HALF OFF Wednesdays ... the Classic Knit Tee

The Classic Knit Tee is an essential part in your pattern collection.  Perfect for layering under jumpers and dresses ... or simply by itself with pants or skirts.  It's fantastic for appliques, embroidery or stenciling.

FREE Thanksgiving Matching Memory Game

I decided to make up a quick matching card game for them. Since it was so quick to make I decided to share it for free. Enjoy!  Happy Thanksgiving !!!

Print game pieces at 100%, make sure that the page scaling is set to "none", and print 2 copies of the page.

Cut off 1/2 from each edge (margins).

Then cut apart the game pieces, they are 2 1/2" square. ENJOY!

I printed ours on cardstock ... I'm sure they would last longer if they were laminated or covered in clear contact paper.

You can find the pdf download HERE.

HALF OFF Wednsesdays ... the Pixie Strip Skirt

Have you tried the Pixie Strip Skirt?  Perfect for mixing and matching fabrics ... I'm thinking you have some cute coordinating christmas fabrics ...

HALF OFF Wednsesdays ... Flounce Ruffle Pants

 Have you tried the Flounce Ruffle Pants?  Everyone who does RAVES about them ... now's your chance.  For today only get the Flounce Ruffle Pants pattern for HALF off !!  What could be better than that?

 the striped pair below was made using super soft and comfy knits ... your little sweetie is going to love and live in these pants!!

NEW pattern ... Basic Empire Bodice

Basic Empire Bodice ... Another Mix&Match pattern that can be combined in endless variations.  Includes 7 different size options (XS through XXXL) and is also available in the smaller sizes (nb through 14).

Sketch shows the bodice combined with the Classic Sleeves (elbow length) and the Radiant A-Line Bottom (tunic length).

NEW Pattern ... Drop and Twirl Circle Skirt

Drop and Twirl Circle Skirt ... features a dropped waist and a full twirly skirt bottom.

Includes 16 different sizes (nb through 14) and three different length options.

HALF OFF Wednesday ... Skinny Minnie Pants

It's Wednesday ... hopefully you know what that means by now ... another HALF OFF pattern ... yup!

This Wednesday (Sept. 26th) it's the Skinny Minnie Pants ...

If you haven't tried these adorable pants yet you're missing out. They have a modern slim, skinny leg fit.  Includes 16 different sizes (nb through14) and 2 different length options.

HALF OFF Wednesday ... Crossover Tunic and Dress

It's time again for another HALF OFF pattern ... are you ready?  This Wednsday (September 19th, 2012) ONLY,  it will be the Crossover Tunic.

You can find the HALF OFF pattern in the FEATURED category every week.

Half Off Wednesday... Ruffle Leggings

OK OK, I know Wednesday already passed ... but I was busy unpacking and trying to recover from moving.  But I still want to share a half price pattern this week.  Tomorrow (FRIDAY, September 14th) ONLY !!!  (next week it will be on wednesday again)

Ruffle Leggings

You can find it in the FEATURED category every week.

Fabric Organization ...

My FAVORITE organizing tool is the "Comic Board" ... unless you are surrounded by nerds like I am you might not know what a comic board is.  It is the board that is stored inside the plastic bag to hold comic books stiff for archival purposes (which is great for fabric ... it's archival quality, so it won't damage your fabric!!  BONUS!)

This isn't my original idea, you can read about it at Smashed Peas and Carrots, the Cottage Home, and Cut to Pieces (plus tutorials on folding fat quarters and other smaller amounts of fabric).

BUUUUUT ... I like to fold mine a bit differently.  It uses 2 comic boards, but you won't have to completely unfold ALL your fabric in order to cut it.  If you only need to cut a 2" strip you'll only have to unroll a little bit ... which I think is FABULOUS!!  Here is how I fold my fabric using comic boards ...

