Lengthening the Mega Ruffles to Straight Pants

FREE tutorial on how to modify the Mega Ruffle Pants pattern from Jocole to eliminate the ruffe and turn them into straight leg pants.

This is how I modify the pattern to use for my son (he's not a fan of ruffles).

Materials Needed:

Mega Ruffle Pants -- pdf sewing pattern

pencil or pen

ruler

scissors

paper and tape

Suggested Fabrics:

Lightweight woven fabrics like quilting cottons, flannel, batiste, lawn, broadcloth, linen, chambray, poplin, seersucker, lightweight suiting fabrics, lightweight denim, twill, lightweight corduroy

*** Alternative Fabrics: Consider making your Mega Ruffle Pants out of knit fabrics like: jersey, interlock or rib knit.

Cutting Instructions:

Makes sure you cut your pieces so that you have 2 opposite front leg pieces and 2 opposite back legs pieces.

The following picture is shown on a size 5, the blue lines are the original pattern lines, the RED lines are the newer pattern adjustment lines.

Sewing Instructions:

Compete Steps 1 through 21 shown exactly like in the pdf pattern.

Skip steps 22 through 33 (the ruffle instructions).  Instead press up the hem 3/4" and topstitch it in place.

Pajama Sew Along: Day 3

Welcome back! Today, we will finish up our shirts! These are Steps 24 through 27.

So, we left off yesterday with attaching the sleeve ruffles or preparing your cuffs. Now, if you are adding a ruffle around the neck, this would be the time! My girl asked for no ruffle (so no picture of a neck ruffle!)

Next, we are going to line up the side seams. Pin in place and sew from the sleeve cuff, up the arm, and down the side seam.

Next we are going to hem the bottom of our shirt. Fold it up and pin (if needed, I pressed mine with a hot iron and it was fine). I LOVE the tip in the pattern about placing the hem under the machine, then putting a post-it note pad next to the hem and then flipping it over to sew it! I also love hemming something flat rather than in the round!

Now, we can line up that last side seam and sew it! If you did a ruffled version, then you are done! Turn it right side out and give it a steaming if needed!

If you are adding cuffs, we are going to turn our shirt right side out and mark it into quarters, the same as we did with the cuff pieces last night. now, we are going to slip the sleeve into the cuff (right sides together), matching up the raw edges.

Line up the pins and sew, stretching the cuff to fit (don't over-stretch!). if you are not using a serger, seam finish that edge!

We did it! We finished our shirt!!!

Join us tomorrow as we start the pants!

Larissa

Pajama Sew Along: Day 2

Sew a long day 2! Steps 13-23

Today we are creating our ruffle sleeves or preparing our cuff pieces to sew on at the end.

If you are creating the cuffs, you are going to skip to step 16.

First, gather your supplies for today (shirt, sleeve pieces, and either your ruffle strips or cuff pieces).

Now, for those creating ruffles, hem those sleeves, making sure to stretch while stitching! There are great tips on using a twin needle to create a faux coverstitch, otherwise you can use a zigzag stitch.

Time to get our ruffle on! There are great tips of ruffling with clear elastic (I always forget to pick some up!) or you can ruffle by hand.

Now, attach that ruffle using a zigzag stitch. Repeat with however many ruffles you want to add! My girl is 11 and requested no more than 1 ruffle on the sleeves!

Now we are going to attach the sleeves to the shoulder. **Remember to take your time here and pin, pin, pin!**

Now sew it on, gently stretching as you sew (if not using a serger).

If you are adding cuffs to your sleeve, you will want to follow the instructions (cuff add on) to create the cuff. We will not be sewing  them on until tomorrow, but have it ready!

See you all tomorrow, when we will finish our shirts!

