Modifying shirts for nursing.. help!

[mamasneedlove]

Why can't I find any good info on this? I have searched and searched and the only stuff I can find is so frumpy... :. I mean, these, for example:

http://www.elizabethlee.com/patterns/nc107.htm
http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/shirt.html

Are you kidding me? I don't want to dress in a sack just because I have to pull out my boob on the hour every hour. This is a little more inspirational:

http://rowena.typepad.com/rostitcher...top_with_.html

but way too much work. I want to just modify a top I pick up at a thrift store, but I'm not quite ready to just plunge in. This is the kind I want to make, like a "two-piece look":

http://www.motherwear.com/prod.cfm/cid/12/sid/2373

I actually got a couple of tops that would work for the outside layer, and I just need to figure out how to sew in an underlayer with openings. Since I don't actually have a top like this to copy, can anyone give me advice?

I think I'll cut up an old shell, probably with a lace neckline, and attach it to the seams that are already there under the arms, along the sides, at the shoulders, and then either sew it to a seam on the front or just elasticize the bottom of the shell just below the boob. What do you think? I'll post pics of the process if anyone is interested.

But also, why are there no tutorials around for this? Am I just not using the right search terms? Is this just something nobody does? I would devour any pics anyone has of their own creations. Thanks!

Jen

[Ruthla]

I've never found that shirts needed any modifying for nursing! I just lifted and nursed!

I found the nursing openings useful in DRESSES but rather useless in shirts.

[mamasneedlove]

Yeah, I know mamas who feel that way, but it just doesn't work for me. I don't like to show the world my belly, and I like tops to fit me well, which leaves little room for lifting them up past the boob without yanking and stretching... you know. I like to pull down, but without showing the world my booby stretch marks.

Jen

[jimblejamble]

What if you got some lightweight camisoles and put some slits/holes at the nipples and wore it under another shirt? Then you can lift your shirt but not have your stomach showing.

ETA - Or... The above but under a button-up sweater or shirt so it doesn't get stretched.

[MamaGlow]

You can also do a variation of modifying the under-layer (shell, t-shirt, t-neck, etc) by extending the armhole; still attach it to the overshirt at the shoulder and side seams.

I've seen some deep-v shirts like the one in the link at several stores; to get a matching underlayer you'd have to buy 2 and then you could use the back panel of one, modified, as a front under-layer... or you could easily adapt a complimentary cami/shell/whatever and wear under.

I like the idea of adding elastic to the under-breast line to keep it down; haven't tried that way, but sounds good--

[rubelin]

I did a bunch of these after I had oldest. First open the side seams, and cut the front to a good length for the overlay (remember you need room for a hem and want it to hang low enough that it doesn't stick out or show the underlay) Then cut an underlay out of thin knit, sort of like the front of a tank top, with either a really low neck or wide armholes and finish the neck and armholes (either with elastic of some sort or just hem them) Then sew the cut-off chunk of the front to this (making sure it all lined up pretty under the overlay) and stitch the shoulders of this piece to the shoulder seams of the original shirt. Then sew the side seams back together, even out the hem (the front will be shorter now) and restitch the hem.

This worked REALLY well with maternity tees, since they already have extra length in the front.

[mamasneedlove]

Wow, that is really helpful! So, about how low should the armholes of the underlayer be? I can serge the unfinished edges... I guess it just depends on the stretch of the underlayer. I could pin it on myself and sort of mark it, I guess, but I'm 9 mo pg and nothing would fit! Maybe I'll wait till after baby comes. Thanks!

Jen

[rubelin]

I did mine in the first couple of months post-partum, since i was still needing them as maternity tops before that I didn't do the wide armholes, made elastic neck, which wasn't really low enough and pulled the shoulder down (which I don't recommend, lol!) Since the inner layer is really only to keep the lower part in place while it's covering your middle, I think it's fine to cut them way out, almost to the middle seam and just enough to cover your nips (for comfort sake). The easier it is to push them out the of the way when you need to, the better

[sewcool]

you said you have the outer layer why not use a tube top under?

[mamasneedlove]

That's a good idea! Thanks.