Replies

1. 
   Penny_Danner | Apr 17, 2000 03:56am | #1

   *
   Have you looked at Elizabeth Lee Designs? I think the web site is http://www.eldesigns.com. The patterns are for nursing but they give instructions to change into maternity.

1. 
   Diane | Apr 18, 2000 06:09am | #2

   *That website belongs to a jewelry designer.

1. 
   Penny_Danner | Apr 24, 2000 01:13am | #3

   *Sorry about that. It is http://www.elizabethlee.com. They changed it from what it used to be and it was similar to the one I gave before.

1. 
   Rebecca_Velasquez | Apr 29, 2000 04:24am | #4

   *i found a really useful book at the local library. "Patterns for Pregnancy" by Belinda Musgraveit's an old book and kinda goofy. but it gives instructions on how to change 'regular' patterns into maternity. fairly simple alterations. hope this helps!

1. 
   Sue_Wilson | May 18, 2000 04:01am | #5

   *Try Burda, they have funky stuff. Also, check out e-bay. They have tons of patterns both newer and vintage up for auction and have great 40's-70's maternity patterns as well. Good Luck & Congrats!!(The Lauren Sara for Vogue maternity wear is pretty nice)

2. 
   Lorna_C._Newman | Aug 04, 2000 02:32pm | #6

   *Elizabeth Lee designs may be found at the following two Canadian sites: babyloveproducts.com and borntolove.comThe babyloveproducts site has the best collection and US prices are available. I too am desperatley looking for maternity wear patterns. I have used the Lee patterns to alter other clothes for nursing, but have not used them for maternity yet. I found them after I had my first child, but am looking forward to using them for my second!

3. 
   sherry_stockton | Dec 06, 2000 07:47pm | #7

   *Congratulations - I too was looking for maternity patterns for my daughter who is expecting her first baby (my first grandchild) and was truly disappointed in the selection. What we did was adapt regular skirt and pant patterns in 2 ways. Inserting a maternity panel (you can buy at most fabric shops) by cutting the pattern back as usual then laying the panel on the pattern front (about 12" from waist to almost hip) and cutting the fashion fabric for the rest of the skirt front allowing seam allowance for the joining of the fabric and panel. Another method we used was cutting a 'hump' in the front of pants or skirts to accommodate the growing tummy. Elastic can be used all round the wasteband or only on the front part using extender elastic to make it comfortable and adjustable.Good luck!!

4. 
   Claudine_Celebuski | Mar 25, 2001 01:53am | #8

   *I just made some maternity clothes for a friend, and I was also disappointed in the selection. I took a couple of dress patterns with a high waist, and added a lot of fullness to the skirt front, pleating the fullness where it attaches to the bodice. Also, I had to add some length at the top of the skirt front to keep the hem even. The top of the skirt front should be shaped like an upside-down U. I used Vogue 7137 and 2315. I also made The Sewing Workshop's Elle shirt, cutting the front in an A-line, and adding some length at the front. Depending on your sewing ability, you should be able to do this with just about any tunic-length top.

5. 
   cgillmac_ | Jul 12, 2001 08:45pm | #9

   *I am also pregnant and was disappointed the first time around with the patterns that are available. The Lauren Sara patterns from Vogue are very nice. Depending on your ability, you might consider copying clothes you have that you like by making patterns from them. I have done this with shirts and pants. It's not too difficult and the fabrics (ie cotton/lycra for pants) can be forgiving for first attempts. Depending on where you live, Target maternity clothes are nice and relatively inexpensive. I've copied several things that I've bought from Target. Good luck with the sewing and your pregnancy!

6. 
   seasell | Aug 06, 2001 02:29pm | #10

   *Just happened to see that Elizabeth Lee patterns are 20% off at gstreetfabrics.com right now.NAYY

7. 
   TC_Ferrito | Dec 31, 2001 04:57am | #11

   *When I was pregnant 10 years ago, the pattern choices were much better. I was working and needed career dresses and had no trouble finding nice patterns. Most of the good stuff I found was Vogue and Butterick. Maybe some of the used or vintage pattern sites would have some stuff. Yes, if you are looking for some real stylish stuff, many of the Sewing Workshop patterns could be used. I have had to be careful with some of the bigger tops-I am short and they make me look pregnant again!The Kinenbi top is very full and the pants could easily take a maternity panel, while keeping the nice tapered legs. Some other ideas are the Pan Pacific, Bamboo and bento tops. You can probably adapt some of your favorite patterns easily. Just be sure to add length in front as well as width. and do make or buy a few comfortable knit things. In those first few days after you deliver, you will be glad to have them. No matter how much weight you have lost or how painless your deivery, you will want to feel pampered and comfortable. Cozy knits are the best for this.