In preparation for the upcoming heat this summer, I pulled some gray and white seersucker out of my stash and a new pattern for a raglan sleeved blouse.

I'd had this idea for maternity wear to make a blouse that I could omit the darts or take them out as the pregnancy progresses, then sew them back in afterwards to make it fit again. 

Obviously this would only work on a blouse that had an even hem and darts that begin and end above the hem, which this one did.

As you can see, I ended up sewing all the darts, but the fit is snug and I'll probably be taking the back darts out soon. This will make a blousier bodice which I may wear with a belt, but it should give me more room and not compromise the blouse fit.

This particular pattern was a size larger than I normally wear, so it had more room to start with. Too much, in fact, on the arm holes. I ended up deepening the arm seams and taking a little pleat in the top. 

Which actually makes the sleeves cuter, I think.

The seersucker is cool and comfortable and doesn't need ironed. Perfect for summer everyday wear.

As you can see, it would look more 1950s if I wore the skirt over top, but that will have to come later. Right now over top of the skirt is more comfortable and for everyday, I don't care if I'm not quite period accurate.

I was a little disappointed that the collar covered up the cute shoulder gathers so much – another time I will cut the collar down and make it narrower, I think.

It was easy and quick enough to put together, though like all raglan projects there is a moment when it looks like nothing so much as a confusion, and nice to have a break from set-in sleeves. 

I had no suitable 1950s style skirt to pair it with, unfortunately…right now only a few skirts fit me and those are modern ones with elastic in the waist. I'm on the lookout for vintage style skirts with elastic waists, though!

As the third trimester rapidly approaches along with summertime heat, I'm sure I'll be doing more projects like this that are necessary-to-my-wardrobe sewing, and more actual maternity patterns as I suddenly start outgrowing my closet.