Valerie F.
Name: Valerie F.
Location: Lafayette, Indiana, USA
Blog, website and/or Instagram handle: Instagram: @theladyfigg
Tell us a bit about yourself: I've been sewing since I was a kid, but didn’t really get very good at sewing until my early 20s (8-10 years ago). Most of my projects have been special occasion dresses or costumes/cosplay, but when Covid hit and events I would normally dress up for got cancelled, I switched gears to making things I could wear everyday or wear to work (when I eventually go back to the office).
My current focus has turned to clothing suitable for nursing a baby. I'm very pregnant at the moment and realized that only a small handful of my regular wardrobe contains tops or dresses that will work for breast feeding. Many of the ready to wear nursing clothes I've seen seem to follow the same patterns and overall just don't fit my style. So I thought "let's fix that!" I've been going through my stash and creating some fun designs utilizing buttons and zippers in creative ways. I'm loving this challenge I've created for myself!
What In the Folds size do you wear? Size F, Size G
What bust cup size do you normally make / wear? E cup
Which pattern did you use? Peppermint ruffle-sleeve top
What type of fabric did you make the garment/s from? The front and top of sleeves are a lightweight quilting cotton. The back is a heavier suiting cotton, and the facing is from an old curtain that was given to me, which I think is some sort of polyester. It's shiny, thin, and has a bit of a crinkly texture.
What alterations (if any) did you make to the pattern?: For ease of nursing, instead of solid side seams, I added a zipper to each side, so I can easily lift up just one side front section as needed
If you made this pattern again, would you do anything differently?: I think keeping with lighter weight fabrics would have been smart. I used a heavier weight for the back and sleeve cuffs because I was trying to use up smaller stash pieces and that's what I thought visually looked good.
What would be your top tip for other makers using this pattern? Understand the fit: I'm not used to wearing boxy styles, so determining what size to make was a bit of a challenge, but I followed the finished garment measurements list and merged 2 sizes. It ended up being just a bit snug at the back of my shoulders, but if using a fabric with a little stretch, I don't think this would have been an issue at all.
I still love how it turned out.
I'd love to hear about a happy memory from when you made or wore this garment or garments!: I haven't yet worn it, but ai have my next outfit planned for it!
What do you love most about In the Folds patterns? The directions with pictures were nicely detailed and easy to follow.
Make it yourself
Peppermint ruffle sleeve top