I’ve been meaning to make the Sewaholic Pendrell forever. I’m not sure how I feel about the sleeves on the pattern, but I thought the princess seam lines would help create a well-fitted shirt. I cut according to my measurements, grading as needed and leaving off the bottom three inches so that I would be able to wear it untucked if I wanted. In the end I took out a bit more from the princess seam lines at the top since it felt a bit baggy across the shoulders. It was an easy fix, and the result was just what I was hoping for.
As for specifics, I pieced together my bias binding since I wanted to save fabric and didn’t care about the extra seams as the binding is just used for the neck and sleeve facings. I also finished the hem using my narrow hem foot – a quick and neat finish.
The fabric I used for this shirt came from my holiday travels to Santa Barbara. I stopped into Fine Fabrics while I was there, and I redesigned much of my SWAP based on a few key fabrics I absolutely had to have. It’s going to be a fun few months of sewing with some fabulous fabrics. This blouse marks my first SWAP item to be posted on this blog.
Also, this week’s Sew Weekly theme is “Accessorize”. I love scarves, and I was excited at how well my gray scarf paired with this fabric. I wrote up a bit about my love for scarves in this week’s post for the Sew Weekly. You can find it here.
Sew Well 
Very pretty! I tried the pendrel awhile ago, but I made the sleeves and they just didn’t work well with the fabric I used (they really need to be drapy), I need to go back and take them off.
It definitely makes a nice shell. If you’re not a fan of the sleeves with your fabric, I bet it would be easy to take them out. It would be worth the effort if you got a lot more wear out of the shirt, too.
Oh, this is really nice! You know, I was kind of turned off by the Pendrell line drawings (it seemed a bit too girly for me), but this really looks good sleeveless (and with the shorter length)! I hadn’t thought about how easy it would be to perfect the fit on a garment with princess seams. This really looks great and fits you beautifully! So glad you’re doing Sew Weekly! Can’t wait to see more of your creations!
Thanks! The princess seams are nice for fitting. But, I’m sure manipulating darts and seams work much in the same way.
I agree with you and Ginger – I wasn’t going to sew this top because of the ruffly sleeves, but your version is great! That’s a super cute basic top that fits you really well. I love the fabric.
Thanks. I definitely see myself making more basics like this blouse.
Beautiful fabric and the top looks like it’s an easy to wear garment – scarf looks great too!
Thanks, Evelyne!
That looks really nice. I would like to make the sleeveless Pendrell – a great layering top.
I agree. I keep imagining it under a soft gray blazer or jacket… Only, I’m trying not to sidetrack the sewing plans I already have!
It looks great!
Thanks, Kristin!
I love that fabric! I’m not a member of sew weekly, but I’ll have to check it out when I get some time. I’m doing a lot of sewing lately but it’s pretty much all work related.
Meg of Made by Meg just set up a Bay Area Sewists Meet-Up group: http://www.meetup.com/Bay-Area-Sewists/ You should join!
I commented on the SW, but will again here. Lovely! I’ve avoided the Pendrell because of the sleeves, and think it looks much better without.
I had no idea others were wary of the sleeves, too. I think they look cute on Tasia, but I haven’t liked them on many other versions I’ve seen. Maybe she picks the perfect fabrics? Regardless, I’m glad I have the pattern for cute shells like this. I think it also works well for neckline variations like Casey’s of Elegant Musings version.
Oh my goodness, that is beautiful! Can’t wait to try this top for myself 🙂