Before leaving on vacation I really wanted to play around with the Sewaholic Renfrew t-shirt pattern and possibly make a maxi out of it. I managed to grade up the pattern but ran out of time and didn’t get to make a muslin. So I settled for another maxi, New Look 6230. I knew it would fit being a plus size pattern. I love it but I still want something drapey for the summer. Talk about perfect timing. I got home and was pointed to (thanks Joanne!) Four Square Walls blog and saw a tank version of the Renfrew. So much better than the sleeved version I had in my head. And Andrea offered some great advise for binding the sleeves: use the neckband! Genius. With that info in mind I went ahead and made my maxi.
I added a total of 4 inches to the size 16 bodice (1 inch to each pattern edge) and left the neckband pattern piece alone since it didn’t need any adjustments. From shoulder to hem the dress measures about 54 inches. Next time I’ll add a wee bit more to the length.
I used some 4-way stretch jersey and found it hard to work with. A lot of my trouble came from inexperience. I’ve never worked with knit before and it took me some time (an hour?) to figure out the right settings for my machine. The pattern calls for stable knit fabric but since I was just doing a test run I went for it. I used some yummy red remnant fabric I bought ages ago at Rolls and Rems.
The fit is spot on so I am definitely ready to get going on a few more maxis. I have yet to test out the entire t-shirt pattern so that’s coming up too!
Lovely colour on you! Well done on making the pattern ‘yours’ by making it into a maxi!
I live this!
oops – I LOVE it!
Fabulous…I want to try this too!!!
See? your very own maxi. It looks beautiful Mela, and you should make more red things.
I should do, definitely. I must buy more red.
Looks awesome!! I always love any red and blue combination, so your outfit is giving me major clothes envy. I’m so glad my tank dress inspired you to try this out with the Renfrew pattern!
Fabulous dress – looks comfy & stylish at the same time! Really suits you, good job!
Gorgeous! I love this! Such a great color on you!
That looks amazing! Super cool!
Thanks!
Fab and gorgeous color on you!!! Now I don’t have to buy that McCalls pattern since I see I can do it with the Renfrew!! Who am I kidding I will probably still buy it LOL.
I know what you mean. It’s so hard to resist a pattern.
Thanks looks gorgeous. You’ve got a brilliant fit,the colour really suits you
Thank you!
Lovely and flowy. I have a couple of maxi patterns on my ever growing pattern wishlist. Indecisive as to which one to get. lol
Nice! The red IS yummy!
gorgeous !
Oh my goodness, I love it! Very nice
Lordy, I love that dress on you. Stunning.
Thank you
Very slinky! And that colour really suits you!
That has worked so well. Red is your colour!
The dress is beautiful and you were right about the neckline. So many manufacturers make the neckline too big on Plus sizes so that they come down too low at the front. Your fro ck is perfect.
WOW!! Your dress looks absolutely terrific, fabulous colour and style. I really love it worn with this beautiful striped cardigan too; you have great style!
STUNNING.
I LOVE IT. This color on you + paired with that cardigan is fabulous.