Animal Print Renfrew

Last weekend we had a most glorious mid winters day which was perfect for giving my new top it's first outing.

I couldn't wait to sew up the Renfrew after it arrived in my mailbox.  I was looking through my stash wondering which fabric I should use thinking about all the great versions I had seen but the one that I just couldn't get past was Tasia's cowl neck made in animal print.  I do love a cowl neck and add animal print to the mix; I mean what more could you ask for.  It's so awesome and I really love it, so when I saw the same fabric just waiting there calling out "pick me" how could I refuse.  My first version of the Renfrew was destined to be the cowl neck style in animal print just like Tasia's.  Yeah I know, kinda copycat!  Hope you don't mind Tasia. You know that copying is the best form of flattery. don't you :)  

Usually I would put pattern preparation on the back burner.  It's probably the one part of sewing I like the least but when my measurements fitted exactly to 'one' size on the envelope and the finished measurement had just the right amount of ease I was very impressed.  To discover that I wasn't going to have any forseeable fit issues was a dream come true and I couldn't wait to get started.  It was an such an easy make and the instructions were so easy to follow that I think I'm in love.  It's super comfortable to wear and I absolutely love it.  I can see so many more Renfrew's joining my wardrobe that I might verge on obsession but right now I can't wait to get started on my next one.  OK!  I get it!  I'm raving!  BTW did I tell you how much I love this pattern?   :)

Have you made the Renfrew?  Do you love it as much as I do?






My pattern review 

Pattern Description:
Fitted knit top with banded hems with sleeve and neckline variations.


Pattern Sizing:
0 - 16; I made size 12


Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, it did!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very easy.  It was a dream to sew.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I particularly like the fit of this pattern.  Unlike the Big Four commercial companies there was just the right amount of ease.  I also like that no alterations were needed for my body shape; that I could just make a straight size without blending them.


Fabric Used:
Cotton knit/jersey


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made.
I didn't need to make any alterations except to shorten the waist length, it was like a made to measure pattern.


Would you sew it again?  Would you recommend it to others?
Absolutely!  I already have and will again several times over.  And yes I would definitely recommend it.

Conclusion:
I can't recommend this pattern enough.  It was so easy to sew and it fits perfectly with just the right amount of ease and it's super comfortable to wear.  I am so excited about this pattern that I fear it will be added to my wardrobe so often that I will have nothing else but Renfrew tops to wear.

I thought I'd just leave you with a couple of scenes from our day out whale watching.  Enjoy!

Blue wren in flight in front of our car

Mother whale with baby frolicking in the sun