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Sewing is therapy for me. I hoard fabric, patterns, notions, and spend more time shopping for fabric than I care to admit...

Sunday, December 21, 2014

My first, but not last, Renfrew!


How many times have I felt like I am horribly late for the party?  Sewing party that is!  How long as the Renfrew by Sewaholic been uber popular?  Well, I finally broke down and purchased it and I can see what all the hype is about!  



It is a very versatile pattern with the sleeve and neckline variations.  Right?  I can see this as a TNT or tried and true pattern that you go for again and again.  



So what made me break down and purchase the pattern was a craftsy special.  Have you ever seen these where they offer kits of a pattern and fabric?  It was a bargain in my book and the f-a-b-r-i-c!  It was super lovely and sewed like a dream!  I searched and searched their site and just can't find a link to purchase any additional fabric.  It really is exceptional!  

So, I only received enough to make view A, which is just fine!  In order to determine my sizing, I made a muslin using the collar from C and the long sleeves of A.  I seriously needed an FBA which you can see below. 

 

Luckly for DD2, it fit perfect!  Yay!  I may have to get more fabric to make another in this same version with the yellow and that adorable cowl!  

So back to my final version.  I made a FBA using this method: http://www.sewalongs.com/myrtle/myrtle-full-bust-adjustment 





It worked well, at least I thought it did!  Maybe I need a slightly larger adjustment?  What do you think?  

I'm not sure what else I can add to this awesome pattern that hasn't been said by other but to purchase it!  It is versatile, well thought out and is darn cute!  

Thanks for reading!
Sue 

11 comments:

  1. I think the FBA looks good. You might consider cutting the mid to upper back just a hair larger. I can't tell without seeing the side seams whether the tightness in the back is because your bust is pulling the side seams forward (in which case you need a little larger FBA) or whether you just need a little more room in the back. If the side seams are straight, go with a larger back. If the side seams are pulling towards the front, go with a larger FBA. A tip (from a 34G busty sewist) is that I find I need to make my knit neckbands smaller than drafted. I hope I can explain this well: when you are busty, the change in level from your breast bone/neck area (which is flat) to your full bust is quite large (the extent of projection). The pattern is drafted for much less of a projection (designed to cover oranges not cantaloupes). The FBA helps dramatically, but if you have a normal build with a large bust, you often have a slightly loose neckline. I use the rule of thumb to cut my neckband 75-80% of the finished measurement of the neckline. Your top looks great; these are just a few thoughts :-)

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    1. My daughter has a similar bust size to you, with a slight but tall frame. I've just made a top, a blouse, making an FBA traditionally. I don't know yet how it fits. I'd like to save your post for future reference. Thanks

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    2. Wow, that is very helpful Judy! Thank for for that! Next time I wear it I will check out those side seams. Not sure if this matters or not but with this fabric, I was wearing a cami underneath and I kind of felt like the two fabrics were sticking together--if that makes any sense whatsoever!

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  2. I love this pattern! I especially like the neckline on it. Looks great! It is so quick and easy to sew up.

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    1. Oh yes! I love this pattern too and will make many more!

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  3. I've never sewn the Renfrew either! For my tastes, I'd make the FBA on your pattern a little larger but I have read Judy's interesting reply above.

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    1. Thanks Anne, I too thought Judy's information was so helpful! I will most likely experiment with both options and see what happens. :)

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    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    3. I also think Judy's information is very helpful. And I have this pattern, but haven't yet sew it up. Will have to now. TFS, and I think your top(s) came out terrifically! Annette
      PS I removed my other post, because, I misspelled my own name!

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    4. You make me laugh Annette! I do silly things like that too! I hope you like this pattern as much as I do! I hope to completely figure out the FBA.

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  4. I have this pattern, but have yet to try it. Seeing yours is inspiring! And the info both from you and commenter Judy is so helpful. Many thanks! :)

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