Hi there, it’s Eveline from Frölein Tilia here with my version of the Marbella Dress. This month’s blog theme is all about babies and mamas. I became a mama seven years ago. I will never forget the feeling when finally – after nine months of waiting – I got my little baby in my arms; it was absolutely overwhelming! Having children is such a blessing and quite a challenge sometimes.
While being pregnant you may have had a lot of ideas about what you’re going to do when you finally got rid of this huge belly. You planned to go running, read plenty of books, go drink coffee with your friends, go shopping, or just enjoy your time with your baby and relax.
And then your little sunshine is finally here – a miracle! Step by step you realize that maybe your plans aren’t going to succeed. Because this little person is incredible gifted. It has the marvelous skill to keep you busy 24 hours a day, seven days a week!
Every morning your little darling is calling after you. And the first time you look at your watch, you can’t believe it’s already noon. Here you are, still wearing your pajamas, haven’t taken a shower, and even forgot to eat breakfast. At long last, in the late afternoon, your baby decides to have its morning nap. You let out a deep sigh, feeling completely exhausted while finally having your beloved morning shower. Then suddenly you here the door opening. “Hi Honey, it’s so good to be back home with my beloved ones. Having a rough day. Did you iron my white shirt? And did you reach the plumber? What’s for dinner?”
I’m sure that never happened to you. I’m probably the only one to confess: I’ve been there. Or maybe there are two or three women other women on this earth who know what I’m talking about. For this two or three I’m going to reveal a secret. It will make your days brighter and bring back a smile on your face. It’s simple, maybe too simple for your: On tough days, wear dresses! With a dress, you need to put on just one piece of clothes and you’re dressed well. You do not have to think about whether your sweater matches the pants or the belt or the shoes. And wearing a dress makes you feel feminine and maybe after all these changes your body went through, this dress makes you see the beauty in it again.
The dress you see here is the Marbella dress. The pattern contains two different options: A placket bodice, which in my opinion is quite Baby-Friendly. And a pullover bodice which is what I went for. The pattern includes huge pockets, a big plus in my eyes. When a pacifier was needed, I never could find any. With pockets, you’re prepared for every emergency.
I made a few sizing alterations to the pattern — a broad shoulder adjustment, lengthen the sleeves to ¾ length, grade between the sizes from 8 at the bust to 12 at the waist. Last, but not least: I completely changed the skirt pattern. I wanted to have a less classic shape and more of a funky mama outfit. So, I added a side panel and some pleats and I shortened the length a tiny little bit or probably even a bit more…
What shall I say: I liked the result, I like it very much!
By the way, the fabric is an incredible soft fabric from Atelier Brunette. It’s similar to Ponte Knit, in my eyes just perfect for this kind of dress.
If you want to sew your first dress as a mama, you can’t go wrong with the Marbella. As it’s out of knit fabric, it’s very comfy, it’s quick to sew and the shape is flattering. To make a long story short: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade: wear a knit dress!
