Summer 2011 Collection - Custom Handmade Women's Clothing

Instead of working on pdf sewing patterns, I've been busy working and sewing on a collection of custom handmade women's clothing. On Wednesday April 27th we did the photoshoot of the entire collection and I couldn't be more pleased with how they turned out. Leah Teofilo did the photography. What a rush to see my collection being modeled and photographed ... SERIOUSLY!

The summer collection involves 12 easy to wear pieces that can be dressed up or worn everyday. I adore versatility. They are made out of the most super soft knits ... you'll feel like you're wearing pajamas all day. I promise comfort and style from every piece.

These items are custom made to order and you can customize them: longer sleeves, shorter pants or longer skirts, and you get to pick the fabric and color. Each item is handmade by ME and professional finished for stretch and durability with my serger and coverstitch machines.

A couple people have asked me about a maternity line ... let me tell you, this collection isn't made for maternity but I care wear EVERY piece and I'm 7 months along. I always wear my designs throughout my pregnancies.

So, go check out the Summer Collection ... now available at Jocole.com.

Pattern Testers Wanted!! - Everyday Ruffle Knit Pants -- CLOSED

THIS TESTING IS NOW CLOSED!! THANKS EVERYBODY I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOUR PICTURES!!

I'm currently looking for people who are interesting in testing my "Everday Ruffle Knit Pants" (#23004) sewing pattern before making it available for purchase. IMPORTANT: I *need* the reviews back by April 8th!!

...

Description: Slim-fitting through hips and thighs with an easy-on elastic waist. Pattern includes full length and capri length options, and single or double ruffle options. Instructions on how to apply professionl topstitched elastic (no uncomfortable twisted elastic casings here). Made with super comfy knif fabric or refashion some old shirts. Easy tricks for sewing knit fabrics with a basic sewing machine for professional looking results -- no serger required (although serger tips are included as well).

...

You will receive 6 pages of patterns and 17 pages of instructions, including 28 steps and 33 pictures to guide you along as you make it.

...

I need testers for the following sizes:
...
NB, 6M,
...
Already claimed: Doll, 3M, 12M, 18M, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5T

...

PLEASE read the PATTERN TESTING GUIDELINES!!!

Larger Size Testers?

sooooo serious qestion here ladies, i'm going to be working on larger sizes (6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14) ... who is willing to test for me in those sizes.

...

i keep getting requests for larger sizes, but here is my problem ... my kids are 4 and 2 ... i have NO way to test the larger sizes myself, so i would need good testers and EXCELLENT pictures.

...

and while i'm at it, who would be willing to test women's patterns (xs, s, m, l, xl, xxl) ... i can't take pictures of myself right now ... i'm sort of ROUND!

...

please let me know what size you would want

Pattern Testing Guidelines

Here's how it works ......

...
~ You leave your email in a comment when a new pattern is available for testing (on the post asking for testers for a specific pattern, not this one) and let me know that you're interested and what size you would like to test.
~ I reply and send you a copy of the pdf pattern, which you download, print and get sewing.
~ You tell me where I can improve and refine the pattern and instructions ... including how the size fits, grammatical errors and typos, if something needs to be added (pictures, more instructions, explanations, etc.). The more information you give me, the BETTER!!!
~ You get a free copy of ALL the final versions of the pattern once they are edited and finalized.

...

Requirements ...

...
~ You must have basic sewing skills (you don't have to be advanced!)
~ You must have the results back to me within 1 week.
~ You must take pictures of the finished product and email them to me. (The better the pictures, the more likely you'll be picked to test patterns again)

~ You MUST allow Jocole to use all photos of finished products for promotional purposes. Pictures are KEY, I choose testers by picture quality.

Once the pattern is listed for sale you MUST post your picture on Facebook and link to the pattern for sale.

Write a blog post with your picture and a link to the pattern.

You *MUST* write a review on jocole.com for the pattern after it is released.
...
I hope you're up for the challenge, if so let me know!!!

...

You will ONLY receive the final version of the pattern if you return your review and pictures. If you didn't then I won't send your the final revised version.

