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Sunday 26 August 2012

Sewing for TWO ... (Burda 7739)

Julia Bobbin, Burda 7739, Maternity dress

Hello young lovers!

You may or may not have noticed that I have been a little absent from the blogging world as of late.
There's a reason.

I've been spending the bulk of my sewing time sleeping, eating for Australia, fighting nausea, growing pimples (apparently I'm going through puberty at 30) and feeling a bit fuzzy in the head.

No I'm not sick ... (or going through puberty)

I'm pregnant!

Julia Bobbin, Burda 7739, Maternity dress

That's right, Robin and I are high-fiving each other (and strangers - awkward) on a daily basis  and we're ridiculously excited. Though I think Robin's convinced that I'm going to give birth to a sewing machine instead of a human.

I'm currently 19 weeks pregnant and I'm finally starting to get my energy and creative drive back.
I think that Ms. Oona Balloona was onto something with her theory that our creativity peak correlates to when we ovulate. A fabulously interesting blog post. Seeing as my ovaries have gone into hibernation for nine months and my bossy hormones have kicked in, my creative quality was about level with a kindergartener doing finger painting. With their eyes closed. Without any fingers.

But as the draining first trimester is fading away in the distance, I am finding my back up reserve in creative skills and getting back into the sewing room. Oh Lordy!

Julia Bobbin, Burda 7739, Maternity dress

And so here is my latest dress with the assistance of Butterick 7739.

Julia Bobbin, Burda 7739, Maternity dress

The shapes and dresses that I usually make are made to accentuate my small waist. Now that my waist is expanding on a daily basis I am faced with a bit of a problem. What the #$% am I going to make?

Hello empire waist lines! This Burda pattern is not a maternity pattern but works perfectly for a tummy that is starting to resemble a house. In fact I've made a dress with this pattern before. Remember this dress?

Julia Bobbin, Burda 7739, Maternity dress

This time I made the dress in a thick wool crepe that I purchased from Mood Fabrics on my recent trip to New York. I love sewing with wool crepe. It's like crack cocaine for my sewing machine; Janome just loves it.

Julia Bobbin, Burda 7739, Maternity dress

I love the simple vintage signatures of this dress with the peter pan collar.

Julia Bobbin, Burda 7739, Maternity dress

I added a rick-rack trim to the border of the collar and the skirt hem for a little bit of cutesy-ness. And let's be honest, who doesn't love blue and white together. It adds a bit of the nautical to the look. I added a gorgeous brooch to the dress, given to me by the wonderful Ruemiraldi store which compliments the vintage look nicely.

Julia Bobbin, Burda 7739, Maternity dress

Sewing a garment again is like a breath of fresh air for me. It's so nice to be back in the sewing room! This dress also gives me confidence that just because I am cooking a sweet little baby in my belly, I don't have to compromise on my vintage style.

 Julia Bobbin, Burda 7739, Maternity dress

    

109 comments:

  1. the breast pump lady (Carole Arndt)26 August 2012 at 10:35

    Congratulations!

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  2. WOW! Big congrats Julia - how humungously exciting! I must admit... I was suspicious this might have been the reason for your blogosphere absence. I couldn't be happier for you! And a gorgeous dress to boot!

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    1. Thanks so much Mel! Robin and I are very excited, and I'm also looking forward to the sewing challenge of a growing bump! x

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  3. How exciting!! Congratulations to you both!!

    This dress is absolutely adorable! Love the collar and the trim. Oh, and the fabric. What's not to love about wool crepe!? Welcome back to the sewing world :-)

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  4. Congratulations to you and Robin! You look absolutely stunning, and I love the little rickrack trim - I'm never quite game to use in on my clothes for fear of it being too cutesy, but I might have to borrow this idea :) xx

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    1. I know what you mean Megan, I'm a recent rick-rack convert. It's my first attempt and I'm pleased with how it turned out x

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  5. congratulations!

    and i must say, i love the way you used the rick-rack! to me it can look a little out of date or cheap on a lot of garments, but the way you incorporated it is just perfect!

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  6. So happy for you both. That is a cute dress. Love the rick-rack. It has added the perfect touch. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy.

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    1. Thanks Trudy! Let's hope I don't go too crazy with the trim and start Rick-racking everything I make!

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  7. Congratulations! You look very pretty in your new dress!

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  8. Congrats! Very exciting news. Now you will be able to have fun sewing adorable baby clothes as well! Looking forward to see what you come up with.

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    1. Oh it's king to be lots of fun! Sort of like making dolls clothes :) thanks Bridget

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  9. Congratulations on your forthcoming tiny person! How exciting! And this dress is pregnancy fab. Love it!

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  10. Utterly adorable! and CONGRATULATIONS! how exciting, I have a feeling your going to make maternity wear super cool :) x

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    1. Thanks Molly Katherine! It's definitely going to be a sewing challenge, but I'm looking forward to it. Thanks so much for your comment :)

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  11. Wonderful news! At at 24 weeks, I know exactly what you've just been going through. Look forward to more pregnancy patterns!

