adult's clothing, sewing

Sewaholic Renfrew tee – in stripes

If my memory serves me correctly, Sewaholic was one of the early independent sewing pattern companies that popped up near the beginning of my blogging days (I’m now into my fourteenth year of blogging).  They were wildly popular, but after some time the business was sold, and I don’t remember hearing anything from them since.  A quick google has revealed that the website is still operational, and the patterns are still available.  One of my favourite Sewaholic patterns is the Renfrew tee.

Sewaholic Renfrew tee in striped knit from Darn Cheap Fabrics

My version of the pattern is highly customised in terms of the grading between sizes and the body shaping. I can’t even remember what sizes it encompasses. Essentially I removed any waist shaping.

Sewaholic Renfrew tee in striped knit from Darn Cheap Fabrics

The fabric is from Darn Cheap Fabrics, a recent purchase. It’s a terrific winter weight, thicker than a regular jersey.  It’s a viscose/nylon/spandex knit, and is currently still available on their website. Obviously, it’s a stripe – which means stripe matching!

Sewaholic Renfrew tee in striped knit from Darn Cheap Fabrics

To match stripes well you need to pay attention when you’re cutting out. Use a single layer where possible, and match up key points like the bottom hemline and the bottom of the armscye. I pinned about every third stripe when sewing (yes, I used the machine). This version of the Renfrew is finished with bands throughout, and I managed to get the hem band and the sleeve cuffs matching up with the stripe repeat. Can you even tell where the seam lines are?

Sewaholic Renfrew tee in striped knit from Darn Cheap Fabrics

Simple stripey satisfaction!