Ebony Tee for Maternity

Now that I finally have some energy, I'm really excited to sew some maternity wear that I can hopefully continue to wear post-maternity. The Ebony Tee by Closet Case Patterns is popular both for people sewing for a bump and those not, so I thought I would give it a try. This was my first Closet Case Patterns pattern, and I was eager to discover what all the hype was about. I'm not going to lie, I was a bit skeptical. As soon as I put on the first burgundy shirt I made, it all made sense. I don't know what's so magical about it, but I'm sold.

I started off by making one in some leftover burgundy bamboo knit that I had. There is a seam down the back that is not in the pattern so that I could fit it on the fabric I had, and it's a length between the crop and dress versions of the non-raglan versions, and it's got the view B neckline and sleeve length. I love the length that it ended up being - long enough to wear as a tunic with leggings casually, and still a good shirt length to wear with jeans. Postpartum I will likely most often wear it with black jeans, for now it's good with maternity jeans because it's long enough to cover the elastic waist. I made this in a straight size 14, and I'm happy with the shoulder fit so I will likely continue with this size forever. Also, I didn't take any pictures of this because I kept forgetting, or it was in the laundry.

After my success with the first, I decided to take the plunge and cut into the royal blue bamboo knit that I bought ages ago but was too afraid to cut into. This is the dress length (View A) plus 2 inches with the view B neckline and sleeve length, and it also has a seam down the back because that was the only way I could figure out how to cut it out with the 2m of fabric I had. I've barely taken it off since I made it and keep making people feel how lovely the fabric is. For now I really like the length of the sleeves, but we will see how I feel about it once I no longer have a furnace inside me. Generally I prefer sleeveless or full length sleeves, but I have a feeling elbow length might now make the list.

I made an exact copy of the blue on in my purple bamboo from Mood Fabrics in New York, and I also love it. I know that it is now a matter of time before I buy the Kalle Shirt Dress from Closet Case as well. And probably the Ginger Jeans. Also, look at my beautiful rhododendron! I tried out the tripod and self timer for these photos, next I need to get a remote and figure out how to upload photos in a better resolution.

Details

Pattern: Ebony Tee by Closet Case Patterns
Material: Bamboo knit from Fabricville <3
Modifications: Cut a straight 14 and added some length for the blue dress
Learning: I'm so happy with the neckline on these, turns out basting first really does make a difference! I also learned I like elbow length sleeves, who knew?