Saturday, December 8, 2012

JOAN CRAWFORD MEETS BETSEY JOHNSON, MEETS BUTTERICK B5152!

Joan Crawford has arrived at our house for Christmas...and LOOK!  She's brought along cigarettes!
Actually, I just finished this up this morning, and wanted to share...the last large present that needed to be finished before Christmas.  My daughter and I sat down one evening, a few weeks back, and shared some special Mother/Daughter moments watching the ever enchanting "Mommie Dearest"...I hadn't seen it in years, and she had never seen it.
Overly penciled eyebrows and batshit crazy outbursts aside, she was enchanted with the fabulous costuming of the 40s - especially the glamorous dressing gowns.  I was asked if I knew where she could get something like that for lounging around the house, and spewing her new favorite snarky quote from the movie, "I would rather be here, with you, than anywhere else in the world".
Shortly thereafter, I ran across this in the Butterick pattern book - and at 99 cents for the day at Joann's, it SCREAMED (No wire HANGERS!) to be turned into a Christmas gift for my Jaci.  The fabric is something they label as Simply Silky Prints - a stretchy, satiny/shiny polyester (perfect for washing) charmeuse, in "Betsey Johnson-esque" (another of my daughter's fav's) pink and yellow roses.  The pattern was marked "Easy", and they weren't lying!  I put this together in a day - start to finish.  I haven't sewn an actual garment in some years, and was PLEASANTLY surprised at how well this went together.
My daughter is built much more slender than my antique mannequin, so this should hang pretty close to the illustration on the pattern cover (she's built like the girl in yellow - we should hate her, by golly).  Where there should be "two" on my mannequin, is but one...a "dove breast" from the late 1880's.  Sadly, there is no "lift and separation" on this old gal, but she's pretty great for display purposes.  I am expecting this to drape exactly like the pattern, once on.
Black lace overlays on the front and back bodice - like I said, this really went together beautifully...especially for being a vintage pattern.
Extra wide sash belt - big flowing sleeves, gather into tiny bands at the wrist - fabulous and uberfierce!
Who knew they still made shoulder pads?!  The pattern called for them...Joann's had tons to choose from, happily.  I thought (or perhaps, wished) they had died with the 80's.  Yeah, who knew!
I think the only thing missing from this ensemble now are marabou mules for her dainty polished toes...
and a padded, satin hanger!  Happily retiring the sewing machine until after Christmas - hope your weekend is wonderful.

21 comments:

Colleen Mcgraw said...

it's beautiufl Tanya...are you going to double check Jaci's closet for metal hangers tonight?

Jackie said...

Oh that is so classic Joan Crawford!! I hope you post a pic of Jaci wearing it! Beautiful work!
I can't imagine sewing with lace!! UGH!

Melanie Schofield said...

Stunning! Lucky Jaci!

Anonymous said...

As I told you on the phone, this robe is absolutely gorgeous!

You do such fabulous work, my friend!

Cindy said...

This morning when I was getting a shirt out of my closet, there was a wire hanger and I said out loud..
"no wire hangers!" (scared the dog!) and here you are on blog land with this same quote! Too funny!
Your gown turned out beautiful! She will float around the house in your creation!
Have a good weekend!
xo Cindy

DearHelenHartman said...

GORGEOUS- it looks like it would be so flattering, even on a hanger. A wire hanger. Bwaahahahaha - cough, cough, cough - sorry Joan has been bringing me ciggies too.

oldgreymare said...

I am impressed, though not surprised, that you could create something so lovely.
Lucky daughter <3 Talented Mama <3

Dorthe said...

You made your daugher a wonderful -dressing gown,-dear Tanya- she will feel very luxuryos ?,wearing it.
Those dresses from the 40s are fantastic ,and you captured the style so beautifuly with the choosen material, and the black lace.
I can see you are a very clever seamstress ,as well as a magic jewelry creator.
Hope your sunday is lovely.
Hugs,Dorthe

Sea Witch said...

LOL, this dressing gown is SOOOOO Joan Crawford. Love that you made a dressing gown. They are so retro neat.

Createology said...

Tanya this is uber chic for retro lounging. Fabulous pattern, fabric, lace and sewing skills. Your daughter will be overjoyed and look stunning. You are amazing Miss Talented Lady...

Ann said...

I remember these gorgeous dressing gowns in all the movies. I STILL like those movies!!Also Catherine Hepburn worn these with class too. I'm sure your daughter will LOVE it. You did a great job with the sewing!!Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment today--love when you come by.
Ann

Natalie @ Blossoming Visions said...

I can't help but chuckle at this post! That house dress was pulled off impeccably. I wish I knew how to take to needle and thread like that. You are very talented (and hilarious)!

bj said...

Looks so much like what Joan would wear, I could just spit. It's perfect and the job you did on it is AWESOME. Your daughter is gonna love it to pieces.
Now, I want to see this movie again...

Curtains in My Tree said...


I was shocked when i seen that movie for the first time. It always amazed me how movie stars were so beautiful and handsome and then crazy and mean to their families, like Bean Crosby, Mr Nelson, Ricky Nelson's dad

Your gown is fabulous and what a great job you did your daughter is thrilled I am sure of that

Vicki Boster said...

Tanya-- are you kidding me???? This is amazing-- my jaw just dropped. Love the fabric and the vintage pattern! I used to sew all the time-- but it's been years-- not sure I could pull it off. You definately score an A plus!!!

Happy Holidays!!
Vicki

Elisabeth said...

Wow!!!! That is amazing, you're so talented!

Elisabeth said...

Hi Tanya, I'm back again to tell you that you should come and stop by my blog....there's an award for you :) Have a great weekend!

val said...

stumbled by and thought this fun. The special eyes, I totally get it....and I love all the snippets about Joan! ha!

Mary said...

I am going to have to break out the sewing machine now! That is gorgeous! I never saw the movie, but have always admired Joan. She did evil pretty well...

Lya de Putti said...

Wowee! Just found your blog whilst looking for a Christmas picture of Joan - now I REALLY want to come over there and steal that dressing gown. Just divine! Love from Jenny at Silver Screen Suppers xx

Hopewell Creek Designs said...

That movie scared me to death years ago...haha...no really. But she is right the clothes from those days were so lady like and glamorous. You did a great job!! Did the material sew easily no puckering or sliding? I bet she loved it!!