...
NOTICE: Anyone who has tested and *not* returned the results within 1 week will not be eligable to test (unless you've tested multiple patterns before), contact me for more details. I *DO* have a running list of those who haven't returned reviews or pictures ... in order to test again you must purchase the previous test pattern to become eligible again.

NEW RULE!! -- you cannot test a pattern if you tested the preceding pattern ... meaning you cannot test 2 patterns in a row.

Organizer Planner + Download

As a busy mom of three kids three years and under I need ALL the help I can get. Appointments and housework often get lost in the jumble of just trying to juggle these cute little munchkins. Add to the mix all my health problems lately and things really got out of control. How had I let my Organizer Planner not help me keep things under control? Things are starting to get better ... I know I can't be the only one struggling.

I have my Organizer Planner set for half pages so I can keep it in a half-binder in my purse along with the rest of my life.

My Organizer Planner has 5 different tabs ... Notes, Calendar, Routines, Important Numbers, Bills/Budget.

Notes just contains lots of blank pages that I can fill up with sketches for new designs, confirmation numbers from phone calls, or something cool I saw on Dr. Oz or whatever else that jumps into my head.

Calendar contains blank planner pages that I print up ( front and back) and just fill in the date in the circle. I write whatever "zone" I am cleaning that week (I'll discuss that more in a little bit). I also print up the blank planner pages for menu planning as well -- well I'm trying to be better at menu planning.

Routines contains all my morning, evening, weekly routines, etc. It also contains all the "Zones" that I focus on each week for my detailed cleaning. Now I can hear some of you saying ... this sounds like Flylady ... well, it started out as Flylady but I got sick of her million emails so I adapted the system to fit into my life. I rotate the Zones however I want -- generally I just go in order, but if one area of my house seems to need a little extra TLC I'll add that zone into the rotation again.

Ok, I know it looks like a lot but if you actually keep up on it you'll notice an improvement rather quickly. The hard part for me when I started was getting rid of the clutter so I could get to the cleaning!! I still struggle with clutter but things are looking better. Do your zone cleaning whether or not you see dirt and you will NEVER see dirt again.

How I actually get my routines done: I'm a big fan of using timers. I set a timer for 10 minutes and clean (dishes, or whatever) and then set it again for another 10 minutes and enjoy some nice reading time -- I'm a big fan of rewards. My other favorite tool to actually help me keep my laundry under control is to put a load in the washer when I give my kids their breakfast, after they have watched 2 shows I switch it to the dryer (yes, I'm a bad mom who let's my kids watch tv in the morning). I try to fold and put it away during lunch ... and that's IT ... I ONLY do ONE load of laundry a day. It doesn't matter how much I have piled up, I don't need to stress. If I try to do more than one I know I wont end up putting it away and then what's the point?

Important Numbers contains all my family's addresses and phone numbers, birthdays and anniversaries. It also contains Emergency numbers (especially those for cell numbers ... you did know there was a difference didn't you?), direct numbers to my City's Police, City's Fire, County Sherriff, Poison Control, and all Pediatrician and Doctor Numbers and Medical Numbers.

Bills/Budget contains all of our bill information. Company, website, phone number, account number, website log-in information, date due and amount due. Yup ... I'm that anal -- but it makes paying the bills super easy. I have the bills in order of when they are due during the month and I have the first letter of each month that I cross off when I pay the bill so I can easily see when everything is paid.

Click the following links to DOWNLOAD pdfs of my Organizer Planner

Organizer Planner - HALF SIZE

Organizer Planner - FULL SIZE

A Craft a Day has also shared her home management binder and lots of downloads for each section, Check it out!

Refashioned Outfit Mini-Tutorial

You can find CUTE patterned knits right in your closet. This outfit was made from an old shirt I no longer wanted to wear ... but I thought it would make a super super cute outfit for Finley.

...

I had extra black knit for the bottom of the shirt, but you could just cut up another shirt to finish the bottom. I used the Classic Knit Tee and Basic Knit Leggings patterns.

...

STEP 1: Cut out Basic Knit Leggings, using existing hem of shirt as the hem on pants (I used the capri length -- and folded up the hem allowance).

