This series is sponsored by Baby Lock. For over 40 years, Baby Lock has been dedicated to the love of sewing by creating machines for sewing, embroidery, quilting and serging – all with ease-of-use, high quality and a touch of elegance.
Every woman needs a great-fitting tee shirt. One option is to make one yourself, either by measurements, or from a favorite tee you already own. Another (much easier!) option is to use the Sewaholic Renfrew pattern! You may have heard of it? I think it’s been tried and tested by every single sewing blogger that I read, and thousands of others (seriously, check google image search, this is a must-have pattern.) I was curious if it lived up to all of the hype. And guys, it does!
Sewaholic patterns are paper, which makes getting started really simple. I traced a size 4 (I’m converted to tracing) and was able to get to work. I loved that even with all of the possible options, the pattern is labeled really well so I knew right away which pieces to trace for my chosen style of tee shirt. The instructions are also super well written and clear. The details included make this a great first project for even a very beginner seamstress. I was able to whip mine up in just under an hour, start-to-finish.
This pattern comes with three neckline options: round, v-neck, and cowl, as well as three sleeve length options: short, 3/4, and long. Without even being creative you’ve already got a bunch of possible combinations! I opted for the very most basic short-sleeved, round-neck tee to get a feel for the pattern before I get all crazy. Which you know I will. I made mine even more simple by finishing the construction without the arm and hem bands, by using the coverstitch on my Diana. Normally, I have a little bit of trouble with the neckbands on tee shirts, but the Renfrew labeling has you match up all the correct points for a super easy neckband insertion.
As far as size and fit, I couldn’t be more pleased. This is just the right fit that I love for basic tee shirts. Not tight enough to look like I’m trying to be a teen, but fitted enough to steer clear of the dreaded frumpy. The Sewaholic patterns are written specifically for pear-shaped women, so I was a little worried that it might look too hippy on my boxy body, but I think the length makes it fit around my hips just right. If I were to do any alteration on my next Renfrew, it might be to just make a tiny adjustment for my sway-back.
In addition to being a fantastic and must-have basic, the Renfrew, and all of Sewaholic‘s Patterns, are just so well branded, I might have to start collecting. I love the technical designs on the envelope cover, which give you such a better idea of the possibilities than a styled photo. And Tasia is just so sweet and talented, I wish I could give her a high five for this awesome tee! It’s become a fast favorite!
Pattern: Sewaholic Renfrew in size 4
Fabric: Floral 100% cotton jersey from The Fabric Fairy (no longer available, similar options here and here)
Miriam and I both channeled our inner flower child for our Renfrews! Check out her Renfrew Review today, too!
For a chance to win your own Sewaholic Renfrew pattern, simply leave a comment below before Friday, January 19th! Good Luck!
**WINNER: PENDLESTITCHES** Thank you all for playing!
44 Comments
I love that both you and Miriam did floral! Awesome!
And I would love love love to win the Renfrew Pattern! Crossing my fingers!
This is great!
I’ve seen the Renfrew pattern and wanted to try it, it has such good reviews for ease in making it, and how great it looks, I would love to try making it! Thanks for the giveaway.
Kelly
I love that the Renfrew is so versatile…every version is so individual. Gorgeous
Thanks for the review for this pattern. I have attempted to make a tee based off my measurements and copying my fave tee, but I’d definitely prefer to have a pattern. Thanks for hosting and for all the great tips! mfrapp_83 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Love love love this! The fit is.beautiful- can’t wait to try it out:) I hope I win!
This has been a great series. I’d love to win the Renfrew pattern – I’ve been stalking it online for some time, but I have enough projects at home (with patterns & fabric purchased and set aside) waiting to be sewn up that I’ve banned myself from buying anything else until I finish them. But winning would be OK
Thanks for the chance to win!
I’m in. I think I would be more confident sewing from a bona fide pattern than something I drafted myself (at this stage in my abilities, anyway).
I hope I win
Thank you for the chance …
One of my goals this year is to conquer my fear of knits! This would be a great start with the Renfrew pattern. Thanks for all the great information.
I would love to win this pattern!
Wow…I would love to win this pattern! Thanks!
Great review! I was just thinking of buying this pattern (even though I have a slew of other projects in my queue) but to win it would be rad. Thanks for the give-away!
I think this would be perfect for my first attempt at sewing with knits! Thanks for this great series. It is AWESOME!
I’ve been craving this pattern. It looks perfect on you!
This looks like a GREAT pattern! I would love to own it!
That turned out so cute!
So my vow not to buy any new patterns before I use I more of the ones I have doesn’t count if I *win* right?
Great job…I read about this pattern recently and what a coincidence to see it on you! I would love to try it!
I’ve been itching to try the Renfrew. Would love to win it!
LOVE! This shirt is amazing!
The Renfrew is top of my ‘patterns to buy’ list!
This series has been really great, there’s so many things I want to try making now!
Such a cute shirt on you! I’ve heard fantastic things about the Renfrew pattern; would love to give it a whirl!
Nice simple Tee. You guys always have the cutest\nicest knit fabric.
Hope I win, would love this pattern to use up some of my stash
I have been a longtime lover of tracing patterns and I really hope that I win a Renfrew because they are AWESOME. I think I like their pattern better than any shirt I already own.
Wow! Yours looks gorgeous! I’d love to win this pattern!
The Renfrew seems to be widely loved by bloggers. I would love to give the pattern a try.
Love the floral! Crossing my fingers to win. Have fun at ALT next week. I am a Salt Lake City gal through and through. If you get a chance try out Thai Siam for some good eats!
I would love to make my own tshirts! Hope I win a copy of this
I’ve seen so many great versions of this top (including yours). I’d love to win a copy and give it a try. Thanks for the giveaway!
What a cute, simple shirt!
Fabulous tee. I would love a copy of the Renfrew please. Everyone has such amazing reviews I been wanting my own copy forever!
I’m always in the market for a good fitting T! (the poor ones i DO have get worn A LOT!)
I love how this turned out. I’ve been checking out Tasia’s Sewaholic blog the last couple of years and I really love her work! Looks like now you do as well. Kudos on sharing all your talent!
Great pattern, awesome fabric!
looks like a great pattern!
I have one t-shirt pattern from Jalie but I’d love to give the sewaholic one a try!!
So pretty! Tshirt, or model…or both?
This pattern has so many options. I really like cowl neck tops and being able to make my own would be great!
Everybody really does seem to love that pattern-I’ve seen it all over the internet!
I just bought my first sewaholic pattern (the alma) would love this to be my next. How can you wrong with such a versatile top…I see many renfrews in my future
Love your version. I e seen this pattern everywhere and would love to give it a try!
I’vetried making a T by copying one of mine…didn’t work that well. I’m just not experienced enough yet so I would LOVE to have this pattern to go by. Thanks for these great giveaways!