Happy weekend! Here’s my scoop-neck Renfrew shirt from Sewaholic Patterns. I actually finished this a couple of weeks ago while waiting out the hurricane (I was fortunate enough not to lose power, or worse).
Similar to my first version, I’ve already worn this shirt a bunch of times. It’s so practical and comfy! I can wear it to work, to dinner with friends, around the house or for outdoorsy work (all of which has happened between this version and my first). That’s what I call a good deal right there.
In this photo I’m also wearing my new dangly red shell earrings that I bought from Jenn’s Handmade Jewelry on Etsy. Yay, I love red!
I picked up this knit a year ago when I was pattern testing this top for Tasia, but I ended up using other fabrics. The black stripes on a white background remind me of sheet music, which makes me think I’m missing some musical notes to go with it! I think I’m starting to figure out the amount of stretch a knit should have for a top like this. It can be tricky at first, but through practice and wear it all starts to come together.
My first attempt at matching stripes! It was satisfying to pin the seams together at the lines to make sure everything matched up. Not too shabby.
The one change I made this time around was to transition down to a size 4 at the shoulders. Because this pattern is designed for pear shapes and I’m more of a rectangle, I used varying sizes: (top to bottom) 4-6-4-0. Hey, that kinda looks like musical notes. :) The shirt would also look nice tucked in to a high-waisted pencil skirt like the red one I have planned!
Tasia wrote a post recently about where she likes to put the stay tape at the shoulder (check out her “Renfrew tips” series). She prefers it on the front seam, but I actually like it on the back seam since it’s hidden when you press the seam towards the back. For this top, I used off-white twill tape and serged the seams afterward. The rest of the top is serged, but just keep in mind you can sew this top with a regular sewing machine.
I’m loving having more long-sleeved tops around. The next Renfrew I’d like to make is the cowl neck version with long sleeves in maybe a thicker off-white or black knit to keep me toasty this winter. But for now I’m actively working on the muslin and planning of my tailored coat. It’s exciting and I’ll post an update soon!
And I’ll leave with this shot of the bagel place where the first photo in this post was taken – Tompkins Square Bagels to be exact. It was too cold to go outside, but I would’ve loved to have taken a photo with my top in front of these sassy bagels. And look, the one with the blue hat is holding a boom box that’s booming…musical notes! A perfect match for my sheet music top. :-D
Hi, I have made this pattern twice now and I have a problem with gaping at the front of the scoop neck. Any ideas on what I am doing wrong? Yours seems to lay nice and flat at the front. Thanks.
Alice
Hi Alice. You may have done this already, but try going with your high bust measurement rather than your bust measurement when you pick a size for the bust/shoulders area. That’s what I’ve found (and have read) helps with gaping at the neckline. Depending on your shape, you may also need to do an FBA? Since this pattern is drafted for B cups, larger busts need more fabric in this area, which could help prevent gaping. There’s also the chance that maybe you’re using a knit that is too stretchy and it’s not holding its shape as you sew/wear it? I hope this helps!
Looks so nice! I am working on a striped Renfrew right now, too. I may have made it too small though which is disappointing. My side seam stripes actually matched.
I finished my Gertie’s Winter Jumper in time for closing night of my husband’s play. I’ll send a link to a review as soon as I get it done :)
Oh, I can’t wait to see your winter jumper, and what a great opportunity to wear it!! I made a Renfrew that was too small (the v-neck version) and a ribbed knit one that kept stretching (the cowl neck) back when I first tried these, but, hey, we learn from each project. :)
Hi! Did you hear Elliot Berman Textiles is having a Pattern Review 11th anniversary party on Dec 12th? I have to wait for hubby to get home to take over the kids, but I might check it out!
Hi Leu! I hadn’t heard of this. It sounds great, but I already have plans that evening. I’d love to know how it goes though! We should definitely plan for a meet-up – perhaps in January?! I hope you had a nice holiday!
The striped Renfrew is marvelous! It definitely reminds me of musical notes as well ;) My Renfrews are my favorite items in my closet – have you been wearing this often? And yay for more tailored coat posts! Super excited to see those :)
Thanks, Meg! I really have been wearing this often, feels great to get so much use out of a sewing project! I do have an update on my tailored coat, I’m just the worst at blogging about it apparently. :) Will post soon!
This came out great! And you lined up the stripes so perfectly. I am still afraid to work with patterns that need matching up. I have made a tote with stripes that matched up, but am nervous to go with a top or jacket. I have plaid I’d love to make into a jacket, but need more practice so it doesn’t end up looking like I had too much to drink while I was sewing it. :) I’m going to follow your blog and see what other great sewing projects you have in store.
Thank you, Gjeometry! I think a top like the Renfrew is a good place to start when it comes to pattern matching because you only need to worry about the side seams and the sleeve seams. It’s not too complicated as some other patterns. I’m the same way, haven’t tried it on anything more complicated, but hopefully this top is a baby step in the right direction. Give it a try, and thanks for following along!
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