Pajama Sew Along: Day 1

• 
  
• Hi! I'm Larissa, a Stay at home mom to two wonderful kids and owner of Ellie's Trunk. You probably see me in a lot of designers sewing groups and the big PDF group quite often. My oldest, Jody, just turned 11. She is my little fashionista. The baby is 6 months old. That's right, they are 10 1/2 years apart!
• 
  
• When I was a child, Christmas always meant three things. First, lots of goodies to eat. Second, we would be seeing family that we rarely got to see. Third, we would get a new pajama set. We always opened them first, then ran to change into them, claim our spot on the floor and open presents! Now, my family opens presents on Christmas Morning, but I still wanted to carry on the tradition of pajamas on Christmas Eve. Usually, they are store bought and reflect the interest of my daughter that year. Well, I have been sewing for just over 2 years now, and decided that this year would be momma made jammies! I am still trying to convince myself that I will be able to complete jammies for both kids, pajama pants for both myself and the husband, and sew up Christmas Day outfits for both kids. Christmas is 2 weeks away....I can't seem to get anything done unless I have a deadline these days. When Jodi contacted me about running a sew a long for her, and then said she wanted to do pajamas, I was sold! Get some Holiday sewing done, and a deadline to meet!

If you have any questions the Jocole FB group is a great place to ask them!

On to the sewing !!  Today we're working on the Shirt ... Steps 1 through 12.

By now, you should have all your pieces cut out  (the picture is for the cuffed version) ... neckband, sleeve, sleeve cuff, front and back

[Steps 1 - 4]  Place the front and back right sides together and sew the shoulder seams -- be sure to stretch it a bit while sewing if you aren't using a serger.  Topstitch if desired!  (Oops, I forgot to snap a picture of that step!)

[Steps 5 - 9]  Next, take your neckband piece and sew it into a loop!  Fold it in half and mark it into quarters.  Do the same for the neckline of the shirt.

• [Steps 10 - 12]  Now we'll them together, matching the pins.  Remember to stretch it just a bit while sewing if you aren't using a serger.
• 
  
  

Join us tomorrow when we will construct our sleeve, and either hem or add the cuff pieces.

Cuffed Pajamas Tutorial -- Classic Tee & Leggings modification

FREE tutorial on how to modify the Classic Tee and the Leggings patterns from Jocole to add knit cuffs at the bottom of the sleeves and legs.

Materials Needed:

Classic Knit Tee or Ruffle Tee (or Mix&Match Classic Sleeve) -- pdf sewing patterns

Basic Knit Leggings or Ruffle Leggings -- pdf sewing patterns

Pencil or pen

Ruler

Scissors

Paper and tape

Suggested Fabrics:
Jersey (my favorite is cotton/spandex), interlock, rib knit
** your cuffs need to be VERY stretchy, something with lycra/spandex is recommended.

the following picture is shown on a size 5, the blue lines are the original pattern lines, the RED lines are the newer pattern adjustment lines.

1.         FOLD the cuff in half lengthwise.  Align the short sides, RIGHT sides together.  Pin if necessary.

2.         STITCH cuff into a loop using a 3/8” seam allowance, RIGHT sides together.

[If using a serger, STITCH using a 1/4” seam allowance, trimming 1/8” from the edge.]

3.         FOLD cuff in half, aligning the raw edges, WRONG sides together.

4.         MARK cuff into quarters. 

5.         MARK your sleeve/legging into quarters.

6.         With the sleeve/legging RIGHT side out, slip inside the cuff, RIGHT sides together, aligning the edges and matching the quarters marks and pin into place.

7.         STITCH cuff into place along the sleeve/legging using a 3/8” seam allowance.  You’ll need to stretch the cuff so it matches the length of the opening, but don’t over stretch!!  Backstitch to reinforce seam.  Start stitching at center back seam of the waistband.  A zigzag stitch is recommended for optimal stretchiness.

           

[If using a serger, STITCH using a 1/4” seam allowance, trimming 1/8” from the edge.]

8.         SEAM FINISH the raw edges of the cuff.

FINISHED CUFF ... doesn’t it look fantastic ?!?!

E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G is half off ... one day only ...

are you ready for a CRAZY Wednesday sale??

EVERY single pattern available from jocole.com will be HALF OFF September 18th ONLY (ends Midnight PST). ... yup, you read that right ... E-V-E-R-Y pattern is half off Wednesday only

you can buy as many as you want ... there is NO limit 
[*bundle packs are excluded and have been disabled*]

have you had patterns on your list? NOW is the time to jump and snatch them up

How to Request Jocole to Re-Activate your Download Links

Did you know that patterns purchased from jocole.com expire after 7 days?

