After much debate, here is the beauty I am planning to recreate for this year's Mad Men Challenge organised by Julia Bobbin.
I was planning to us the Anna bodice with a midriff panel and a gathered or pleated skirt, until I saw this beauty that Anne from Mercury Handmade was selling:
It's Simplicity 4766, a beauty from 1954. Just look at that gorgeous neckline and those gigantic pockets? The red one is a dead ringer for Betty's dress - she even looks a bit like Betty! She certainly has the same feeling of ennui (and the possibility of a cigarette in hand). No dickey or jumper underneath for her.
I'll be leaving off the pockets (but will definitely make one with pockets in the future - I think they use about a metre of fabric on their own!).
I have been scouting for fabric for ages before finally settling on this:
It's by Moda from the Vintage Modern Range by Bonnie & Camille.
Although it's not an exact match for the rose print, it was surprisingly hard to find something closer and I liked that this had the lighter pink flowers as well as the red. I think it will give more of the impression of the original than some of the modern digital rose prints I found.
And it's number 1 of the 5 I have pledged to make for the Vintage Pattern Pledge! Result!
Are you entering this time? What are you making?
Lovely!!! I'm going new school and late 60's, funky fabric with a straight shift
ReplyDelete- I really should use the MM3 challenge as an excuse to sew up some 50's lovelies though!
maybe you could do both?
DeleteI LOVE a good Betty dress. I've chosen her as my inspiration for the SAL the last two years. I'm not sure what or if I'll be able to sew this time around. I think you've got a great pattern and fabric to bring your inspiration dress to life!
ReplyDeletethanks. i tried not to do another peggy altho hers are often the most wearable for me.
DeleteThat fabric is gorgeous, it's going to make a fab dress.
ReplyDeletethanks sam. it's on a slightly smaller scale than the inspiration but i think it's going to look good!
DeleteWow, this is going to be amazing! The pattern and fabric you found are a really great match. :)
ReplyDeletethanks sue - i hope so!
DeleteThat pattern looks perfect - good find! The material's really nice too, looking forward to seeing the finished dress!
ReplyDeletei know - i was so excited as soon as i saw it - it's perfect!
DeleteWonderful plans, can not wait to see your end result!
ReplyDeletethanks melody!
DeleteThis is a great match to the inspiration pic! I won't be joining in this year! But am looking forward to seeing everyone's creations! Especially yours!
ReplyDeletethanks helen. were therre no maternity frocks that caught your eye?
DeleteI can't wait to see your dress! This is a fun challenge, I hope to join in on this too. I love the fabric you chose and it's pretty darn close! Can't wait to see it! :)
ReplyDeletethanks kathy - would love to see your plans!
DeleteThis is going to be a stunning dress! Hope you enjoy making it as much as we will enjoy seeing it complete. I won't be joining in this year either but look forward to seeing all the creations.
ReplyDeletethanks nessa. i really love seeing all the different interpretations of the dresses. there's so much inspiration to choose from!
DeleteJo I cannot wait to see this! you always come up with amazing garments for the Mad Men challenge and both the pattern and the fabric look like dead ringers for this dress! I need to get planning mine pronto
ReplyDeletethanks fiona. i can't wait to see yours - i loved your blouse from last year!
DeleteSuch a perfect fabric choice.
ReplyDeletethanks maria!
Deletethis hot patootie. Ooh and well done on and vintage pattern pledge nod at same time. you are wise and now have given me the impetus to get on board. Ta love :)
ReplyDelete