After a time intensive make like my mom’s dress, I wanted something quick and easy. What better than a Sewaholic Renfrew with a twist in a silk jersey that I received from Mood. Sadly, I can’t find the fabric online anymore. I blame Goodbye Valentino and her gorgeous dress: how could her readers not buy up the rest of this fabric already?
The twist is the bow I added to the neckline to fancy up this basic T. Now you see it:
Now you don’t:
I got the idea from The Sew Convert‘s Jason Wu Bow Dress. I cut the V neck Renfrew, tripling the width of the neck band to make a mini cowl. I then cut out a long strip of fabric (about twice the length from my elbow to my fingertips) for the bow. When I sewed the neckband onto the top, I put the seam at center back and left a small hole at center front. For the bow I stitched down all three sides, leaving a hole just wide enough for me to turn the tube right side out. After turning the tube and making sure all of the corners were crisp, I slip stitched the hole closed. I can wear the shirt as is with a subtle cowl or slip the band through when I feel like a bow.
I just love the uninterrupted inkblot print on the back.
Best of all, this shirt was made entirely on my serger. Well, almost. I topstitched the neckline with the zigzag stitch on my machine.
And, because I was not going to waste a bit of this heavenly fabric, I used the rest to make a shirt for my sister-in-law.
I wanted to make her the full cowl, but I’d forgotten just how much fabric it requires. I had to really piece the cowl neckband together to get it to work, adding side seams along with the center back seam and piecing one of the back sections after an unfortunate cut. But, I am glad I was able to make it work because I just love the drape of the silk jersey cowl.
I had such little fabric left over at the end that I wasn’t even able to make the full size cuffs for the sleeves. But, again, I don’t mind the change.
All in all I couldn’t be happier with these two shirts. Now on to another time consuming sewing project made from stripes and spots…
Sew Well 
Both tops are very cute, Amy. And what a clever removable bow!
Absolutely gorgeous! The tops look so professionally made and that fabric is to die for.
Fab!
Very cute, and great fabric as it can go with many other solid items, skirts or pants. Your top is very similar to the Jalie scarf collar top, and I think I like your version better since you can “bow” or not. Note to self – make one like this in the future 🙂
Not only did you get a wonderful new top for yourself (with an awesome removable bow) but your sister got one too! How cool is that?
A great top and you are so generous.
Ooooo, silk jersey is simply divine! And the print on this one is so chic. Two very nice tops!
Your two cute tops show the versatility of this dreamy fabric and the bow is too clever! Enjoy – you’re going to be wearing this cute top non-stop!
Beautiful! These take a simple t-shirt silhouette and elevate it to something really sophisticated! Your sister-in-law is one lucky girl!
They are both so beautiful! I love silk jersey – the drape is just so heavenly!!
Beautiful tops, Amy!! What a great idea. That fabric is gorgeous.
That’s awesome. Love the trick with the bow. And, I love the same print is used two ways.
the fact that you were able to make something out of this fabric for Someone Else surely earns you a place in heaven. or, you know, the best spor at the bar, at least.
The full cowl is a bit of a fabric hog, isn’t it? I love Refrew in a print, it’s quite striking. The bow is brilliant.
Such a fabric hog!!