15 Sep Rite of Passage I
I’m convinced there are a few rites of passage into the online sewing community. One of them is making Sewaholic’s Renfrew Top. In spite of dozens of good reviews boasting the merits of this simple pattern, I remained reluctant to give it a try. I’ve sewn several disappointing knit tops during the past two years – why would I want to sew another one?
Well, sooner or later most people come around to join the masses and I did too.
Described as ‘the knit top pattern for people who dislike sewing with knits’ I bought the pattern and waited for a vision to occur. It took a pair of leather jeans (bought in August at 90% off!) and this wool knit from Mood Fabrics to generate a vision for the pattern but alas, I have finally sewn the Renfrew Top!
Indeed, it’s a pattern that I plan to sew again. Removing 3 inches of length from the bodice was the key to a successful fit.
While I truly love the top’s scoop neckline, the genius of the Renfrew Top is found in the bands. The neck, bottom and arms are unified with banded hems eliminating the double-needle topstitched hem.
Best of all, I completed the top in 2 ½ hours – but I bet you already knew that!
It’s nice to finally be on board with Sewaholic fans across the globe and I hope to tackle what I consider to be the next ‘Rite of Passage’ later this fall. Can you guess what it is? (Hint….. it has buttons 🙂 )
Best wishes to all!
Carolyn
Posted at 22:51h, 15 SeptemberYou’ve made an awesome Renfrew top! Love it with the leather jeans!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:04h, 16 SeptemberThank you, Carolyn!
Marguerite
Posted at 23:00h, 15 SeptemberGlad you met the “knit” top challenge head on! The top looks great. The fabric looks good and beefy which I think the Renfrew needs. Funny about knits..I’ll make a wool coat before a knit top. Something in the squiggling I think!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:06h, 16 SeptemberYou and I think alike Marguerite! I’d rather spend days sewing on silk than hours on a little knit top. I love the fabric too and may order more as it has great body 🙂 Many thanks for the comment.
artattack024
Posted at 23:06h, 15 SeptemberThanks. You’ve left me as the only living soul who hasn’t made, much less own, the Renfrew. I guess I need to get on this bandwagon. I should have ordered it along with my Minoru the other day. Let me guess…are you about to embark on an Archer??
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:08h, 16 SeptemberYou’ve made so many cute knit tops, Dorcas! As a matter of fact I’m in awe of the good looking t-shirts you’ve made. No telling what you can do with the Renfrew! And you guesed correctly…. I’m feeling soooooo left out on PR 😉
seweverythingblog
Posted at 23:23h, 15 SeptemberWelcome to the club. I, personally, made four versions of the Renfrew in two months — couldn’t stop. Even blogged about it. Sorry about the shameless self promo. For me, it was the narrow armhole and the general “narrowness” of the top portion….
http://seweverythingblog.wordpress.com/2013/07/09/theres-something-about-the-renfrew/
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:11h, 16 SeptemberHi there! Your Renfrews are really cute and I appreciate the link!
BeckyMc
Posted at 23:26h, 15 SeptemberLet me guess about your next rite of passage…a Chanel jacket? Love the top, you have convinced me to give it a try.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:13h, 16 SeptemberWell……. I do plan to make a Chanel jacket with Susan Khalje but that’s not the pattern I was referring to!
Look forward to seeing your Renfrew!
seweverythingblog
Posted at 23:26h, 15 SeptemberBy the way, you look terrific in the Renfrew! And, you’re one of the few people who can pull off leather jeans beautifully.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:14h, 16 SeptemberThank you so much! I’m kind of stuffed into the jeans but at 90% off it didn’t matter and I know they will stretch 😉
Joan
Posted at 23:28h, 15 SeptemberWOW — that top looks great, and so do you! Your top inspiration was dead-on with your new jeans. And this is coming from a 5’1″ person: you look so slender and tall in your top, leather jeans and boots!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:15h, 16 SeptemberThank you Joan! I love the two shades of brown together and am overall pleased with the look.
