I’m WAY behind in my blogging and I’ll be perfectly honest as to why: I HATE taking photos of my makes.
I should specify. I hate GETTING someone to take photos of me WEARING my makes. It’s a pain, and the lighting in our apartment is poor even in broad daylight in the summer. (which it’s not lol)
Anyway, enough excuses; I figured I’d get this post out of the way to catch me up; I made two of my SWAP items and they’re both tops you’ve seen on every other blogger so I figured if there were no shots of me, that’d be fine lol
The only adjustments I made to both was an FBA; on the Renfrew though it was a simple grade since it is a knit. This is my second and third top now, and it’s becoming clear to me that I need to lengthen my tops by about an inch and a half – mainly because I wear my skirts and pants below my natural waist. So next top I’m definitely implementing that adjustment too.
Here is my Jasmine:
I made the view with notched sleeve cuffs and the smaller collar tie. Everything turned out nicely except the sleeves are a little tight.
And here is a closeup of the collar on my Renfrew; I made the short sleeve V neck version. I had to eyeball the double stitching bits ’cause I only have a single needle. The collar was a bit finicky to do at the V part but I’m happy with the result 
Sorry for the copout photos, folks – my next post will have proper shots, I promise ^_^
They look very nice! I’m working on my very first project sewing with a knit right now. I have a twin needle, so I’ve been using that. Did you use a serger on these? I don’t have a serger and am just trying to find an overlock stitch that works well enough. It’s just not the same as a serger as you have to line everything up SO precisely. Thinking that birthday gift may need to be a serger…
For the Renfrew, I used a serger for the sleeve & side seams but I used a regular zigzag stitch on the inside collar seam, which you can see in the pic
The only difference really is that you then have to hand trim the seam allowance. I didn’t use the serger at all on my Jasmine; I rarely do on wovens.
I actually just finished another knit project where I didn’t use my serger at all, so it’s definitely not a necessity – I use both cause I like to mix it up lol
Looking forward to seeing more, as so far they look great….nice fabric choices.
Thanks Winnie! ^__^
Blogging is meant to be fun, don’t stress about it. The renfrew is one of my all time favourite patterns, just so well drafted and turns out well
Thanks Sarah ^__^ It is great, isn’t it? – I like how it takes the basic tee and transforms it to something a little more dressy
Yay for finished, pretty tops! I love the fabric you’ve used on the Jasmine. And your sew-in labels are adorable!
Thanks, Kat! ^_^ I definitely want to make more tops; they get worn a lot!
totally with you on the photos thing! this time of year is just so difficult – by the time a get a chance to get photos, i have moved on to the next project and lost interest in blogging that one!
Oh yes, exactly!!! The pics I took for my most recent project were so dark and grainy!! Makes it hard to get psyched to blog them
Since you wore the Renfrew when we met in Van, I can attest to the fact that the fit and colour are fabulous on you. The fabric you chose for the blouse is also super sweet. I think I mentioned that the sleeves on my Jasmine were also tight so maybe this is a pattern thing?
Thanks Andrea! Yes I think it must be – I think I told you I had the same problem on my Anise – must be a block characteristic
I’m so jealous of your beautiful Jasmine! I tried making it last week and it was such a failure
The back neck area was gaping SO bad. I tried adding darts and it didn’t work. I’m sad 
Thanks Erin! I’m so sorry to hear about your Jasmine; I have had that problem with EVERY Colette pattern so it’s not just you – on this one I started with a smaller size and did a bigger FBA than usual. It isn’t perfect but it’s better… a little better each time right? ^_^ Don’t give up! You can do it!! ^_^
Is using a smaller size what you have been doing with all the Colette patterns? I don’t know how to fix it!
It’s hard to say whether that fixes it or not; for me, because I’ve also been losing weight I’ve had to keep using smaller & smaller sizes anyway, but before, where my high bust measurement fell between sizes I’d use the larger one, now I use the smaller & do a bigger FBA. It’s still not perfect though. I think I’ve come to realize that for me, Colette patterns are not the best fit – not without lots of extra adjustments anyway
Have you tried any patterns from the Big Four? I’ve made two dresses; one Vogue and one Simplicity, and didn’t have any of the upper back fitting issues I did with Colette patterns.
I’m planning on doing a bodice block this year sometime and hopefully learn how to use it to help me adjust commercial patterns – there’s still so much I don’t know!! lol ^_^ You’re not alone with fitting issues though – email me anytime you like if you need to vent or trade notes!
You are so sweet Symon! I will e-mail you for sure!
^____^
So far so good, can’t wait to see the whole thing!
Thanks Salma!! I’m sure my spring/summer makes will be better documented! lol ^_^
Both of those patterns are on my to do list. I love the fabric you chose for Jasmine – hopefully we’ll be able to see a picture of you wearing it someday – perhaps with a skirt or trousers that you will sew in the future?
Thanks Annabelle ^_^ Yes, I’m sure they’ll make appearances eventually
These look fabulous- especially loving the renfrew!
And be kind to yourself, lovely! No rush on blogging your makes- we will all be here for when the posts pop up
Coolbeans! Thanks Amanda – you rock!
Cop out? Nah just realistic specially when its winter and …. anyway I know what you mean.
Heh, thanks for understanding ^_^