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Thursday, February 16

Finished Renfrew

Well that was easy.  There are literally 13 steps in this pattern and that includes all 3 neckline variations.  As mentioned, my brain struggled a bit with the cowl, but that is more my fault than Tasia. 

As mentioned, this knit is pretty stretchy.  It has a nice soft feel and it is actually fairly heavy.  I was wearing a black bra while sewing and I was impressed that you could barely tell in the white bricks.  I made the 12 as is, but I should go up a size. 
As mentioned, I had all but the bands done on Monday night.  Mr. Lina was already reading in bed and I came in wearing it, my first opportunity to see if it fit at all.  I did a little turn and he commented it looked really good from the back.  I think I see what he likes, I know there are some wrinkles there, but I look like I have a waist.  The comment was reiterated last night when he looked away from the video game for 10 seconds while respawning.  He also likes the print, probably more than I do. 

I like a little draping around the bust line, I like cowls (but not a fan of turtlenecks, I just look like a ski slope without well placed necklace to create a V).  But it drives me a little crazy that some look perfectly work appropriate until you lean forward.  Suddenly everyone can see right down the centre.  What's with that?  Now I do have the crazy eyes here (I was giggling and feeling silly taking pictures) but this top is cleavage proof.  Even pulling at the cowl, you don't see any more than you need to.
And even though it's cleavage proof, the negative ease is definitely showing there is cleavage to hide.
So, next version (and yes, there will be a next) I'll go up a size.  Maybe even grade to the 16 around the bust if it's not as stretchy as this fabric.  I like the 3/4 sleeve length, the top is long enough on me as is for jeans.  I think the shoulder seam is in about the right spot, so when I grade up I will try to keep that about where it is.  This version will be fine for casual days at work and I'll probably get a lot of weekend wear out of it.  I will be thinking about a work appropriate version for the cowl again.  I would also like some short sleeved versions in something more breathable, maybe with the other necklines for bowling. 

Well worth the pattern price.  If you have a T&T, I can see how you don't need Renfrew, but it's going to fill that T&T spot in my pattern collection.  And one last Tasia inspired shot.

11 comments:

  1. Cute top. Thanks for the info about the cleavage free top. I, like you, do not like turtlenecks, but I don't wear them because apparently I barely have a neck, a cowl is a nice alternative. Nice for you that the fabric worked out well. It is so hard to know for sure with knits, isn't it?

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    1. Thanks! Knits are a bit of a crap shoot, but sometimes they work to your favour.

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  2. This looks great! I've never really enjoyed a turtleneck, but I'm not sure how much of that is the neck itself and how much the ridiculously low armscyes so many of them seem to have... I love a cowl-neck way more, though.

    Did I mention you look great? I am not surprised it managed to distract Mr. Lina (even if it was while respawning...)

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    1. Aw, shucks, thanks. :)

      I think armscye is something that I didn't really pay attention to prior to sewing and reading blogs. A bit like your comment somewhere on long sleeves, that maybe you didn't like them because they weren't long enough in RTW. You can tell things aren't right and you don't want to wear it, but it's hard to put your finger on why because you can't change it anyhow.

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  3. That looks gorgeous! I am not a fan of cowls on me (I get twitchy with too much loose fabric) but I might have to try this one. It's such a lovely fit on you! I wouldn't even size down, but that's my preference.

    The name "Renfrew" was driving me crazy though, I was convinced it had some connection to Dracula. Turns out I'm thinking of Renfield. D'oh.

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    1. :) Thanks! Sizing up/down depends on the knit. Tasia didn't give a percent stretch so you're kinda on your own to guess what fits the "stable knit" requirement. The finished measurements on the pattern do not have negative ease, stable must mean minimal stretch. Size 12 bust is 37.5", finished garment is 39", my high bust is 38", full is +/- 42" depending on my bra. Her version is much less fitted than mine.

      The cowl is interesting in that the shirt itself is snug. It feels more like having a loop of fabric for a necklace on top of the shirt.

      The Sewaholic pattern names amuse me. I've never been to Vancouver, but I've made maps of it often enough to be familiar with she's talking about. I can see why it was irritating you, it's not really the reference you want for a pattern.

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  4. Oh, it turned out awesome! Well done! I'm becoming convinced this is the pattern to try for a knit-virgin. Once I have a craft budget again I'm going to give it a go!

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    1. It would be a great starting place. This is really straight forward and requires no fancy stitches, seam finishings or fitting. The bands need a little easing, so you just stretch the shorter piece so it fits snug. Easy peasy.

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  5. I love this, it fits so well and the pattern is great.

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    1. Thanks! I've worn it over and over. It's been a real addition to my wardrobe.

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  6. Great job. I just bought this pattern. Oh and BTW, congrats on the Burda Magazine win... can't wait to see what you sew out of it.

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Thanks for your comments, I love to have a two way conversation. I seem to be getting a lot of spam from anonymous users and am turning off the ability to comment that way. I really would like to hear from you so if you do want to add your two cents without an OpenId, email me at seraphinalina at gmail dot com.