Sewaholic Patterns: 1201 (Renfrew Top)  - Type:Tops  |
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Review rated Very Helpful by 6 people |
| Reviewed by: | clothingengineer | 
 | About clothingengineer | | CT USA | | Member since: 5/7/10 | | Reviews written: 130 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 51 people | | patterns reviewed: 121 | | Bio: more... |
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| Posted on: | 1/7/13 10:19 PM |
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| Pattern Photo: | 
Sewaholic Patterns Pattern Info |
| Pattern Rating: | Easy & Great for Beginners |
| See other patterns in this category: Tops |
Available for sale on PR: $15.98 (See envelope)  |
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| Fabric: | French Terry [See other projects in this fabric] |
| Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
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Pattern Description: Fitted knit top features banded hems with sleeve and neckline variations. View A has long sleeves and a scoop neckline. View B has short sleeves and a deep V neckline. View C has a dramatic cowl neckline and three-quarter length sleeves. Mix and match any of the sleeves with any of the neckline options for endless possibilities.
Pattern Sizing:0-16. I made an 8.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, though since I was using a heavy knit the cowl doesn't drape like it does in Tasia's photos. But I still think it looks nice!
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes! It isn't as easy as a beginners Kwik Sew pattern, but it is easy enough that an advanced beginner could easily complete it.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Likes: Once cut out, I had this DONE in one hour! And I'm not a very quick sewer either. I also like how there's 3 different sleeves and 3 different necklines. My favorite is the cowl - it is so warm and cozy in during this 20 degree winter days. The downside is that it takes the most fabric of the three options.
Dislikes: I didn't like the perfectly symmetrical sleeve. When I added length to the back armhole I also adjusted the sleevecap to make it more anatomically correct (ie the back armhole is longer than the front).
I would have preferred that the seam allowances were 1/4" instead of 5/8", though I do understand why Tasia chose 5/8" - it is much less intimidating to a beginner. After I finished this top I trimmed all the pattern piece seam allowances down to 1/4" to make it easier to construct on the serger next time.
Fabric Used: Brushed French terry (a September 2011 purchase from Fabric.com). It was 72" wide so I ended up needing only 1.5 yards. It is a heavy knit (think of a heavier sweatshirt) and has minimal stretch (about 20% across the grain).
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
For design, nothing!
For fitting, I lengthened both the sleeves and waist 1" and added 1" width to the bicep/elbow section of the sleeves. After making it I decided I didn't need the extra length in the waist after all. I also lengthened the back between shoulder and the bottom of the armhole 1/2". I adjusted the sleeve by cutting it in half horizontally between the top of the cap and the armhole, then tilting it upward in the back only so a 1/2" wedge was created. Then I shifted it forward 1/2" and trued the lines. The end result is a sleevecap that has a longer, more gradual slope in the back and a shorter, steeper slope in the front.
In addition, while fitting I felt like the shoulders were too narrow, so I ended up letting them out 3/8".
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I plan on making the scoop neck version out of a stable silk jersey I have in my stash for long underwear tops. Most of the more cute and modern design out there are only for 4 way stretch knits, so I'm glad to see something out there that doesn't need those types of fabrics.
Conclusion: I was going for a casual weekend top but it ended up being a ladylike sweatshirt that got lots of compliments at work today. This is a GREAT pattern that is perfectly sized for the not-so-stretchy knits in your stash. Since you don't need to measure and press a hem it goes together quicker than most t-shirts. |
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Pretty top!
1/7/13 10:32 PM
Very pretty! I just got mine pattern today.
1/8/13 1:20 AM
love the color
1/8/13 4:59 AM
The fit is perfect with your changes and I love that color on you!
1/8/13 10:20 AM