Quite a while ago I found an adorable diagonally pleated knit skirt on Pinterest. I promptly pinned it, quickly scanned the instructions online which I deemed it too complicated for my tiny head, and continued to pine for it from a distance.
Lucky for me, Lisa turned this highly pinned skirt into her first released pattern via new indie company Paprika Patterns.
The Jade Skirt pattern is available for a price that you determine, including free. It includes mini and midi lengths. I chose to sew the mini because I wanted to show a little leg. I’m just shy of 5 feet tall so even the mini length is still work appropriate for me. I love to support indie pattern companies so I was happy to pay for the pattern. I’m also happy to share the word, because I have a major crush on this skirt and can see this skirt looking amazing on many curvy ladies. It’s adorable, enviable, comfortable (knits = secret pajamas!), and did I mention – COMPLETELY ADORABLE.
I recently had a day off work that I planned to use ~SEWING~ all day long. A glorious day to look forward to! Since this is the initial release for Paprika Patterns, the pattern does not come in the full size range that it will be available for in the future. I was on the cusp of the size range:
Size Chart (Inches)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| Waist | 24.5 | 26 | 27.5 | 29 | 30.5 | 32.5 |
| Hip | 34 | 35.5 | 37 | 38.5 | 40 | 41.5 |
Good thing I’m a renegade seamstress, because I recklessly slashed and spread the pattern to add an even 4″ to accommodate my 38″ish waist and 45″ hips. Those numbers don’t quite add up, do they? I figured somewhere between the stretch of my fabric, the negative ease in the pattern, and the fitting step prompted in the pattern, things would just work themselves out along the way. Which they did! Sort of. As I was fitting the skirt on myself, I took out the same amount that I had added.
This skirt comes with a funny story. I finished the skirt within an afternoon, and had a haircut scheduled in the evening. It was so cute and adorable and comfortable that of course I wore my new me-made skirt to my appointment. I gushed to my stylist about how I spent all day sewing this adorable skirt and we fawned over how cute it is. It is also incredibly comfortable, and the pleats make it unique yet polished.
After my appointment my stylist and I were walking to the register. Suddenly I feel a sort of restriction around my ankles, as if I had left the bathroom forgetting my underwear around my ankles. Except instead of my undies, it was my skirt! We both got quite a laugh out of my wardrobe malfunction, luckily I was wearing some heavy duty tights due to our chilly Minnesota weather.
Obviously I need to take it in even more, and note this for my future makes. My knit has a fair amount of stretch which contributes to how the size feels. The construction of the skirt seems complicated, but there is a video on the Paprika Patterns website to assist. The pattern also includes a scaled down version to practice. After watching the video and using the practice sheet, it really isn’t that complicated. I used color coordinated pins to mark my folds. I put them in a rainbow order so I knew which pins matched where, and in what order. Notches numbered 1 were red pins, 2 were orange, etc. The skirt is fully lined, so all raw edges are neatly concealed and contained. The pattern prompts a mid-construction fitting to ensure a nice fit. If you plan on wearing tights with the skirt, you may want to also wear tights while fitting to avoid any similar wardrobe malfunctions. Learn from my mistakes.
I cannot say enough how adorable this skirt is. I felt so sassy and put together when I wore it. I can’t wait to wear the heck out of this skirt, as soon as I take in the waist a bit. I can see making this skirt in a few more colors too! Overall, this is a curve hugging, flattering skirt that can be worn year round. My best advise would be to make sure you fit the waist appropriately.
Curvy rating – 4 stars for unique style and versatility in wear, but docked for size limitation. However the pattern will be available in an extended size range in the future!
Good news for us ladies with hips past 42″, looks like Lisa of Paprika Patterns is re-releasing Jade in bigger sizes! She posted on Instagram today that she is looking for reviewers (NOT testers) who have any type of online presence, and with hips 41″ to 51″. If you are interested you should email her at hellopaprikapatterns.com and I believe you will get Jade for free. I bought Jade after seeing Sylvie’s review above, so anyone who has already bought Jade should get the v2 version automatically (I think after this coming Tuesday according to what she told me this afternoon). Have you seen her new Jasper sweater/dress pattern too? It’s so fab! It goes up to bust 49″/waist 41.5″/hip 50.5″. I’ve got it but not sewn it up yet. Will be interested to see a curvy review of Jasper…unless I do it myself 🙂
Great skirt!Lot of thanks for this..That skirt is looking so cosy and fashionable:)
-Merrie K.
PetiteCareerGirl.com
I’ve been eyeing this skirt for a while, and I know it says she’s going to do the larger range. I have no idea what I’d even add to it for it to fit…since I’m 44″ waist and 53″ hips…
You did a great job. It’s SO cute! I love the color too. I’m working on a sweater tunic thing in that color.
Definitely keep your eyes open for the extended size range! Although if I were you (but I’m also impatient), I would just hack at the pattern haphazardly and adjust at the side seams further if needed. 🙂
That is SUCH a great skirt, and I would totally wear it, IF it didn’t come in the most miniscule size range known to man! As a 5 foot 10 woman I don’t think I’ve had a 32 inch waist since I was about 11.
I would still encourage you to check out this pattern! The midi length would probably work nicely on you.
This skirt looks amazing! And so comfy. Thanks for the post – I’ve seen it around Pinterest but never really investigated. I love that it’s lined.
Thanks for sharing that story – I could so see something like that happening to me. Ha!
I’m glad you enjoyed my story! I have always worried about a wardrobe malfunction due to a sewing related “oversight” like that. SO glad I was wearing tights. LOL
This is a test comment–when I try to comment on CSC posts, it gives me an error 404 page.
Okay, that one worked. Maybe I’ve been taking too long to compose comments.
Anyway, what I wanted to say is that I’m getting pretty frustrated with trying to choose pattern sizes based on my measurements. Considering that different companies use different amounts of ease and the same company will include different ease even within their own pattern ranges, body measurements aren’t actually very helpful in choosing a size. I wish patterns included more finished garment measurements, as that’s what really matters.
I know what you mean!! That’s why I try to stick with pattern companies whom I’m familiar with their sizing. I really wish that all of them included finished garment measurements!
Glad your comment worked! I hate when WP has glitches…
One quick trick to figure out sizing/ease with knits is to take the fabric and hold it against yourself, stretched to the degree you want the finished garment to stretch. Measure how much fabric that took, and that can give you a good ballpark size! 🙂 Or you can always compare it to a similar pattern or RTW in a similar style…
I don’t know if this will help, but I find that if I click on the post from a Bloglovin’, even after I clear out of the header, it gives me a 404 error message. If I click back to the home page and then click on the post I want to comment on, it will work. Go figure.
It looks like the size range is 2-14 right now so, yeah, falls a bit short for those of us in plus sizes by waist and hip measurements. On the other hand, I can’t see myself running out to purchase a bandage skirt pattern under any circumstances so I’m not the target audience. However, I have a rtw shirt with similar construction and it’s one of my favorites. Very flattering for triangle shapes so I’d imagine this would be equally flattering for people with the reverse proportions.
I think this skirt would be super flattering on reverse proportions. I have varied between hourglass, apple and pear myself. I could just be a tasty salad!
This is such a great skirt. Sylvie! Looks perfect with your outfit.
Thanks! It is so comfy (now that it fits properly)!