STEP 2: Fold along the centerline (both the front and back). Line up centerline on Classic Knit Tee with your fold line, and align the shoulder edge with the shoulder seam. (I folded down the 3/8" seam allowance since the shoulder seam is already sewn). I'm using the existing neckline as well -- it was a crewneck on me, but looks like a scoopneck on Fin.

STEP 3: Cut out Sleeves ... I just cut as much as possible and used the existing hem.

Step 4: Sew together the Basic Knit Leggings according to the sewing instructions.

Step 5: Attach sleeves in the armholes, and Sew underarms and side seams together.

Step 6: I then cut out 2 pieces of black knit that were twice as wide and the bottom part of my shirt and long enough to make the top go past her hips. I sewed the sides together, and did a rolled hem on the top and bottom edge. I basted in a gathering stitch 5/8" from the top edge and pulled it to the same length as my shirt. Then I top-stitch along the basting line to attach (leaving a little ruffle on top!!)

...

ENJOY!!

Basic Knit Leggings Pattern -- GIVEAWAY -- WINNER!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO JENI!

According to Random.org the winner was 3, which was Jeni. Thanks to everyone who entered. I'm really happy with how the Giveaway went and will do another one before the release of my next pattern. If you're sad you didn't win, you can still go purchase it and cross your fingers for the next giveaway.

Basic Knit Leggings Pattern -- GIVEAWAY!!

With the release of another pattern right around the corner, I've decided to try something new. A GIVEAWAY!!

...

Before I make the Basic Knit Leggings available for sale I've decided to give it away ... there are THREE different ways to enter.

...

HOW TO ENTER:

(you may do any of the following ... but you MUST leave a comment for EACH one you do)

1. Enter to win on the blog by leaving a comment on this post (Only ONE comment per person, duplicate comments will be deleted. You must leave your name and a way to reach you -- you can't win if you're anonymous!).

2. Enter to win on Facebook by hyperlinking Jocole Patterns in your status mentioning the giveaway (complete directions on hyperlinking are at the bottom of this post)

3. Enter to win by following @JocolePatterns on Twitter, and sharing this giveaway on Twitter** by tagging @JocolePatterns in your tweet. [EXAMPLE OF TWEET!!: FREE PDF Sewing pattern giveaway @JocolePatterns #GIVEAWAY basic knit leggings http://tinyurl.com/2362tfk ends 11/14] -- leave a link in your comment, **twitter account MUST be public - your tweets must be visible by all and not just whom you follow/allow

...

~~ Giveaway ends Sunday November 14, midnight EST, when the winner will be randomly picked using Random.org.

...

how to hyperlink on Facebook:

1. You must be a "friend" of Jocole Patterns.

2. Type the "@" symbol in your status followed by "Jocole Patterns" and you will see a dropdown menu appear. Click on "Jocole Patterns" and it will show up as a blue hyperlink in your status.

FREE Iron-On Transfer Designs - 100% Boy or Girl

To download .jpg files to your computer: click on image to enlarge, right click and select “save image as…” and save to desired location on your computer.

Open in your favorite photo editing program, or word processing program to print at desired size.

*created with picnik.com

Hot Fix Crystal Directions

Rhinestones are a great way to personalize items and add some sparkle and bling. Professional looking hot fix crystals are easier than you think. Here is my easy, fool-proof method for creating hot-fix crystals.

We've included some alphabet templates (15!!) for you to create your own names and phrases.

Check out our complete tutorial and templates available HERE!

Freezer Paper Stencils - using Dye

A perfect embellishment to complete your Knit Peasant Tees or Classic Knit Tees. A professional looking stencil is easier than you think. Here is my easy, fool-proof method for creating freezer paper stencils. PLUS ... we've included the template to make your own.

Check out the complete step-by-step instructions will full color pictures by clicking the above picture, or HERE.

Easy Ribbon Tags

A super easy way to complete your garment and indicate the size. Here is my easy, fool-proof method of simple ribbon tags.

You might think you'll remember what size you made, but when you pull it out for your next kid or pass it along to your friend ... you'll be glad you put in an easy tag to remind you what size the item is.

