Happy Monday, everyone! Today’s the first day of our Pendrell Blouse sew-along. To get us started, I made up a schedule for all of the stages before we get to sewing, so you know what’s coming! Some of you speed-racers might find the schedule a tad slow, but I wanted to make sure the beginners aren’t overwhelmed.
This week, here’s what we’ll cover:
- Prewashing your Fabric
- Measuring and Choosing Your Size
- Pattern Adjustments: Lengthening or Shortening the Blouse
- Pattern Adjustments: Narrowing the hip width
- Pattern Adjustments: Full Bust Adjustment (FBA)
- Pattern Adjustments: Making the Blouse into a Dress
I realize that’s more posts than there are days in the week! So these posts will come over the next week and a half. We’ll start cutting next week. I also have plans to talk about underlining your blouse as well, before the cutting and sewing starts. Anything else you’d like to see in the pre-cutting stages?
You’ll need the following tools and supplies:
- Pendrell Blouse Pattern. (Click here to order yours!)
- Fabric for your blouse
- Matching thread
- Pins
- Scissors – both for paper and for fabric
- Tape measure
- Your favourite marking tools, or a hand-sewing needle to make tailor’s tacks
- Regular sewing tools: sewing machine, iron, ironing board
This blouse luckily doesn’t require a lot of notions, which is nice! Just thread and fabric and you’re set.
Sew-along page:
I created a ‘Sew-Alongs’ page! You can find it along the top menu bar next to the Sewtionary. Right now it has the schedule and a few links, but as we go I’ll add links to each Sew-Along post. This way, you’ll be able to find all of the Pendrell Sew-Along posts in one easy place.
Plus, it’s a great way to find out when the next sew-along is planned and when it begins! One page, with all of the sew-along info for easy reference.
Yes, we have a Sew-Along badge!
Pretty! Right-click the image to save it to your computer. If you’d like to add a link to your badge, use this one to find all of the Pendrell Sew-Along posts quickly and easily!
http://sewaholic.net/tag/pendrell-blouse-sew-along
Also, I’m curious – how many people are sewing along? It’s going to be a fun couple of weeks here, full of useful information and helpful tutorials. Seems to be sew-along season in blog-world, so I’m happy you’ve chosen to follow along with mine!
I’m sewing along! I received my pattern in the mail on Friday – you have done such a nice job on the presentation!
I’m sewing along!
I’ve been fighting the urge to sew a Pendrell since the day my pattern arrived in the mail, so I’m glad the time has finally come!
I’ll be sewing along! I’m also doing the Cupcake Goddess’ Trouser Sew-Along so I’ll have a complete outfit at the end of this! The schedule looks great and having all the posts in one spot is very helpful.
I’m sewing along, and also doing Gertie’s sew along. Can’t wait to get started!
I’m sewing along! I plan on making 2-blouses.
1: The ruffle sleeve version in a dark-dark navy blue viscose/cotton blend with little white flowers printed on it.
2: Sleeveless cream lace with black-trim version.
I’ve just added my style-inspiration photos for the cream-lace look to the group Flickr pool (http://www.flickr.com/groups/1524245@N25/) :)!
I’m sewing along too!
And actually, I’m glad the schedule is a bit slower– I’m also taking a “little black dress” class at Pattern Review right now, and it’s all couture techniques and I’m still working on fitting my muslin. So this will make it so much easier for me to do both!
This is my first sew-along, and since I am a beginner at sewing wearable garments, I appreciate the slower schedule. On top of this sew-along, I’m also sewing new pillowcases for my bedroom! I’m hoping success with these two projects will motivate me to tackle an even bigger sewing project (like that built by wendy dress I haven’t finished yet)!
I’m sewing along! Can’t wait!
:D
Could someone tell me how I add the sewalong button to my blog without having the html code? I’ve only ever done it that way. I’m a rookie. :)
I’m in!! And I’m super excited to be using my first “tricky” fabric!
I am sewing along! I have finished one already but I plan to complete this one at a slower pace. Looking forward to it!
@Sarah:
Nevermind! I think I got it!
@Sarah:
Hi Sarah, I can see that your on Blogger/Blogspot.com like me!
