Like many other sewing bloggers, I purchased a copy of the Sewaholic Renfrew pattern. Doesn’t everyone need a well-fitting pattern for a basic t-shirt top, with sleeve length and neckline options? I certainly do! When I was at Sewjourn I sewed up my first go at a Renfrew. It definitely won’t be my last.
The fabric is a mystery knit with not a great deal of stretch. Possibly just a basic cotton interlock, really. I actually traced off the front and back pattern pieces instead of just hacking straight into the pattern pieces with my scissors as I normally would, because I wanted to straighten out the bust/waist/hip curve to better accommodate my measurements. Apparently Sewaholic patterns are drafted for a pear-shaped figure, which is pretty much the opposite of mine (and why it’s taken me so long to buy any of them, as much as I like the styles). I traced off a size 12 around the shoulders, neckline and bust, somewhere between size 8 and 10 for the hips, and pretty much a straight line from one to the other to approximate my “waist”. I think that it’s worked quite well, although looking at these photos I might try a 10 through the shoulders next time (depending on the amount of stretch in the knit) and maybe a slight FBA. Or maybe not.
And can I point out how well I matched up the stripes on the body and the sleeves? Not too bad considering that this is a “wearable muslin”! I did a rather dodgy job on centring the v-neck binding unfortunately,but it’s not too noticeable. I’m looking forward to giving this pattern another try in a slightly stretchier knit. Fabric choice makes such a difference in these types of garments – you can make exactly the same size/pattern over and over and get different results depending on the amount of stretch and the fibre type.
Because I have lots of this fabric, I also whipped up a vest from Simplicity 2283. I’ve made this before.
I do like a long, drapey vest! This pattern has cutaway armholes and a centre back pleat. It’s easy to construct and I think that it would flatter many body types. The other Sewjourners thought that the vest might be a bit much worn with the top, but of course I wear them both together quite often. Too much? What does that mean? Now that I’ve written this blog post, I might head upstairs and cut out another Renfrew!
Both awesome, I really love them. I must be the only one to not have heard of Renfrew, but I will be sure to check them out now. Thanks
I think it looks great Lara. Is that the pattern I made too. I wore my top today and it always looks and feels good. Thanks for sharing!
Yes Annie, it is the one that you made as well – and yours does look absolutely marvellous!
I like them together. You looked very good in them yesterday – they look like one garment at first glance, but when you notice the two pieces, it looks interesting. I had obviously forgotten you akin them at Sewjourn but I definitely remember the fabric. I think it’s a pure cotton jersey.
That would be “MAKING them at Sewjourn…”
very nice; I like the way you’ve used the stripes.
Love it! And I think the vest works really well with it. I must be a ‘pear’, I cut a 12 as I read it was roomy (I’m normally a 14) and it was perfect! I cant wait to make more! I’m going to tweak the arms though, not sure about the cuffs….
Looks great you did a wonderful job
Renfrew on its way to me – it looks great Lara and you have as always proven us all wrong by wearing them together so well!