Pamela

Pamela Crop, Top, Tunic and Dress by 5 Out Of 4 Patterns

I wear dresses pretty much everyday at work. Only one item to find in the morning (plus shoes, I mean, that’s two very difficult items right there) and only one item to wash. No matching required.

I’m a big fan of the Jessie silhouette but sometimes I need just a little less fitted of a feeling and maybe a little more jazz. That’s where Pamela comes in.

The bodice has several necklines. I went with the high scoop for all of mine so far.

This version I made specifically for an important meeting at work and I think it went REALLY well and I think these sleeves had a lot to do with it! Not kidding. I mean, I was so confident! Puffy sleeves make me feel powerful apparently! These are the bishop sleeves with elastic around the wrist. I used navy polka dot liverpool from Amelia Lane Designs.

This is my original muslin in a lightweight DBP from a Sincerely Rylee clearance box. I did the bell sleeves which are just the bishop sleeves without elastic. Since this was my muslin (first draft) I used it to diagnose some fit preferences. This make is totally per the pattern. XL FBA graded to 2XL hip. For my preferred version (the polka dot one above and all future makes) I added an inch of length above the waist and used the short dress option instead of the long dress option. This gave me a slimmer fit through the torso which I find more flattering for my style.

Then as usual, I decided to have a little fun. I took my fit adjusted Pamela pattern and decided to add a front placket with grommets and ties.

I cut my pattern pieces as normal with the scoop neck option but skipped the neckband. Then I made a cut down the front of the bodice and added a placket using the tutorial from the Layla skirt.

I made mine 9″ down. I used only 6 Grommets. I think 8 could have been better maybe. I used #2 3/8th inch grommets in gold and a Ditz grommet plier. I laced the tie going down so that my extra length would hang down the front center. I made the ties extra long so I could double them up for more pop.

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