A wonderful day to you all dear Hivers, I'm always filled with excitement being opportune to share my sewing crafts with this vibrant community that has so many talented creatives sharing with us diverse wonders of their creations.
Whenever I create a solution to a problem or worry through my sewing skills, it gives me more joy than any other thing, I feel like I'm actively proffering a solution especially when many people might not even be aware of such a problem till they get faced with it.
I had a sister in my local church reach out to me about wanting a comfortable dress she can adorn for her forthcoming child dedication ceremony, she is a first-time mum, and as expected a nursing mum as well. One issue nursing mums face transitioning into parenthood is finding the right dress that is comfortable to nurse with, she has been at home for about two months and would like to resume church, she misses being physically present in the church and also, a child's dedication ceremony involves special prayers for the newborn, it's our custom here, some churches even go as far as baptizing the baby on same day.
I suggested she make a skirt and blouse, though I know she does not like wearing skirts, especially straight skirts, "can't I make a gown that would somehow still allow me breastfeed", of course, I was expecting this question from her, as this isn't my first time sewing for her, considering the amount of fabric she also had, which is just 2 and a half yards of lace, I had to proffer a better solution that satisfies both mother and child.
"What about a tube dress" I asked, and after giving it a thought for some seconds, she agreed, as it would be easy for her to breastfeed with a tube dress, all she had to do was carry a nursing cover, being a mom doesn't mean you have to totally give up on your style and personality. Being a mum myself, I know how she feels.
Materials used
- lace fabric
- Satin fabric
- White thread
- Tulle
- Zipper
Cutting And Sewing Process
- I started by drafting the upper side of the dress using a bustier pattern, the satin fabric serves as the base of the lace fabric
- Next, I joined the bustier patterns and also turned the chest area with its lining piece
- For the back pattern, I held in the dart instead of dividing it into two different patterns
- Continuing, I joined both font and back by their sides, using her measurement as a guide
- sadly I couldn't get a sharp white tulle as I forgot to carry the lace fabric along with me to the market, I thought it would blend, only to see it was duller than the lace fabric itself, someone suggested I could still bleach it white, so maybe I'll give it a trial. I pleated the tulle on the front part of the dress, it's about 2 yards, I just let the extra length flow to the back, giving it a bridal look.
- For the lower part of the dress, I drafted it using a straight skirt pattern I pleated the tulle on the front, holding it with some tiny pearls at the middle, and also joined it by the sides.
Finally, I joined both the upper and lower part of the dress by the waist and also attached a zipper at the back for easy slip-on.
And here is the final look, now everyone thinks it's a bride's dress. The new mum absolutely loves her dress, minimalistic in styling as she prefers, a gown, and still functional for her as a nursing mum providing her baby with the nutrition he needs even at church.
All images used in this post are mine
Thank you for reading❤❤