Fix: White Linen Renfrew

I made this Renfrew way back in May last year and then never wore it. Every time I put it on I just never felt nice in it. I would usually just donate such an item but this Renfrew was made from a linen knit which is beautiful. I just didn't like the unflattering arm and hem bands. Who needs extra bulk on their hips?! It was also too loose and baggy. 

 

Original - May 2012

So I took to it with a pair of scissors, hacking off the the sleeves and side seams. I purchased 10cm of an organic cotton knit and bound the armholes. I then sewed up the side seams, securing the stitching at the ends with a centimetre of top stitching. 

Voila! A new top. Perfect for layering and perfectly fitted. And saved from Vinnies! 

 

 

L x

Sew: No. 4 Drape Top from Drape Drape 2 Book

I've had this Drape Drape 2 book for over two years. My parents gave it to me for a birthday present just after I had Mr H when I was on maternity leave. I loved all the designs but I could not get my head around drafting the patterns up to my western society size 16. So it stayed on my bookshelf. We then went to Japan on holidays and I stocked up on more Japanese pattern books. They're so cheap over there! At least this book now had company on the bookshelf...

I've come along way in my sewing over those 2 years, in particular my fitting and drafting knowledge has increased dramatically. So last Saturday I took to my traced pattern with a ruler, pencil and scissors. Due to the size of the pattern piece, I retreated to the boys room for this. Unfortunately, they all followed... Oh well, it is a beautiful room in the mornings with the eastern sun flowing in.

I drew a line from the middle of the neckline straight down. I then drew a line from the middle of the hem straight up. These lines connected somewhere in the middle of the front. I repeated this step on the back. I then bravely took to it with a pair of scissors, slashing the pattern along this jagged line. From studying other versions online I thought the top would be wide enough as is and that I really need a bit of length and width at the bottom. So I spread the pattern 1cm at the neckline grading out to 3cm at the hem. I also added 1cm to the side. I simply lay the pattern piece on my roll of tracing paper and stuck it down with sticky tape. I now had a new enlarged pattern.

My method of madness seemed to work perfectly! I now have my very own drape drape tee.

I really like the style of this top. As you all know, I am a massive fan of a striped tee. So a striped tee with a bit of flair is heaven.

I couldn't for the life of me line up the stipes on one of the sleeves. I did manage the side seam and the other sleeve. I really like how the sleeves are different.

Project Details
Pattern: no. 4 1pattern drape top from the Drape Drape 2 book
Fabric: Latte Black Stripe Jersey (viscose spandex blend) from Tessuti Online
Alterations: Raised neckline by 7cm, added 1cm to side seam, slashed and spread to add 1cm to neckline grading to 3cm at hem, added 5cm to length.

This top will go perfectly with a Moss Mini Skirt and black flats in summer. Today I rocked it with a pair of black skinny jeans, long red wool cardigan and some beads. The perfect mum outfit.

L x

Sew: Stripey Alexa T-top

 

 

There is something special about a good stripe t-shirt. I love them. I have many, usually Bonds, that I've worn to death. But this tee is in a whole new category. It's stylish and trendy and fits perfectly. This fabric from Tessuti is the bomb!! It is slightly thick and holds its shape. I've washed it a few times and there is no sign of pilling. I was planning a maxi dress in this fabric for summer but it's sold out!!  

 

My ultimate domestic duties outfit comprises of an Alexa T-top with a pair of Anita Ponti pants. A match made in heaven. It feels like you're wearing a tracksuit but you actually look presentable. Bonus!!

 

Project Details

Pattern: Tessuti Alexa T-top, 3/4 sleeve, size XL

Fabric: Yin & Yang Ebony (sold out) from Tessuti Online

Alterations: Lengthened by 5cm, lowered neckline by 7cm

 

While Mr H was having an unplanned sleep this arvo, I decided to snap a few photos of my recent makes. Mr N was happily watching until he decided to join in....

 

 

Being a mother should come with a disclaimer!!

Happy weekend everyone!

L x

Sew: Vogue 8815 in black ponti

When I decided I need more basic separates during my wardrobe planning, I remembered that I had a half finished Vogue 8815 top in the unfinished basket. I am determined to finish all those items to clear some room. So I've decided to finish one unfinished item in between every new project. I only had to set the sleeves in and hem this one. I'm so glad I finished it. It's going to get some serious wear. It will be perfect with a patterned pencil skirt, jeans and my new Anita Ponti Pants.

Project Details
Pattern: Vogue 8815, size 18
Fabric: Black lightweight ponti from Tessuti
Alterations: Lowered bust dart by 2.5cm, tapered side seam in an extra 1cm from waist to armhole

Now back to my fuschia Anise jacket!!

