When I think of Mad Men, my mind always runs to Joan and her dresses from early in the season.
I’m not normally a fan of early sixties style, but I have to admit that stretchy sheath dresses are a great way to keep the vintage vibe going at work.
Enter in Butterick 9465 – circa 1960s. It came with a bundle of other patterns, and I always kept it aside as the drawing really spoke to me.
I really love batwing sleeves, and there’s just something elegant but casual about this dress.
My version is match from thick and stretchy double knit – forgiving and washable, perfect for work!
Fabric:
two metres of double knit jersey (ponte roma from Lincraft).
As well as being easy to sew, it doesnt take a lot of fabric which is a win in my books.
I cheated a bit with this one, and didn’t make a muslin first (shock! horror!) as the fabric was fairly forgiving. The only thing I was concerned about was how tight the skirt was so I wrapped the fabric around my hips first, matching the finished size, to make sure it would fit there.
A matching belt from an old belt kit finishes it off!
Mods:
Only one mod, and that was to remove the tucks on the front of the skirt and turn them into darts. I don’t like the effect tucks give when you have a bit of a tummy.
Would I make it again?
Yes, I’m pretty sure I would if I found some more nice double knit somewhere. It’s definitely an easy to make dress that looks perfectly retro.
Outfit details
Dress – me made
Shoes – Miss L Fire Mildred
Monogram brooch and gold earrings – Etsy
1950s charm bracelet – Viva Las Vegas
And finally, I have to share what I found in an op-shop (thrift store) on the weekend – a 1950’s beach hat!
It folds flat for travelling, and has cute green raffia trim around the edges – bring on summer!
7 Comments
Melissa B.
August 5, 2016 at 2:55 amNot sure if my comment posted…so here I am again.
Great look on you! I especially like how your dress and hair go together.
Knitting-twitter
August 5, 2016 at 4:31 amits a fantastic dress and suits you perfect!! I just had to order the pattern too…. ciao ciao Christa
Jessica Cangiano
August 5, 2016 at 4:33 pmThoroughly gorgeous make! Joan's early season looks are what spring to mind first and foremost (followed by Betty's from the same era) when I think of Mad Men, too.
This dress is chic and stunning. What an awesome garment to have in your wardrobe and to be able to sport for work.
xoxo ♥ Jessica
Vintage By The Book
August 5, 2016 at 5:50 pmLove everything about this, you did a bang up job! Love the placement of the bust darts too, it's one of the things (for me) that I have issues with getting just right. I'm going to have to find this pattern and make one myself!
Katie
August 6, 2016 at 2:15 amThat looks absolutely stunning! Monday mornings must be a bit brighter if you have a dress like that to wear to work. Just lovely.
Laurence
August 11, 2016 at 9:13 pmYou look gorgeous in red my dear!!!
And what a find this beach hat is… AMAZING!!!!
Marlena
May 23, 2018 at 8:49 pmWow! This dress is simply stunning! You chose the perfect color for it!