From Sue To You

Occasionally, I will come across a pattern that is so perfect that I can’t stop making it. The Sewaholic Renfrew is one of those patterns.

It doesn’t hurt that I love a cowl neck, but also this shirt ends up fabulous in any kind of fabric. I have made the cowl version in velour, sweater knit, and a drapey jersey and they are all very different but still successful projects.

After my 3rd cowl neck, my daughters suggested that I might actually try making a regular shirt for a change. No problem…I got out my Renfrew pattern again. Before they had time to panic, I showed them the scoop neck version and it gets their stye-approval.

I made the long sleeve version with a tightly woven clearance sweater knit originally purchased for a shirt for my mom. I had enough left over to squeeze out this for me and it is one of my new favorites.

I made the short sleeve tie dye version last summer out of some cheap fabric.com jersey and that got plenty of wear.

Sewaholic patterns are intended for pear shapes and I don’t consider myself too pear-like. I usually cut the top at a 12 and taper down to a 10 at the hips and it works out fine. Also, the sleeves are a bit longer than I like so I have been cutting off between 1.5 – 2″ depending on the fabric type. Other than that, no alterations needed.

I just received 2 jacket patterns from Sewaholic and am eager to attempt them, although slightly worried that they may create a new obsession like the Renfrews!