Mad Men Challenge 3: Betty Draper

My Betty Draper Dress.

I have followed along as others completed this challenge in the past from Julia Bobbin.  This year, I was excited to participate also. Taking a look at my sidebar you will see that I have already added many Pledges, Fasts, Sew Alongs, and challenges to my March-April sewing list. I think I was a little overly ambitious. It is easy to get caught up in to sewing all of the great new patterns and fun community sews.

This was a fun Challenge and I had many ideas and inspiration circling through my brain. I initially thought I would do a Joan wiggle dress in Navy wool, (from my stash) classic elegant and with Joan sex appeal.

I realized that in order to complete this in a timely fashion I needed to also double up on another commitment like my Vintage Pattern Pledge to use 6 of my vintage patterns this year. My plan was to sew 1 every 2 months, seems simple although, I am a little behind as I have yet to complete any, until now.

 Betty in her casual attire caught my eye, more everyday garments that I would get more wear but, then I would have to conquer my fear of real pants or shorts.

My search continued  for something rather fast and I found my inspiration from Season one.
         













 I looked through my vintage patterns and came across this one that was similar and something I could wear without looking too much like a costume in daily life.

Vintage Sewing Suite

 I have it for sale in my Etsy shop but had traced it for personal use. It's labeled Easy to make and I need enjoy some quick easy sewing in between tedious projects (Trenchcoat) I decided this dress could be made similar to the with Betty Draper, Season 1, episode 7 classic beige dress. The pattern shows the dress in a floral with small bows on the waist but that isn't really me. I did version 2 with the lower neckline and kept it sleeveless.
The pattern is a Junior size 11, Bust  31 1/2 Waist  24 1/2 . I know that will be a little small but since I almost always have to adjust for my narrow shoulders it will probably fit everywhere except bust and waist. I added 1" seam allowances to my muslin to allow room for adjustments.  I only needed to adjust the waist.

After creating a successful, colorful muslin from some free fabric, I went to search for my classic beige.
I originally had thought I wanted linen but, found a brownish taupe viscose/poly/lycra blend at my local Fabric Store which means no wrinkling:).

When I wear this I will style it differently with ballet flats and a cardigan, but since I was channeling my inner Betty Draper I decided heels and jewels were needed.

Machine lapped zipper, and back darts lined up nicely.

I plan to wear a thin belt with the dress to give it a little dose of color. I am noticing from the photo that the hem is n need of a good press but, when the teen photographer is available you have to make it work. Betty would have been more polished.

This fabric is rather this and I am wishing that I would have underlined it or lined it.
I will definitely need to wear a slip with this dress, I guess Betty would also. 

I hand stitched the hem, the only modern technique I used was to serge the side seams of the skirt.

This scene was just right for me, drinking wine in the middle of the day wearing a neutral toned dress. I am obviously not very practiced with my bubblegum cigarette. My Photographer kept directing me on my holding of the cigarette.

 I look forward to seeing all of the Mad Men inspired outfits in the big reveal on Julia's blog in a few weeks.
Happy Sewing!
Jennifer