Sewing Vogue 9067 was an interesting experience.  It’s a Vogue pattern that I’ve seen pop up on quite a few blogs now.  At first I saw more about view A, the sleeveless top.  Then attention seemed to switch to view C.  As it happens, view C was the one that I bought the pattern for.

Vogue describe this pattern as follows: MISSES’ TOP AND PANTS: Very loose-fitting, pullover top has back neck slit, button/loop, and seam detail variations. A and B: back extends to side front, no side seams. C: bias neck binding and sleeve and hemline flounce. Semi-fitted pants. D: straight-legged, partial elasticized waistband and stitched hems. E: tapered, elasticized waist and side pockets. A, B, C and E: narrow hem.
FABRICS: Silk Crepe, Lightweight Broadcloth, Jersey, Challis.

Okay, on to my top. Did you note that bit about the top being described as “very loose-fitting”? Here are details from the back of the pattern envelope and the finished measurements on the pattern piece itself.

My bust measurement is currently around 40″.  According to the back of the Vogue envelope, that would put me in size 18, which is the Large in this pattern.  I had bought the smaller size combination, knowing from experience that I am much more likely to sew somewhere around size 12.  So I checked the finished bust measurement, printed on the pattern tissue.  For the XS it was 44″.  That would give me around four inches of ease, which would still be plenty and result in a loose top.  CHECK THE FINISHED GARMENT MEASUREMENTS BEFORE YOU CUT! Only the bust measurement was important for this top, since it flares out even more through the waist and I didn’t have to worry about the ease there.

As well as cutting the XS, I did a little bit of petite-ing and took some length out through the body. The fabric is a voile that had been in my stash a little while. You can probably see in the photos that I took a considerable amount of care when cutting to keep the motif placement pleasing. The sleeve ruffles were cut as a single layer and narrow hemmed rather than being self-lined, and I left the back neck opening out completely.  I chose to bind the neckline with bias binding made from the same fabric.

This is a very pretty print, in colours that I really like individually, but it wasn’t the right choice for this top for me. Other than the creasing in the above photo, it just feels too “delicate” and I think that from a distance it reads rather pale. However I do like the overall silhouette and would like to sew this again in a more drapey fabric. The voile is just a little too airy. I’d rather something that stayed a little closer to the body. So, on to the skirt.

This is the Style Arc Brooke skirt, in the shorter length.  From their website: This on trend asymmetrical skirt has a full wrap that will allow you to wear this skirt with confidence that it will not fall We have given you two full patterns in two different lengths that gives you the choice of the mini skirt or the more sophisticated knee length. You will feel fabulous in either!  FABRIC SUGGESTION & DESCRIPTION: Linen, cotton twill, wool gabardine.

I constructed this as per the instructions, except I left the front darts off completely to allow more stomach room.  This resulted in quite a comfortable fit.  I think I sewed size 12.  Mini length on me is above the knee, but only just.  That’s what happens when you are 158cm tall!

The fabric is orange rigid denim from Crafty Mamas that had been in stash for a little while. It has a bit of a slub running through it and was easy to sew, as denim generally is. Although this skirt fits well, I have only worn it once so far. It needs a bit more “playing with” to work out what tops go with it best. I’ve realised that I tend to reach for skirts with stretch in them before those sewn in rigid wovens. Back to that central theme of comfort, I suppose!

So overall? If you make this top, beware of the pattern sizing! I like the overall silhouette of the pattern, but will make it again for myself in a different fabric and pass this one on. It just doesn’t feel like “me”. The skirt will get more tries – it’s a matter of how to incorporate it into my wardrobe. I like the hemline at the front and it’s a good fit, and the colour definitely fits into my wardrobe.