Mad Men Dress Challenge - I'm in!

Mad Men fans and sewing aficionados everywhere, your prayers have been answered! The talented Julia Bobbin has only gone and come up with the most exciting sewing idea ever...the Mad Men Dress Challenge! You're obviously going to want to know how to sign up, so just pop on over here for full details.

Now I know that for many fans out there, Joan Holloway understandably epitomises all things Mad Men, but I must admit that I'm not daring enough to embrace my curves in the way that she does. I'm definitely more of a full skirt than a wiggle skirt kind of girl. Despite knowing this, I was still surprised that my search for inspiration images, kept bringing me back predominantly to ones of Betty Draper. I love the styles of all the female characters for different reasons, but I really thought I'd be more of a Peggy Olson or Trudy Campbell  dresser. It's strange, but then again as long as I get a glamorous, yet comfortable dress out of this challenge, then I don't mind who I channel. 

If I had the body I wanted, I think I'd go for something like this little number:


But realistically, I think I would suit a something with a fuller skirt:


And if I made this, I would change the skirt to a fuller one:


In an effort not to spend money unnecessarily, I reckon I could get away with using one of these patterns from my stash (though I may cheekily have to purchase some new fabric):


Is anyone else as excited about this challenge as I am? Which Mad Men character will you be channelling?

25 comments:

  1. What a brilliant challenge! That 4905 would be lovely on you!

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    1. Thank you Sarah, I'm very excited by this challenge!

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  2. I am VERY excited about this challenge. The excitement level rises each time I notice someone else has blogged about their inspiration for the challenge!

    Personally, I'm stuck between a Peggy-inspired look and a Joan-inspired dress. If I follow your theme of going with what I've already got supplies to make, I might just have to pick Joan...

    Anyway, can't wait to see how yours turns out!

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    1. Ditto, each new blog post about this challenge makes me even more excited! Can't wait to see what everyone creates!

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  3. Ooh, I'm so tempted to do this challenge, but I'm notoriously awful at keeping up with sewalongs and challenges. :( Hmmm.... Either way, I can't wait to see what you come up with! You'd look so cute in any of these dresses!

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    1. Thanks Ginger! i too am pretty bad at keeping up with deadlines etc, but I'm going to give this one my best shot as it's too good to miss out on!

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  4. Yay I'm really happy you've decided to do it too! I love that Jane dress you've picked out - it's gorgeous and very wearable. Although you do suit a fifties style and Betty's pretty dresses are perfect for summer... lordy what a choice...!

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    1. Thanks Joanne, I sdore what you've picked out to make! And yes, I'm torn between Jane's dress and a little shirt dress...eeep! Maybe fabric shopping will help me make my mind up this weekend!

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  5. You can definitely use one of those incredible patterns! But I totally dare you to get your wiggle on. Do it! Embrace the booty!

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    1. Hehe, thanks Reana! Maybe if I ever manage to lose some weight I'll come back to the wiggle dress...but for now, I will remain a chicken and opt for the safer solution ;o)

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  6. This sounds like so much! I suppose now I no longer have such a dilemma for my next project. While I love Joan, I think I'm more of a Betty for my own style. Hopefully this turns out well!

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    1. Oooh, great to hear you're on board as well!

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  7. I like 4905 too - but in all seriousness you could totally rock a wighle dress!

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    1. Aaw, thanks Rachel! I just don't think I have the confidence for a wiggle dress...maybe one day ;o)

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  8. Have you checked out MadStyle at Tom & Lorenzo yet? I'm always pimping their site; they were the ones that got me watching Mad Men. Tons of inspiration shots.

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    1. Yes, I have thanks! That's where I got a lot of my inspiration from, it's excellent!

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  9. I'm totally in for this challenge!! Thank you for sharing this amazing blog!

    I also really like your ideas for your dress!

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  10. Oh yes, I'm definitely up for this challenge! Funnily enough, I'm really drawn to Betty's dresses but full skirts just DON'T suit me, which is a shame as some of her dresses are to die for. I LOVE that light blue dress of Jane's - damn it that would have been the perfect choice for me for so many reasons but I've already bought the fabric for my Joan dress. Maybe I can make both (!) Like your reader Sue, my excitement level also rises too each time I see another post about it! Looking forward to seeing your final choice. x

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  11. Awesome challenge! I love the retro classy touch in these dresses and more generally in this tv show!

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  12. Heh, I don't quite now yet if I'll manage it in time, but I'm definitely going for the first dress you posted, the green one with the flowers. And a fuller skirt. :D

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  13. So excited to see you on the challenge...

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  14. Oh that pattern on the right is gorgeous! I'd go that one, since its already got the full skirt like you want. Can't wait to see it!

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  15. I'm very excited about this challenge too!! Funny, I expected that if I chose a fuller skirt, I would choose a Betty look as inspiration but, I went with Trudy instead. I think your 4905 has a lot of potential! Can't wait to see what you choose!

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