We can definitely re-activate them for you if you fail to download the patterns and save them to your computer during that time.

If you would like any download links activated, please email me and let me know the order number of the order that needs to be re-set..

Subject line: Download Link Reset

Email to: jodijeanbaird [at] yahoo [dot] com

Mix & Match Series: Sew Along Contest WINNERS

Are you ready?  holy moley i was supposed to post the winners *last* week ... i'm a mess.  thanks for hanging with me.

CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!  

Thanks for sewing along with me and participating in the contest.  

I LOVED looking at all the picture entries.

Kayla Casper (Fussy Gussy) with 14 entries.  I LOVE her fabric choices and how she add embroidery to her designs) ... she wins a $20 gift certificate to jocole.com

Basic Empire Bodice, Basic Tee Bottom, Classic Sleeves, Playful Flounce bottom (double layer with the top layer cinched up) 

Basic Empire Bodice, Basic Tee Bottom, Flutter Sleeves, Playful flounce bottom (3 layers ... the top 2 layers are cut shorter)

Harmony Marquart (3 Giraffes) with 18 entries.  I LOVE how she always uses the patterns as a base but ALWAYS changes it around and adds her own spin to it ... she wins a $20 gift certificate to jocole.com

Racerback Bodice (Harmony added the quadruple ruffle skirting to the bottom of the empire bodice)

Lisa Crosbie ... she made a Cowlneck Tee (Classy Cowlneck Bodice, Basic Tee Bottom, Classic Sleeves) ... super cute!  LOVE that color!  She wins a $15 gift certificate to jocole.com

Peg Gonzales ... she used the Basic Bodice, Radiant A-Line Tunic & Classic Cap Sleeves ... in *LACE* oh em geeee .... I LOVE the way this top turned out.  Super cute!  ... she wins a $10 

gift certificate to jocole.com

Heidi Flugel ... she made a Cowlneck Dress and a Cowlneck Tee ... they both turned out GREAT!  she wins a $15 gift certificate to jocole.com

Erin Kimmons ... she made a dress for herself and used the M&M patterns to modify the Crossover Dress pattern ... she wins a $10 gift certificate to jocole.com

Alyssa Carrion ... she made a cowlneck dress for herself ... and then she just couldn't stop and made a cowlneck dress for her daughter ... she wins a $10 gift certificate to jocole.com

Sheri Fowler ... she made a super cute Racerback Tank ... LOVE the pink color, it turned out great.  She wins a $10 gift certificate.

i'll be sending out emails with the gift certificate information in a little bit ... CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!  Thanks for sewing along with me and participating in the contest.

Mix & Match Series: Sew Along Day 5

There is *still* time to catch up ... if you already haven't picked up the patterns.  Here is a link to the entire Mix&Match Collection -- I'm gonna run a 25% sale now through the end of the sew along (8/27/13).

Links to Purchase:

ALL Mix&Match Patterns

Bodices

Bottoms

Sleeves

Today's Tasks:

Post your finished Mix&Match pictures in the album found **HERE** in the Jocole Patterns FB Group.

If you have ANY questions the Jocole Patterns facebook group is a GREAT place to ask them.

Judging starts MONDAY August 26th.

The entire schedule can be found HERE.

Mix & Match Series: Sew Along Day 4

There is *still* time to catch up ... if you already haven't picked up the patterns.  Here is a link to the entire Mix&Match Collection -- I'm gonna run a 25% sale now through the end of the sew along (8/27/13).

Links to Purchase:

ALL Mix&Match Patterns

Bodices

Bottoms

Sleeves

Today's Tasks:

Stitch up your bottom following your directions ... add to the bodice

If you have ANY questions the Jocole Patterns facebook group is a GREAT place to ask them.

Tomorrow's Tasks:

Post your finished Mix&Match pictures in the album found **HERE** in the Jocole Patterns FB Group.

The entire schedule can be found HERE.

Mix & Match Series: Sew Along Day 3

There is *still* time to catch up ... if you already haven't picked up the patterns.  Here is a link to the entire Mix&Match Collection -- I'm gonna run a 25% sale now through the end of the sew along (8/27/13).

