MAD MEN DRESS CHALLENGE III| BETTY DRAPER
Top Left Photo Source: AMC Mad Men
Okay dokey, a quick word about the Mad Men Dress Challenge III. It’s easy, and it’s fun! You can either recreate a dress worn by a cast member, or sew an outfit inspired by the show! We’ve had six weeks, and in my case, that means five and half weeks to think about it, and two days to sew. Again, um, why must I leave things until the last minute? Well, in my defense, this time I really did try to beat the last minute rush. I mentioned in an earlier post that friends had me pegged for Peggy Olson! And yup! I can totally see where that’s coming from. Gingham, check! Polka dots, check! But, none of her outfits made me swoon. The truth is, Megan’s gorgeous coral and white chevron striped coat had stolen my heart. GAH!!! I love that coat. But, could I find the fabric? Nuh uh! Sheesh! Let me tell ya, it took more than a little while to let go of that obsession. So, here’s the kicker…the turning point was when I admitted to myself that I wanted to be Betty Draper. Betty is pretty! Betty wears pretty! And Betty’s roses dress is all kinds of pretty!
I admittedly searched endlessly for fabric that was a close match to her dress, but the reds were always either too maroon red, {so not my colour} or the patterns too Christmas-y or juvenile. When I saw my fabric, I did a little happy dance all the way to the cutting table. This fabric is a dash of Betty and whole lotta Sue. The skirt is a basic rectangle with pleats at the top. The bodice, a major renovation on Simplicity pattern 2444. My plan had been to debut Simplicity 2444 next month, as in April, which YIKES, begins two days from now, but it worked really well as a template for my Betty bodice. Don’t worry, you’ll still be seeing another 2444! Betty’s dress has a decorative bow on a narrow waistband. Instead of the narrow waistband, I made a narrow belt; otherwise, I think my design is pretty spot on! I think I may do another post to show a bit of the insides. Julia will be publishing everyone’s photos and blog links on Sunday, April 6th. It’s going to be fun to see all the inspired versions!
Special thanks to Samson for being my Don Juan!
Dress: Me-Made
Shoes: Bandolino
Necklace & Earrings: Me-Made
Linking Up With:
Julia of Julia Bobbin for Mad Men III: The Big Reveal
Patti of Not Dead Yet Style for Visible Monday
Rosy and Sacramento for Share In Style: Flowers
110 Comments
I've yet to watch Mad Men but I could look at you all day in that gorgeous creation, its wonderful! Love that pretty cat, too! xxx
Great dress Sue! Beautiful fabric and wonderful on the fit. this dress feels so “you”. Am I right about this? What a gorgeous cat!
blue hue wonderland
Great dress! And I love Betty's style, if not her icy personality.
Sue! You're back! I missed you! And I must bow down to the sheer brilliance that is you. This dress! Gah! I actually love your version more. The print is livelier and brighter and more approachable. Just like you! 😀
I love the dress, that is gorgeous! I actually like the fabric you chose better than the original dress. And your assistant is precious, I love the “rear view” photo, too funny!
that shot of double rear, genius.
beeeeyootiful. i love what you did with that pattern! (blue envelopes are my fave big 4).
Such a pretty dress! And the colors in the rose print look lovely on you!
This is wonderful!!!!! just gorgeous! 😉
So so pretty!
Wow, wow, wow, that dress is STUNNING. And I agree with the poster above better than the inspiration picture. It really suits you, hope you have lots of fun wearing it.
Sue. SUE!
Yes, I'm yelling, because your rose dress is an absolute triumph of beauty! I love it, and want it!
Gorgeous smiley Sue photos, love the hair toss in the last one, and the gorgeous fabric and perfect fit of the dress are wonderful.
(Yes, I am extra gushy today…)
Love that fluffy bum too! xxx
Squeeeeeeeeal………this is so fun. Great fabric, must be why you couldn't find Betty's dress fabric. This is you, as you know, lol……..Love the design of that bodice! Anxiously awaiting the beginning of the next M.M. season…..