L x

Sew: Tessuti Alexa T-Top

Another knit project?! I know, I know, but they're just so quick and easy and who doesn't love a good t-shirt?? I'm going to start throwing out my unworn, stained and stretched RTW tees. I don't wear them out because they're all looking a bit sad but I don't throw them out and they're taking up precious wardrobe space. In with the new, out with the old!!

I love this pattern. It just seems to fit me perfectly. And I put it together in less than an hour! I lowered the neckline this time as I do like a scooped neck. I simply used one of my fave RTW tops as a guide. I also extended the length as the last two versions are just a tad too short for me. This length is much better and I didn't spend all day pulling it down.

I didn't measure the neckline binding, instead opting to sew only one shoulder seam before doing the neck binding. I then sewed the other should seam once the neck binding was done. This allowed me to sew the neck binding freely using my hands to guide the tension. I slightly stretched the binding, not the neckline, while stitching. It turned out perfectly. This is a good way to go with scoop necks as different knits have different amounts of stretch. I've sewn enough t-shirts to have a good feel for the amount of tension to pull while stitching.

Project Details
Pattern: Tessuti Alexa T-Top, size XL
Fabric: Printed knit from The Fabric Store
Alterations: Lowered front neckline by 7.5cm, extended length by 7cm.

You can probably tell that I'm a bit excited by this pattern. I just wish it wasn't so hard to find good knit fabrics. I did buy a few new pieces from Tessuti, mainly stripes, and I have some black bamboo knit from Clegs lined up for Alexa t-tops.

Look what arrived today!! I have plans people and I'm excited to have my sewjo back again!!

I will share some plans soon. Happy sewing!!

L x

Sew: Tessuti Alexa T-Top in Marc Jacobs

I made another Alexa T-Top this week. Such a great basic t-shirt pattern. I might try a more scooped neckline next time. More like the Renfrew top. It's a close call but I think I like this pattern more than the Renfrew!

The fabric is a tomato red Marc Jacobs double knit from The Fabric Store. It is beautiful, soft and cuddly. It also has a barely noticeable print. A little warm for today's unseasonable warmth. I love the rich red colour.

The neckline of this pattern is finished really well. Nice and professional looking.

Project Details
Pattern: Tessuti Alexa T-Top
Fabric: Marc Jacobs double knit from The Fabric Store

L x

Sew: Floral Grainline Tiny Pocket Tank

 

I love this fabric. I loved it from the moment I set eyes on it in Tessuti. I made a beautiful dress out of it but it was short lived as it quickly became too big. The dress has sat in my sewing room scrunched up for well over a year waiting for a new lease of life. Thankfully the Tiny Pocket Tank came to the rescue!!

 

 

 

I simply cut the tank out of the skirt, placing the darts at the shoulder. I used purchased bias tape for the armholes and neckline.

 

I wore it yesterday with an unblogged Simplicity 2215 denim skirt. It was a bit of a colour explosion with a pink cardigan!!

Project Details - Tank
Pattern: Grainline Tiny Pocket Tank
Fabric: Floral cotton from Tessuti

Project Details - Skirt
Pattern: Simplicity 2215
Fabric: Lightweight denim from Kelani Fabrics

We'd better make that 91 garments this year...

L x

Sew: Vogue 8815 Floral Peplum

 

 

 

A very floral and pretty top for spring. This is the most comfortable and fancy "t-shirt" I have ever worn. As the top was made in a lovely soft and lightweight ponti knit it feels like wearing a t-shirt but a bit dressier. After seeing Colette's version of this pattern, I couldn't stop thinking about the red version and finally succumbed.



 

This time around I used the pattern sleeves, simply shortened by 5cm, and I did not line this version. I also followed the instructions and used bias binding on the neckline. I was a little worried how this would work out but it worked just fine.

Project Details
Pattern: Vogue 8815
Fabric: Red Mazzetto Ponti (Digital Printed) from Tessuti Fabrics
Alterations: Size 16 at top graded to size 18 at waist, shortened sleeves by 5cm, lowered the bust darts by 2.5cm

For the first time ever yesterday, I was spotted in the street and recognised as "Sew Brunswick". It was quite funny and surreal.

 

 

I have another version of this top cut out and ready to go. Next up a red & white polka dot without sleeves.

 

L x

MMM: Day 14

No husband this week so I roped a friend in to take a photo in front of the fish tank at work. We were trying to get the mini sharks in the shot but no luck! I'm wearing Simplicity 2599 in a silk crepe de chine from Tessuti. 

Here are a few shots that I originally took when I finished the top last October. To avoid the narrow hem on a tight curve, I duplicated the ruffle pieces, sewing them together before turning them right side out and pressing. I sewed them down using a small hem and then pressed them to the other side and stitched another small hem to encase the raw edge. Does that make any sense at all?! This method, if you get my drift, takes a little more time but gives you a very clean and professional finish.

