It was also my first time working with a maternity pattern. I wanted to craft this as best I could, so I kept the instructions close to me.

The pleats I thought were very strange. Over the bust, the pleats are left open, but over the stomach, they are sewn closed.

I added a few touches of my own. I made facing for the collar, and I reinforced the button holes for the back belt (turning the grain 90 degrees for extra strength).

The back tie is cased beneath the fabric. The sides are open, and the belt comes out and over the waist.