Shirl
What a beautiful dress!!! You did an amazing job and you look lovely in it. The pleats are fantastic. I like the necklace too!
The likeness is uncanny (is that the right phrase?). Honestly spitting image of Betty's dress. You have done such a good job. But pity you could not recreate the coat. Would have been nice too. Perhaps you will find the material next week haha.
And I think you are a miracle worker to have made this dress in one weekend.
Greetje
Gorgeous! I love the pleated bodice! You've done wonderful work creating a dress for this challenge!
Sue. That is amazing! AMAZING!!!!! You look gorgeous!
Knowing well that you are a talented seamstress you however managed to surprise me. You look fabulous lady! The dress is so wonderful and wonderful is how you look wearing it.
Sabine xxx
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Truly inspired and with your own twist. You look absolutely beautiful and charming! I haven't watched Mad Man and most probably am not going to, but heard a lot of their fashion of course. If only it was a happy show to watch, I would be in heaven. 🙂 I love your version – pretty AND sweet AND happy. 🙂 Hooray!
What a great, girly, beautiful dress! And the design is spot on too! If it´s any consolation, I haven´t seen mad men either…too busy sewing!! 🙂
Love it! I'm so impressed that you're able to do all the sewing and pleating and customizing in one weekend!!! The dress is beautiful.
I also haven't watched Mad Men. I'd like to one day since everyone talks about it.
So lovely, lovely!!! and I absolutely adore the Rear View of Sam and Sue! ha! Aren't cats just the best?! They gotta be in on everything. You did an amazing job. Lovin' it!
last minute loveliness…is that a word.??? turned out great!!! congats
I know nothing of Mad Men – although I have heard of it – but that's a beautiful dress and you look fabulous in it. Love your cat getting in on the act too.
Oh yes, and I forgot to mention that I am glad you were not holding a cigarette in the picture, lol…..
Cheers,
Shirl
For a last minute job, you've done great Sue. You look fabulous!
The phrase that came to mind immediately was: Nailed it!
I think you look even better than Betty does in this side-by-side.
Really a gorgeous dress on you…and suits your coloring and figure just perfectly!
I actually like your choice of color better and the cut is exactly the same to the original! Amazed as always. I love the new page design too, so colorful and happy, so you!
Mrs Jack Of All Trades
http://www.mjoat.com
Wow! You look gorgeous! How cool that you can sew a replica of the versions on TV. I adore Betty's style. I am a HUGE MadMen fan. HUGE. You did an amazing job. So many wonderful choices to pick from on that show.
I adore your new blog design too. Brilliant job. It really captures your spirit.
bisous
Suzanne
Oh, well done, Sue! That dress is gorgeous! As are you and Samson…
You almost make me want to drag my sewing machine out and try to make friends with it again. Unfortunately, we didn't part on good terms, so that's not likely to happen. I'll settle for watching your triumphs instead!
Yes, Yes! The dress does feel very me Ann! With this kind of challenge, I think there can be a small risk of sewing something that doesn't feel right. It's easy to get caught up in the replicating of another outfit.
Did I ever see a photo of Betty smiling? Hmmmm…I think just one…she was on a picnic with Don.
Please, please let it be Sam's bum that's fluffy, 😉
Hmmm….yes, you do have a very good point. It may not be the happy that you and I both love. I'll keep that in mind before I switch on Netflix!
LOL….yep, could not do it. I mean, technically, I could have, but no…would not do it!
I'm really enjoying reading all your comments!!! It was a fun project to do, flat out too much for two days, but it's all good! How do they do it on Project Runway???
Catching up, me! Beautiful … so much sweeter looking than Betty. Lovely, lovely work on your dress! Do you go out and celebrate when you complete a fabulous project like this one? You should. I'm so impressed, as always. Congratulations on this lovely dress.
Sad, though, the way the kitty stole your thunder. I'm with Curtise … and sure it was the kitty who has the admired fluffy butt!
You outshine Betty in so many ways, and your dress is just so pretty, lovely fabric. You certainly create under pressure.
