Panama Tee Dress [Half sleeve, view B]

I am dubbing this my favorite pattern of all time. (Sorry to the rest of the pattern world.)

I know I’m not the only one that drools over Sonnet James dresses (linking in case you have no idea what I’m talking about) every time Whitney releases a new collection. The dresses she designs are so simple, comfortable, and the majority of them are made out of knit (modal, ponte) fabric. When I saw how much they were, it hurt my wallet a little – especially knowing that I can make the same thing so easily.

I knew that I could just use any favorite t-shirt pattern and just lengthen it and make sure to curve out at some point for my hips, but I was just too nervous to try it since I’m not much of a muslin maker, and I wanted to feel confident that a dress like that would fit me well. So I never got around to it.

So when Alina released the Panama Tee Dress pattern I was all heart eyes!! I bought it immediately, even though I was VERY pregnant at the time. I even made it the same week, even though I didn’t really know how to alter it to be a maternity pattern. I made a size 12 and added 2 inches to the waist and another 2 inches to the length (long torso, long legs). I had my mom try it on when she came to visit after I had Braden, and she was in LOVE with the dress.

I have since made one for my youngest sister to wear to my other sister’s wedding, and I have two more, other than this one, that I have made for myself! So get ready for all the Panama Tee Dress love.

My fabric is from Style Maker Fabrics. It did pill pretty badly when I washed it, but they have so many other knits that would be perfect for this pattern.

This is view B of the dress with half sleeves. I also used the scoop neck of the lark tee so that there would be enough room for me to pull it down when I have to nurse Braden. I have worn this dress multiple times, and these pictures were taken after I had worn it all day! I’m not much of an accessories type of person, but I think my baby is doing a pretty good job. 😉