Sewaholic Renfrew Tee

Having bought this pattern about a year ago, I finally cut it out and sewed it up. Lots of good reviews for this pattern. My fabric is a single knit jersey, cotton and lycra blend. I am sewing from the stash, as I really need to downsize my fabric and pattern collection.

I found the neckline to be very well done. It lays nice and flat and the proportion of band to neckline is perfect.  My only quibble is that these patterns are drafted for a young body, and at my age, I find the neckline too low.  The skin on the upper chest doesn't have that youthful appearance any longer.  I finished the first version and then raised the neckline for a second one. 

In order to keep the proportion the same as the original pattern, I measured the neck seamline on the pattern, then measured the neck band, eliminating all seam allowances. I found the neck band was 2 1/2" shorter than the neck seamline.  So once I had redrawn the neck on the pattern (brought it about 1" higher on the front and about 1/2" higher at the center back, plus extended the shoulder line about 1/4" closer to the neck, I then simply took off the proportional difference on the band.  I think I may extend that shoulder seam a little more, to bring the neckline in closer before cutting out a second version.  It might be a good idea to compare it with  another pattern that has a higher neckline.

Tasia, the designer, has made this pattern for first-time sewers I think. She has added a bottom band and a sleeve band or cuff, so that you don't have to fiddle with top-stitching a hem, something that can make newbies to knits rather nervous.

I made the pattern as per directions, but on the next one, I will eliminate the bottom band and the cuffs, as I find this makes the tee look like a sweatshirt. I will simply make sure I have enough length and then turn up 1" and top-stitch in place.

This is in the queue for another time, as I now have plans to sew up a hoodie with some lovely micro fleece that I found in my stash. Even have the thread and zipper for this, so no need to head to the store to buy any notions.

The winter storm that has hit our city might have inspired the next project.