Aka – The ‘it’ dress
Yes, the dress that seems to be ‘everywhere’, Vogue 9253. I make no apologies for succumbing to the pattern ‘fad’, I loved it on its release and purchased it as soon as it was in-store in Australia… which seems to take much less time than it used to.
I got home from hospital and decided I needed something lovely in my life to focus on… so sewing it was. There is no time for self misery when you surround yourself with beautiful things and people. I pulled this fabric put of my stash and immediately pictured this dress.
Vogue 9253 – much more ladylike but alas a droopy hat.
I’ve struggled in 2017 with trying to sew sensible things, things for my lifestyle and whatnot… but in all honesty I enjoy sewing when inspiration takes me by surprise. Right now, I have the urge to sew all.the.pretty.dresses so I think I might just indulge myself. Welcome back mojo.
Modifications
I sewed up the front bodice pieces in the centre by 2 inches (10 centimetres) and turned narrow hems under along the raw edges. And then sewn these down to the bodice. The stitching lines continue down the skirt front and its front split opening.
Vogue 5253 – inner bodice finish. I sewed the front seam up 10cm.
I also only partially sewed the centre seam of the front skirt pieces. I find it easier to walk in maxi skirts that have a split, preferably in the front. This enables my legs to break free of the fabric, rather than the fabric wrapping around and slipping between my legs when I’m walking or there is a breeze to contend with. I finished the seams in the same manner as the bodice centre front seam.
I decided to not put in pockets as I felt the light fabric didn’t really suit pockets and they might interfere with the fluid drape of the skirt.
Vogue 9253
I french seamed the skirt side seams and narrow hemmed the skirt centre back seam edges for a neat finish.
I added strips of interfacing along the centre back seams to stabilise the fabric for the invisible zipper.
I shortened the skirt pieces by 3 inches. I’m 5 foot 4.
This fabric actually has a massive fabric repeat which I didn’t notice when I purchased it. It appealed to me due to the carefree large-scale print which seemed to have no rhyme or reason to it. I deliberately chose not to pattern match (shock, horror) as I prefer the carefree feel the fabric print, deliberately placing motifs just felt too structured for the relaxed feel I envisaged this dress/fabric match delivering.
Vogue 9253, back view
Dislikes
The tie droops at the front. I think I may hand stitch this to the bodice seam, at least in part.
Verdict
Even with my minor grumble, I have lots of love for this dress and pattern. I do think sewing up the front bodice a little makes it much more wearable for day-to-day use.
I sewed this very slowly. I’m learning to ‘slow down’. I was still very tired from my week in hospital so I sat at my kitchen table as I created this, hand basted my pleats and darts, hand basted hems in place before machining. Yes, probably more fastidious than required… but it is a nicely finished dress and I love it.
I’m tempted to sew all.the.caftans… and I do hear Charlie calling my name… can I resist? Do I really need another pattern?
Pattern: Vogue 9253, size XS
Fabric: Rayon from East Coast Fabrics, Brisbane. Purchased in 2016.
Also see: there are sooooo many out there… just google Vogue 9253 or look up the #V9253 hashtag on instagram – enjoy! There was also a recent competition run by McCalls Patterns for this pattern. See all the winning entries here.
Why I sew…
When I saw the #sewphotohop challenge today I felt inspired to write up this blog post.
This dress better than most answers that question… it’s the place where the worries of life slip away… a place of promise and potential… where problems can be solved and beautiful things await.
It’s the place I lose myself. It’s the place where I also find myself again.
Vogue 9253
Sew Busy Lizzy 
Beautiful, simply beautiful! XX
Great dress. I love the fabric!
I love your final sentiments and I think that a lot of people will have similar ones – I know I do. I am really pleased to see you back sewing, although the circumstances leading to your mojo return are too horrifying. The dress is a delight, btw.
Welcome back! Your creation is beautiful. Yes, you should sew.all.the.caftans! They are definitely comforting garments.
It’s exactly right for you. Beautiful. Everything works. If you don’t like the belt bow, how about a vintage belt buckle? But I would leave it as is.
Basting and fussing? Don’t you think that on a casual design like this, nice finishing elevates the garment from “fast fashion” to elegant.
Gorgeous!
Your fabric is super pretty. I love this dress on you.
You, the dress, the setting – it’s all rather ethereal and so lovely and romantic. Love it all 🙂 I sew for all the reasons you list and I would add it keeps my brain sharp or helps me keep what I have at any rate 🙂 they say as you age you should do “puzzles” – sewing is just one huge puzzle isn’t it? Which is why it is absorbing and instead of looking at a successfully completed crossword you actually have a success you can wear!
Beautiful dress, it more than replays the extra time spent. I love the sentiment in your ‘why I sew’ too. Spot on.
I am glad you are doing things, even if slower. I admire your attitude to your injury and the way you are ‘carrying on’. You have my deepest respect and admiration.
Your dress is so lovely, floaty and romantic and suits you so well! I wish you rapid recovery, you look quite delicate and I hope you will recover and get stronger wih each day. I love very much your thougts about sewing which are expressing my similar ones.
This is one of the best ones I’ve seen! I’d definitely sew up the front too. Tempted to grab it now 🙂
It’s worth the investment – just wait until Spotlight has a sale!
Love your version, I think we are going to see a few of these pop up in Brisbane this summer ;o)
Oh Liz, it looks much better with the bodice sewn up. Better than the picture on the packet.
It is so fluid and suits you perfectly.
Enjoy your time sewing and take it easy.
Love
Anna
I saw your caption on IG, and thought you summed it up beautifully. The dress is gorgeous, and I hope that sewing it helped you heal at least a little.
Dreamy! Such a great look on you!
Lovely! It’s very ‘you’; I always think of your style as summery and effortless!
Lovely! It’s very ‘you’; I always think of your style as summery and effortless.
I’m so glad to hear you’re home and sewing again!
The dress is beautiful and I think it has exactly the carefree vibe you were looking for. I’ve been sewing almost nothing but pretty dresses lately and my casual wardrobe is a shambles but I am really enjoying wearing the dresses to work… obviously this depends on ones’ work! 😂
There aren’t really words that adequately convey my emotions after reading about your injury. Seeing you in this dress, this setting, this light…soothes me. It’s ethereal and romantic and calming. Take good care…I’m sending intentions of a full, speedy recovery!
Lovely; and thanks for sharing some sunshine and beach with all of us who are still shivering 🙂
Your dress is fabulous!! I love that fabric, and good call on sewing the bodice front a bit higher – it is a bit low on the front of the pattern! This morning I was looking at a New Look stretch fabric pattern I forgot I had (when I should have been getting ready for work..), and the neckline is very like your dress. Sewing it up a bit will definitely be the way to go!
Stunning dress! I love the boho vibe–it certainly suits you and your gorgeous surroundings.
A beautiful dress. So glad you’re out of the hospital. All the best.
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