Ruched Maternity Skirt and Shirt

No one wants to spend a lot of money on maternity clothes that are only going to be worn for a few months, (especially when one is pretty sure this is her last pregnancy.) So, it is tempting to go to Target or Old Navy and just buy some cheap-o pieces and move on. Which, I admit, I have done. But, let's get real—"fast fashion" is bad. Bad for the environment, bad for the American economy, and most especially, bad for the people who make the clothes. Rana Plaza has taught most people nothing. So, with all that in mind, I bought some fab Megan Nielsen patterns and decided to take at least some of my maternity wardrobe into my own two hands.

Cargo Duffle Bag

I am breaking my rather long blog-silence to show off a project I am pretty proud of—my Cargo Duffle Bag! Another great pattern from Noodlehead (free from Robert Kaufman Fabrics).

I used my new favorite fabric line, Tule by Leah Duncan for Art Gallery Fabrics (which I bought from Hawthorne Threads). I love these prints. The main fabric is Meadow Vale in Bright, the pocket and handle accent fabric is Floras Oasis in Naranja, and the lining (both pockets and bag interior) is Terrain in Cactus. The bottom accent and bottom gusset is Essex Yarn Dyed in Denim from Robert Kaufman.

I referenced Anna's tips here, as well as some tips from the sew-along hosted here, and I used skirt as top's lining instructions.