Jamie Lau, one of the authors of BurdaStyle‘s newest book Sewing Vintage Modern
It was only after I’d started the pattern that she asked me if I’d review the book. The offer came at the perfect time – I was just trying to plan my modifications, and I was eager to see what had been done in the book. The Louisa Drop-Waist Dress actually only has one major modification described in the book: the 1960s Jackie Dress (seen here and here). I wanted to stick with the 1920s style though, so I passed Jackie up and starting toying with simple modifications. First, I contemplated making a V neck line, but then I didn’t want to lose any of the beautiful watercolor flowers on the silk charmeuse from Mood that I bought for this project with my Mood Sewing Network allowance. I also debated turning the skirt into a single tier, but I decided against that idea because of the fabric yet again. I liked how the tiers played up the silk’s abstract print.
Ultimately, I didn’t make any big modifications to the pattern. I did swap the facing-lining combination for a full lining and the belt for a row of feather trim along the top tier (similar trim in brown here). Simple little changes that were again guided by the fabric.
All in all, I couldn’t be happier. The pattern and fabric came together into a great dress. I love how the silk shimmers and dances through the tiers as I walk. I finally have the 1920s-style dress that I’ve coveted – one with a very “vintage modern” attitude.
If you guys live in or near Brooklyn, Santa Cruz, or San Francisco, check out the upcoming book launch parties this week and next. And, give a hug to Jamie for me!
This post can also be found on Mood Sewing Network and BurdaStyle. Though I also mentioned it in the text above, I used my MSN allowance towards the purchase of the fabrics, and I received the pattern and book for free from BurdaStyle.
Sew Well 
Truly, truly beautiful. Your makes are always of such a high quality. I have a huge fondness for the 1920s, Gatsby style also.
What a gorgeous gorgeous dress!
lovely…
Absolutely beautiful! My most favorite decade of fashion – your dress must feel fabulous!
I just got my copy last night and I stayed up (way past my bedtime!) and read through the book. It’s wonderful.
Your dress is lovely. I am eager to trace off a pattern and get sewing! Your dress is such an inspiration – the fabric is just perfect for this style.
It’s so beautiful!!! I want to sew this dress and then wear it to the movies when I go see Gatsby 🙂
Another stunner! I’m such a sucker for watercolor-y prints and this charmeuse is just delightful. Pretty little tiers of silk….
This is totally Gatsby appropriate! What a lovely choice of fabric. And feathers? Totally luxe!
Amy, your work is always so stunning and well done, and this dress is no exception! That feather trim is a lovely compliment to the abstract silk.
So pretty! I love 1920s fashion but unfortunately I can’t pull it off. =)
I absolutely adore this dress! It’s definitely one of the most beautiful dresses I’ve seen.
What a lovely take on a Flapper dress – the feather trim is spectacular.
Beautiful! That last picture… sigh. The ruffles are so perfect. You look gorgeous in it, as always.
Lovely dress and choice of fabric. I found myself asking, “How are the ruffles finished?” Is it a baby hem?
I used my rolled hem foot for the hem on the tiers. The book suggested serging, turning, and stitching, but I was nervous about serging the silk charmeuse since I’d never used this type of fabric before.
This is beautiful, Amy.