Vintage cowl neck dress

I've had this gorgeous cowl neck dress sitting in my pattern collection for quite some time, I've just never found the right fabric to make it with. Since it has an empire line and a generous cut skirt I thought it would be an ideal pattern to adapt for maternity wear.

It's a 1977 Style pattern, purchased by someone called Elma Elliott on 6/10/77. And since 1977 happens to be the year I was born, I thought it was karma for me to make it to wear whilst I'm waiting for my first to be born.

I made the red version in the middle of the pattern picture. The pattern is designed for woven fabrics, but since I used a lovely soft cotton jersey for it's stretchability I omitted the centre back zipper, and cut the front and back skirt panels on the fold. I also added a little extra fabric across the front for when my bump gets ginormous (I believe that is the correct medical term!).

I absolutely love the way it has turned out, although it looks very modern in the charcoal and black striped fabric I chose. I think I will make this again when I'm non pregnant in a nice wool crepe or cotton as suggested, because it's a flattering cut. It came together very easily, but as you can see from the close up photo the stripes in the very centre (the most obvious spot of course) didn't line up. I had pinned them in the correct spot but when sewing the fabric must have stretched or slipped. I supposed I should have basted them together, and I suppose I should pull it apart and fix it, but I know I won't....

Thanks for all your comments on the last post, and in fact all the posts recently - it's very heartening to get such positive feedback. fdw - thanks so much for your offer of 1960s mod maternity shift pattern, but in amongst my 600+ patterns I do already have something along those lines. And Carolyn, I totally agree with you - I plan on making as many clothes as possible, since I have the fabric, the patterns and the skills, so why not? People have said to me not to bother since it's only for a few months, but I figure I'll spend the next year post baby in casual stay at home clothes, and then the next many years after that wearing clothes with baby vomit on, so I view this as my last hurrah for a while to be stylish (and clean!). So stay tuned for much more