Joan
Posted at 13:42h, 16 SeptemberSarah,
When you said that you removed 3″ from the bodice to get a good fit, do you mean that you simply folded out 3″ horizontally above the waist and below the bust line? Is that a typical alteration for you in woven garments, given your height/proportions? Thanks!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:27h, 16 SeptemberHi Joan,
I took an inch and a half out of the length on the pattern alteration line, however it was too long when I attached to bottom band so I removed another inch and a half from the bottom of the length.
I always remove at least 1 1/2 inches from the length of woven garments.
Joan
Posted at 17:13h, 16 SeptemberThanks for the clarification on shortening your Renfrew pattern!
Faye Lewis
Posted at 00:11h, 16 SeptemberIs it the Archer button down shirt? Great Renfrew btw!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:16h, 16 SeptemberB I N G O !!
Shams
Posted at 01:51h, 16 SeptemberIt looks great! And, if you decide to make the cowl version, it’s the perfect cowl!!! It doesn’t reveal too much or sit too high. In fact, I should make myself another at my new size!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:17h, 16 SeptemberThanks, Shams! I cut out the cowl for this top and set it aside. I might finish the seams and see if it can serve as a detachable cowl. At any rate I’ll try the pattern again in the true cowl version.
lisa g
Posted at 04:10h, 16 Septemberthe renfrew is such a great staple pattern to have around. i’ve made it many times, and each time i wonder why i haven’t made more! great top, and it pairs so well with those killer pants!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:18h, 16 SeptemberThank you, Lisa! I bet your Renfrews are beautiful !
Myra
Posted at 05:05h, 16 SeptemberOk, your beautiful top has convinced me to take the plunge too! It is so pretty! (and those pants are hot, hot, hot!)
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:19h, 16 SeptemberMany thanks, Myra! You’ll look dynamite in this pattern 🙂
Vivian
Posted at 07:25h, 16 SeptemberI have never really read reviews on basic t-shirts as I have a pattern that fits me perfectly. I am so glad you posted this as I love your shirt, esp. with the bands. It just dresses up a plain old Tee a bit, and being of a certain age, I need more than a basic tee these days. Thanks, your tee is lovely and I want one!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:34h, 16 SeptemberMany thanks, Vivian!
angela
Posted at 07:52h, 16 SeptemberLove your renfrew. I need to make one, I have some nice wool jersey just waiting in my stash too 😉
I think my guess is that you are going to make a Robson. That one is on my list though…so I might just be wishing it on you because I want to see you make one!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:36h, 16 SeptemberThank you, Angela! I believe this would be great in a wool jersey! I love the Robson but that’s not it! 🙂 🙂
gingermakes
Posted at 07:56h, 16 SeptemberThis is gorgeous! I love the knit that you used– it really elevates this basic tee into something special! The pattern is so approachable and quick– gotta love that!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:36h, 16 SeptemberThanks, Ginger! Quick and cute is a winner in my book 🙂
Rachel
Posted at 08:03h, 16 SeptemberThat came out great! I’ve been sewing a lot with knits, sometimes with better results that others, but have yet to achieve a really nice knit top. I bought this pattern recently and it’s on my fall list to sew! Btw, I love how you paired that with the leather jeans. Great outfit!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:37h, 16 SeptemberThank you, Rachel! I think you’ll like this pattern – good luck!
CherryPix
Posted at 08:22h, 16 SeptemberYou know I’m a huge Renfrew fan! Your heavier knit is prefect for the scoop neck version!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:38h, 16 SeptemberYour Renfrews are super! I thought about leaving the band off of the bottom but decided to sew as directed at least this first time 🙂
Jean
Posted at 08:29h, 16 SeptemberSo glad to see you have given the Renfrew a go and with great results. That nice beefy knit was a perfect choice and looks fabulous with your leather jeans. Can’t wait to see your Archer. That is next in my sewing queue, but I might do the Craftsy class “The Classic Tailored Shirt” with Pam Howard first.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:39h, 16 SeptemberGreat suggestion on the Craftsy class, Jean! Many thanks for the comment. 🙂
dara
Posted at 08:30h, 16 SeptemberBeautiful top! You have encouraged me to try it. Happy sewing!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:39h, 16 SeptemberThank you, Dara!
