Maternity Top to Non-Pregnancy Top

Now that I'm beginning to pull out my fall and winter clothes, I've realized that most of my clothes from last year are either maternity or extra roomy because I had just had Hayley and hadn't yet returned to normal clothes. (I mean, really, who actually gets back to normal clothes in a matter of weeks.) Most of my long sleeved shirts just don't fit.

Sunday, I was getting ready for church and needed a black top. I found a pretty maternity shirt. I love the crocheted neckline on it. But it was just too big and baggy. Good thing too, I haven't been pregnant for a year now. I wouldn't want anyone thinking I still was! I ran down stairs to my sewing machine and five minutes later had something that fit nicely and looked decent.

Pinch your baggy shirt while wearing it to get an idea of how much you'll need to bring in the sides. Then when you have it off, mark that amount with a pin.

Start at the arm pit and taper into the fabric following the natural shape of the shirt. Do this on both sides.

Don't trim the excess until you've tried the shirt on and like the fit! That way if you took in too much, you can pick out the stitches and start over. I actually didn't trim the excess fabric at all. I can't feel the extra and you can't see it either, so why bother? That way, if we ever do want to have another baby, I still have my maternity shirt.

**But that is a HUGE unlikelihood. Two kiddos are perfect for me and honestly the thought of having a third right now scares the crap out of me. I'm not saying we won't, but if we do, it's going to be God's plan and not mine. **

So here's the before and after.

Wow! I can't believe I just posted that before picture. I look terrible! That's what a teething one year old sleeping in your bed kicking you all night long because she keeps tossing and turning will do to you. Or at least, that's my excuse anyway.

I mean really, let's take a side by side comparison. I was going to do a full-length side by side, but picmonkey only let's me do squares not rectangles. Hmm. Any tips out there for that?

Seriously though, the shirt fits great and no one would ever know that it was formerly a maternity shirt.



Linking Up To: Crafty Cousins, Family Ever After, Frugally Sustainable, JAQS Studio, Just Us Four, Lines Across, Momnivore's Dilemma, Not Just a Housewife, One Artsy Mama, One Little Momma, Our Delightful Home, Sew Much Ado, Serendipity and Spice, So You Think You're Crafty, Sugarbee Crafts, Tatertots and Jello, Tip Junkie, Tip Junkie