My latest sewing project is for me! Lately my blog has been full of projects for other people, but I have been sewing for myself as well.
My latest project is the Renfrew Top by Sewaholic Patterns. I made this once before, but the results were so-so.
This time I made quite a few adjustments. First, I went down two sizes. I made size 12, which is about 2 sizes smaller than the size chart indicated I should use. This made the fit at the shoulders much better.
I skipped the waistband altogether, which wasn’t especially flattering on me, and lengthened the top by three inches to make up for the length in the band and then some. I’m a little long in the ribcage and ready-to-wear shirts are often too short. This is the length I prefer.
I also skipped the zigzagging around the neckline that is called for in the pattern instructions. Last time, I tried this on the back of the neck but I didn’t like the look. to hem the shirt, I used a double needle. I’m much happier with this finish.
I also used better fabric. This jersey is a bit more expensive than the last time, but has much better recovery. That makes it a little more flattering, but also more comfortable. It’s also really bright, which I like. Who says kids should get all the fun?
I am so much happier with this shirt. It feels great and cheers me up when I wear it.
Summary
Pattern Review: Renfrew Top by Sewaholic Patterns. I made view A.
Fabric: Cotton-spandex Jersey, from L’Oiseau Fabrics.
Cost: The pattern was a birthday gift and the fabric was about 16$ a meter. Total: about 25$.
Size: 12.
Sewing Level: Adventurous beginner.
Modifications: I didn’t zigzag around the neck band, I lengthened the shirt by about three inches, and I skipped the waist band.
Results: So much better than the first Renfrew I made. I plan to make this again with the cowl neck.
The Finished Garment 
Very nice. The bright stripes are fun and cheerful, and it looks like you did a fine job of stripe matching between the body and the sleeves.
LikeLike
In the other post you mentioned a cheater fba. I take it you didn’t do this. It still fits well?
LikeLike
I didn’t. But the fabric is really stretchy and has great recovery and I like the fit as it is. But I’ve just spotted this article with an alternate FBA technique for knits and might try this method next time.
LikeLike