...because home doesn't happen overnight.

This is my final installment of Everyday Maternity and my hope is that I’ve given you some ideas for dressing affordably and stylishly during pregnancy.

As apprehensive as I was about plastering myself and my style all over the web, it’s been fun! Especially because you all are so kind with your compliments. Thank you! It looks like a few posts regarding my pregnancy fitness routine and hair styling will be coming to H*T in the near future…stay tuned.

Today’s non-maternity-turned-maternity apparel idea involves a little tweaking. This is House*Tweaking after all. I found this super soft, casual and comfy striped tee at Target a few weeks ago.

I tried it on in one size larger than I normally wear and found it to provide adequate baby bump coverage and I fell hard for the stripes. On clearance for less than $8, I decided to bring it home with me.

Once I got it home though I realized that something was off. The bottom of the non-maternity shirt needed some oompf.

See how the bottom hem is stretched away from my body? I immediately thought of ruching the side seams in hopes of bringing the bottom of the shirt in closer to my body. I googled around for ‘diy ruche’ and found this very simple, very easy-to-follow diy tutorial for side seam ruching. I guesstimated how high I wanted the ruching to come up on each side the shirt and went from there. It took me about 15-20 minutes to measure, set up my sewing machine and ruche the sides.

Of note: I do own a sewing machine and know how to use it but I’m far from a pro. You could easily diy this project by hand with a straight seam if you don’t own a sewing machine. It just might take a little longer.

This was my first time using any sort of ruching technique. It was quite easy and I love the results! It was just the extra detail my clearanced, non-maternity tee needed. Can you see how the side seam ruching brings the bottom of the shirt in around my body more?

I decided only to ruche up about 6″ on either side of the tee to allow my belly to expand more over the coming {third trimester} months. Post-pregnancy I could ruche further up the seams once my belly shrinks. {In fact, I think more ruching is in my future…pregnancy or not.} So this shirt will take me beyond my baby bump days!

The newly ruched striped tee looks great on its own or layered under a jacket as seen here. And it cost me less than $8!!! That’s a lot cheaper than all the ruched maternity shirts I’ve been seeing at specialty maternity shops.

In more apparel news, Susan is the lucky winner of the Shabby Apple giveaway! She’s dying for a pair of UGGS but maybe the Andes skirt will hold her over. ;)

Even though you may not have won the giveaway, don’t forget that Shabby Apple is offering a special 10% off discount to all House*Tweaking readers for the next 3 weeks. Just use the coupon code HOUSETWEAKING10OFF at checkout.

So, there, you’re all winners. Have a great weekend!

FYI – I was not compensated in any way for mentioning Target or Shabby Apple. I just love sharing great places to shop!

images: Dana Miller for House*Tweaking

11 Comments

09.December.2011

Your tweaked tee looks great! I’m going to have to check that tutorial out! I love all things ruched! :)

09.December.2011

What a great idea…it looks super cute!

09.December.2011

This is great! You look so adorable in all the outfits you have featured- you wear “pregnant” very well. :) I am a pretty “small” girl, but when I get pregnant my lower body just blows up! ha ha I really like the addition of some fashion posts on your blog. You should keep throwing them in here and there!

totally awesome Dana! And sooooo cute! Haven’t had any babies yet, but I’m totally keeping this in mind for when I do! :)

09.December.2011

Can I just say, you are gorgeous! Seriously, how do you look that good while pregnant? Although I do think that pregnant women are extra-beautiful. I love prego bellies. I’m pleased that 19 weeks in, my belly looks awesome.

I’ve enjoyed your maternity clothes posts. And I admire your thriftiness! It’s refreshing to see lots of Target, Old Navy and Walmart clothes, and you turn them into the cutest outfits! Thanks for all the hard work you put into this website; I thoroughly enjoy reading it!

10.December.2011

I love your striped shirt from Target! Do you think id have any luck finding it in the store still, or maybe online? Do you know what the brand is? Thanks! You look adorable ; )

12.December.2011

Hey Dana!
Love the website, and those outfits… Im pregnant with my first child, I was wondering what thought of thongs while pregnant. I love wearing my legings, but still want to have that seamless butt. Just wondering if your the same?
Thanks,
Jessi.

13.December.2011

Well Dana, if you do need more ruching projects in your life, I just ruched a tree skirt. Turned out beautiful!

13.December.2011

Jessica – Wow! We’re talking ‘undies’ instead of ‘Underdog’ on House*Tweaking! Hehe. To be completely honest with you, I don’t even own a pair of thongs – at least not the ones for your buns. I have a few of the fuller coverage {but definitely not granny-panties} silky nude bikinis to wear under leggings.

13.December.2011

Michelle – It’s Merona. It was on the clearance rack a few weeks ago. Worth a try!

14.December.2011

i’ve really enjoyed these maternity posts and LOVE how that ruched shirt turned out!