Speaking of Eric and Margaret's wedding, the girls were asked to wear yellow. Before searching online for maternity options, I knew I needed to make my dress. Afterall, chances are really slim that I'd be able to find a maternity dress that hits close to the knees with sleeves in yellow. A quick search confirmed it. NOPE. No problem though.
I found this comfy bright mustard jersey, but it was so plain. I didn't want a solid yellow dress, so I immediately thought of my friend
Miriam and her
magical stamps that she carves. She's such a sweet friend and let me borrow her geometric rose stamp (
here and
here). Isn't the design simply brilliant? Sometimes I covet her artistic genius, so it was fun to be able to borrow it for this little (ahem, big) dress.
I've been living in my jersey
shift dress that I made last year (it just stretches right with you), so I made another one with raglan sleeves. I used
Hey June's Raglan tee pattern as the base. I can't get enough of that pattern. By the end of the summer, half of my wardrobe will have raglan sleeves, I just know it.
The sewing was pretty quick, but printing took about 3 hours to do for front and back pieces. I was trying to get it done in time for Eric and Margaret's first reception, but it didn't happen. It's one of those things where I have to let go of any previous expectations or I won't be any fun. I'm glad I let go and took my time on this one.
I paired the dress for the reception with cream and gold accessories. I feel like it toned down the bright yellow while still keeping it light and summery. I believe I've worn this exact outfit a handful of times since finishing the ensemble the beginning of May.
Outfit Details:
- glasses: c/o Coastal
- earrings: Aldo
- blazer: H&M
- dress: handmade
- belt: vintage
- watch: c/o Tai Pan
- shoes: Aldo
I hemmed everything with a serged blind hem so it'll stretch with me as I do. Can you tell my face and arms have started to fill out? I can!! There's no denying that I'm pregnant anymore.
Tangent: I'm 24 weeks along now and I feel so much bigger at this point in my pregnancy than with the last two. I've certainly had my fun eating my way through Phoenix and Salt Lake this time around. I don't feel bad about it though. I'm so stoked to be growing a baby again! Also, it's been fun that Chris has kept the fridge and pantry well-stocked with ice cream and anything my baby belly desires. Since he's been home (it's been over a year since he left his job!) he's been more involved in the pregnancy. I love that. I'm terrified of the transition from two to three kids, but if I've got Chris by my side I'll be able to handle anything.
I'm officially 25 weeks along now (how is it flying by so quickly?), spending more and more time each morning scouring my wardrobe for comfortable items that will stretch with me throughout the day. I'm finding I reach for my stretchy dresses and leggings more than anything. I'm also finding that I'm running out of shirts that adequately cover my belly.
Funny how clothes that I thought would fit for my whole pregnancy are already becoming too tight/short.
To remedy that situation, I sewed up Megan Nielsen's ruched maternity shirt in a mint jersey. The mint color is a bit of a gamble for me since I'm prone to stain just about anything lighter than middle-grey. But it's such a gorgeous color I couldn't resist.
It's also such a neutral color that I can pair it with just about any of my pants (that still fit). This one-layer wonder is going to get a lot of wear this summer.
As all of Megan's patterns, this was a breeze to sew up and fit was spot on the first try. Adjustments made:
I added a raw band to the neckline and sleeve hem, then steamed the bottom hem so the knit would roll nicely. I need to launder the shirt so the sleeve and collar roll a little more, but as the hem is now, it doesn't bother me.
Chris said he liked the ruching. I do too. I've tried to sew items that will work for both maternity and postpartum, but this may be the only exception. I don't see how it will flatter post-pregnancy, because it's ruched only in the front, but I'm more concerned about comfort at this moment. The leggings will definitely be great after baby arrives, though! I live in leggings these days.
Outfit details:
Even Felix has gotten in the game.
Feel a little intimidated by the whole process? I'm including three templates that you can download at the end of the post. Perfect for putting underneath your tee and tracing.
I also went abstract with this tutorial and created a little 'x' repeat pattern on the above tee. I plan on using the same technique on a dress sometime soon. If I ever get time to work on my sewing machine. We're hoping time opens up soon now that obligations for Alt Summit are over.
Jazz up your tees for the next family reunion or youth activity with the tutorial below.
Squirt the fabric paint into a small dish or paper cup. Dilute with enough water for a cream-like consistency. I like using an eye dropper to make sure that I don't put too much water in the paint.
Generously load your brush with paint and start working on your design. You may want to go over lines multiple times for a vibrant line. Press hard on the downstrokes for a thick line and touch lightly on an upstroke for a narrow line.
Allow to dry and heat set with an iron. To save your iron from getting gummed up, use a scrap of cotton fabric or a press cloth. Enjoy!
Rad necklaces provided by 
Since Eric and Margaret live pretty close to us (for about a year Eric lived with us), we've been able to get to know Margaret really well. But for some reason, I was coming up blank when it came to the design of the invitation. I think I started 3 different designs. None of them felt quite right. Too masculine, too formal, too boring.
The other limitation was the size. We went with an A2 envelope, which left us with basically a quarter sheet. With only that much space, I had to be creative to get information for both receptions on there without looking cramped or tiny. With relying on the personality of the type and going for a simple layout, I was able to make this happen.
In this case, bride and groom had varying amount of letters in their first and middle names. This made balancing out left to right a little complicated, but the extra flourishes to the right of 'Eric' did the job.
The colors were greens and bright yellows, which are perfect summer colors, but can get a little overwhelming if you have large fields of those colors. We opted for a bright white stock and green print with little details of yellow in the printing and with washi tape.
The design and assembly of the invitation was simple, but special. I'm thrilled how it all turned out. I'm also thrilled that they got hitched, too. :)