Links to Purchase:

ALL Mix&Match Patterns

Bodices

Bottoms

Sleeves

Today's Tasks:

Add your sleeves (if desired) ... hem ... stitch up side seams

If you have ANY questions the Jocole Patterns facebook group is a GREAT place to ask them.

Tomorrow's Tasks:

Stitch up your bottom following your directions ... add to the bodice 

The entire schedule can be found HERE.

Mix & Match Series: Sew Along Day 2

There is *still* time to catch up ... if you already haven't picked up the patterns.  Here is a link to the entire Mix&Match Collection -- I'm gonna run a 25% sale now through the end of the sew along (8/27/13).

Links to Purchase:

ALL Mix&Match Patterns

Bodices

Bottoms

Sleeves

Today's Tasks:

Start putting together your bodice ... finish your shoulders, neckline. 

If you have ANY questions the Jocole Patterns facebook group is a GREAT place to ask them.

Tomorrow's Tasks:

Add your sleeves (if desired) ... hem ... stitch up side seams  

The entire schedule can be found HERE.

Mix & Match Series: Sew Along Day 1

There is *still* time to catch up ... if you already haven't picked up the patterns.  Here is a link to the entire Mix&Match Collection -- I'm gonna run a 25% sale now through the end of the sew along (8/27/13).

Links to Purchase:

ALL Mix&Match Patterns

Bodices

Bottoms

Sleeves

Today we're doing some preparation work.

Today's Tasks:
Print your pattern pieces, tape pages together and cut out desired size and length
     *bodice, bottom and sleeves -- tape the bodice & bottom pattern pieces together as shown in the directions if you do NOT want an empire seam.

If you have ANY questions the Jocole Patterns facebook group is a GREAT place to ask them.

Tomorrow's Tasks:
Start putting together your bodice ... finish your shoulders, neckline.  The entire schedule can be found HERE.

Mix & Match Sew Along and Contest details

Are you ready for a Sew Along and CONTEST ?? I wanna see what *YOU* make with the Mix & Match Series patterns

Basic Empire Bodice, Sassy Dress Bottom, Sweet Flounce Sleeves
Metallic Slinky Knit from SpandexWorld.com

My FAVORITE thing about the Mix&Match series is how versatile they are.  Every time someone shares a picture of something they made with the series they are *always* different.  I just did the math and you can make 400 different dresses and tops with this series.  Talk about a BARGAIN ... it's like *endless* options.  I can always make something different ... or embellish it differently ... or change up something.

I've been wanting to DO something with the series so you lovely ladies can try them out and see just how much FUN they can be.  

So let's start with a GIANT sale ... are you ready?!  The *entire* Mix&Match collection of patterns will be HALF OFF *ONLY* on August 7th (ends midnight PST).  (**M&M Bundles excluded)

Available from nb-14 *and* xs-xxxl (23 different sizes) ... now *that* is a LOT of options !!!

Links to Purchase:

ALL Mix&Match Patterns

Bodices

Bottoms

Sleeves

Sew Along Schedule:

Below is the schedule we'll be following (so you can plan ahead).  Each day I'll be posting new things on the blog.  Tips & tricks ... new tutorials ... you just never know what  might show up.

Wednesday August 7th:

Purchase Mix&Match patterns for HALF OFF from jocole.com

Thursday August 8th:

Start planning out YOUR Mix&Match design.  

Order fabric from your favorite knit fabric sources (or purchase locally at your fabric store).

I *LOVE* the knits from GirlCharlee and from SpandexWorld

*twiddle your thumbs waiting for fabric!!  Make something from your fabric stash while you wait :)

Monday August 19th:

Print your pattern pieces, tape pages together and cut out desired size and length

     *bodice, bottom, sleeves

     *tape the bodice & bottom pattern pieces together as shown in the directions if you do NOT want an empire seam

Tuesday August 20th:

Start putting together your bodice ... finish your shoulders, neckline

Wednesday August 21st:

Add your sleeves (if desired) ... hem ... stitch up side seams

Thursday August 22nd:

Stitch up your bottom following your directions ... add to the bodice

Friday August 23rd:

Post your finished Mix&Match pictures in the album found **HERE** in the Jocole Patterns FB Group.

Monday August 26th:

Judging STARTS

Wednesday August 27th:

Contest winner will be announced