Check out the complete step-by-step instructions with full color pictures by clicking the above picture, or HERE.

Mini Bow Directions

A perfect embellishment to complete your garment. Mini bows are a great way to help you and your little one differentiate the front from the back. Professional looking mini bows are easier than you think. Here is my easy, fool-proof method for creating mini bows.

Check out the complete step-by-step instructions with full color pictures by clicking the above picture, or HERE.

Pattern Testers Wanted!! - Basic Knit Leggings - CLOSED

THIS TESTING IS NOW CLOSED!! THANKS EVERYBODY I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOUR PICTURES!!

...

I'm currently looking for people who are interesting in testing my "Basic Knit Leggings" (#23002) sewing pattern before making it available for purchase. IMPORTANT: I *need* the reviews back by November 10th!!

...

Description: Snug fitting with an easy-on elastic waist. This must-have basic design will become a staple in your little one's wardrobe. Comfort and warmth are what makes these essential. Perfect layering piece for fall and winter under dresses, jumpers, tunics and skirts. Pattern includes full length and capri length options. Instructions on how to apply professional topstitched elastic (no uncomfortable twisted elastic casings here). Made with super comfy knit fabric or refashion some old shirts. Easy tricks for sewing knit fabrics with a basic sewing machine for professional looking results -- no serger required (although serger tips are included as well).

You will receive 6 pages of patterns and 15 pages of instructions, including 22 steps and 25 pictures to guide you along as you make it.

...

I need testers for the following sizes:
...
NB, 3M,
...
Already claimed: 6M, 12M, 18M, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5T, Doll
...

Here's how it works ......
~ You leave your email in a comment and let me know that you're interested and what size you would like to test.
~ I reply and send you a copy of the pdf pattern, which you download, print and get sewing.
~ You tell me where I can improve and refine the pattern and instructions ... including how the size fits, grammatical errors and typos, if something needs to be added (pictures, more instructions, explanations, etc.)
~ You get a free copy of ALL the final versions of the pattern once they are edited and finalized.

...

Requirements ...
~ You must have basic sewing skills (you don't have to be advanced!)
~ You must have the results back to me within 1 week.
~ You must take pictures of the finished product and email them to me.
...
I hope you're up for the challenge, if so let me know!!!

...
NOTICE: Anyone who has tested and *not* returned the results within 1 week will not be eligable to test (unless you've tested multiple patterns before), contact me for more details.

Freezer Paper Stencils - using Fabric Paint

A perfect embellishment to complete your Knit Peasant Tees or Classic Knit Tees. A professional looking stencil is easier than you think. Here is my easy, fool-proof method for creating freezer paper stencils. PLUS ... we've included the template to make your own.

Check out the complete step-by-step instructions will full color pictures by clicking the above picture, or HERE.

FREE Halloween Iron-On Heat Transfer Designs - Vol. 4

To download .jpg files to your computer: click on image to enlarge, right click and select “save image as…” and save to desired location on your computer.

Open in your favorite photo editing program, or word processing program to print at desired size.

*created with picnik.com

FREE Halloween Iron-On Heat Transfer Designs - Vol. 3

To download .jpg files to your computer: click on image to enlarge, right click and select “save image as…” and save to desired location on your computer.

Open in your favorite photo editing program, or word processing program to print at desired size.

*created with picnik.com

FREE Halloween Iron-On Heat Transfer Designs - Vol. 2

To download .jpg files to your computer: click on image to enlarge, right click and select “save image as…” and save to desired location on your computer.

Open in your favorite photo editing program, or word processing program to print at desired size.

*created with picnik.com

FREE Halloween Iron-On Heat Transfer Designs - Vol. 1

To download .jpg files to your computer: click on image to enlarge, right click and select “save image as…” and save to desired location on your computer.

Open in your favorite photo editing program, or word processing program to print at desired size.

*created with picnik.com

Iron-On Transfer Directions

A perfect embellishment to complete your Knit Peasant Tees or Classic Knit Tees. A professional looking iron-on transfer is easier than you think. Here is my easy, fool-proof method for creating iron-on transfers.

Check out the complete step-by-step instructions will full color pictures by clicking the above picture, or HERE.