I’ve been talking about the Pendrell sewing pattern for a really long time. I might have been one of the firsts who bought it during its pre-sales but might very well be one of the last to actually start on the pattern. Hence, even though it is now completed, it will still be named the NATO- No Action Talk Only Pendrell Blouse. It shall serve as a reminder to myself.
It’s one of those projects that was postponed time and again for many reasons and was the last UFO (unfinished objects) in my sewing room. Yay! I’m now UFOs free! Here’s the blouse in black/white/ grey/ beige leopard print knit. As you might know, I fell in love with animal prints since the Never Say Never Dress and have a couple more in my stash waiting to be cut.
I chose to work on variation A mostly because I thought it went best with the animal print. And I just love pairing it with my Retro Dots Bella Jeans! If I can find time, I would love to work on a black lace version with variation B.
Fabric placement was something I pondered about while cutting the fabric. I tried my best to put the small spots around the waist area and the bigger spots around the bust and hip area and it seemed to have worked quite well. I also tried to match some spots across the princess seams and did spend quite a bit of time cutting the fabric piece by piece. As I used a rather stretchy knit fabric, I did have to take in quite a bit at the side seams but I’m sure it will fit much better from the start with a woven fabric.
I really adore the pleated sleeves and the princess seams. This is a really well conceived pattern and the fastest I’ve even sewn for any princess seam top. With the pattern cut in advance, it only took me around 2 hours to get the blouse done and honestly it was pretty gratifying to sew! Instructions are flawless, concise and clear.
The blouse is quite long and hence pretty versatile, it can also be worn with belt or just over leggings. I can’t wait to wear it out tomorrow and I’m so glad I got this done before the end of MMM2011! Yay!
The Sew Convert 
Hi Adey!!
Very nice! Your hard work of matching the spots and thinking where to place the spots really paid off. It’s so pretty! You are getting better and better..really enjoy looking at your projects.
May I know where do you buy knit fabric? I always find quilting cottons online only.
P.S. Your hair really looks nice and glistening in the first pic, looks like a shampoo ad. hehe.
I love it. The animal print is fabulous
Thanks so much Sertyan, am so glad you like the blouse:) Yay to matching spots! Huh, my hair….er, I think it’s just the reflection of the spot light on top:)
I usually buy knit fabric from Spotlight, Chinatown or online from etsy or emmaonesock.com or fabric.com (the sale promotions they have from time to time are quite worth it) Hope that helps:)
Thanks Angela! I hope the trend continues!
Love it! I’ve made 3 Pendrells so far and am planning a variation for my fourth! Yours looks great!
Wow! That’s fabulous KristenMakes! Your floral pendrell is so charming, I’m glad you like mine:)
Your Pendrell is gorgeous – well with the wait! I’ve just recieved my Pendrell pattern in the post and I’m really looking forward to making it – there are so many lovely versions out there…and now yours too!
Thanks so much Suzie! Can’t wait to see yours!
This is lovely! and i love the fabric.
You did a wonderful job on the shirt. The placement of the print was smart and the shirt fits you so well.
For all of your procrastinating, you have a beautiful top! The animal print suits you well!
This is beautiful. I always thought animal prints were aging but you pull them off so nicely I need to re-think.
I haven’t sewn up a knit Pendrell but it’s on my list!
Lovely! I think you did pick the right view. That print looks like so much fun, too! 🙂
I think you did a lovely job with the print placement. And the style of the sleeves fits the print so well!
Oooh! I love your version. Cute fabric, and you styled it great. I also just ordered the Pendrell pattern, so it’s fun to see everyone’s versions.
oh, and you’re wearing it with those fabulous pants…. the sleeves on this are so beautiful, you always pick such wonderful details!
yay! I just finished mine too!
http://wearabletoile.blogspot.com/2011/03/spring-palette-3-pendrell.html
Very nice blouse.
it looks great! I love View A. Mine is almost finished (just the bottom hem left to do) I hope to post phtoso by the week-end…
Great job with the knit fabric and the print! I made view B of this pattern and want to make view A for my next. I do love how easy this is to put together and, of course, the clear instructions!
What a beautiful blouse , I love your fabric. You have given me a great idea regarding lace !!! I have just received my Pendrell pattern and a lace version would be awesome .
Love your Pendrell blouse! The animal print is perfect, and you did a fantastic job matching them up. Seeing yours makes me want to make one!
Thanks everyone! I’m thrilled that you like my pendrell!
@Alexandra: I love the fabric too, it’s super comfy!
@Sophia: Thanks so much, the long cutting time was so worth it to get the placement right!
@Thanks Vanessa 🙂
@Funnygrrl: haha, I used to think they were aging too but I’m an animal print convert for sure! Can’t wait to see your knit Pendrell!
@Tanit-Isis: Thanks babe! I did think View B would have been too girly for the print.
@Becky Haas: Thanks so much, I do adore the sleeves in this print 🙂
@Trisha: Thanks so much, love to see your version soon!
@Oonaballoona: Thanks so much! I am very much attracted by such details in patterns especially unique sleeves 🙂
@Bhoomika: Your version is so chic!
@Cennetta: Thank you!
@Petite Josette: Thanks so much! Your print is so vibrant and pretty! I’m sure it’s gonna look stunning!
@Amanda: Yes, it’s amazing how easy this was. I didn’t even need the seam reaper haha!
@Lisa: Yes, I think it will be awesome in lace! Can’t wait to see yours!
@mezzocouture: Do indulge in one…you might end up with a few like most of us who started with one! I’m seriously thinking of starting on the lace version soon!
Looks fabulous! Love how you placed the prints. Excellent!
Thanks Andrea!
Love this blouse pattern and obviously I should get on band wagon and buy it. Great fabric and excellent fabric placement.
Thanks Linda! It’s definitely a fab pattern to invest in! Go for it!
Absolutely fabulous fabric placement! The blouse looks great on you.
It’s so gorgeous! The pants are awesome, too!
Thanks Jali and Jos!
The blouse is really lovely and looks amazing on you. Did you use a serger for this project? I look longingly at the knits but am afraid to buy them since I’ve only a basic sewing machine that I bought at Cold Storage.
Hi Gael, Thank you! I don’t own a serger and knits are the best things to sew if you don’t have one cos they do not fray. My machine is pretty basic and from Cold Storage too! Make sure you use a machine needle for jersey though or the fabric might get damaged. You can either use the zig zig stitch or use a straight stitch but stretch the fabric along as you sew. I started out sewing knits using the first method but now prefer the latter. Hope that helps!
Typically, I’m not big on animal prints, but I really like it in your Pendrell and your placement of bigger spots versus smaller spots. I’m also jealous of your jeans! I love that pattern but it would not be flattering on my, so I’ve never pursued it.
Aw, thanks so much Lisette!