Sewaholic Renfrew Tee

One of the classes at Sewing Summit that I was very excited about was the Make and Take Knit top, taught by Sunni Standing and featuring the Sewaholic Renfrew top to learn on.

If you've been hanging out here for long, you know that I am pretty experienced at sewing knits, but the point of the class was to learn to sew them on a regular sewing machine, and since I got my serger, I haven't used my machine much at all for knits, and I really was looking forward to learning some new techniques for that.

I was also pretty excited about the Renfrew pattern. There has been all sorts of buzz about it around blogland, and I have yet to hear anything negative. You won't get any here either. Love this pattern! The only change I made for fit was to do my usual cheater FBA on the front pattern piece, grading out from a Sewaholic 6 to a 10. I was a little worried that grading out 3 sizes was going to get me in trouble, since I only need 2 sizes in Jalie. No problems though - it eased in beautifully.

Here is a fun touch I added, since I was using a regular sewing machine, rather than the usual coverstitch for topstitching. The instructions had the neckband topstitched with a zigzag, which I think always has a "Becky Home Ec-y" look. I used a decorative stitch and I think it looks pretty fun, and has a ton of stretch as well. Of course, a twin needle would have also been an option here, and would have given a nice professional look.

The fabric I used is a cotton-lycra from Girl Charlee, and is it ever lovely; soft and stretchy with great recovery and beautiful drape. I do love their cotton-lycra knits. I am very glad that I took this class! Sunni did a great job helping those who were nervous feel comfortable with knits and I think the pattern she chose was perfect, easy fit with minimal hemming. I know I'll be using it again! I already traced the cowl neck version...

I linked up to Make It, Wear it on The Train to Crazy today. Be sure to go check out all of the other awesome projects!