Pamela's Patterns #114 the Pretty Peplum Top

Pamela's Patterns are the brainchild of sewing instructor and author, Pamela Leggett.  She has been teaching fitting for many years, and had the vision to develop a line of patterns that already included the most commonly needed alterations.  How many more people would be sewing if they could get a great fit right out of the envelope?  My guess- a lot!

I've been wanting to try one of Pamela's patterns for a long time, and decided to start with this one:  the Pretty Peplum Top.

The pretty peplum top has both long and cap sleeve options, and keyhole or scoop neckline versions.  I chose the scoop neckline with the long sleeves for this top.  The pattern calls for 2-1/4 yards of knit fabric, but I think if you are making one of the smaller sizes, and lay your pattern out efficiently, you can make it with quite a bit less. I used a double knit with a sculpted design from FabricMart fabrics.  They don't have it in stock anymore, but I've been seeing quite a few similar fabrics lately with these raised patterns. 

One of the unique features of Pamela's top patterns is that she includes two different versions of the front- one with a dart, and one without a dart.  If you have 3 or more inches difference between your high bust and full bust measurements, she recommends that you use the darted front.  I have exactly three inches difference, and used the darted front, and it fit through the bust beautifully.

I'm getting a little fold right above the bust which Pamela suggested might be because my armhole is too long.  She does include shorten/lengthen lines on the front, back and sleeve for this alteration, so I will try that with my next version. I didn't even notice it until we took these pictures, as it disappears once my arm is not hanging straight at my side. 

The back of the Pretty Peplum Top truly is pretty!  The peplum is not too full- just enough fullness to give you some shape.

I liked the way Pamela has you finish the neckline.  You press the seam allowance towards the band, and then fold it over the seam allowance and stitch in place.  This gives it a little filler so that it stands out a little more.  You then trim off the excess binding close to your stitching on the wrong side.

Pamela also has fitting videos on You Tube to guide you in making any adjustments to fit your own shape.  I liked where the waist hit me on this top, so I didn't change it, but she recommends basting in these seams until you can try them on and look in the mirror to check the fit. 

The skirt is a delightfully easy pattern  #10 from the Fall 2014 Ottobre Women's issue.  It's just a simple one pattern piece gored skirt pattern.  I added 3 inches to the length and would have added a little more, but I was working with a remnant leftover from another project on this one.  I've made it twice, and really love wearing it with tights and boots.

I think that we still have one more of this issue left in stock at SewBaby.com, but if you'd like it, and we're sold out, just let me know, and I'll see if I can get some more in stock.  I really think this is my absolutely favorite Ottobre issue ever.  (Of course, the next one comes out in February, and I'll probably think that's my new favorite, haha!)

I'm definitely going to be making the Peplum Top again. FabricMart is going to be having a Sew Along using this pattern starting in February.  Pamela will be giving her expert advice, and there will be a random drawing for a $100 gift certificate to Fabric Mart AND a $30 gift certificate for Pamela’s Patterns! So, if you like this style, head on over to Fabric Mart and sign up soon!

Happy Sewing!

Ann