1.  Lay your fabric out, it's folded in half once ... just like it was on the bolt from the store.  Align 1 comic board along the selvages and 1 comic board along the fold ... there will be a space in the middle between the 2 comic board.  I like to leave about 4" on the cut end of the fabric to fold around the boards  (shown on the right side).

2.   Fold the cut end of the fabric around the boards (shown on the right side).

3.  Continue to fold the fabric around the boards until you get closer to the other cut end (shown on the left side).

4.  Fold the cut end over a little bit (shown on the left side).

5.  Fold the folded edge over on top of the other fabric that is wrapped around the comic boards.

6.  Fold the fabric in half, encasing the cut end that was folded over in Step 5 in the middle to secure.

7.  Slide on your shelf with all your other pretty fabrics ... 

You can go to your local comic book shop and pick up a stack of them (and the comic nerd will give you a weird look when you tell him it's for your fabric ... just shrug it off), I picked up a stack of 100 for $8 ... or you can order them by the 100s on Amazon.com for $11-ish

MORE PICTURES ...

Half Off Wednesdays ... Bouncing Bubble Skirt

It's Wednesday again ... and you know what that means ... one pattern will be HALF OFF at jocole.com ... today is the Bouncing Bubble Skirt or Skort ... 

on August 15th (PST) ONLY !!!

You can find it in the FEATURED category every Wednesday.

50% Off Wednesdays ... Mega Ruffle Pants

50% off ... 1 pattern EVERY wednesday ... tomorrow's will be the Mega Ruffle Pants (August 8, 20112 ONLY!)

That pattern will be in the FEATURED category on jocole.com

With 16 sizes and 3 different length options this pattern is PERFECT for every season.

(photography and headbands by Peaches and Brown Sugar Designs)

(Crazy Cute Jumper sewing pattern from Hailey Bugs Closet)

Don't miss out, this promotional price will only be available on August 8th ...

50% off Wednesdays ... Easy Swing Skirt

We're starting a new special promotion at Jocole, EVERY single Wednesday we'll be offering one pattern for 50% off the purchase price ... NO codes necessary. 

That pattern will be in the FEATURED category on jocole.com

Starting Wednesday August 1st, 2012 ... The first one will be the Easy Swing Skirt ...

Have you tried the Easy Swing Skirt? It really is super duper easy ... stop sewing for your kids for a second and sew something awesome for YOU ... you deserve it !!!

Don't miss out, the promotional price will ONLY be available for Wednesday August 1st.

Facebook and Etsy photo dimensions ... reference

FACEBOOK

Coverphoto: 851w x 315h
Profile: 180w x 180h
Custom Tab Photos: 111w x 74h
Shared Photo: 404w x 404h
Highlights & Milestones: 843w x 403h
Tab page: 810w

http://www.jonloomer.com/2012/03/07/dimensions-for-facebook-timeline-for-pages-infographic/#

http://www.handmadeology.com/getting-creative-with-your-facebook-fan-page-timeline-exact-dimensions-examples-and-free-template/

ETSY

Shop Banner:  760w x 100h
About Page Photo: 1024w x 768 h  (760 x 430)
Main image: 570w x 460h (with your item centered within the 460w x 460h)
     if you prefer more detail: 1024w x 768h
Avatar/Profile Photo: 75w x 75h
Team Logo: 170w x 100h

Gallery/Treasury Photos:  170w x 135h or 155w x 125h ... depending on where they are used
Thumbnails: 75w x 75h or 50w x 50h ... depending on where they are used

http://www.etsy.com/help/article/451
http://www.etsy.com/help/article/203

http://kinkymelcat.blogspot.com/2008/07/how-to-create-knockout-photos-for-etsy.html

http://www.gotogreatpanes.com/blog/2010/04/08/image-cropping-for-etsy/

Share the Love ...

Who's ready for another contest?  

Share the love about Jocole.

Tell all your friends, the fan who has the MOST referrals will WIN $50 worth of Jocole Patterns !!!

