OP Cre8tor

Pamela Dake is a creator who has operated at the intersection of education, crafting and sewing for 40 years. At age 18, she taught herself how to sew using a Butterick book and a series of trial and error. She leveraged her skills to create a small in-home garment construction and alterations business while raising her children. Pam made everything from cheerleading costumes to bespoke tailored suits, mastered the Lutterloh System for creating clothing patterns, and created various products that she sold at craft fairs. After 20 years of learning, she opened the Southwest Missouri Sewing Academy to teach youths and adults basic sewing skills.

In 2008, Pam returned to university to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design and Product Development, and a Master’s Degree in Project Management from Missouri State University. Pam taught courses on advanced fashion construction, textiles, product quality and merchandising. She developed, operated and was showcased in fashion shows including the Stop Traffic! Anti-Human Trafficking Charity Fashion Show at the University of Missouri, Missouri State University’s Senior Fashion Show, and The Paul Mitchell School Fashion Show in Springfield.

She founded the Fashion Designers Society and the SWMO Cosplay Society, has been a board member for the Missouri State Board for Family and Consumer Sciences, a volunteer fashion show coordinator for the Diaper Banks of the Ozarks Annual Gala, a judge for the Missouri Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, a member of the Missouri Fiber Artists, and a member of the Surface Design Association.

Currently, Pam teaches private and group fashion design classes that range from beginning garment construction to flat pattern drafting and leads sewing clubs for kids and adults. 

Pam is the proud mother of five children, three dogs, two cats, 7 chickens and an Angora rabbit. When she isn’t working, she can be found playing with new textiles, gadgets, and notions in her studio.