Another Year, Another Gatsby Summer Afternoon put on by the Art Deco Society of California. And this one did not disappoint. I think it’s my favorite Vintage event of the year because I get to meet and catch up with other people who have similar interests as myself. That, and it is quite magical to have the estate turned into a giant vintage scene and party. Really, if you get a chance to go, you must. It’s truly fabulous.

We’ll start with a few photos from the event and I’ll talk about my dress at the end.

Some of my favorite people where under our tent on the lawn. Patty, Jone, Dottie, Brie and Taggy Lee each looked fabulous in their own way and were a delightful bunch of gals to hang out with.

Lisa and Rob pulled out all the stops! For their 2nd Gatsby, Rob sewed the awning for their tent, made a rolling chaise lounge as well as a rolling bar. He never ceases to amaze. Just wish I took more photos of their picnic. Lisa made her dress from a 1920’s pattern and decorated her true vintage hat with hand made flowers. Such Commitment all around. You guys are the best!

Max Raymond & Charlene Choy lean against his amazing car with a cocktail in hand. They look so perfect too!

Here I am with Julie ann Silverman who is also a Deco Belle and performed in a different costume later that day. Julie Ann is also our Illustration instructor and also a kindred spirit (as you may have noticed.

The other photo of me was taken by Connie Ricca and is one of my favorites. You can see the details of my dress and my red shoes. Along with my hat which was made by Kimberly Manning Aker (From a placemat! she’s so talented)

A photo of Tara who was wearing a gorgeous vintage 1930’s dress and a photo of two fellow Sewing Blogger Costume Makers wearing gowns they made themselves. Tanya (on the left) did all the smocking and cross stitch embroidery on her dress and the pattern on Loran’s dress (on the right) was created using silk ribbon on net. They also had a lavender themed tent. Tanya lives in Mariposa which is several hours away and Loran lives quite a ways out as well. Bravo ladies! Now that’s commitment.

For more photos of the entire event, head on over to Memento Moda. Daisy Rose Coby is the official Gatsby photographer and you can see photos from the entire event over there.

Now on to the dress and coordinating accessories -

Plaid Cotton Fabric from Telalinda Fabric

White Organdy - Lacis in Berkeley

Pattern - Mid 1930’s Gina Dress Wearing History on Etsy

Belt Buckle - Forty Acre Vintage on Etsy

Vintage Buttons - Boomtown Jewelry on Etsy

Shoes - Trieste from Remix Vintage Shoes

Hat - Kimberly Manning Aker - Yes, she does custom orders!

It was a delight to work with the pattern for this dress. I have used Wearing History patterns before so I did not worry too much about fit or sizing, so I just went with the size 38 for the hips and waist and reduced the chest and upper part of the pattern to fit the size 36. In retrospect, I could have reduced the shoulder width/sleeve length through the pattern where the lower bodice gets joined to the upper bodice. There was a bit too much fullness in the high chest/back area and that would have fixed it. I’m being really picky, because everything else was absolutely perfect.

The fabric was slightly challenging because the plaid has been printed on the bias. I had to cut right and left sides separately making sure the plaids matched at the seams. I probably would have had to do this even if the plaid wasn’t on the bias. It was a practice in patience for sure.

Here you can see a bit more close up of the bodice with the buttons and belt buckle.

The organdy I used for the flounces at the neck and sleeves, was very soft. I am really happy with the drape of those flounces. If it was stiffer organdy, I do not think it would have worked.

It was really a wonderful event and I was able to wear the dress again, already! More on that later.

Until Next Time, Happy Sewing!

xo Jennifer