Joen
Posted at 09:37h, 16 SeptemberHeard the rave reviews too about the Renfrew top and after seeing your success I’ll have to give it a try too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:39h, 16 SeptemberThank you Joen! I think you will like it 🙂
Corinne
Posted at 09:41h, 16 SeptemberYou look super-awesome in that outfit! And I love your fabric choice – it really compliments the pants well. Thanks for the inspiration!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:23h, 16 Septemberand thank you for the nice comment, Corinne!
Mary Lynn
Posted at 10:02h, 16 SeptemberI love the Renfrew top and the fabric – really a great non t-shirty look! Kuddos for looking so cool and cute in a wool top, leather pants and boots in SC! I think I would have had the vapors for sure!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:40h, 16 SeptemberHi Mary Lynn! Fortunately we had a cool spell this weekend and zero humidity.
Cindy
Posted at 10:06h, 16 SeptemberScrumptious as always! And the jeans make a killer combination. Surely the entire South Carolina coast is envious of your sewing skills right now. ;=D
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:42h, 16 SeptemberThank you for your nice comment, Cindy! I actually live in the western part of the state, but spend as much time as I can on the coast. It also helps that my daughter lives in Charleston 🙂
Pam
Posted at 10:30h, 16 SeptemberGreat top! I’m sure you won’t be able to stop at one. Those leather jeans are KILLER!! They look smashing on you. Enjoy the Archer- it’s on my “must sew” list also.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:43h, 16 SeptemberThank you Pam! I’m sure I won’t stop at one Renfrew either. 🙂
Julie Starr
Posted at 11:08h, 16 SeptemberWhat an outfit!!…how do you manage to snag these amazing finds?! Those jeans couldn’t look more perfect on you…sophisticated and sleek – wowza! I, too, have been almost bullishly resistant to trying the Renfrew top for whatever reason. The luxurious look of your fabric is what makes ifor me. Another classic piece to add to your wardrobe. I’m so anxious to see what fabric you choose for your first Archer!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:19h, 16 SeptemberHi Julie! The Derek Lam pants were purchased at the same time as the white DL pants at Van Jean in Columbia. One of those lucky days for sure. I’ve seen the Renfrew sewn successfully in lightweight and heavier fabrics. I thought I would miss the riibbed edges of RTW knit tops but I do like this pattern. About the Archer…….. I’m going to need some help……!! 😉
black label
Posted at 11:33h, 16 Septemberfunny, i was just thinking this weekend how Im not making any of the ‘raved about’ patterns like the renfrew or the anna dress or….
alas, I’ll get there one day.
& those leather jeans at 90% off – well shame on them. they should’ve just given them to you for free. 90% pffft!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:20h, 16 SeptemberHa! I still paid $80 for the leather pants. They were originally $800!!! We can sew a year’s wardrobe for that amount 🙂 Many thanks for writing.
Margy Houtz
Posted at 13:18h, 16 SeptemberWow, do you look hot! The leather jeans are amazing on you, as is the beautifully fitting top. I guess I’ll have to get that pattern now. Thanks for the great review and pix!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:21h, 16 SeptemberThanks, Margy. You’ll do wonders with this pattern – can’t wait to see your version 🙂
Roberta
Posted at 13:23h, 16 SeptemberThe top is great! Well done!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:21h, 16 SeptemberThank you, Roberta!
Debbie Williams
Posted at 13:58h, 16 SeptemberLove the Renfrew!! I’m more of a quilter than a garment maker, but this may convert me. I just don’t have access to nice fabrics for clothing. Where do you look? And where do you get patterns like the Renfrew?
