The Gatsby Summer Afternoon is an annual event presented by the Art Deco Society of California, every year on the 2nd Sunday in September.  This is an event I look forward to each year and get ready for, pretty far in advance.  For the 3 years, my mom has been joining me and then last year, my cousins Kathy & Maurice came along for the ride as well. AND this year, I even roped my friend Jone in, who ended up having more friends there than me! 

We bring a picnic table set up and then walk around enjoying all the vintage fun.  My mom made her hat, Cousin Kathy made her dress and Maurice already had a wardrobe (from a previous work life) that fit perfectly into the era.  Men have it pretty easy, in that regard. Jone bought a new vintage style dress and a 60's does 20's hat that totally worked.

I made my dress from two VPLL patterns. You can see the prototype dress here - made from the 1931 Dress pictured above left.  The only changes I made to the pattern, after making my prototype was an increase of 2" to the hips and I changed the sleeve, using the VPLL 1930's dress, pictured above right (one layer only). I also followed the method of stitching the bodice shirring after sewing the midriff to the bodice, that Dierdre from VPLL suggested in my prototype post comments. That method looked  much better, for sure. Otherwise, this pattern sewed up very nicely.

I used a vintage floral rayon, probably from the 1930's or 40's that was purchased from The Recrafting Co., here in Alameda.  (Just love that place).  I had decorated a modern hat, but in the end, chose to wear this vintage hat.  My belt buckle (also vintage) broke, the day before the event.  I glued it back together, which worked for the event, but it broke again when I decided to re-photograph the dress, this week. Thankfully, I have more vintage buckles in my arsenal of trims, but sadly, none that match my shoes so perfectly.  Oh, well.

My absolute FAVORITE part of the event this year, was meeting 4 of my fellow sewing friends from Instagram - Jess (AKA @Duchessofhutch ), Tanya Maile (@tanyamaile), Loran Watkins (@loranwatkins) & Mena Lazar (@makethislook, @ShopMakeThisLook & @sewweekly ).  They all sewed their outfits (Mena wore true vintage but made her daughter's look - who won the Children's clothing parade!) which were entirely FABULOUS. 

By the end of the day, we had all wilted a bit from the heat.  I lost my lip liner so I felt a little naked with no lips left, but all in all, so much fun!  Can't wait for next year. 

Here are my outfit details from the event:

Dress patterns - Vintage Pattern Lending Library - 1931 Ladies Dress With Asymmetrical Detailing - Reproduction Sewing Pattern #T6617 & 1930-31 Ladies Afternoon Tea Frock - Reproduction Sewing Pattern #T3221

Fabric - Vintage Rayon purchased from The Recrafting Co. in Alameda

Hat - Alameda Antiques Faire

Shoes - Remix Vintage Shoes

Jewelry - Pearls hand strung by my mom (Awe!) and earrings from Daisy's Alameda

Until Next Time, Happy Sewing!

Jennifer