I’ll write-up a little “how to” and pop it into the comments here for you too see later today (promise) – as I managed to stumble my way through it and get it onto my blog! :)
@Claire (aka Seemane):
Thank you Claire! Yeah, I bumbled around and figured it out too :) Thank you!
Count me in……..this is my very first sew-a-long and I am very, very excited! I am happy that you are going slowly as I am also a beginner at this. Who knows this may be the start of something BIG.
I’ll be sewing along too. Really looking forward to it. x
I’m sewing along! I have my fabric and am just waiting for the pattern to arrive!
I have 1 question (so far). Is the seam allowance included in the pattern? Or do we need to add it?
@Sarah:
LOL! It looks good on your blog :)
Well unless anyone else needs it, I shall not now add a comment her on how to add the button into blogger/blogspot :) (I need the time back to finish sewing my friend’s bag tonight she’s visiting in 2 days).
@Lois:
It’s included IIRC :) I’m sure Tasia will reply herself to say which it is – unless I get home from work before she reads your comment and can whip out my pattern to check :)
I’m in! The fabric should be here today and I’ve already made a few Pendrell’s so I know my pattern is ready! This will be fun!
I’m sewing along, though I may end up being one of the ones who charges ahead. I’m one of those “one project at a time” types so the speed of the schedule might be a little slow for me. Still, I’m looking forward to all your posts and seeing what everyone else sews up! :)
Hello, hello Sew-Alongers! Yes, seam allowances are included. All seam allowances are 5/8″ (1.5cm) and are included in the pattern. I didn’t outline the seam allowances because with 9 sizes in one pattern, it would be really messy and confusing! But they’re definitely there :)
I’m happy to hear you guys are pleased with the pace of the schedule. Feel free to charge ahead if you’re confident and have the time!
Claire aka Seemane – thanks for jumping in with the answers and help on the buttons! I need to put it up on my site too, so if anyone needs help adding it to wordpress, I can help!
I’m sewing along too, got the fabric and can’t wait to get started
I’m planning to sew along. Theoretically I’m doing the Crepe too but am a bit stalled on that.
I love the schedule, Tasia. It’s so well laid-out. :) I’m sewing along and I plan on making three Pendrells – one in a woven and two in knits. :D
Excellent. I just bought my fabric over the weekend actually. Can’t wait to get started.
I will be joining in with two blouses as well – both in polyester, one chiffon and one charmeuse. The chiffon one will be a gathered sleeve, the other will be a sleeveless. Got my pattern at Spool of Thread and my mom ordered hers online, so we’re both joining in!
Also wanted to ask: will there be advice for waist adjustment? My bust and hip are a 10 but my waist is a 12.
@Pam: Definitely! I’m putting together a bunch of sew-along posts on pattern adjustments, and I’ll cover increasing and decreasing the waist and hip measurements. This blouse is loosely fitted, so you might not need to increase the waist measurement though as it doesn’t nip in at the waist. I’d suggest looping a tape measure around your waist with the finished waist measurement (from the envelope back) and see if there’s enough ease in there, without making an adjustment…
I am also joining! I will make a sleeveless version in a cotton, and one with gathered sleeves in silk – but I will probably wait by cutting the silk until I see if the cotton one will be OK – it’s the first time I’m sewing with such a tricky fabric.
Me too! I’m still choosing between a couple of fabrics in my stash, so I’d better hurry up and decide! I’m tossing up between a bright blue sheer and a jersey print.
I’m sewing along. Can’t wait to start.
I’m sewing along from Arkansas. My first sew-a-long ever! Can’t wait. I have a polyester fabric that I bought when I was 16 and that was 18 years ago! It has a good drape, navy with roses on it. I found you via Cupcake Goddess and boy am I glad I did! All the best to everyone!
Oh, count me in! I have the pattern and I’m pretty sure I have a fabric I’m going to go forward with. I’m torn between two, but I’ll make my decision before we start cutting.
I’m in! This will be fun. I’ve had my pattern awhile but have refrained from making it up, will be good to discuss alterations as needed. I think I’m going to try mine in a tricky fabric, maybe a silk or a slippery something, that will definitely be a challenge for me!
