Call me Bubbles! Everybody does!

After months of threatening to make a Renfrew tee, I've finally done it!

Two weeks ago, I made a big order of knits in preparation for finally getting to this pattern.  I'll admit I was a little fast and loose with my clicking on Fabric.com; I didn't fully read each item description, and consequently some of the fabrics were a surprise when I opened the box.

Like this one.  I'd thought the polka dots were going to be about a quarter of this size, and my first reaction was that, like Bubbles DeVere, I'd probably rather go naked than wear this print.  So I decided, what the heck - I'll use it for my first go of the pattern.  No great loss if it doesn't work out!

Imagine my surprise when I finished sewing it up and quite liked it!  I actually think it will be darned cute with jeans, although I can't say for sure because I'm in my house-cleaning grubbies today (because that's what I really ought to be doing.)

This top was so fast and easy to make.  I traced the pattern yesterday, which took less than a half hour, and then later in the day spent another 20 minutes or so cutting out the fabric.  I sewed the entire top this morning in less than an hour and a half.  I did skip a few steps though . . . I didn't have any twill tape, and decided not to bother with it since I'd thought this one was probably destined to be a sleep tee.  And I didn't topstitch the neckband down because I like how it looks without the topstitching, so I'm going to see how it wears (and washes) this way.

I sewed the entire thing on my serger.  It was so much easier than I was expecting it to be.  I did 2 little test seams on scrap fabric, and everything seemed fine, so I just went ahead and  got started.  I didn't even change my needles out to ball points!  Although in truth, they are probably ball points by now because I haven't changed the needles once since I got the serger!

I made the size 6 top with no adjustments - Sewaholic's size 6 matches my measurements exactly!  I chose the neckline of View A with the sleeves of View B.  The fit on this top is close, but not tight - just right in my opinion.  This fabric ended up being thinner than is recommended; it's a rayon/polyester blend, and quite soft and drapey.  I was worried that might cause me problems, but it really didn't!

I'm so happy with my first experience sewing knits.  I was nervous because so many people say it's difficult, but I found it to be quite easy.  I'm hoping it's not just beginner's luck!  I can't wait to make more of these.

I'm also happy with my first experience with Sewaholic patterns.  I really like Tasia's layout and design, and the instructions were clear and concise.

Champagne!  Champagne for everyone!