Thanks, Deb in TN
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:25h, 16 SeptemberThanks, Debbie! I’ve provided a link to the Sewaholic website, and for fabrics I would suggest starting with Mood Fabrics! http://www.moodfabrics.com
Diana
Posted at 14:55h, 16 SeptemberLooks really good. I love that wool knit and your leather jeans are TDF!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:41h, 16 SeptemberThank you, Diana! The jeans enhance the top for sure! 😉
Erica B
Posted at 15:10h, 16 SeptemberSuch a chic ensemble! Great sweater and I’d wear this look from head-to-toe!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:41h, 16 September…. you’d rock this look from head to toe too, Erica! Many thanks 🙂
Maggie Edger
Posted at 15:40h, 16 SeptemberLOOKING GOOD!!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:42h, 16 SeptemberThanks, Maggie!
Lori
Posted at 16:11h, 16 SeptemberThis looks great on you, welcome to the bandwagon. Is it the Archer? That needs buttons or the Kelly skirt?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:06h, 16 SeptemberThanks, Lori and you are correct! The Archer it is 🙂
Carol
Posted at 18:21h, 16 SeptemberI wanted to mention that there is a tutorial for making the Renfrew. I believe there is a link to it on the Sewholic website. It was very good. Ipurchased fabric to make two of them before summer hit, but I haven’t had time to stop and make them yet. As soon as the weather changes and I am inside more, I’ll greatfully be back at the sewing machine. Can’t wait to make mine.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:03h, 18 SeptemberThank you for this information, Carol! I’ve had the pattern for a while and didn’t think to go there. Next time I will for sure! Good luck with your Renfrew 🙂
Mollie Bobo
Posted at 19:23h, 16 SeptemberI can do this! Your fabric choices always resonate with me.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:04h, 18 SeptemberYou can certainly do this one, Mollie! Many thanks for the comment 🙂
Cheryl Scott
Posted at 19:33h, 16 SeptemberWow! That gives me confidence!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:05h, 18 SeptemberYou can do it, Cheryl!
Amanda S.
Posted at 10:35h, 17 SeptemberI’ll bet your husband LOVES this outfit!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:05h, 18 SeptemberIndeed!
Sewellen
Posted at 07:05h, 18 SeptemberGreat look! LOOOOOVVVE those jeans!!! What a score. I’ve yet to try the sewaholic patterns. Time to get on the bandwagon!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:06h, 18 SeptemberThank you! The jeans make the top, huh 🙂
Cissie Wellons
Posted at 16:58h, 18 SeptemberLove your top. Now I see a stunning Archer in your future!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:55h, 18 SeptemberThank you, Cissie! The Archer will happen sometime…… winter is not until Dec.22 right?
June
Posted at 17:53h, 18 SeptemberRock the leather jeans! Renfrews and Archers are popular for a reason – have fun!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:56h, 18 SeptemberSo true, June! Can’t wait to try the Archer and many thanks for your comment 🙂
Joy
Posted at 09:52h, 19 SeptemberMy goodness, Sarah! You are a one-woman FACTORY. Your garments all look wonderful.
I’m curious. What machine do you sew with — or machines?
Hugs, Joy
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:44h, 20 SeptemberGood description, Joy! LOL I sew with a Bernina 1230 – top of the line 22 years ago 😉 It still sews well but I’m ready for a new machine. I also have a Bernina 1150 serger which my husband surprised me with two years ago. Many thanks for writing!
Charlene
Posted at 13:08h, 19 SeptemberI was just wondering if you altered the neckline at all. Love your site!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:41h, 20 SeptemberThank you, Charlene! I did not alter the neckline at all. 🙂
Sharon
Posted at 03:59h, 21 SeptemberGorgeous Renfrew, but you aren’t the only one that hasn’t made that pattern!
CP
Posted at 15:40h, 21 SeptemberThe Renfrew looks great. An especially good fabric choice. Did you alter the neckline at all?
Jane Cartwright
Posted at 08:29h, 19 NovemberJust made the Renfrew pattern up into a cowl neck T shirt dress out of a Marcy Tilton ponte stripe knit. I planned to make the cowl removable (like you) but liked it so much attached, I sewed it on. The result was great! I wouldn’t have considered a Sewaholic pattern without you spurring me on with your pictures. Thanks, Sarah. Love your blogs.