This was my first time using a Jalie pattern. I had seen them on Pattern Review and a couple of blogs here and there. I found 3132 – Nursing Tees and Regular Tees and Tunics while searching Google for nursing sewing patterns.
This pattern has gotten excellent reviews everywhere online so I bought it right away. After making this two times and looking at my pictures I feel like this didn’t go the way I expected it to. The issues I had were my fabric choices, my limited sewing time and sizing.
When I made the first hoodie my measurements were 38-31 1/2-40 so I went with a size W which is (38-32-41). Now I know I should have gone down about 2 sizes if I wanted a nice snug fit. The other issue with this hoodie is the fabric I choose. I couldn’t line up the dots really well and it just looks kinda frumpy.
I love the print of the fabric and loved the idea of the inside having stripes. I will admit that I was very lazy with the hemming. I figured a serged edge was fine enough. During the modeling of the pictures I weigh less than I did when I first made it.
I originally did the tunic length but that was crazy long! Most clothing is never long on me since I have such a long torso but this pattern is great for length.
Above is my second attempt. I bought a different type of knit from JoAnn and thought maybe that would help a bit. I don’t think I like this one any better than the first.
You can tell I didn’t use a double needle on the front panel and just did a zig zag stitch because of the puckering. I’m very limited on time when I get to sew now because of the baby and I didn’t feel I had time to learn how to sew with a double needle. Now I’m thinking I probably should have watched a YouTube video and figured things out.
For both hoodies I did view A. I did the sleeves in full length instead of three quarters. I do plan on making this pattern again but probably the top instead of the hoodie because it’s spring and summer is coming soon.
Above shows a three way view of the nursing panel. It’s a genius idea for nursing, you just lift up the panel and pull the inside part to the middle of your chest and there is easy access! I plan on copying this idea for an upcoming maxi dress.
Yay for easy boobie access! If you have ever nursed, you know how important that is. The other great thing about this garment is that you don’t have to pull your shirt up all the way and show off your mommy tummy. This panel is perfect for discreet and modest breastfeeding.
I plan on retracing this pattern for my size and a better fit. I hope to be making the top and blogging about it again. I’m not sure these qualify as fails, but I they aren’t great. I have worn the polka dot one out in public but not the green one. I honestly think this was me and not the pattern. I’ve been having a hard time figuring out sewing and clothing for myself with my post baby body. I feel as though I’m built differently now and with my weight going down I don’t know what sizes I am anymore!
I knew I needed this pattern, but now, seeing the ultra smart nursing access, if I’m ever pregnant again, this will for sure be on my list! The stripes vs polka dots is a fun combination. It took me a while to figure out the double needle situation too. It gets better with practice.
I’m going to make it my goal to learn how to do the double needle! I’m currently tracing a smaller size for this to try it again. I know it is a great pattern, just have to get the sizing correct 🙂
Aww, what a fantastic pattern, and a cute baby!
I’m in the ‘needing nursing-friendly clothes’ stage at the moment too. Yay for snap fasteners on shirt dresses! They’re my go-to for quick’n’easy access right now. 😉 I may have to hunt out this pattern though – looks fantastically comfy and practical.