Wow, this dress is just everything! You did an amazing job and it is the ultimate in femininity. Mad Men is one of my favorite shows, so I'm loving this dress even more.
Gorgeous, gorgeous dress! I'd wear that!!
I really like your dress. It is so full of spring and life.
What a fabulous dress, Sue! So retro, and so modern at the same time. Love the fabric-you'd need something CRISP to make those pleats just so! I watched a few Mad Men episodes, and felt an obsession coming on, so I turned away…but long to mix up a few martini's slip into a dress like yours, and watch, and watch, and watch…
Very good, Sue! I know that my Mom had a dress like that in the 60's. There is a photo of her in it, yet hers was deep blues and greens and shiny taffeta. She loved that dress and my Dad loved her in it. It was his favorite dress of hers. Awh ~ thanks for the memories.
Wow your recreation of the bodice pleats are perfect, great dress!
2 words: NAILED IT! You look amazing in this dress and the color and pattern you chose suits you perfectly. The shape is amazing on you and very flattering. I was a Mad Men fan, but fell off the wagon last season.. we'll see this season.
xo ~kim & chloe
Looks amazing! Nice blog you have, keep posted!
WOW!!!! Everything is wow. The dress, you in it, and the post about it. Sheer joy. What an amazing dress. It suits you perfectly. You should win every prize there is. Thank you for sharing your talent!!
I have loved that serie, Sue! It is a wonderfully well realized reconstruction of the period…
Your beautiful dress has caught the style! You are so good at sewing and every outfit is a really success!!
It's always very nice to see how much enthusiasm you put in your life! ( and cute, little friends around…)
absolutely gorgeous, such a pretty dress, love that pleated detail, you're so talented!!
besos
This is so beautiful. I love the pleated bodice. Everything is perfection.
(If you're interested, I'm giving away a pair of Emma McKinstry earrings valued at $70. Enter here.)
True! You are spot on. I'm so impressed with the rose fabric. It's so you! I love roses and this dress fits you perfectly. Brava again!!!
Spot on!!! WOW. This is way to amazing. I love the print you used and the cut of the dress compliments you body perfectly. You have tremendous skills my dear. I love every post of your blog and they are getting better and better. The picture with the gatito is my favorite. So cute!
xo
Carelia
MySmallWardrobe.com
very pretty! I like it more than the original! and the cat is adorable!
Beautiful! You found the perfect fabric and made a very lovely frock. Lots of fabulous detail, so pretty.
Perfect pattern choice, those pleats are divine! It's gorgeous and looks great on you.
Thank you so much Laura! I enjoyed making the pleats…I know weird, LOL.
Thank you so much Barbarajane! It was your Mad Men post that re-ignited the drive to find my dress, and I'm happy I did!
Thank you! For whatever reason, Samson decided to join in on the shoot, much to my delight. I felt a bit doted on by him.
Thanks Carelia! Ah, gatito…I like that and must remember it!
Thank you Judith! I love roses too…nothing quite like a rose bush in bloom!
Thank you so much Jessica!
Thank you Senora Allnut. You have great talent too, with your inspiring colour combinations!
Thanks Dan! You always leave the sweetest comments. Your English is so very good! And yes, it's nice for Samson to get a little limelight, much like your beloved Bangio.
Jean!! High praise coming from such an amazing and talented woman! Thank you dear!
Thank you Lara Rose…perfectly lovely name you have!
Kim and Chloe! Thank you so much! I hear there's only one year left of the show. All kinds of things could happen in a final season….
Thanks Melody! Always so nice to be complimented by a great sewer!
Oh, the deep blues and greens of that era were fabulous! And you know…I could totally see myself wearing those shades…Hmmmm. Another project for me? Happy that my post ignited happy memories Renae!
Yeah, it's seems to be an obsession with many, so you wouldn't be alone. I'm undecided if I'm going to dive into the series. I'm obsessed enough with the clothing. The fabric! 100% cotton from Wineberry Fabrics! Yes, a quilting store, but these excellent quality cottons are fabulous to sew! They don't fray like their inexpensive cousins.
