/ 2016
Blogpost

Showcase: Tweed Jade Skirt

The great thing about sewing patterns in my opinion is that they’re just a starting point. You can play with them until you have something that makes the final garment even more awesome than the original design. Every time I come across someone who has done just that with one of our patterns it makes me so excited. I absolutely love playing a part in bringing someones imagination into reality. Today I’m showing off one of these makes: a tweed Jade Skirt by Sally Fort, aka TinkeringTimes. Below she’ll tell you what inspired her Jade skirt and how she made it.

Blogpost

Opal Coat – & Cardigan V.2.0

Since it’s release last winter I’ve also release a free V-neck add on, because it seemed an obvious option, as other people pointed out by altering it into a V-neck. Since then I have wanted to merge the two just to make it easier for you. I’ve managed to accomplish this in the past few weeks, and the new and updated Opal Coat – & Cardigan is now available in the shop! I’ve also altered the pattern and the instructions to allow for a coatigan version in a woven fabric. The V.2.0 now features three different necklines, three hem lengths, two sleeve lengths and two pocket options. Whew!

Blogpost

What You Made: Spring Edition

As you’ve probably heard from every pattern designer, seeing what people make with your patterns is just the best. Which is why Me Made May is even more exciting for us, because everyone is posting outfit posts daily, and there are always so many new makes to discover. I’ve gathered my favourites here, I hope you find some inspiration for your next projects! You can find more on our Pinterest board, and if you’d like to be featured here just tag us @paprikapatterns on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Tutorials

How to Fit Amber & Ruby

Fitting trousers is different from other garments mainly because of the crotch area – there’s just a lot going on there: four seams intersecting, one cilinder becoming two, a back that needs more room than a front. All kinds of fit issues are possible: different butt shapes, different thigh circumferences, a long or short rise, even different pubis bone shapes. Fortunately, with the Amber Trousers the only two areas you need to pay attention to are the fit of the yokes and the crotch. The legs are not close fitting so it’s not likely you’ll have to do much fitting there. In this post I’ll give you some tips on how to go about fitting the Amber Trousers and I’ll list some good resources too.

Blogpost

Amber Outfit Inspiration

Today I’ve gathered some Amber Trousers inspiration for you guys. A nice collection of styles to emulate but without the endless Pinterest scrolling! What I love about these trousers is that they are so versatile when it comes to styling. You could go any which way, from super casual to super chique. First by choosing the right fabric, from a printed rayon to a plain linen, the by pairing it the right way, from an oversized sweater to a dressy blouse. I hope this will give you some ideas on how to incorporate the Amber into your wardrobe.

Also: don’t forget they’re on sale, 20% off for just a few more days!

Tutorials

How to Sew an Invisible Zip (With Lining)

I remember my first attempt at an invisible zip: I didn’t know you needed a special foot, and as a result it turned out quite visible. If you’ve never sewn one either, I hope this tutorial will make your first try more successful! We’ll walk through the process step by step, and I’ve included a method to attach a lining as well. I’ll demonstrate it with the Amber Trousers, and we’ll follow those instructions. You can use it for any pattern that requires an invisible zip though. It is not a very complicated process but this tutorial is a bit long nonetheless, since I wanted to include a lot of photos. If you have any questions, leave a comment!

Blogpost

Amber: Recommended Fabric

If you’re about to make the Amber Trousers, you probably have an idea in mind of what style you’re going for. Should they be casual or formal, easy summer pants or chique evening wear, do you want them to hold their shape or drape around your legs? Whichever it will be, the outcome will be determined by which view you choose and which fabric. In this post I’ll give you some good resources to find the right fabric and discuss which fabrics are most suitable for which looks.