Let's Define what is a Paradiso Formula Pattern?

A Paradiso Formula Pattern is a pattern where 

your measurements play a direct role into the size of the pieces you cut.

Paradiso Formula Pattern = your measurements + ease = good custom fit!

Way back in 2009 I designed my first garment pattern. 

 A skirt pattern called "The Lolita Skirt Formula".  

Lolita is super fun with a basic elastic waist skirt and details on how to add 2 different kinds of trim by layering them and adding them to the skirt hem. 

Then I realized that adding the "folded trim" eliminated the need to hem the skirt.

Which is the best part of sewing pattern development...

finding easier ways to construct with happy endings!

The first Lolitas are shorter and could be made with 1 YD of main fabric, and 1/8-1/4 YD for the trim.
But now with the Lolita Formula I encourage sewists to make different lengths.

And with just one trim. OR two!

And with pockets!

Get the Lolita Skirt Formula Pattern here!

The most important element I can provide for Paradiso clothing patterns

 is that they have inclusive sizing, and can be made for all sizes!

 

I have happily been able to offer this for all Paradiso garment patterns.

I am shareing some cool techniques I factor into my "FORMULA" patterns.  

All my patterns have elements of strip cutting pieces based on your measurements.

This is the Boho Frock Pattern Illustration

And here is the Boho main bodice piece illustration

This bodice can be adjusted to any size!

Then the sleeves and skirt pieces are rotary cut!

Boho Frock Pattern is here!

When fabric is cut using a cutting mat that has inch measurements 

and quilting tools,the efficiency and accuracy is extremely high.

If your cut pieces are accurate, then the chances for high quality sewing are set in motion!  

This "strip cutting" is a great technique that I grabbed from the quilting world.   

Home tool additions of a rotary cutter, self healing mat, and a clear quilting ruler

 and your ability to accurately pattern cutting out is truly enhanced!

If a strip that is the height of bag pieces to then be cut out individually & assembled, 

gives an advantage of being cut out the same height for better sewing results.

When pieces are cut out indivdually, and not from a strip, 

they can have variations if not cut out carefully.

Straight cuts = straight cut pattern edges that are easier to sew!

And the ability to sew garments that fit you easily is everything.

THIS makes me so happy, as I find that people are loving the Formula patterns 

and are asking for more. Which I am happy to say I am designing more.

I am including sneaky peak pictures of this new unnamed skirt design samples.

As you can see it has pockets too!

Topstiching plays a HUGE role in my designs!

I also like to play it safe and to make sure I have enough on certain pattern pieces, 

by cutting longer pieces and using construction methods that allow for "ouchee" room. 

 I have  no idea where I came up with the word ouchee but it 

means to have some insurance when making one of my patterns. 

 It drives me nuts that most patterns have these exact cut pieces that should fit together,

but due to the fabric and how it stretches or constricts due to 

ironing or sewing/serging a seam can render a piece too small or too short.

SO, why not cut a piece a little bigger, 

it sure is the best insurance policy I have ever given myself!

When I add pockets to a bag, the pocket side is cut around and inch longer 

then the bag piece it is being added to.

After the pocket is sewn on, then the pocket is cut to the bag size. 

The trim on the pocket is cut a little longer to ensure it will fit too! 

Pocket is pinned on.  I use a different fabric on the inside of the pocket.

It allows you to see what is inside of the pocket, therefore

to see items in the pocket!

Once the pocket is sewn on, so easy to flip to back side and cut even with bag.

That is ouchee room!

Thanks for letting me share some of my sewing techniques!

I hope it enriches your own sewing journey!

xoxo,

Cheryl