Here's how it works:     Tell ALL your friends about Jocole on facebook, make sure that when they "like" us and become a fan to tell us WHO sent them.  Contest will run from Saturday July 14th through Friday July 20th at 10 pm PST.

Start sharing the L O V E ...

Mix & Match ... re-mix ...

I just received this picture from my customer, Maria.  She used the Classy Cowlneck Bodice and the Basic Tee Bottom ... both from the Mix & Match series.

To get this look for yourself you'll need to use the front piece for both the front and the back so you have the WIDE neckline from the cowlneck on both sides.  She made hers without sleeves, but you could add Classic Sleeves if you desired.

To get the look of the slim pencil skirt portion of the dress you'll need to lengthen the hip length tee to your desired length (shown below in RED).

ENJOY !!!

Triple Ruffle T-Shirt Dress ... hip-length measurement guide

I was recently asked the question on what the side seam of the shirt you are using for the Triple Ruffle T-Shirt should be.  Obviously the side seams are going to vary when you are using a pre-made store bought shirt.

The following measurements can be used as a guide for the length of a hip-length t-shirt.

T-SHIRT MEASUREMENT GUIDE

The following measurements are in inches.  Length is measured along the side seam, from the armpit to the hem. Sizes are only guides and are based on average measurements.

Please let me know if you have ANY questions.

You can purchase the Triple Ruffle T-Shirt pdf sewing pattern HERE

Winner of Share and Win

Congratulations to Lauren, her comment was number 11 on the Share and Win post.

Share and you may WIN

Who's ready for a CONTEST?  To coincide with the release of the Happy Herringbone Dress I've decided to give one away!

Here's how it works:  Go to our Facebook fan page, you'll find a link to our pattern with a description pinned to the top of the page.  Copy the description, click "share" and paste the description as YOUR description, make sure you tag Jocole.

Then come back here and comment that you shared it.

**Due to facebook settings and restrictions private profiles will not show up as sharing, so you must come back here to comment for it to be entered into the contest.

Open until Monday July 9th at 10pm (PST), after which I'll use random.org to pick one number and the winning comment will win a copy of the Happy Herringbone Dress (or another pattern of your choice).

What are you waiting for?  Go SHARE ...

the Happy Herringbone Dress

Introducing the Happy Herringbone Dress ...

A super cute halter dress featuring an empire bodice with an elastic back and a pieced herringbone style skirt.  Bodice is fully lined for comfort.

Two length options: tunic or dress.

It's fun to mix and match prints and colors.  Perfect for coordinating fabrics or even using up scraps and fat quarters.

Skill Level:  Intermediate.  Definitely not for beginners, but easier than you might think.  The results are worth the extra effort.

16 sizes included:  nb-16, and including the doll size.

Quick, what are you waiting for?  You can purchase it HERE, or in any of our BUNDLE PACKS for more savings.

NEW pattern release ...

I'm actively editing a new pattern.  It is a woven dress and SUPER duper cute!  I'll admit it is definitely categorized as intermediate (NOT beginner) ... but oh my word is it worth the extra effort.

It will be released on Friday, July 7th ... I can't wait to share it with you.  

Sneak peek of my fabric choice above ... this dress was worthy to be cut in Joel Dewberry's Modern Meadow coordinates ... LOVE!

Elastic Waist Directions

Instructions for applying professional top-stitched elastic waist that will NEVER twist.  No more uncomfortable twisted elastic casings!! This method is perfect and can be used on both woven AND knit fabrics.

You can find the complete directions HERE

Number Game Giveaway ... (CLOSED)

Pick a number between 1 and 500 ... closest (but not over) WINS 1 free pattern of your choice. 

And tell me what your favorite jocole pattern is ... perdy please

The winning number will be chosen Saturday via random.org. Comment below ...

CONGRATULATIONS NADENE !!!

Can you contact me and let me know what pattern you would like?  

THANKS FOR PLAYING LADIES!!!

