Monday 2 September 2013

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

14 comments:

  1. Your top looks absolutely perfect and I do say that purple is your color. I have this pattern but have not made it yet. I must give it a try! Can't wait to see the wedding outfit!

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    1. Thanks Sarah. As for the Wedding outfit, I just have to sew the hem on the skirt and the hooks and eyes on the waistband and I will be finished. I don't know if I will get time to photograph it before the Wedding on Saturday though.

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    2. Did I call your shirt purple?????? I must have been thinking about your wedding attire! At any rate I just made my first Renfrew and I like your suggestion of stitching the neckline with a twin needle.

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    3. Oh, I did wonder where you got "purple" from. I have another Renfrew cut out ready to sew in a grey cotton jersey. I will stitch the neckline with my twin needle for this one. I think using a zigzag stitch tends to look a bit too "home made", so stay tuned.

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  2. I actually like the different back ... makes it look unique in a good way. The band at the bottom and the sleeves tie everything together. Nice tee! Great color (blue) on you! :-)

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    1. Thanks for your kind comments Debbie. I'm not sure about the different back, but I think a different front using a patterned fabric would work well. I love this blue too. It must suit me because I always seam to get nice compliments when I wear this colour.

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  3. Your top looks great! I haven't tried any of her patterns because I'm also a rectangle. And I haven't tried any Colette patterns because I'm definitely not a C cup. I'm hoping some indie designer will take on the rectangle/cylinder figure as their specialty;)

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    1. Thank you Angela. I too would be very excited to discover an indie pattern maker who specialises in our unique rectangular body shape. There must be someone out there...surely our shape is not that unusual in the scheme of things.

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  4. Nice work on your Renfrew. I like the two colours. This is a real workhorse pattern for me, I've made four and I have a stripey version in mind.

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  5. Thanks Paola. I can see why you like this pattern. I think I will be using it regularly all year round. I have seen a few stripy versions. It looks great with the stripes running horizontally on the body and then the bands made with the stripes running vertically. Looking forward to seeing your striped version.

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  6. I also have yet to make this pattern up - your version looks great! Love the 2 colour effect - makes it very designer looking...off to have a peek around your blog...J

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  7. Thanks Judith. Hope you enjoy my blog...I am only a newbie and still have my "L" plates on.

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  8. I love the Renfrew - such a nice easy sew but it looks great! Love this blue...

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  9. I love the Renfrew too. Such a wearable top and easy to sew and I can't wait to make some more.

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