Hey Guys! I'm Back!!! Can you believe its been a whole TWO MONTHS since my last post! Things just got so crazy with my work for Cobbs' Carnival of Dreams and the move from SoCal to NorCal. Things totally got away from me! But I'm back and getting into the grove of things! Holidays are just around the corner so not sure my twice a week post is really going to take off, but for sure I plan to continue my weekly sewing challenge, and hope some of you decide to take up that mantle as well!
So quickly since it's been so long, let me rehash what is happening here, Mystery Sewing Box Challenge was something I started several months ago. I had a box of random fabric given to me, and every week I would used only what I had on hand (try at least), and in my studio to make a garment/outfit for that week, and do a quickie photo shoot of the completed look. Most of these garments end up in my shop where they can be purchased as a one of a kind garment. Some I like lots and lots and become a permanent made to order shop staple. Feel free to look around and take of of these unique pieces home with you <3
Okay, okay, okay, now that we've gone over that lets talk about this week's look. I actually started this dress way back in September, pretty much did the whole thing (minus the shoulder pads) and then boxed it up before taking any pictures or writing this up so I might be a tad fuzzy on the details.
I apologize- The Fabric: I started with 2.5 -3 yards of this antique gold and brown chiffon, no labels so best guess polyester or poly blend. I was so CRAZY EXCITED about this fabric, cool geometric shapes and sheer, and my favorite color Gold. Right away I was happy because I had a good sized piece to work with. if you've been following along on this challenge you by now know some of my struggles with the smaller/ pieced out fabrics and trying to make something from that. I always get overly excited when I get to work with some real yardage.
Now I knew right away I wanted a Lauren Bacall 1940's esk dress because I've just been in a 40's mood of late so I couldn't wait to get to work. Because I love the sheer look of the fabric and see through dresses are in I decided to line it with a black chiffon (and this is where I cheated) so I look through my hoard which is quite extensive, and do I have black chiffon?
Course not, I have a pink georgette, yellow sequin chiffon, and rainbow chiffon. No black. Rather than re-work my idea I went to Joann's and bought some black chiffon. I just knew that was what I wanted and I wasn't going to compromise my vision. I'm a cheater oh well. I also ran across the most perfect buttons (by chance) while I was there I had already cheated so whatever.
So I have this dress that used to be my Grandmothers, and this served as the "pattern" for the dress ended up making. I didn't recreate it, I just used a lot of design elements, like the belt and puffy sleeves, what I really liked though is how the dress slips over your head and has an elastic waist.
Back to facts, I cut out the dress, skirt is a basic A-Line, the bodice plain back front has a slight overlap, long sleeves and I lined the whole dang thing, sleeves included. I strung elastic in the waist, as well as the wrist to give everything a more gathered look. Sewed the the buttons (decorative) I made loops for the belt, and then added shoulder pads and Voila! My newly dubbed Laurie dress!
Next question why the heck am I standing in an orchard with a suitcase??? Well when I was in Orange I had intended to go down and do this shoot at the train station. But I didn't finish the dress and I packed up and moved and the closest train station is in Sacramento. So I took the picture in thne dirt and I'm actually super happy with the look and the dress and the hat and the hair and really everything. I think my eyes are a little more squinty then I like but hey, the Sun. Anyways I'm sure you guys have heard enough lets get to the pictures!
Thanks so much for stopping by, feel free to check out my shop to purchase this dress! Also find me on Facebook : Madsen Creations by Rachel Madsen, Instagram : Madsencreations Twitter: Rachieface89 Tumblr: Loveartfashionme and YouTube: Madsen Creations
See you next week!