Finished Project: Floral Pendrell

This week I completed another blouse inspired by one of Anna of Paunnet's projects. It's the Pendrell from Sewaholic Patterns, view B, with the seam ruffles left off. I'd always felt a little iffy about all the ruffles and flounces on the Pendrell pattern and as soon as I saw Anna's version, I was like Ohh, that's what you're supposed to do. What a great idea. Just because a pattern comes with certain pieces, doesn't mean you have to use them!

In sewing up this second Pendrell of mine, I went down half a size and cut like 3 inches off the hem. This blouse is frickin' long (which is definitely better than too short).  I also trimmed a little over a 1/4 of an inch around the neckline, before finishing with the bias facing. I'd thought this would solve the slight problem I had with my previous Pendrell, which was that I really had to tug it on over my head, and always messed up my hair. For some reason, on this latest version, it's almost like I added 1/4 inch to the neckline because it's almost impossible to get on! Very mysterious.

The fabric I used is a thrifted cut of polyester chiffon-y thin slipperyness. I'm sure some lady bought it in the '80s or '90s to make kitchen curtains or something. The main thing that drew me to it was the little navy dots scattered through the print and the mustard/orange colored flowers amongst the blue floral. I'd initially thought I would need to line the blouse, due to the sheerness of the fabric, but it's actually not so bad, as long as I just wear a nude colored bra.

I like the little cap sleeve ruffles, but I'm just still not 100% sure if I'm a ruffly blouse type of person, or not. My shoulders might be too broad for this look. Anyhow, I'm glad I tried this blouse. I think I'll get some good use out of it tucked into skirts, and since the fabric is so lightweight, it's easy to layer even the frilly sleeves underneath a cardigan.

I was also really inspired by Anna's pinafore that she paired her Pendrell with and used the Chardon skirt for. After seeing it on her, I clicked over to Deer & Doe and finally bought the pattern I'd drooled over since it first came out (so cute!), as well as the adorable Pavot jacket. I couldn't help myself. They haven't arrived in the mail yet, but I'm eagerly anticipating holding these lovely patterns in my hot little hands. Yay - MINE!