I decided for the Mad Men Challenge I would make a version of this Butterick 5747 dress. I actually bought some material that would be almost exactly the same as the Joan Holloway dress below but decided to make up a 'tester' dress with some old fabric I had. The blue is just a little bit darker and actually not the best quality so it didnt take well in some parts.
This Butterick 5747 pattern is actually really cool. It includes a belt and dickie part to it which I haven't included but I really liked the dress (fitted skirt) outcome. I also even made some fabric buttons!!
These photos aren't the best sorry! It's really hard to find time to take photos at the moment because its been raining pretty much all month in Brisbane and it becomes really dark in my house. Perfect weather for sewing though I don't even have to make excuses for being antisocial lol.
Here are some up close up photos of the dress.
Fabric Button Kit! So easy!
I love the cut of this dress but if I was to wear to it work I would probably reduce the collar by about half and maybe bring up the front a little higher that way so I don't have to wear a singlet underneath. This would make it really nice and a perfect dress for work. Also, maybe in a black linen.
We still have a little while to make the Mad Men Dress for Julia's challenge so I might redo this dress but in the right fabric. I have pretty much finished my Tessuti Gridlock fabric competition outfit so I'll post up photos soon. I made a Vogue Skirt and Jacket but I didn't love the skirt so I made a different one because I ended up with a heap of fabric left.
Tessuti Fabric and pattern I used!
Don't forget to check out my Copy Cat Challenge where I will be giving away a BurdaStyle Handbook on May 31. There are some really fantastic entries already and links back to these blogs. All entries will also be receiving a little reward from BurdaStyle which will be announced shortly (hopefully Monday).
Your dress is so pretty... Much prettier than the pattern... Happy sewing..
ReplyDeleteWe have been having lots of rain too.. I am soooo ready for spring and sunshine.lol
Thanks Judy!! I was hoping for it to cool down since summer was awful but the rain isnt much better lol. Good sewing weather though hehe.
DeleteHi Erin, I really like this dress and I think this style is going to be perfect for the Madmen competition on you. Have you found the fabric you want to make the next one in yet? This weather we are having has only one advantage, stay home and sew! When will it end? I had to drive down to Main Beach today to check up on my apartment for any water damage that may have happened. On the way, I drove past Spotlight at the back of Southport and found some plastic coated fabric on special. Since I am doing a millinery course at TAFE, I thought a rain hat would be fun to make and also be useful!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marjorie! The weather has been pretty awful hasn't it. I have a blue very similar to the Joan Holloway dress but a lot better quality. I was thinking I might make it in a black linen as well for work. I hope your apartment was okay from the rain the coast has been hit pretty bad the last few weeks! Thats excellent you got to pick up some new fabric from Spotlight and it sounds like a great idea for your course!! I would love to do a sewing course but I might leave it till the end of the year after the wedding hehe. :)
DeleteWaiting until after your wedding is a good idea. No doubt you have a lot to do. I think you mentioned that you were making your wedding gown, so I am sure you are busy enough with that and your Joan Hollaway dress.
DeleteYou make this pattern look good.
ReplyDeleteGreat colour too.
Thank you!! Thats so nice of you to say. This version wasnt the best but at least I know how it fits. I guess it was as cheap as a muslin. Hopefully the next one will be even better :)
DeleteThis dress is fabulous. You picked the right pattern haha. I might need to get that pattern for myself...
ReplyDeleteThanks Alison!! I think I might make a couple more adjustments to the next one. This one would look super cute on you but pretty much all patterns would. Its so hard deciding what to sew next!!
DeleteThis is looking super fancy! A total Joan dress :D Awesome work with the fabric covered buttons- they look rad!
ReplyDeleteHehe thanks Amanda!! I know its the first time I made a fabric button and its sooo easy!! Going to do that all the time now looks so much better. Hopefully make the next one even nicer :)
DeleteYou've already made a mad men dress! Fabulous. How quickly do you sew?!
ReplyDeletehehe well I dont have any kids other than the pugs and my partner is doing his MBA so he's always studying which means I get lots of time to myself to sew. Plus the weather has been terrible so even more reason hehe.
DeleteThis is so gorgeous!! And it's so flattering on you! All you need is an updo and a cigarette. I love it! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Ping! Haha that's so funny I need to make a fake cigarette for the next dress to pose for the challenge hehe.
DeleteGreat version of the joan dress! I'm so behind - I haven't decided on the dress yet, never mind found a pattern or fabric! I do have a pinterest board tho!
ReplyDeleteThanks Joanne, there is still plenty of time dont worry. It all starts with pinterest so your on the right track! Good luck finding a pattern once you have that fabric is easy.
DeleteI love this. I had actually picked out the same dress as a possible option for the challenge. It's a lovely style and very flattering. In the end I decided to go with something different but yours looks great. Even as a tester dress it's pretty fabulous. Can't wait to see the final one for the challenge :)
ReplyDeleteI love the dress you picked too that one was one of my favourites but I couldn't really find a pattern so well done!! Can't wait to see it. Thanks for your lovely comments I am thinking a few adjustments for the next one :)
DeleteThis is gorgeous, Erin! Perfect Mad Men look, and the color is beautiful on you. I'm loving those fabric buttons too. Can't wait to see more versions of it from you. Great idea to try it in black linen. So far I have fabric for my potential Mad Men dress, but keep waffling on pattern choices. It's a fun project though, and will hopefully lead to some groovy muslins.
ReplyDeleteTake care and Happy Sewing!
Shelley
Thanks Shelley! I ducked into the fabric shop today and got some more black linen so I am def going to try it again with some small modifications. I guess you have made half of the decision then hehe you just have to decide on a pattern. Let me know when you do I would love to see what you decide! I can't wait to see the results on Julia's blog its a lot more fun when you get involved!
DeleteMaking your own buttons! How awesome are you!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see you final version of the Mad Men dress!!!!
xx
Haha I know I am going pro! Seriously how did I not do these before they are so easy I'm a bit behind in the times! I can't wait to see these pants your keeping us in suspense!
ReplyDeleteLooks gorgeous:) I have that pattern, but am thinking its a bit too much work for me still:) One day I will go forth!
ReplyDeleteand AGREED WITH THE PANTS NEENO! :P
It looks really good!!! I need to get started on my dress. I think I've finally decided what to go with.
ReplyDeleteOh yay how exciting! I will have to stalk your blog for more details hehe.
DeleteYou do Joan well! I cant wait to see your "Gridlock" outfit.
ReplyDelete