Maternity Skirt Pattern -- Simplicity 2655

I purchased Simplicity 2655 a few months before the wedding, and was just thinking about trying it out this Spring when I found out I was pregnant. So I put it back in my pattern stash, knowing that I'd only get a month or two of wear out of it before packing it away for the rest of the pregnancy.

But as I started making/modifying clothes for maternity, I realized that this pattern would probably work very well, due to the yoke at the waistline. Sure enough, by just omitting the yoke pieces and replacing them with one of my "camisole maternity bands," it's perfect for maternity.

I was in desperate need of a khaki skirt, so I used view D and omitted the yoke and sash pieces. The pattern goes together very easily (though it uses a lot of fabric!), and I was quite pleased with it.

(These pictures were taken about a month ago, so I've "expanded a bit" since then!)

The knit I used is not super-stretchy, so I ended up adding clear swimwear elastic to the skirt/knit seam, and a casing at the top.

I really wanted to try the adorable pocket from this pattern, but thought it might be too much on the flounced version. So I pulled out some black Tencel that I bought at JoAnn's for $2.50 a yard and made another skirt in view A. This skirt was even easier than the last, since it didn't have flounces.

I used a thrifted black exercise top with plenty of Lycra for the band, and it works beautifully! The hem of the shirt is actually the top of my band (not necessary, since knit doesn't ravel, but it does look nice). The pocket construction is a bit unusual, but not overly complicated. I just love the ties on the pocket! Though I think I might put a few stitches in my knot, since they tend to come undone over time.

I'm officially of fan of this pattern, and hope to use it more in the future -- in both my regular and maternity wardrobes!