I adore the fabric and wish I had bought more. Beautiful quality. I have quite a few versions of this pattern in my wardrobe. Perfect for layering. I really want (and need) a plain black version to go with printed skirts.

L x

Sew: White Linen Renfrew

This is my 5th Renfrew top but my first v-neck version and the one I had the most trouble with. I'm not very happy with the fit. The v-neck is all floppy. I originally made it in a size 16, sewing the side seams with a 2cm seam but there was an excessive amount of ease across my chest and under my armpits which caused the v-neck to flop open and fall off my shoulders. I fixed this by removing another inch from the armpit tapering to the sleeve cuff and hip.

I'm still not 100% happy with the fit but I'll still wear it. A white t-shirt is perfect for layering and the knit linen is beautiful. I think my next Renfrew will be a size smaller. It is amazing how much the fit and style of this pattern changes according to the type of fabric you chose. Does anyone else notice that?

Project Details
Pattern: Sewaholic Renfrew Top
Fabric: Snow White Sake Linen Knit from Tessuti

So this is my Me Made May Day 6 outfit - a Renfrew & an Infinity Scarf. I did wear two handmade items (a knit skirt and leggings) on Day 5 but I was gardening so not in a fit state to have my photo taken...

L x

OWOP - Renfrew Week

OWOP is over. I wore a Renfrew top every day for an entire week! I am hanging to wear a dress. I didn't realise how much I love dresses.

But I do love the Renfrew top!! I have a white knit linen ready to be cut. Watch this space.

Thanks Tilly for organising the OWOP Challenge. I greatly enjoyed it and hope we can do it again next year.

L x

Renfrew Week - Day 7!!

Last day of OWOP!! Today was beautiful, sunny and 29 degrees so I had to pull out my black linen Renfrew again. No wool today. Paired with an old Butterick 3597 made with a black and white polka dot from Clegs. Perfect for a Gumbo dinner in the sunshine at our local cafe...

L x

Renfrew Week - Day 6

Since my Mum is in town visiting for the week we hit the road early and headed to Bendigo to see the Grace Kelly exhibition. Highly recommended!

I wore my black linen Renfrew with a Dinosaur Designs necklace and a colourful Vogue tulip skirt from a few years ago. Loving my linen Renfrew!

L x

Renfrew Week - Day 5

Day 5 of OWOP, my week of wearing Renfrew tops. Enter my 4th Renfrew top made up in a black linen knit from Tessuti Fabrics. I wore it with a simple tube skirt made from fabric (also from Tessuti) salvaged from a disastrous maxi dress.

A lovely casual outfit... if I do say so myself!!

Project Details - Top
Pattern: Sewaholic Renfrew
Fabric: Midnight Black Sake - Linen Knit from Tessuti Fabrics

Project Details - Skirt
Pattern: self drafted
Fabric: Argo #4000 Jersey from Tessuti Fabrics

L x

Renfrew Week - Day 4

Day 4 of OWOP!! Just a day at work, nothing exciting.

Once again, my black wool Renfrew but this time I wore it with a pair of charcoal Clovers.

I was going to get my photo taken with some Meerkats at work but didn't get around to it. So my lovely crabapple tree will have to do.

Off to finish my next Renfrew for OWOP day 5.

L x

Renfrew Week - Day 3

Day 3! My favourite combo so far. The Renfrew made up in a warm yellow merino knit paired with my new pair of Colette Clovers which I made in a charcoal wool suiting. A lot of people commented on my outfit today. I love the red accessories with the yellow. Happy days!

L x

PS. Excuse the blurry photos, these were taken at 7am with two screaming children running around as we were heading out the door to childcare & work.

Renfrew Week - Day 2

Day 2 of One Week One Pattern: I wore my first ever Sewaholic Renfrew made up in a black wool interlock with a pair of denim capris and my Minoru jacket. A day of food shopping at the Queen Vic Markets (with my mum and without kids!!), kid wrangling and a trip to the movies with my better half to see the wonderful The Best Exotic Hotel Marigold.

L x

Renfrew Week - Day 1

I have chosen the Renfrew Top from Sewaholic for the One Week One Pattern project that Tilly over at Tilly and the Buttons is organising. Hooray for t-shirts!!

Project Details
Pattern: Sewaholic Renfrew Top
Fabric: Marc Jacobs charcoal mesh cotton knit from The Fabric Store

Worn with a recently finished Infinity Scarf made with the leftover merino wool knit of another Renfrew top (watch this space!).

Ready to rock on at the Playschool concert!!

L x

Sewaholic Renfrew Top #1

Project Details
Pattern: Sewaholic Renfrew Top View C
Fabric: Black wool interlock from The Fabric Store (has a denim blue wrong side)
Notions: Cotton twill tape (to stabilise shoulders)

Perfect t-shirt pattern with a range of variations. I can see many more of these t-shirts in the future.

Tick off my sewing list!

L x