Colette Laurel & Mad Men Challenge #2

I am so excited to be a part of this year\’s Mad Men Challenge! I really want to make every dress on the show, but I decided to turn, once again, to my favorite outfit photo featuring Cynthia, Megan, and Trudy:

Last time you saw my take on Cynthia\’s notched hemline shift, this time, I was inspired to use some fabric from my stash (a gift from my mother) and Colette\’s new Laurel pattern to recreate(-ish) Megan\’s psychedelic swirly print dress. (I\’ll have to make Trudy\’s some time so I can have the complete set.) This was a great stash buster, pattern tester, and Mad Men challenge fulfiller all at once! Megan often wears these slightly insane prints, which were coming into style.The one in my photo above is more paisley. Here\’s another sceenshot of it:

This one is more \”tribal\”-looking:

\”oui maman, et madame francis est au lit car elle est si gros\” excuse my poor high school french its been awhile

Here\’s one that is very Laurel-y:

with a bias bound neckline, half sleeves, and everything!

And here is my version:

featuring vaguely retro hairdo and eye makeup

Look how cute! You know how I\’m searching for my ideal shift pattern? Well, after sewing both the dress and the top from this pattern, I may have found it. I love the Laurel.

its pretty short! perfect for zou bisou-ing? 🙂

The only thing I will change next time is to face or bias face the neckline–I think the exterior bias binding is a little distracting. Also, it will have to be longer to be workplace appropriate 🙂

The sleeve ruffle variation sort of gets lost in the busy print, but its there! I\’d like to make this sleeve variation again, but in a contrast fabric, maybe?If I do, I\’ll make the ruffle bigger and the sleeve cap ease smaller–it is definitely a puffed sleeve and I\’m not sure if that is intended in the pattern or not 🙁

Next up: another Mad Men dress! No surprise there. I ordered some fabric to make Betty\’s famous \”meeting with Mr Francis\” dress, and while it didn\’t arrive in time for the challenge, I\’m really excited to cut into it!

Many thanks to Julia for organizing!

xoxo

p.s. Sorry this is a somewhat boring post, it\’s finals week…

Comments

diana massey says

April 22, 2013 at 3:04 am

totally totally awesome use of that fabric! wow! wow everything!
LÔ says

April 22, 2013 at 10:35 am

adorable outfit, especially with the matching bow. that swirly fabric is to die for! very Pucci! x
Unknown says

April 23, 2013 at 2:39 pm

That is such a cute dress! I love it! Megan's crazy prints can sometimes be a bit much in my opinion, but you totally nailed it and you look amazing! Can't wait to see your next Mad Men dress!
Anonymous says

April 23, 2013 at 5:00 pm

Really cute! I love this!
allie J. says

April 24, 2013 at 5:18 pm

Thank you! I had a friend think it was Lilly, so between Lilly and Pucci I think I have a hit!
allie J. says

April 24, 2013 at 5:19 pm

Thanks! I'm totally inspired by your Betty dress 🙂
allie J. says

April 24, 2013 at 5:19 pm

Thank you! I'm really excited, I think I will get a lot of wear out of this pattern.
allie J. says

April 24, 2013 at 5:20 pm

Thanks! and Thanks for the fabric and bias binding gift 🙂
Helen Le Caplain says

April 24, 2013 at 7:16 pm

That looks absolutely amazing – love the print, the style – everything!www.mancunianvintage.com
Sewingadicta says

April 25, 2013 at 9:58 pm

This dress is absolutely sublime! I love all of it …. and it looks very comfortable, a winner!
Linda says

April 28, 2013 at 2:39 am

Your fabric is so cute and perfect for this dress!
Neeno says

May 6, 2013 at 3:13 am

Loving that fabric, I could never pull those colours off but u look great!!!!! Beautiful dress 🙂
Brittany says

May 6, 2013 at 5:48 pm

I think the exterior bias binding looks great! Fabulous dress 😉
Catherine says

May 15, 2013 at 10:52 pm

Love your version of the Laurel dress. that fabric is fab! I picked your version in my top 5 for readers choice prize. good luck!