SHANNON'Sdresses

1920'Sflapper dress

2007

I had known I was going to this 'Gangsters and Flappers' themed 21st for weeks, maybe months, and had the dress planned in my head. Time ran away with me, and with the dress not even a quarter done I was reminded on the Thursday that the party was the upcoming Saturday. Oh, how I swore. I had an essay due that week too I think, so Thursday night and most of Friday was a write-off. I worked all of Saturday afternoon and evening on it until it got so late that I just had to tell my date to go alone because it was still a couple of hours away from being wearable. I was, upset, with my organisation and sewing skills, to put it lightly. They had both failed me, and I was extremely put out. I put in so much time and effort, and I couldn't even wear it. No, I was not a happy camper.

I learnt something though. Or rather, was reminded of something - however quick and simple you think something is going to be to make, YOU ARE WRONG.

I'm sorry, Nicole.

Anyway, 5 months or so later, the dress is finally finished. So maybe now I can actually add some construction details... The dress is made out of a gold-coloured curtain, with a muslin-like texture on one side, and satin on the other - I chose the right side to be the satin. The bodice is a simple barrel shape, and the skirt is just a square with a circle cut in the middle to attach it to the bodice. The bodice is lined with a cotton curtain-lining fabric, and I stitched a gold trimming to the neckline and armholes to tidy up the seams. It fits quite snugly and is actually quite comfortable. It's almost like until the 1920s, they'd forgotten that fashion and comfort could actually go hand in hand.