Binding Directions ... SEVEN ways

These instructions are for binding or finishing your edges ... necklines and armholes ... and we have included SEVEN different methods.

(1) Classic Band

(2) Full Binding

(3) Fold-Over Elastic

(4) Turned and Stitched

(5) Picot Elastic

(6) Classic Elastic

(7) Flat-Binding

Check out the complete instructions with full color pictures and resources by clicking on the above picture, or HERE.

Digitize YOUR Pattern into a pdf

Do you have a pattern that you've already drafted and would like it turned into a pdf to sell?

DIGITIZING SERVICE

$10 new pattern - flat fee
$25 formatting fee - adding sizes, your logo and other pattern text, grainlines, etc.

$5 per page -- so if your pattern is on 5 pages it would be $25

$5 per size -- so if your pattern includes 6 sizes it would be $30  (only applies to scanned patterns, not .svg patterns)

total = $10 + $25 + $30 = $65

**this is just an example ... total pricing would depend on how many sizes are on your pattern and how many pages it is.

Digitized pdf pattern that you can print at a copy shop (A0 Large Format):

$25 flat rate

Digitized .SVG format of your pattern:
$25 flat rate

You email me the scanned pattern pages, or a .svg and I return a professionally digitized pattern.
** Your pages MUST include something to indicate scale (something that can be measured.) To insure accuracy.

If you don't already have it scanned, you can mail the paper pattern to me and I can scan it for an additional fee of $1 per page ... if I need to trace it and then scan it, it will be an additional fee of $2.50 per page.

This would include adding YOUR logo on the pattern so that you could sell it on your site under your business name.

REQUIRED:

50% deposit is required before starting any project and the remaining 50% is due upon delivery.

MORE SERVICES ...

Flat Sketches:
$10 per view.
  Example: the picture below would be $30

Fabric Yardage Requirements:

Flat rate of $10

Spec Sheet:

Flat Rate of $4 per size
    Example: 5 sizes = $20

Printing Layout Guide:
$5

Cutting Layout Guide:
$25

Patternmaking Add-on:

Flat rate of $5 per design + $5 per pattern piece

Add a piece to an existing pattern (Example: add a sleeve variant or a collar). This can be to a pattern that we drafted, or from a different pattern designer.

Consulting:

Help with your pattern development and design $25/hr. Do you have a design in your head but can't quite sketch it out? I can help you come up with a design, or help you tweak yours.

We can also turn them into pdf sewing pattern that you can sell, exclusive licensing rights to you ... we'll include your logo and your information ... endless earning opportunities ... contact us for pricing.

I'm really excited about working with you on this!! ~ jodi jean

Custom Freelance Pattern drafting services and pricing:

http://jocole.blogspot.com/2011/10/custom-freelance-pattern-services-and.html

Ruffle Bottom Leggings Tutorial

These instructions are for altering your Basic Knit Leggings or Ruffle Leggings patterns from Jocole to add ruffle fabric along the bottom.

Complete directions and pictures can be found HERE:

http://www.jocole.net/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8_29&products_id=85

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2012! We have some exciting things coming up in the coming weeks ... seriously .... for now I'll leave you with the cutest picture ever! The A-Line Shift Dress pdf sewing pattern ... paired with the Ruffle Tee and the Ruffle Leggings ... both ruffle patterns feature THREE length options, while the dress features 2! We LOVE options!

Open and Print your Pdf Sewing Patterns with Adobe Reader

Adobe Reader is available for FREE and can be downloaded HERE quickly and easily!

Adobe Reader is required to view files with the .pdf extension (portable document format).  Our patterns are formatted in .pdf format.  It is a universal in the way images and text are displayed.

PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS:
Print pattern pieces at 100%.  Make sure that page scaling is set to "None"  (no re-sizing is necessary).

**NOTE:  some pattern pages may be landscape, make sure your printer settings are set to "Auto Rotate and Center" to eliminate page clipping.

