Renfrew 1201 by Sewaholic

 

At times, I felt as if I was the only one who hadn't sewn the Renfrew.  It was everywhere.  Now I know why. 

 

I cut the size 12, I made view C, cowl neck with 3/4 sleeves.  The only alteration was to lengthen the sleeves by 2", I was afraid the band would hit at my elbow.  I think this length is perfect.  The only problems I found with the pattern were minor.  First, both the short sleeve and 3/4 sleeve are marked piece # 6, when the short sleeve is really #5, and second, that there are no notches on the sleeves or bodice to ensure sleeves are inserted correctly.  I just made my own single notch on front armscye and double notches on the back.

 

This pattern is sewn with a 5/8" seam allowance.  That was perfect for everywhere but the body. Just a tad too snug, so from the underarm, to side hem, I sewed a 1/4" seam.  That was perfect.  I love the way the top fits through the neckline and shoulders.  Very flattering.

 

The knit I used was not a stable knit but rather thin.  It still worked out very well. 

 

I did all of the construction using the stretch stitch on my machine, and used my serger to trim and neaten the inside seams.

 I love this top.  The cowl is the perfect length and requires no fussing with in order to lay nicely.  I can not wait to try the other views. 

 

Thank you Sewaholic!!

 

Stay Happy

Keep Sewing

and if you can't sew

Enjoy doing what you can do!

 

 

Grandma eye candy......He's Dancing!

 

 

Quilt is done!! Now on deck, Sewaholic...

 

I finished quilting the 'Couch Cuddling Farm Quilt' for my son and DIL, who next year will be moving to a 25 acre farm in NC.

 

My sewing machine will sew through 8-10 layers of denim like butter, but quilting, it does not like to do!!  I am a novice at quilting, so between the machine not wanting to stipple quilt and my newness to it, made for a long process!  I am very happy with the end result, and very happy it is done.  This was the biggest job on my 2013 Christmas list.

 

 

I love the back, one lonely wandering cow.

 

 

I had envisioned a lovely hand embroidered label, but after the M for Merry, I realized, I can not embroider.  CAN NOT.  The thread knotted endlessly and the result was sad.  So instead I freehanded script on my machine.  It is not perfect, but it is the best I could do!!

 

And now.... a little something for ME!!  I have been tempted by the Minoru for quite some time, and with all of the recent makes, I just could no longer justify not having one!!  "Notes From a Mad Housewife" made an awesome jacket.. notesfromamadhousewife.  I love her version.  Love the addition of the chest zipper pocket and I am definitely going to try her method of the 3 piece hood.  It fits her so nicely.  Definitely copying those front pockets!!  So I bought some beautiful denim, looks like a Monet watercolor.

 

I also dove in and bought the Sewaholic Renfrew.  I have tried tweaking my own Tshirt pattern to copy hers, but the fit was always, just almost.... So, I figured if I start with her pattern, my odds are so much better!!  I have two beautiful knits in line for that one.  It will probably be first, as I need something quick and satisfying. 

Stay Happy

Keep Sewing

and if you can't sew

Enjoy doing what you can!

 

and for a little Grandma eye candy...

 Look who's walking..

 

 

 

Christmas sewing has begun.....

 

This is an adaption from Wicker quilt pattern from Cluck Cluck Sew

http://cluckclucksew.bigcartel.com/

 

The fabric is Farm Chic by Wyndham Fabrics.   I wanted a window look with a farm animal in each window. 

 

Pictures are just of the pieced top, today I sandwiched the back, batting and top and it is now waiting for me to make binding and then quilt it.  I love sewing for Christmas!

 

 

Stay Happy

Keep Sewing

and if you can't sew

Enjoy doing what you can do!

 

Little grandma love from afar..... They moved to Portland and he turned 1 last month...