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    1. Oh well done Erin! Looks like our babies are going to be very close in age!

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  12. Congrats! What fabulous news :) are you going to have vintage style baby clothes too?

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    1. You betcha. I can't help myself! Thanks Sarah :)

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  13. Congratulations! :-) Love the dress as well - looks fabulous.

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  14. Congratulations! Cute dress, too!

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  15. Yay, congrats! What great news! Love the dress-- it's absolutely adorable!

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  16. Congrats!! Wowzers :-D The next few months will be interesting then! I trust you've been reading Veronica Darling's blog about her pregnancy too?
    Lovely dress as well! Blue and white is a perfect colour combination.

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    1. No but I will be now, thanks for the reference! x

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  17. Congratulations, lady! How exciting! I bet you're going to make some ridiculously adorable preggers wear! Can't wait to see it.

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    1. Thanks Tina! I'm looking forward to the new sewing challenge

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  18. Wow congratulations! Enjoy the journey and looking forward to seeing what you sew!

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  19. Congratulations to all of you!! You are glowing :-)

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  20. Pregnancy has never boon so stylish! Felicitations!

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  21. Oh my god, that's amazing! Congratulations! You are glowing, and that dress is fantastic, I can't wait to see your wonderful beautiful baby!

    strugglesewsastraightseam.wordpress.com

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  22. Welcome Back ms bobbin. We missed you! x

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  23. Congratulations! :D
    Soon you'll enjoy the delights of sleeping disorder, constant desire of changing diapers... and sewing / shopping for someone else even when you're decided to spend money on yourself! :))
    sewingyourstyle.tumblr.com

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  24. Wow, congratulations!

    I´m currently pregnant myself, though not quite as far along as you. Looking forward to seeing how you solve the issue of dressing that tummy, as you have already inspired me with your non-pregnant clothing.

    Lots of luck on your pregnancy!

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  25. Congratulations! What exciting news! Love the dress as well.

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  26. Congratulations! Welcome to the wonderful world of motherhood. I hope you like coffee!

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  27. Congratulations Julia! This is fantastic news <3

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  28. Congratulations Julia - that's fantastic news and you look wonderful - also thank you for showcasing my brooch again.
    We've missed you but you have a good excuse!
    Looking forward to some lovely maternity creations while you can still sit in front of the sewing machine.
    Keep well,
    Lorraine

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  29. Congratulations! That dress makes pregnancy fabulous!

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  30. Congratulations!!!!
    I hope, you're not going to stop, welcome (i'm mother's too) ;)

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  31. Congrats Julia I can just imagine the cute little outfits your going to start making for bubby to arrive. I have just been making a heap for my sister and friends. Its really fun you will have a ball!! Love the dress as well you always look so pretty.

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  32. Whoop!!!! That 1st trimester totally sucks - absolutely worst bit of all in my experience. That is really, really exciting news. Yay for you. Gorgeous dress too, of course!

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  33. Congrats! Looking forward to seeing your maternity creations. Especially after seeing this lovely dress.

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  34. Congratulations, lady! xox and cute dress too, ric-rac is always a plus!

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  35. Congratulations! on top of the great new things pregnancy will bring into your life you get to sew new clothes.

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  36. I love your dress *so much* that I'm buying the pattern off of eBay!!

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  37. Woke up this morning and checked what's new on my phone phone. I am instantly thrown in a OMG IT IS DUCH AN AMAZEBALLS DAY! By this news.
    This is a wonderful dress, but it has absolutely nothing on the news it comes with :)

    A big big congrats to both Robin and you, I hope you'll feel great and creative for the remainder of your pregnancy.


    Big (careful) hug
    Joost

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  38. CONGRATULATIONS lovely lady, that's wonderful news and your dress is gorgeous. Looking forward to seeing your belly blossom each time you post a new dress.

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  39. Massive congratulations Julia, I'm so thrilled for you. Can't wait to see the rest of your maternity wardrobe! x

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  40. Welcome back! The dress is adorable (like you could sew something ugly...) and congrats on the baby! You and your husband are so gorgeous, this baby is going to be a looker! :)

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  41. I am absolutely delighted and look forward to seeing your creations. Your maternity wear will be gorgeous and am glad you are back in the sewing saddle. I have missed your blog.

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  42. A huge congratulations on the baby bump! :D

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  43. congrats! that's a fantastic news, lady :)

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  44. Congratulations. I look forward to seeing the creations you make for your baby.

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  45. Congratulations Julia! You look fantastic :)

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  46. Congratulations! A great dress too..

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  47. CONGRATULATIONS! I'm glad you got your creative juices back! You're going to be one stylish mamma and your little one is going to be one stylish kiddo :)

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  48. Congratulations! You must be so excited! Also, I just love the dress you made. It's so darling!

