Wednesday 30 January 2013

Better late than never: my first (Disco) Renfrew!

I've had this pattern for a long time. Probably even since Tasia first released it. I had just finished my Minoru jacket and was definitely sold on the wearability of Sewaholic patterns. Within the first hour of receiving my Renfrew in the post I had already traced and cut all my pattern pieces (ok fine, I did no such thing. I cut that tissue paper right outta the packet. I try to be more of a perfectionist these days). But at the time I didn't have any decent jersey in my stash, so I slightly ran out of keen steam and instead settled for salivating over everyone else's versions of the Renfrew Top that kept cropping up in my reader. Seriously, there was a month or so where I don't think anyone blogged about anything else! Renfrews that stick out in my memory have to be Andrea's Renfrew cardi (definitely need to try that), Marie's flamingo print numberLladybird's many monochrome's and Joanne's adorable maternity Renfrew.

So, with my PMS sewing list in mind, I have been sure to keep a sneaky eye on the lookout for worthy knits whilst fabric shopping. I've acquired some stripey knits, the odd metre of a block colour here and there, and they will definitely all get Renfrewed at some point soon. But - then I met this muted gold viscose jersey, and immediately I envisioned the Disco 'Frew. A fabric such as this requires appropriate treatment, after all. 


The adding of the peplum could not have been easier; it's just a super short circle skirt (always having to refer back to our circle skirt maths tutorial of course) seamed to the waistline of the bodice and reinforced with elastic, which also cinches the waistline perfectly. The seam itself isn't so pretty from the right side, but that's easily remedied with a belt. As for the hem, I used the same vintage Tyrolean tape I used for the shoulder seams (such a pretty detail!) stitched over the turned in hem. I'd actually never thought to do this before when hemming a knit fabric, but it worked so well, and adds a bit of welcome extra weight. Fit-wise, I cut a size 4 (UK 8) and ended up taking about half an inch out of the side seams, and I had to shave a good inch from the sleeves to make them a slimmer fit. Looking at these pictures now, they could probably do with another half inch or so taken out to smooth those crinkles, and a good inch off the sleeve length! Which reminds me, the sleeves on my Minoru jacket are too long too... Something to remember: my arms are shorter than Sewaholic patterns suggest!


I am definitely planning more of these, most likely more casual, less blog-worthy versions. There will be stripes, block colours and long sleeves aplenty. I doubt I'll go for the cowl neck variation, not really my thing, but you never know; give me a couple of metres of some supersoft thermal knit and I could be swayed. You'll see it here first.

13 comments:

  1. What An amazing first Renfrew! Adapted to look so cute and really suits your style. I love it. Would it be too much to wear with a ruffle hemmed Charlotte skirt?!

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  2. aaaah i love it! i've been mulling over a peplum top fot PMS wear myself. stretch is SUCH a good choice.

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  3. It's really fun... That's what I want to do with my elisalex

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  4. yup I thought it might be up your street! x

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  5. Aw thanks! Such an easy adaptation too.

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  6. yeah the old header was a little tired.... I had originally planned on changing it seasonally and then never did! So time for a springtime header methinks - come on spring come on spring!!

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  7. Ooh I think that would be fantastically outrageous! I am VERY tempted to make a matching plain Charlotte I have to say...

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  8. it's GREAT. Perfect to hide the bloated paunch! And just as fabulous period or no period. I think that's the whole point of the PMS list. No less fabulousness just cos inside you feel like a demented troll!

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  9. Oh you gotta! I'm sold now - just looking for a window of time to whip up a few more casual ones. SO versatile and wearable.

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  10. Thanks! It's not usually a look I go for I have to say... but it seems my taste is fast swaying into shiny territory!

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  11. Can't wait to see this peplum-lex you keep talking about...!

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  12. ooh this is gorgeous - I love that fabric and it's such a flattering style! It looks so lovely on the inside too - one day I hope to be able to photograph the insides of makes but right now they're still way to messy!

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