I’m in : ) I’ve now bought 3 different fabrics for this sew along so I will attempt to sew at least 2 versions, one in cotton and one in jersey. I love the way you have a sew along section on the blog, it’s all so nicely laid out and clear. Thank you!!
I’m sewing along too! Yay!!! Very excited. Your site has helped me with other projects so much already. You really do a lovely job of explaining and showing with photos. I really appreciate your attention to detail. :)
I’m in :)
Count me in – I can’t wait to get started!
Fantastic! So many people, this is going to be fun. And how awesome that some of you are going to sew more than one blouse! We’re going to have tons of pretty finished projects to ooh and ahh at, once we’re done! :)
I’ll be sewing along. I’m gonna make two and one I will need an underlining. Can’t wait!
I’m in! I’m glad we’re moving a bit slowly as I definitely consider myself a beginner :P Plus I’m still waiting for my pattern to get here.
I’ll be sewing along, too! I’m a beginner and I appreciate the slower pace. Looking forward to my first sew-along!
I’m in – as you know! (No doubt I’ll be talking about it on my blog – already got the ball rolling…)
I’m sewing along!
I’m SUPER excited. I’ve been sewing on and off since I was a kid, but don’t have any instruction. So I’m geeked up to watch someone besides my mom put a garment together. I’m also underlining which is new to me. (I feel like it gives me a little seamstress street cred.)
Thanks!
I’m in! Fingers crossed I have enough fabric to eek out a dress…
I’m in. I’ve been looking forward to it. I went to my mother’s yesterday and went through her stash and found a couple of fabrics to choose from. I haven’t decided which one to use yet.
Yes, I’m sewing along with you!
I’m sewing along, and I’m very excited to start! I’m using a simple rayon challis — but it’s in bright red (I love wearing bright red). I’m also participating in the trouser sew-along, so I’m very happy with the pace you’ve set out.
I am there for sure! I’m just finishing a re-jig of my sewing space so I’ll be playing a bit of catch up over the weekend but I have my fabric ready to roll :)
I’m a bit too much of a newbie to join in this time, but I will definitely be following along to get heaps of advice and tips so I’ll be ready to try it this year. Goodluck everyone, have fun, and I can’t wait to see everyones finished blouses :)
I’ll be participating too and the schedule sounds like the perfect pace. I’ll be sewing a dress at the same time and also plan on sewing a View A for my mom, and one view A and two view C’s for myself so I’ll be busy!
I’m still wondering if I should make a muslin. For my mom I know she won’t need much alterations but my bust and short-waisted-ness will make quite a lot of adjustments necessary for me, so I’m still mulling over that.
I only found your blog today (head hung in shame) but have ordered my pattern and will be playing catch up and joining the sew-along as soon as it makes its merry way to me (in Australia). Excited already!
Hi Tasia, I love the blouse and will be sort of sewing along- as I’m not at all pear shaped the pattern is sadly not going to suit me without serious alterations to both proportion and form, so I’ve decided to draft my own blouse as a homage to the Pendrell, but more suited to my shape. Without your serious skills, mine is probably going to be a horrible disaster but you have inspired me to try!
I’ve put more detail on my blog http://monkeysockslearnstosew.blogspot.com/2011/01/pendrell-homage-blouse.html
Hello! Sorry this is a day late. Just wanted to let you know that myself and a friend will be joining your sew-a-long. It’s my first one! We have a weekly sewing date to help keep us motivated and on track (so we dont get sidetracked by dishes and laundry and work stuff). It’s our first time sewing with ‘slippery’ material so were really looking forward to your tips. Thanks!
Me too! I’m waiting on the pattern, and having trouble adding the badge, but I’m in!
Count me in!
I’m In and thanks to my daughter who is home from college, the badge is up on my site too!
Thanks to Lisa at PinkHollyBushDesigns.com for introducing me to your sew-along. I have ordered the pattern and will look for fabric today. Hope to catch up and finish my blouse with you.
Excellent, I’m going to start the Sew-Along looks fun completed my Lonsdale dress last month. Now I’m up for another challenge and happy time ;)