I have had the unique opportunity to work with hundreds of women over the years to help them achieve a good fit from commercial patterns. While doing this, I found that many of the pattern adjustments we were doing were consistent for the majority of women. As a result, I decided to design patterns that reflect these common changes, resulting in less changes to the pattern and garment during the construction process.
Commercial patterns go through a computer drafting program that doesn't allow for these common changes to be made. Pamela's Patterns are hand drafted with many prototypes before they go into production.
Pamela's Patterns instructions are written as if you were taking a class with Pamela as your instructor! There are simple to follow instructions and plenty of fitting advice so that you get the best fitting garment possible.
Commercial Patterns: Shoulder seam sits too far back on the shoulder
Pamela's Patterns: A forward shoulder is built into the pattern
Commercial Patterns: Shoulder seam extends too far past the shoulder
Pamela's Patterns: Shoulder seam is smaller to give a more realistic fit
Commercial Patterns: Back neckline is not high enough, causing shirts to "fall" back
Pamela's Patterns: A high round back is incorporated to keep the shirt where it should be
Commercial Patterns: Armholes are too long, creating a pucker in the armhole area
Pamela's Patterns: The option to petite the shirt and armhole area
Commercial Patterns: Garment pulls across the bust
Pamela's Patterns: Choose from two fronts - darted and undarted for a smooth finish no matter what your cup size!
Commercial Patterns: Too much fabric in the waist area
Pamela's Patterns: Built -in "essence of waist"
Commercial Patterns: Too tight though the hips
Pamela's Patterns: More generous in the hip area
Commercial Patterns: Sizing never seems to be right
Pamela's Patterns: More realistic sizing