Tips and Ideas

Make the most of your Pamela's Patterns!  Use these ideas to expand your wardrobe using the same patterns over and over again!

Vests are in fashion again! Use the V- Neckline version from #104, The Perfect T-Shirt, for a great looking vest. Cut the armhole area 1/2" deeper all the way around, staystitch 3/8" from the edge, turn under the edge just past the staystitching, topstitch in place, and steam the finished edge. Layering is all the rage! Use a sheer stretch lace, netting, or crochet fabric to construct #104, The Perfect T-Shirt. Layer it over #105, The Perfect Tank Top for a trendy look!
Here's a new twist on the Classic Twin Set: Combine #105, The Perfect Tank Top with #101, Pamela's Poncho (capelet version). Cut away the jewel neckline circumference 1/2" at a time until you get the desired shape and size. This same combo (as seen in many major catalogues) looks great with a matching #104, The Perfect T-Shirt!

Questions to Pamela about Pamela's Patterns

Have fun and experiment! And please let me know if you come up with any fantastic ideas - maybe you will be featured here with your next project!

Can I make additional neckline changes to #103, The T-Shirt Makeover?
With just a little exta work, and pattern #104 or #107, you can change the neckline of your purchased T-Shirt. Use the neckline templates and instructions from either of these patterns to accomplish the change. You will most likely have some fabric left over from the bottom of the purchased T-Shirt to use for the neckline binding. If not, find a knit fabric in your stash!

Can I add a shelf bra to #105, The Perfect Tank Top?
Although the pattern is designed to hide your bra and bra straps, you can also easily add a shelf bra. Extend the front and back facing pieces 6" longer and constuct the pattern as directed, without trimming back the facing to the topstitching. Try the Tank on to determine if you need to shorten the facing (It should fit snugly up against the bottom of your bust). Add elastic to the bottom, and you have created a shelf bra!

Can I use woven fabrics for the Perfect T-Shirt and Perfect Tank Top?
Yes, you can, but you will need to do some extra work, as the patterns are designed for knits.

For The Perfect T-Shirt - You may want to consider using the darted version, unless there is a very small (2" or less) difference between the high bust and full bust measurements. Add an extra 3/4" "just in case" seam allowance to each side seam (3/8" to the sleeve seam). Do not use the jewel or funnel neckline - they won't go over your head! Cut your neckline binding on the bias of the fabric.

For The Perfect Tank Top - Just as stated above, you may want to use the darted Front pattern piece. Add 1" "just in case" seam allowance to the sides of the tank and facings. Baste one side seam together all the way, and baste from the armhole down 2" on the other side. Fit this to you, pinning the opening together, and adjust to fit. Take out the basting, add an invisible zipper to one side, starting with the zipper pull 1" from the bottom edge, and ending a couple inches from the armhole. Construct the rest of the Tank Top as directed.

Can I use #103, The T-Shirt Makeover for other garment reconstruction?
Absolutely!! This is one of my favorite things to do! I use this pattern to "makeover" polo style shirts, sweatshirts, and even sweaters (you'll want a serger for the sweaters!). If the garment I am working with is bulky, I always add some "just in case" seam allowance at the side and sleeve seams - you can always take it in if you don't need it!

How To Buy, Layout, and Cut Knit Fabrics

People will often ask me where I buy my knit fabrics. My answer? Anywhere and everywhere! I have bought $1.00 yd. knit at Walmart, and $25.00 yd. knit at exclusive fabric stores in NYC. If I am making a classic black top (for example), I may decide to splurge on that Donna Karan rayon knit. But if I see a cute novelty knit in a bin at a discount store, I will buy that as well, knowing that it will probably be out of style within a season or two and doesn't have to last forever. I check for knit fabrics in every fabric store I enter - you just never know what you might find - and I buy 1 ½ yds. for my "collection".

To check for quality, I gauge my purchase on the principal, "Would I buy this in a ready-to-wear garment? I also make sure that when I stretch the fabric it snaps back to the original size/shape and doesn't run.

As far as fiber content, almost anything goes! I do stay away from acrylic fibers as they will pill, but there are now so many interesting combinations of fibers, that I love to try them all. The polyesters of today are gorgeous, and anything with rayon will be super soft. Cotton is always a good choice, and a little spandex helps the fabric keep its shape. Prewash and dry knit fabrics twice, as many fabrics will shrink more than once. To keep your knit garments looking beautiful after the garment is made, wash the finished item on the gentle cycle and hang to dry. Then toss it in the dryer with a fabric softener sheet for no more than five minutes. Your knit garments will look good for years if you give them a little extra care!

Laying out your knits for cutting is a breeze. DO NOT spend a lot of time trying to get everything lined up and square, because often times the selvedge edges are not straight to begin with! The beauty of working with knits is that they are very "forgiving" and do not necessarily have to be laid out as accurately as woven fabrics. Just make sure that the greatest stretch will go around the body. Don't let knits fall off the edge of your cutting table as this will drag the fabric into a different shape. I always use weights and a rotary cutter to cut out my knits. It saves a lot of time and is much more accurate.

So lay out your knits, cut them out, and get on with your sewing!