A Roaring 20's Inspired Dress

Hi! Today I am sharing two things of the many I have made in these last couple of weeks. My sewing  machine is amazing because I am giving her (yes, it's a she) no rest and she is up to the challenge! It is a pretty simple sewing machine, non computerized, only about 20 different stitches (including stretch ones), it is actually a bit ugly (it looks like a cold machine, not a pretty and friendly toy). It is the love of my life. (Did I just say that?!) After my true Love (aka sweet husband) and my three spunky kids, of course. (Ahem.)

(End of love letter to my sewing machine. :) )

Have you hear about the Mystery Challenge? It is sewing/crafting challenge where a group of people swap themes and have to create something with the theme they get from their partner. Doesn't it sound like so much fun? 

I have already joined last round when I was given the theme "Under the big top" and you can see what I have made here. This time around I was given the theme "The Roaring 20's". Actually it was "John Dillinger and the Roaring 20's" and although I first thought about making a full shirt + pants + vest + bow tie + hat for my son, when I saw a tester call for the Dress Pattern No. 19 (pattern of E+M Patterns) I immediately felt that it was it. It has a slight 20's feel to it with that elasticized waistband and squared skirt, and those bodice tucks and ties. Luckily I was chosen to test it! (Thank you Allison!)

Pattern: Dress pattern No. 19, pattern by E+M.

Fabric: Chambray and floral cotton batiste. I feel like I must chambray-fy all things lately, so I have to warn you that several of my upcoming posts will look very much alike... :) 

Details & Pattern Review:
This dress comes with several views: it can be tied in the back or the front, you can make it sleeveless, with short sleeves, cap sleeves or flutter sleeves. 
The yoke has a little keyhole that is closed at the top with a continuous bias binding or can have a tied opening. I have opted to make something different - a button + button loop - and I like the way it turned out. 
I was assigned to make cap sleeves. I love the flutter sleeved versions I have seen  (I think I have a crush for flutter sleeves...) so next time I will go for that option.

The instructions are really good, everything is made in a clear way. And the construction is also very good! All the seams (and I mean ALL) are encased.  Isn't that wonderful? 

There is a chart with printing pages for all the several pieces, so you can print just those you need. And there is a single page with all the materials needed so you can print it and take it with you when shopping -  I thought that was genious!

The dress is meant to hit just above the knee but I have hemmed it just a bit shorter. 

I really enjoyed making this dress. I think I have a new favorite!

There is a Facebook group for the Mystery Challenge, so if you feel excited about this kind of challenges please join us! 

And here is the list of all the themes and participants on this round!

5/25│ The Berry Bunch - Frank Lloyd Wright │ Sew Not Perfect - Lucille Ball, I Love Lucy  5/26 │ Create 3.5 - George Sand  5/27│ Zoe and Ted - Suffragetes  5/28│ House of Estrela - Woodstock/Fall of the Berlin Wall  │ Pen Seb Rox - Piet Mondriaan   5/29│ Friends Stitched Together - Impressionist Movement │ Wining Wife - Judgement of Paris   5/30│ Super Stay at Home Mommy - Madame Tussaud │ Keep Calm and Carrion - Jackie Kennedy  │ Gloria June - Florence Nightingale   5/31│ Sofilantjes - Andy Warhol │ Busy Little Bee - Marie Antoinette │ Amanda Rose - March 9, 1959 Barbie   6/1│ Pienkel - Bianca Jagger │ Huisje Boompje Boefjes - Anne Frank   6/2│ Taking it Up a Notch - Queen Victoria │ Amazing Adventures with Bubba and Bug - 1964 New York World Fair │  Kelly's Sewing Creations - Steampunk Mary Queen of Scots   6/3│ Mae & K - Tesla │ Pretty Little Blog - Moon Landing │ Knot Sew Normal - Lutie Eugenia Sterns   6/4│ Sew Starly - Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II │ Hibbadoray - Amelia Earhart │ Sew Far North - Countess Markievicz (1868-1927)   6/5│ Made By Sara - John Dillinger/Roaring 20's │ Friends Stitched Together - Prohibition/Roaring 20's   6/6│ Country Bella - 1900's World's Fair/Art Nouveau │ Lulu and Celeste - Rosie the Riveter  6/7│Sew Domesticated - 1960's/Civil Rights Movement │ Rebel and Malice - French Revolution/Joan of Arch │ The Fabric Hoarder - Gypsies

See you in a couple of hours with another post! I will be showing you my (failed) attempt on making smocking for the first time. Not the traditional smocking, it is Lattice smocking or - as I am going to call it - the Lettuce smocking. :) 

Happy sewing! 




Project linked to: 


Sew + Show