What a lovely comment! Spring and life! I love that, thank you!
Oh, Rachel, I could see you in this dress!
Oooh, thank you! A compliment from a devoted watcher is extra special!
Ah, thanks Jill! Yes, it does seem I'm hardwired to create under the gun.
Yes, Betty does seem to have some issues, not the least a husband, or ex-husband, that can't seem to be monogamous. I'm okay with Sam stealing the show. It's not often that he wants to get in on the photo shoot…which is probably easily explained by the fact that I often take photos away from home, LOL.
Sue your dress is so lovely! What a beautiful fabric as well.
Wow ! I absolutely love the dresss:) Sue you look gorgeous 🙂
Hugs Beata
Oh Sue!!!!! You are a vision!!! This is absolutely beautiful and you look the part! You are so clever to have made it!xx
What a lovely dress. I love the pretty fabris and soft colors.
Love this dress, you are such a great sewer! I'm totally in awe! 🙂
What a perfectly beautiful dress, Sue – so springy and feminine. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, you look divine. xo
Absolutely Betty Draper and not Peggy Olsen. You look so cute Sue. If I had your talent I would rarely shop.
Sue, this is just stunning! You look amazing and I'm in total awe of your sewing talent! Brava!
Best dress everrrrrrrrrrrr, dear Sue.
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Amazing fabric and I loooove your dress, it's so fun and has a Spring feeling. *^o^*
Now I want to read your blog to check other beautiful creations and get inspired! ^^*~~
Sue, stunning, simply stunning! What a piece of art. You can't find dresses like this in stores, especially after reading your latest post that details its construction, or maybe you can find something similar but it would be waaay beyond my budget, even without factoring in the pricelessness of being hand-made.
Thanks Jenny!
Thank you so much Beata. Hugs back to you.
Aw, Kezzie, thanks for the sweet comment!
Thank you so much Lisa.
Thank you Laurie!
Thank You Patti for being the ever so gracious hostess of Visible Monday! A favourite hang out for sure!
Woot, woot! Thank you Glenda!
Thank you Sheila! Now if only I could make shoes, I'd be set!
Ah…thank you Sacramento. The pattern makes me think of you.
Thank you so much! I hope you had a lovely read!
Thanks Mel! It's true, so difficult to find well constructed clothing at retail, at least in my budget. Of course, thrifting is where we shine, and there are some good finds out there. And yes, thrifted treasures are still the best buy, dollar for dollar, but I am enjoying the creative aspect of sewing some of my own clothes.
Gorgeous re-creation! I tried Mad Men because of all the hype over the costuming, but I just couldn't get into the series. Maybe I'll just drool over the clothing created by the challenge instead. 🙂
Gorgeous dress- and it looks so amazing on you!
Thanks lovely Bella!
I hear ya. I've seen one episode, but not all that inclined to continue watching…at least not yet. We'll see, as time goes by.
Dear i LOVE this dress!! And your blog its lovely!! Kisssssss from Spain!
Really nice job on the dress! I'm sure that will be perfect for hot summer days when the only thing you have the energy to do, is to sit under the cooling fan and zip some ice tea (or perhaps some baileys milk shake, if you're daring enough). Looking good!
WOW soo AMAZING outfit 🙂 you have such good taste…and I LOVE that cute cat haha
Check out my new post….How to decorate your home with cute fabrics 🙂
I wish you a great week dear
LOVE Maria at inredningsvis – inredning it's, Swedish for decor 🙂
You look great, I can' t believe you did it this is awesome, very very good job!!
Hej Sue, that is amazing, I love your pictures in the dress. I watched Mad Men regularly and you really hit the bull's eye! Thanks so much for sharing!
xoxo Leona
Ah, thank you so much Peggy Sue! Yes, this dress is you!
Thank you so much Rhia! Both sound good, the iced tea and the Bailey's. 😉
Thank You Maria!
Thank you so much Lady Parisienne!
Thanks Leona! What a great compliment coming from a Mad Men fan!
Love it!