My Mad Men Challenge 2 dress is done, and just in the nick of (graciously extended) time! :)


My Mad Men Challenge 2 dress is "inspired by" two of Megan Draper's coral dresses on the show.

Love the color, length, and short sleeves :: Source here
Love the fitted bodice, pleated slim skirt, and of course, the color! :: Source here
So here is my finished dress:


Pattern: Simplicity 2588 (Project Runway)
Design Elements: neckband, raglan pleated sleeves, fitted bodice with princess seams, slim skirt
Fabric: Coral "Special Potpourri" double-weave fabric from Vogue Fabrics in Evanston, IL


I was somewhat worried about the "slim skirt" with my pear shaped body, but I knew this would be a great fabric for it! Also, I really wanted to push myself to stick to the "Megan look", which would definitely be a slim fitting skirt.

I graded the skirt out several sizes from the waist to hips, but actually had to take it back in a few sizes once I tried it on. This will be good to remember for future makes with this pattern - I only need to grade out one to two sizes for the hips, even though the "measurements" would lead me to believe several more. I was somewhat sad that in the skirt taking in process, I lost my pockets :*(  Oh well - perhaps I will go back and put them in another time.

The back view is a little wonky - I forgot to press it before the pic - looks better IRL :)
Also, for some reason I have discovered that I love putting in zippers with the "invisible zipper method" even if they are just regular zippers.  I found this out after doing it TWICE by mistake - once in this dress, and once in my Polka Dot Dress. I liked how it looked, so I just kept it that way, but now I'm wondering if I remember how to put in normal zipper the normal way - lol. Good thing I just got Sunni's Mastering Zipper Techniques Crafty class to help me!


After the first few pictures, I remembered we had an old typewriter in the corner - and of course, I had to use it for some "authentic" takes!





In other news, I am getting very excited for Me Made May! I've got some new garments in the works (like a Deer&Doe Chardon Skirt) and I am really motivated to make them. You will definitely see this dress in the mix! I mean really, it's a perfect teacher dress :)