On a total whim, I decided to take part in the Simplicity Star Sewist Challenge because lets face it, who wouldn’t like to win a years supply of patterns amiright ?!? So I chose to go with the dressmaking pattern, New Look 6145, because I like dresses & I knew dressing my baby bump would be easier adjusting this pattern to maternity rather than the other two patterns on offer. 
Out came a beautiful piece of navy linen which I accented with some navy & white Shweshwe fabric I purchased while on holiday at home in January. The two pair really well I think. I sized up in general to allow for my pregnancy measurements as well as a little extra for ease. At first I was just going to use the shweshwe for the sleeves & inner facing but then decided rather than make my side seam godet inserts in linen, to make these in shweshwe too. I wasnt entirely sold on the contrast so I cut one of each, basted them both in & decided almost instantly on going with the shweshwe contrast as soon as I saw the dress semi-fitted. In all honesty, the inserts dont work 100% because I didnt trim off the angle required on the side seams. I left them as they should be because I really want to remove the shweshwe panels once Im able to wear the dress post-pregnancy. The inserts really just give me the added space for the baby bump & ass. 
Overall, it was an easy sew & I { ADORE } the pleated sleeves…but then again, Im gaga over pleated anything! 
Thank you to Simplicity for offering the challenge & for the free pattern. I’ll certainly be making more of these shift dresses in the future. Also, good luck to all the sewcialists that have entered the competition. Cant wait to see who wins.
This will probably be my last sew for myself until after baby arrives. Im finding the bump so hard to gauge on size since Im in the final weeks & this Noodle is growing like crazy. Ive also hit the exhausted & rather uncomfortable stage so sitting for hours in front of my sewing machine is proving a little challenging. Ive gained 10kgs until now & Im feeling every.single.gram I tell ya. Ive had a relatively uneventful pregnancy to be honest with very few issues but these final few weeks things have definitely amped up. Dont get me wrong, Im loving being preggy & I couldn’t be more grateful for what is about to change our lives forever but this third trimester is tough on your body & your mind. Anyway, hope you’ve enjoyed my little me-made. Till soon. Ange x
b l a c k l a b e l 
Love your version. Nice to be able to make your own maternity wear. Good luck on the baby.x
Thank you x
You look so happy! Love your new me-made. I feel your discomfort – the last trimester was always the hardest for me, too. Wishing you all the best in the coming weeks.
Thanks Tia x
The dress is super cute and so are you, Ange. What a great idea to add the godet. Hope the pregnancy is going well and you’re feeling good.
Thanks Lori. All going well – just cant wait to meet our lil’un now x
Don’t know how I didn’t see your post! You look glowing and great job on your entry. Hope everything goes well x
Being at the end of a pregnancy myself, I am definitely impressed that you entered a contest at this point! (And that you made a cute dress out of wovens. I’ve been afraid to touch them.) Hope everything goes well for your last few weeks!
Awww thanks hun & all the best with the last of your pregnancy too x