This next Maternity DIY is one of my favorites. Not only is it super easy to stitch up on an afternoon, but it's also a great transitional piece that you can wear post pregnancy. It's a super easy fit!
You'll need: 1.5 yards lace fabric, a lace collar applique (you can find these at some fabric stores and in the supplies section of Etsy), Rope, lace and jersey to braid for the belt, Fray Check, Pins and a sewing machine. 1. Measure from the bottom of one hip, over the top of your shoulders down to the front of your hip. This will be the length. The width is two feet. Hem all 4 edges of your rectangle. 2. Fold the rectangle in half and make the front half 1-2 inches longer. (belly room) Pin the collar applique to the lace, allowing the back edges to hand over the back of the fold. 3. Cut a hole for the head, try it on with a belt and make any adjustments needed. 4. Stitch down the applique with a machine (or hand stitch) on all outer edges. Note: If you want to attach your belt and are using a large applique similar to ours, leave the bottom part of the applique un-sewn so that you can add your belt in a bit! Tack down the inside details with a few extra hand stitches. Cut around the front of the applique and use a little bit of Fray Check on the edges if you need to. 5. Cut the back of the neckline at a curve and hem it. Note: You may need to adjust these instructions to fit the shape your applique. You can do it!
Next, Use jersey, rope, lace or other textiles to braid a long rope. Make sure it's long enough to fit around the small part of the waist and tie in the back. Stitch your belt down under your applique or keep them separate and you can also use your own belts.
That's it! Your new apron top will be super cute layered over tank tops and dresses. Here's how Stacy styled hers...
Stacy loves this piece. It will adjust into her third trimester and is easy to layer over jeans and a tank or a maxi dress. Imagine all the pretty color combinations you could stitch up in a weekend! XO. elsie
this is so adorable!
http://www.tinacious.me/
Posted by: Tina @ Tinacious Me | July 26, 2012 at 02:09 PM
What a beautiful top! I can't wait to try this out for my pregnant girlfriends!
http://www.whererosesbloom.wordpress.com
Posted by: Rosemary | July 26, 2012 at 02:11 PM
I LOVE that rope belt! I could make it now + I'm not pregnant ;) Very cute Elsie ♥
Posted by: Lindsay | July 26, 2012 at 02:12 PM
This is lovely! Again, I would wear it even though I'm not pregnant! LOL
Posted by: LARY@ Inspiration Nook | July 26, 2012 at 02:12 PM
So lovely. I'll have to show my neighbor all these projects, I'm sure she'd love them.
Posted by: Jess Dynarski | July 26, 2012 at 02:20 PM
Lovely shirt! :)
http://lealuu.com
Posted by: Luu | July 26, 2012 at 02:23 PM
I love this - this is beautiful material.
www.eatblogpray.blogspot.com
xo
Posted by: Gina | July 26, 2012 at 02:24 PM
Lovely! :) x
Rose Eva
Silhouetted Blog
Posted by: Rose Eva | July 26, 2012 at 02:39 PM
Stacy is absolutely lovely!! Just glowing!
I need to remember these posts for the inevitable day when I realize I'm about to have a little accident (I obviously mean child lol)
Great DIY
Much Love
Anie
http://www.thelifeofanie.blogspot.com
Posted by: Anie | July 26, 2012 at 02:41 PM
So adorable! I http://www.everybodysbuyingvintage.blogspot.com
Posted by: Savannah Marie | July 26, 2012 at 02:43 PM
Wow, she looks so much like Scarlet Johansson! Which is to say, she is absolutely beautiful, and so is this top!
-Lindsey
http://ettu-tutu.blogspot.com
Posted by: Lindsey | July 26, 2012 at 02:43 PM
Oh my goodness I LOVE that lace fabric braid belt. I will definitely be making one of those. :)
Thanks ladies!
Trish
www.jellybonesblog.blogspot.com
Posted by: Trish | July 26, 2012 at 02:45 PM
This is so cute! I might even try if even though I'm not in the need for maternity wear! ;)
http://www.jenventure.blogspot.co.uk
Posted by: Jenny | July 26, 2012 at 02:47 PM
I'm quite a new reader and in the beginning of my first pregnancy - so happy to see all of these lovely DIY's.
Thank you!
Elsa (from Sweden)
Posted by: Elsa | July 26, 2012 at 02:56 PM
How clever,the possibilities are endless
Posted by: CHICKYTHING | July 26, 2012 at 03:02 PM
Too cute for words! I love it.
http://shannonhearts.blogspot.com/
Posted by: shannon | July 26, 2012 at 03:27 PM
Stacy looks so beautiful and glowing!
This is my favorite out of the DIY maternity!
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 26, 2012 at 04:21 PM
Stacy is a lovely pregnant woman. I wish I can be almost as pretty if I ever get pregnant. I hope her all the best for her baby girl (and I love the name - I always thought Stacy looks a bit like Scarlett Johannson).
Posted by: Sab | July 26, 2012 at 04:37 PM
you're creativity is mind blowing!
http://babybakerlove.blogspot.com/2012/07/boogie-king.html
Posted by: Mrs. Baker | July 26, 2012 at 04:38 PM
These DIYs are all soooo cute!
Posted by: Diana | July 26, 2012 at 04:51 PM