The Accommodating Renfrew

I am probably the only person in the sewing blogosphere who hasn't made the Renfrew before now. If you have been living under a rock you may not have heard of Tasia and Sewaholic Patterns. This is an independent pattern company based in Canada, and they offer a variety of patterns particularly suited to pear shaped women. Maybe, it is because of this that I had not paid a lot of attention to Sewaholic patterns ( being more of a rectangular shape, definitely not a pear). I have been admiring her patterns and enjoying reading many reviews and blog posts about them.

I finally decided to try the Sewaholic Renfrew Top, because nearly every review I have read has been so favourable and I thought it would be easy to make it a size smaller at the hips to suit my rectangular shape. I purchased my pattern from Sew Squirrel here in Australia.

There are so many options with this pattern too. Three different necklines and three different sleeve lengths that can be combined in many different ways. 

Here is my version of View A:

I made the size 12. The only change I made was to remove 4cm of length from the hem band. I decided not to grade the pattern down to a smaller size at the hips because I have a bit of extra padding around my tummy area and I didn't want the top to be tight across there. My alterations worked out perfect. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough of this lovely royal blue ponte to make the whole top, so I used some left over charcoal grey ponte from my Style Arc Kristin Dress. It doesn't bother me that it is grey on the back, because I can't see it when I am wearing it (it just bothers everyone else, apparently). Anyway, I think it is fine to wear around the house on the weekend.

I think the fit is very accommodating for my figure. It fits comfortably and it looks good. I love the nice slim cut of the sleeves (without being restrictive in any way) and the flattering scoop neckline. It's shapely without being tight and skims over any lumps and bumps. The sleeves are nice and long which I really like for a winter top.

The neckband sits nice and flat, however, next time I might cut the neckband slightly shorter so it hugs the body a little more. I zig zaged the band to the seam allowance, as instructed in the pattern but I might use my twin needle next time, for a more professional finish.

I just love this pattern, and I am kicking myself for not trying it sooner. I can't wait to try out all the other views. I can see this Renfrew pattern is going to become a real wardrobe staple for me.

OK, I suppose it does look a bit silly with the grey on the back, but desperate times call for desperate measures (and what I can't see, still doesn't bother me) Ha Ha.

And now I had better get back to finishing my outfit for my nephew's Wedding which is next Saturday.


Happy Sewing