Trim the margins from each piece of paper so that just the grid is left (each square should measure 1" x 1").  Join the pattern pieces together at the matching triangles and letters.  Cut out desired size along the corresponding line.


Further help in opening pdf files:
http://www.eduplace.com/pdf.html

Embellishment Tutorials and Ideas

Here is our complete list of all of our FREE tutorials on different ways you can embellish your creations made with Jocole pdf sewing patterns ... ENJOY!!

Applique Directions

Bow Templates and Instructions

Easy Ribbon Tags

Fabric Covered Buttons (FREE 13 different size templates)

Iron-On Transfers (+FREE designs)
Freezer Paper Stencils ... Dye and Paint

Hot Fix Crystal Directions
How to Shrink or Enlarge Templates

Mini-Bow Directions

Faux Pocket Tutorial
Little Girl Knee High Socks Tutorial

Ruffle Directions (4 ways!)

Snap Fastener Directions

Stretchy ruffle Directions

Fabric Covered Button Instructions and Tempates

A perfect embellishment to complete your garment. A professional looking fabric covered button is easier than you think. Here is my easy, fool-proof method and printable templates for 13 different sized buttons.

This is a great project to help you use up scraps. Covered buttons complete the look of your garment of make rockin' accessories to compliment it.

Check out the complete instructions with full color pictures and printable templates by clicking on the above picture, or HERE.

Sizes included: 18 (.44"), 20 (1/2", 13mm), 24 (5/8", 14 mm), 30 (3/4"), 36 (7/8", 22 mm), 40 (1", 25 mm), 45 (1 1/8", 29mm), 50 (1 1/4", 32 mm), 54 (1 3/8", 35 mm), 60 (1 1/2", 38 mm), 75 (1 7/8", 47.6 mm), 80 (2", 51 mm), 100 (2 1/2", 63.5 mm)

Patch Pocket Directions

Here are the optional patch pocket directions for the Essential Pants pdf sewing pattern ... complete photo step-by-step instructions are found HERE:

http://www.jocole.net/pdf/PatchPocketDirections.pdf

Review PDF Sewing Patterns on Jocole

Write up your reviews on Jocole and earn rewards that can be used to purchase more pdf sewing patterns.

...

Here what you need to do:

1. Create or Sign In to your account on Jocole.

2. Go to the pattern page of the sewing pattern you wish to review.

3. Click on "Write a Review" (below the sewing pattern description)

4. Click on your rating and write your review.

5. Click "Submit"

...

Each review is worth $0.50 (subject to change) ... you'll receive an email with a Gift Certificate redemption code that is valid at Jocole.com (not our etsy shop)

...

Reviews required approval from Jocole before they will be displayed.

...

Submitted and approved reviews do NOT guarantee reimbursement.

...

Note: You must have actually purchased and sewn the pattern before! Not eligible on patterns that you tested.

My Family

Over the Thanksgiving holiday we took a family picture and I wanted to share it with all of you!

I'm holding Emery (4 months), my husband is holding Coraline (18 months), Finley (3 years) and Aidan (4 1/2 years) are standing and hugging each other.

How was your holiday?

Faux Pocket Tutorial

They look like real slash pockets, but they aren't usable. A perfect embellishment to complete your garment. Professional looking faux pockets are easier than you think. Here is my easy, fool-proof method for altering pants patterns for faux pockets.

Shown above using my Essential Pants pattern ... using the short length option, and also adding belt loops.

Check out the complete instructions with full color pictures and resources by clicking on the above picture, or HERE.

Triple Ruffle T-Shirt Dress + Damask Stencil

Have you seen the Triple Ruffle T-Shirt Dress? You can make it using our Classic Knit Tee ... or even a store bought shirt.

The best part? We've decided to offer the Damask Stencil here on our blog for FREE ... ENJOY! Click HERE.

Not sure how to use a stencil ... here is our tutorial using Freezer Paper.