How I saved my pattern...

So remember in my last post how I told you I had cut my Renfrew pattern too small?  Well that pattern seems to be sold out everywhere right now, and I really, really want to try again for the right size.  So I dug through my trash (ewww, right?) and found all the pieces I had cut with the larger sizes.  They were wadded up inside the extra fabric bits, so it really wasn't all that gross to go through the trash.  I headed to the store and bought some fusible interfacing (the non-woven kind).  I fused the pattern pieces to the interfacing (like Tasia did) and then very carefully set the cut off sizes on the interfacing and fused them in place.  So now I have my full size pattern pieces!  Well, all except for the neck band for view B (the V-neck).  The pieces were so little and I don't think they made it into the same trash can.  No idea where they went.  I think I can fudge that piece though.  Now I just have to find some fabric so I can try again...

Gray Renfrew

I finished my Renfrew top.  I am very sad.  I made it too small!  I think a stretchier knit would have been better with the size I cut.  The worst part is that I cut my pattern to that size.  Guess now I have to buy another one!  I should have started out with a bigger size- going down to the smaller would have been a whole lot easier.  I can still review the pattern, as the top is great other than my sizing error.  I am actually taking it in a little and giving it to a friend.  So it isn't a total waste.

The pattern is pretty straightforward.  The pictures are great- I didn't have any questions as to what was going on in them.  The instructions are pretty basic, not a lot of steps.  This was a quick sew!  I was running errands all morning and sewing in between.  I started around 9am and finished by 12:30pm.  So I'd say it took me 2 hours max to sew.  I cut it out last night, but even the cutting didn't take long.  Now that I've made this I think it will take even less time on the next one.

I used a gray ponte roma from JoAnns.  I made mine with the neckline from view B and the sleeve length from view C. I didn't use a zigzag stitch around the neckline.  Instead, I used a double needle with a straight stitch.  I just like the look better.  Everything else was done as per instructed.  I used a stretch (double) stitch for the seams and then finished them with the serger.  This pattern does not require a serger, though.  I can't wait to make another one in the correct size!  I also look forward to making the other views.  It is a great pattern, perfect for anyone who is new to sewing knits.  It is also a great basic pattern to have in my stash.

I will try to add a picture in a bit.

Renfrew arrived!

My Renfrew pattern arrived in the mail, probably a few days ago but I finally checked the mail today.  Oops.  My grey double knit is washing now.  I read through the pattern instructions and it looks easy enough.  I am thinking the v-neck with 3/4 length sleeve.  I am excited!  The weather is supposed to drop down to the low 60s by the end of the week and I have no warm clothes!  I know 60s in November may sound warm to some, but it is quite a drop from the 80s we've been having.