Since this Sewaholic Renfrew top was a best pattern of 2012 on Pattern Review, I figured it was about time I give it a shot.  I’m in need of very casual t-shirt type tops to wear around the house and yard, so I will make this one in a few more versions.

The banded bottom is great because it saves me from making a double-needle hem.  Plus, I’ve always liked banded bottom shirts.  The finishing technique was the same as on this Simplicity top.

The v-neckline is just a bit low cut, but not scandalously so.  I can still comfortably wear it without a cami underneath and that is a blessing in the 90+ degree heat that we are still experiencing.  The fabric is a one-way knit from Joanne Fabrics.  It was very inexpensive (under $10) so I deemed it a good buy to test out the Renfrew top.

The sleeves are also finished with a self-fabric band.  Yay, no hemming there either!!!

Pam

 For my new summer shirt dress I used the Colette Patterns Hawthorne.  I *heart* this pattern.

The fabric was a dream to work with.  It is a very lightweight cotton, similar to voile, and it has a gorgeous vintage inspired rose print.  I purchased it on Etsy from Gertieinroses.

 I wear my cute, Bettie Page pink bow belt with my new dress.

Thank you handsome hub for supporting my sewing habit, and for giving me encouragement and sometimes suggestions, and thank you for being my photographer.

Pam

This pattern (Burda Style 04/2013 #108) was my attempt to try something different.  Am I pleased with the outcome?  Hmmmmmm, kind of.  The dress does look like the pattern photos, but unfortunately, I don’t look like the pattern model!

I am wearing a belt with the dress, but it still hangs like a sack.  I prefer my dresses to have more emphasis at the waist and to be more fitted through the torso.  I knew going in that this pattern didn’t have either of those preferences, but I just had to try something out of my comfort zone.  And now, my zone of comfort is to not wear this dress out and about.  But all is not a total loss.  I will wear it with flip flops when I’m hanging out at home.

Now on to something more my style.  Perhaps a cute button-up blouse, or a fitted-bodice, circle-skirted dress of some sort.

What about you, do you stick to the same styles when you sew for yourself?  Or do you venture into unknown territory?

Have an excellent weekend.

Pam