection. Such a fashionable mommy.
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Make one. They are so fun!
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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.
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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 :o)
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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!
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Thanks you! Time is zooming but. I want it to pause, for a a bit, so I can play catch-up. If only 🙂
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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!
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Don’t be surprise if baby ends up wearing clothes made from remnants of some of my fabrics 🙂
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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!
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Thank you. It’s never too late to learn to sew 🙂 It’s a great skill to have.
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You looks so happy and relaxed in those photo’s! The circle skirt looks fabulous, and so do the rest of the clothes.
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Nice job on your wardrobe! It’s a beautiful thing that you set your sights on feeling and looking good, it totally worked. 🙂
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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.
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Lookin’ just gorguss!
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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
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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 🙂
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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.
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Thank you so much. Time is definitely flying. I can’t believe it myself.
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The outfit with the circle skirt looks particularly cute, but you’re adorable in all of them. You did such a great job!
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Thank you.I’m so happy they are all still going strong 🙂
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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
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Those outfits are fantastic! You look wonderful 🙂
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Thank you Gaby! I LOVED your sloth embroidery.
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