So I am 14 weeks pregnant with my second child. Luckily, I am about a month earlier to the due date of my first, so I have a lot of clothes that I can use again. However, this being my second pregnancy I started showing almost immediately, so it appears that I need more winter-spring transitional pieces this time than I did last.
Searching for cute affordable maternity clothes either in stores or online is practically impossible. You are faced with either cheap ugly things, boring simple things, or lovely, gorgeous, unique pieces that cost more for one item than your entire wardrobe. I have had a little bit of luck with sale items from
Lauren Kiyomi, and
Old Navy is perfect for everyday tees, tanks and jeans, but I still cannot locate that perfect maternity brand that fashions beautiful, affordable, and special items for expecting mommies.
At my wits-end , I decided to take matters into my own hands; literally. I have been working away the past few weeks knitting my own original, custom designed transitional maternity pieces JUST FOR ME! (And I haven't made a thing to sell.) Whenever I design garments I almost always work off of an ancient top-down raglan sweater pattern using it as a guide for shape and sizing. Plus: No seaming, no sewn in sleeves; yay! Please forgive the photos that I had to take of myself. Also please bear in mind that this is not necessarily the context under which I would wear these pieces.
The first is a puffed, capped-sleeve bolero in this fabulous pine green:
Second is this slightly cropped one-button (button yet to be added) cardigan with 3/4 kimono sleeves:
And finally, the bottom edge of what is sure to be the most fabulous maternity baby doll/tunic ever. I promise to share as soon as it is finished. Both the baby doll and cardigan above were knitted using
Blue Sky Alpacas Dyed Cotton; my most favorite yarn for garments.
Enjoy! And if you just have to have one or more for yourself, I might be willing to take commissions...
If I hadn't taken this picture of myself, the shirt would read "Flower Child"
Enjoy! And if you just have to have one or more for yourself, I might be willing to take commissions...
Although there is some controversy over the name "Hooter Hiders," I actually own and have used this cover-up by Bebe au Lait. Stylish, affordable and available in a variety of colorful patterns, in cotton, silk, or organic linen. But I must admit that it doesn't breathe all that well in warmer weather and is a bit, shall we say, flimsy in the breeze...still works, though. ($35-42)
This one is seriously called the Slurp & Burp! Double-layered and appears to be a bit less cumbersome and perhaps more secure than the "Hooter Hiders". ($36)
This Hot Sling baby carrier is not technically a nursing cover-up, but it can double as one if used to carry a very small baby, and of course with the appropriate nursing apparel. Again, this product is one that I both own and have used. It is very easy and comfortable, but alas my son never took to it. Available in a number of colors, patterns, and fabrics. Even in reversible and organic hemp styles. ($48-60).
And lastly, for those of you who are committed to supporting handmade, I found this custom nursing cover from etsy seller Lollipopdesigns. It appears to be based on more or less the same sort of design as the "Hooter Hiders." Again, a variety of fabrics are available to choose from. ($19.99)
