Vogue 9253 (that one with the really low V)

I’m pretty sure, no, POSITIVE that everyone who’s reading this post has seen already seen a version or twenty of Vogue 9253. And with good reason because it’s ace. One of the things I truly love best about this pattern is that, in all the different versions I’ve seen, there seems to be a real versatility to the design. This comes not just in the way it can – like every pattern – be modified, but in the way it looks so fabulous on so many women and in such a variety of fabrics.

 

After making one of my Lois dresses up in this silk and falling hard for the colour, I pretty quickly settled on this ridiculously beautiful shade of our Elderberry Lave linen (other colours here). It’s deep, rich and is as much ox blood or beetroot or wine as it is the fruit for which it’s named after. Right now, it’s my hands down favourite colour.

I’m clearly stating the obvious here but when it comes to talking about this pattern, we all know that that neckline is low. Very low. Lower than Lois low and outside-my-comfort-zone low. Initially, I raised it by around 3cm but then added a couple more before I hit my happy point. To do this, I simply overlapped the front bodice pieces and stitched them like this.

A couple of things worth mentioning. There are no darts on the front bodice – just two under bust pleats on each side that  hit dangerously close to nipple territory. This is probably not so much of an issue if you’re sewing up a busy print, but I’d definitely recommend making a muslin and testing this placement out if you have any concerns. I didn’t follow that path, and if I had I would’ve changed it for a dart. C(h)est la vie…

The pattern calls for binding at the neckline on the back. That’s ALL kinds of fiddly – especially where a centre back zip is required – so I switched this for a facing.

The belt is sewn into the back of the dress but it would be just as easy to sew it up as a separate and optional piece. I especially love the front tie of this design, in particular the empire line at where it sits, so I chose to leave it attached (also, avoids HIGH probability of losing it one day). I did find the ties were getting in the way when I was zipping it up/down, so I just sewed in a couple of bar tacks to sort out that minor annoyance.

Proportionally, I found the original sleeve length didn’t work for me so I finished them at elbow length.

I wanted a true midi length so I made the Version A skirt at maximum length and gave it a nice, deep 8cm hem. I particularly love the fullness in the skirt which, in spite of the casual linen, gives it a bit of glam factor. This style definitely has a dressy feel to it, but I equally love the look with casual white sneakers (have you seem Zimmermann’s latest Spring 2018 collection?)

How about you? Any plans to add 9253 to your summer sewing list?