Day Four: My Selfish Sewing and Yours

The thing I hate about sewing clothes for myself is that you very rarely get to try it on before you sew it. You spend hours making a garment only to slip it on when you're finished and you think, meh, it's just okay. It's no one's fault. It's just not your favorite. I want everything I make to be my favorite, which is totally unrealistic. So when I come across something I really love, I just want to shout it from the mountain tops.


I AM TOTALLY IN LOVE WITH THE RENFREW TOP! Before this month, I have never sewn up on of Sewaholic's many patterns. The Minoru Jacket looks amazing, but I think trying to make a fully lined jacket during school semesters with two small kids may be the straw that breaks this camel's back. (I'm insane, but not that nuts.) It is still on To Make list, though.


The Renfrew Top is my new best friend. Seriously. I stitched up this top in one afternoon, which is awesome. Not having to tape a PDF pattern together was a huge help. I love the instant gratification of a PDF, but having a tissue printed patter is a dream. I made View C of the Renfrew with the cowl neckline and 3/4 length sleeves. The pattern also has two other necklines and two other sleeve lengths, which I love.

The pattern instructions are clear, concise and professional. Not once did I have to stop and think, what the hell are they talking about? It was so easy to put this top together, it didn't even matter that I was sewing with a knit. This top goes together like a dream.

As if having an easy to sew, knit top that looks stylish and fabulous on me wasn't enough, I put it on to show my husband and he growled at me, raised his eye brows and asked me what I was doing later. Win/win/win! I've already ordered a knit sweater fabric to make another Renfrew with.

Now some of you may say $15.98 for a pattern? To be honest, I usually do too. But as my husband reminds me, I'd pay a hell of a lot more than that for one top in a store and when you buy a pattern you get an infinite number of tops from it. And I am seriously in love with this pattern. I love it with the cowl and I can't wait to make some as basic tshirts and long sleeved tops too. Any knit pattern that doesn't make me want to cry and scream is a winner in my book. Go order yourself a Renfrew Top. You won't be sorry.
Disclosure: I received this pattern free as part of Selfish Sewing Week. All opinions my own. Seriously.


My Favorites: From the Selfish Sewing FlickR pool.

1. Gingham Washi by Ros of Sew Delicious  2. Scrappy Refractorium by Ms. Midge  3. Kokka Ruby dress by Justmejay 
It's no secret that I'm a fan of the Washi sewing pattern, but when Ros posted pics of her dress in this large gingham I loved it so much. I loved it so much that I ordered a large plaid fabric to make myself a Washi with. This is Ros' first Washi too. Nice work, Ros. It looks fabulous.

All week long I've been watching Ms. Midge work on this quilt on Instagram. The paper pieces squares and just gorgeous. Plus, the stained glass effect of the black fabric is so freaking awesome. Ms. Midge has her quilt hanging on the wall already. Gorgeousness, Ms. Midge!

Those of you who know me, know how much I love Mexican patterns and bright colors, especially green. When I saw Justmejay's Ruby dress in the Selfish Sewing FlickR group this morning I was so excited. The fabric is Kokka's Candy Party and it is just so fabulous and it works perfectly with this sewing pattern. I'm in love!t


Make sure you pop over to imagine gnats and see this amazing Sol Hoodie that Laura of Behind the Hedgerow has made.

Did you see the Madeline Maxi Dress and Maritime Short my Featured Stitchers made for today?

What are you working on today for Selfish Sewing Week? I'm hoping to finish two tops today so I can show you the tomorrow. Grab a beer/coffee/tea/wine and take an hour to yourself tonight!