Skip to main content

Made by a Fabricista: Jumping on the Bandwagon


If you are a part of any sewing online community you've already seen this dress all over Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or blogs. It seems everyone has been making Vogue 9253 this summer!
Thankfully so, because I almost missed out on this pattern. It wasn't that I hated it, I just didn't love it, but that all changed after I saw a few versions of it on actual sewists. It has been so popular that it has been selected for several sewalongs, patterns of the month and even McCall Pattern Company itself is holding a V9253 contest (details here-you still have time).


Though the recommended fabrics include crepe backed satin, rayon challis, broadcloth and lightweight jersey I chose this fun abstract Ikat print ITY knit. Unfortunately, this knit has already sold out. Below are a few other knits I think would work well, a similar Ikat print ITY in gold and black (here), a bold bright leaf print ITY (here) or a navy tie die jersey (here). If you prefer to work with wovens I spotted a pretty floral print with a black background in challis (here), a multicolor outline floral challis (here) or a black and white diamond print challis (here).


This pattern is a bit of a fabric hog needing up to 4-1/8yd for the midi and 5 yards of 60" fabric for the maxi depending on your size. That said the most time consuming part of this dress was cutting out the fabric as the maxi has to be cut out on a single layer to accommodate the full skirt. Perhaps this is why I made the error I did. I cut the bodice piece twice without flipping the pattern piece, meaning that I had two right front bodice pieces instead of a left and right. HEADSLAP! Considering I already squeezed 4-1/8 yards worth of pattern pieces on 3-3/4 yds of fabric (last minute project change) I knew I did not have enough fabric to cut another bodice front.


After weighing my limited options, I ended up sewing two of the larger scraps together and cut the pattern piece from that patchwork of fabric. Sadly the only way the piece would fit was for me to cut the piece crossgrain. I really HATE that I made this error because I really love this dress and this will always bother me. So learn from me and always double check your pattern layout when you are cutting single layer fabric! The only saving grace is this print is so bright and busy that I'm hoping only the most advanced sewists will notice.


As long as you don't make any silly errors like I did this Very Easy Vogue pattern lives up to it's category. The most difficult thing would be the bias binding if you're not familiar with it. I actually omitted this since I was working with a knit and simple folded under the back neck hem. I also omitted the zipper as I can pull the dress over my head. 


My bodice was a little long making the plunging neckline much too low. I'm not sure if the bodice was truly too long for me or if the weight of the ITY pulled it down. I'll find out when I find the perfect challis for this pattern and make it again. Whatever the reason, instead of shortening the bodice I decided to add an 1" wide elastic casing. This solved two problems 1) it shortened the bodice by an inch and 2) it helped to support the weight of the full skirt. I also added belt loops at the side seams and center back to help keep the tie ends in place since I did not sandwich it in the center back seam. I like side loops for sashes anyway.


Many may pass over this dress due to the the cleavage baring neckline but this can be easily modified. You can either cross the front bodice pieces over each other creating a slighty wrapped bodice or you can sew the bodice pieces together at the center front to shorten the deep V.


Aside from my error I am pleased with the dress and can't wait to make the midi version with a challis.

See you in a few weeks! Have you entered to be a contestant for The Fabricista Fashion Challenge? You should! Read all the details here

Comments

  1. Who's going to look at the patching when your boobs are falling out of the dress? A little severe for the Carolina Leagues, don't you think?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Very pretty dress. I am glad you shared your boo boo fix. I probably would have shortened the dress and that would have wasted more fabric. Thank you for sharing that idea. I would have to sew up part way on the cleavage because I wouldn't want to show too much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm always glad to share my mistakes and fixes. The neckline of the bodice can always be raised as I stated in the post and another fix it to wear it over a camisole.

      Delete
  3. A lovely, very romantic dress. The full, maxi skirt and sleeves of the dress pattern you chose really showcase nicely the large pattern and lovely colours of the fabric. The dress is very flattering. The mis-cut fix doesn't show at all. Who hasn't had to wrestle with that challenge?! Thanks for an interesting post!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thanks for leaving a comment! All comments are reviewed before posting to help us eliminate spam. Your comment will be posted within 24 hours.

Popular Posts You Might Like

Made by a Fabricista: Milo + Citrine

Hello sewing friends! It’s Andrea - @happy.things.here on IG and today I’m on the blog to share some sew inspo on one of my favorite kinds of garments to make – cardigans! I absolutely love making them and wearing them year-round, whether it’s an extra layer for around my house in the winter, as my outermost layer in Spring and Fall, or paired with a dress on a cooler summer evening. I love love love cardigans! And there are so many great cardigan patterns out there – chances are that each of your favorite pattern companies offers multiple cardigan patterns. Button-less cardigans are great beginner patterns, and a handmade cardigan is a lovely personalized gift since it’s more forgiving for fit and you don’t have to know someone’s exact measurements to make one. And you can make them in all sorts of knit fabrics too.  Today I chose two cardigan patterns to share with you that I think bring a little something extra to the table. They are the Seamwork Milo and the Made by Rae Citrine.

Week 4: Jeansmaking- What They Made

This is it, the final round! And we certainly did not go easy on our three remaining contestants this time. This round they had to make their own pair of well fitting jeans. I think they all did an absolutely outstanding job! Take a look what these ladies accomplished & be sure to vote for your favorite! (Link at bottom of post.) And, don't forget to show us your me-made jeans on Facebook or Instagram. Details at the bottom of this post. Danesha from  Classyfied Life So first I must say that this entire challenge has been just that...a challenge! Two weeks ago there was hurricane Irma and I was blessed enough to not lose power and then I went out into the aftermath to capture some photos of my submission. Then two weeks ago I had a big trip planned so I had to do EVERYTHING  in two days . Then the BIGGEST challenge of all...THIS week! I got the challenge and I was super excited to have an extra few days and then before I could even get started I ended up in the eme

Made by a Fabricista: Revving up your style in the Dana Marie Moto Jacket

Hey friends - I am so excited to have been invited to participate as a Fabric Mart Fabricista this month!  This year is the year I challenge my sewing skills.   I have wanted a moto jacket for some time.  Not just any moto jacket but one that has a classic and timeless style. I saw the Dana Marie Moto Jacket pattern on the Fabric Mart website and knew that was the one.  The fabric I used was a beautiful porcelain white/black/silver 100% polyester plaid weave boucle suiting.    Remember when I said I wanted to challenge my sewing skills?  😉 This fabric was beautiful but fragile to work with.  It was a great mental challenge that had me problem solving before sewing to avoid any potential problems.  I first traced out the pattern onto tissue paper to determine the fit.   I used scrap cotton fabric to sew up a “practice run” of the jacket.    I was pleasantly surprised at how easily the jacket comes together.   I sewed up the muslin in one evening.  It was time to cut into the beautifu