Cowl-Aesthetics with Sewaholic's Renfrew

Update: March 16, 2014, my fourth version in an ITY knit purchased from fashionfabricsclub.com:
 

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Original post:
A half dozen of "cowl-ympic" styles

 

I recently succumbed to the temptation of purchasing Sewaholic's Renfrew pattern at PR after reading many of  the currently available 105 reviews.

 

Pattern Description: Fitted knit top features banded hems with sleeve and neckline variations. View A has long sleeves and a scoop neckline. View B has short sleeves and a deep V neckline. View C has a dramatic cowl neckline and three-quarter length sleeves. Mix and match any of the sleeves with any of the neckline options for unlimited possibilities. I sewed "nearly" two versions of view C, the top with the cowl neckline due to the sleeve variations. For the first version, I used the short sleeves from view B, and for the second version, I used the long sleeves from view A. 

Size: Misses' 0-16. I sewed a "12".  

Fabric: 
Version #1: A stretch lycra remnant 

Version #2: An unconventional choice for a Renfrew cowl top, a rayon/cotton knit (EOS) in a bizarrely bold and busy geometric print (that may not be fancied by everyone) that has been in my stash since autumn 2012. 

"Cowl-aesthetics"

 

The amounts of fabric (view C) specified on the back of fabric needed were 2 1/4 yards (for 55"-60" width) and 3 yards (for a 44"-45" width) which were excessive.   I used well under the entire 1 1/2 yards of my fabric. 

                     Here are the remnants of my "quad-erratic" top:

Directions: I was able to rely mostly on the diagrams since there are no out of the ordinary methods presented. The directions and diagrams remind me of those from a typical Kwik Sew. I anticipate no problems if you are familiar with sewing basic tops or blouses.  


Favorite Features/Not-so Favorite Features:
The most salient feature is the very flattering fit. This top closely resembles the popular Kwik Sew 3740 due to the similar fit and styling, but I'm leaning more towards the Renfrew.  I like the way my second Renfrew top in the rayon jersey skims over my figure producing a "slenderizing" effect. 

Kwik Sew 3740 sewn nearly 2 years ago.  I am wearing it now as I type this.

 

The Renfrew seems to favor soft and stable knits. The depth and drape of the cowl is fine without adjustments. I found it somewhat higher and more flattering than Kwik Sew 3740.  The inner collar seam is well hidden (possibly due to the drafting of the collar not being a typical rectangle). 

 I wish I had this pattern when I sewed with knits for the first time. There is no need for a coverstitch or a serger because there are no hems to topstitch. Sleeve bands and a lower band are used to finish the edges taking away the worry about "wobbly" or "wavy" topstitching. 

Although I made a 1" petite adjustment at the waist, the top was longer on me especially with the lower band. Next time, I would remove 1" from the bottom before attaching the lower band.  

But maybe the longer length is what is trending as shown by this K Collins top:

Modifications/Alterations 
*Used sleeves from the other views for each version. 

 *Narrowed the upper back 3/8" from the center, tapering to 0" in line with the lower armscye. *Folded out a 1" petite adjustment at specified line on the pattern. 

 *Omitted the lower band for the long sleeves. Their lengths were fine without the bands. 

*For my second version, I shortened the sleeve cap by folding out 1/2" across due to the excess ease I encountered when sewing the sleeves in flat in my first version. 

*To juxtapose contrasting directions of the fabric print, I cut the lower band, against the cross grain of the fabric. Since the fabric had a two-way stretch, with less stretch in the vertical direction, I stretched the band a little to accommodate the circumference of the top's lower edge. 

*With the "busy" geometric print, I thought it would be fun to achieve symmetry at the sleeves.  

Recommendations/Conclusion:
This pattern is now my "go to" pattern for not only something quick and easy to sew but to use it as a "base pattern" to recreate my favorite RTW styles or to create a garment with personalized style features. The possibilities are endless. I am very glad that I purchased this pattern! With well over 100 reviews, I can see why this is a favorite in PR. 

High marks for Sewaholic's Renfrew!

The Renfrew cowl pattern has the potential to generate a variety of looks by fabric choice, the drape of the cowl, and sleeveless/sleeve lengths.