My friend Jonathan invited me to his 30th birthday party. He wanted to leave his OWN roaring 20's in style and asked everyone to come dressed up for the occasion. What a great opportunity to play dress up and put on a made-by-me gown from my favorite era!
Yay! I had everything - Dress, shoes, stockings, gloves, hand bag and wrap. But the truth is, I didn't really want to wear a wrap. I wanted something a little more glamorous. So why not turn my metallic gold organza wrap into something more special? I could throw it together in a couple of days, right? So I did. It's not 100% accurate to the era and time, but I think it evokes the glamour of the era (and my inspiration photo - see above) and went perfectly with my dress already (see this post for more info about the dress). Here is how to make it:
1. Start with a double sided wrap and a vintage fur collar. The wrap measured 95" long x 31" finished. The collar measured about 40" along the neckline and 8" deep at the widest point.
2. Fold in half lengthwise, so it measures 15" by 95", with the side you want showing on the outside.
Sleeves pinned and cuffed
seams butted up to each other and slip stitched together
3. Pin up each end about 18" and stitch together. I butted the edges up to each other and slip stitched them together to create the sleeves. Since this was a really long wrap, I then folded the sleeves up in half to create a 9" cuff . The cuff was tacked in place at the top of the cuff, along the seam.
neckline pleated
Pleats pressed and stitched down flat
4. The wrap was still quite long so I pleated it along the neckline (pick one of the horizontal edges) until the sleeves and neckline sat nicely and I could it with my hands sticking out (about 40" between the sleeve cuffs after pleating).
5. Hand Sew the pleats down along the neckline so they lay flat and press gently.
Snaps and snap tape
6. Attaching the collar - This collar came with already applied snap tape at the inside collar edge. I didn't have the receptacle side of the tape (it was probably attached to the original coat), but I did have metal snaps that fit just fine. I sewed (female) snaps along the neckline the same distance apart as the tape on the collar. So, now, I can easily use this collar on something else.
7. Front closure - This collar came with a fabric covered hook and eye at the ends of the collar, which were sewn on and could be used to close the shrug. Because I liked it more open, and wanted to show off my dress, I used a sweater chain (with clips on each side) to hold the sides together.
Voila! C'est Finis!
My finished look
Wet Set Finger waves by Bridgette Landau and styling by Moi
At the party with Courtenay
Grandma's Necklace and crystal drop earrings from To Herb with Love
Above are photos from the party. What fun. We had a wonderful time! Thank you Jonathan!!!!
More information about my materials:
My wrap is a double sided gold metallic wrap. One side is gold colored organza and the other side is a platinum metallic organza. I made it from two bridal remnants that I had left over from a custom wedding gown. It's been in my closet for about 10 years.
The vintage white fox collar is from Circus Cat Vintage on Etsy. There are lots of vintage furs that can be kept out of the landfill by rescue via the internet. I would never by them new, but if they are old and in need of a home.....
All other supplies can be found in your sewing box (or from Britex Fabrics) - metal snaps , a fabric covered hook and eye (if your fur doesn't have on already & thread.
Please note that this was a completely HAND sewn project. I felt it would just lay better and look more authentic, however, it could totally be done on the machine, if you are in a pinch, time wise.
Until Next Time, Happy Sewing!