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  49. Awww congratulations, you look amazing!

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  50. Congratulations. Your dress is gorgeous.

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  51. Congratulations - this a life changer. Nice dress BTW.

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  52. Congratulations !
    I never felt more feminine than when I was pregnant. I'm sure you will be able to show us how nice pregnancy clothes could be if designers were more creative ! (Let be honest : who the hell won't be affraid when looking at average pregnancy bras ?!?! If you're desperate, look here : http://www.hotmilklingerie.com/store/collection_PP?cat=Lingerie)

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  53. Congratulations! How very exciting for you! The dress is adorable and the rick rack trim is perfect!

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  54. Congratulations!!! Perfect dress for a perfect moment! Enjoy!

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  55. Congrats! You look so beautiful in your blue and white dress!

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  56. Congratulations! I love the trim on the peter pan collar.

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  57. Congratulations! The dress is beautiful and having such a goo reason to make it is just exciting. Enjoy

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  58. Great dress and a big congratulations to you both! Such lovely news

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  59. Congratulation! You look beautiful and you're going to be such a stylish mum.

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  60. Congratulations!!! Now you'll get to sew for your little one, how fun!

    -Ash P
    http://distractedashley.blogspot.com

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  61. Congratulations! I can't wait to see what you'll be sewing for yourself and you little one on the way :)

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  62. Congratulations!
    When I was pregnant, I had a favorite white unlined twill pencil skirt. The skirt had both buttonhole elastic at the sides, and a center front panel made of white sweatshirt ribbing. Sweatshirt neckline has more stretch and recovery than your average t-shirt material. T material will do, but the other is better. (skin coloured maternity panties, took care of show through) Just looked on etsy and they have a similiar looking pattern. Simplicity 6061 from 1965, the black version. This fit me till the end.
    Pretty much any empire dress pattern will do as maternity, but be sure and add a bit of length center front.
    Congratulations again.
    Mary in Thailand.

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  63. If you look on ebay there is a book called "Lovely Maternity Dresses". Japanese craft book. Who knew, right?
    Sorry I've taken over your comments section.
    Mary in Thailand

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  64. Congrats! Was wondering where you had got to - so pleased it's because of this wonderful news!

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  65. How wonderful :) ! Congratulations to you both! Also that dress is adorable.

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  66. Congratulations Julia! Was starting to worry about you, so glad you have such great news! Also, that is such an adorable dress.

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  67. Oh goodness I am so HAPPY for you! Welcome to my world and you look divine in that dress. Yay - congratulations Julia :)

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  68. congratulations!! on both you pregnancy and your beautiful dress!

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  69. OMG CONGRATULATIONS!! :D You look absolutely GORGEOUS!! So radiant and beautiful, and that dress is just lovely all over... much as I adore your figure-flattering dresses, this one has a sweet charm to it that is totally irresistible! :)

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  70. You look beautiful Julia and congratulations!

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  71. Hi Julia, congratulation!! you look beatiful and youre dress is great as always!!

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  72. Wow!! This is such exciting news!! Congratulations to you both! I'm so excited to see how you tackle the sewing challenges of an expanding family. This dress just shows you're off to a great start!

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  73. Wow! Congratulations, Julia! Welcome to motherhood!

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  74. Yay! Congrats to you both. I'm guessing that baby's gonna have a fine little wardrobe.

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  75. Wow! Congratulations to you both! I was wondering where you had gone, Julia! I'm looking forward to seeing all the fabulous maternity pieces and baby clothes that you are going to make!

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  76. Congratulations! How exciting. I wish you all the best.

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  77. BIG HUGE AND VERY LOUD CONGRATULATIONS, MAMA!!!

    (i put that in all caps in case my sentiment wasn't coming through)

    i hear tell in the nesting phase, you hormones go into creative overdrive. if this is true, the force from your side of the planet will truly be deafening.

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  78. I'm so late, but congratulations! Here's another virtual high-five (from Minnesota)! Best wishes for a smooth pregnancy and bouncy baby. :D

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  79. Only just heard. I'm absolutely delighted you have a bonny one on the way!

    I did miss your posts but it's hard work growing a baby so take it easy and make the most of your pre-baby life.

    I'll be very interested to see in which creative direction this new chapter in your life will take you.

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  80. I know I am slow on the comment-uptake, but congrats! That is very exciting for the two of you! I hope you have fun making all sorts of awesome maternity clothing!

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  81. Wow! First time reading your blog and I have to say, absolutely love it! :0) congrats on the growing bump! I just had a little munchkin not long ago, but it completely drained me but I wish I had made some cute dresses, I dressed like mrs. Frump! :0( quite the opposite of you! :0) this dress looks gorgeous, great job! :0)

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  82. Love the dress! So cute! Congratulations on your new baby :)

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  83. Awesome Julia..Congratulation-:)I just love your styles and wears ...

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  84. Great dress and congratulation to you for you nice job.
    african kente fabric

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