Running Skirt Sew Along Day 3

Running Skirt Sew Along Day 3

Today we complete the leggings.  Sew the pants as instructed in the pattern but do not add the waistband.

I cut off about 1 1/2 inches off the top of the pants because I like a short waist on my pants. 

Check the length of the skirt to be sure it is the correct length on the leggings.  I placed my skirt so that it just covers the bum.  You can go ahead and pin the skirt on if you would like.  

Running Skirt Sew Along Day 2

Running Skirt Sew Along Day 2

Today you will complete the skirt portion of the running skirt.

Sew side seams together.  I serged the side seams together.

Finish the hem.  I used my coverstitch machine to finish the hem but you could also leave it raw or use a twin needle.  If you don't feel confident about the length of the skirt, wait to finish the hem.  Once the pants are put together, you can be sure the skirt is the perfect length.

Cut the waistband.  Sew short sides of the waistband together to form a tube.  Set the waistband aside until we finish the leggings.

You should have a completed skirt minus the waistband.  

Running Skirt Sew Along Day 1

Running Skirt Sew Along Day 1

Are you ready?  Let's get our sew on!

Here is the outline for the week:

Day 1:  Purchase, print, tape and cut fabric

Day 2:  Sew skirt

Day 3:  Sew leggings

Day 4:  Attach together

Day 1:

1.  You will need to purchase the A Line Yoga Skirt and the Basic Leggings to make the Running Skirt.

2.   Print, cut and tape the pattern together.

3.  Cut the fabric for the pants and skirt in the desired size.

- Cut the skirt to the desired length.  I cut my skirt at 13 inches for a size small.  You can cut it shorter later if you decide you need to but you can't make it longer.  

- Cut the leggings at the capris length.

Don't forget that there is still a coupon code at Whimsical Fabric just for Jocole fans!

See you back here tomorrow!

Light from Within -- becoming a better you

I love this quote ... I absolutely love the idea of us having to be lit from within.  Enjoy!

"People are like stained-glass windows.  They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within."

~ Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Download the FREE Printable

Stained Glass art was found HERE

Vowel Check -- becoming a better you

I was reading The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown ... and she discussed this vowel check.  I LOVE it and wanted to share it with you lovely ladies.

"It's called the vowel check: AEIOUY

A= Have I been Abstinent today? (However you define that -- I find it a little more challenging when it comes to things like food, work and the computer.)
E = Have I Exercised today?
I = What have I done for myself today?
O = What have I done for Others today?
U = Am I holding on to Unexpressed emotions today?
Y = Yeah!  What is something good that's happened today?"

Download the FREE Printable

Meet the Designer

Meet the Designer of Jocole

Have you ever wondered who the person behind Jocole is?  Welcome to our first installment of "Meet the Designer".  Let's learn a little bit more about Jodi.

If you have had any interaction at all with Jodi, you come to quickly realize what a compassionate, creative, incredibly sweet, supportive, generous and humble person she is (I could go on with the list but it is WAY too long).  I thought it would be fun to get to know Jodi a little better, so I came up with some questions for her and she was kind enough to give me this interview.

What are 5 words your friends use to describe you?

Jodi - Inspiring, creative, friendly, intelligent, enthusiastic, committed, strong, generous and entertaining (clearly they can't count).  

You'll have to ask Jodi what the adjective that I left off is. 

Are you a dreamer or a realist?

Jodi - You'd probably think I'm a dreamer, but realistically I think I'm a realist.

What is one dream that you wish would come true?

Jodi - I have no idea...  I just want to be happy and for my kids to be happy.  I'm pretty easy to please.

If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

Jodi - Coco Chanel, she's always been an inspiration to me.

How many sewing machines do you own?

Jodi - Three sewing machines (one vintage), three sergers (one lives at my sister's house) and one coverstitch machine = 7 machines!

Where did the name Jocole come from?

Jodi - I struggled with naming my business for a while.  I finally decided on Jocole.  It's a combination of my name (Jodi) and my sisters' name (Nicole) = Jocole.  I've been asked many times if she's my business partner.  Short answer, no.  Her official title is CEO, which stands for Chief Emotional Officer.  She's my cheerleader and she makes sure I'm doing what makes me happy.

What is the hardest part about designing a pattern in pdf form?

Jodi - The hardest part of designing patterns is that I have 4 VERY small children (7y, 5y, 4y, 3y).  Things get REALLY chaotic around here sometimes.  It's hard sometimes to remember where I left off before I was interrupted (especially when I'm editing or changing something).  BUT they know they can ask me for anything, even if I'm working -- I will NEVER say no to "Mommy, will you read me this book?".  The answer is always yes, they are my priority.

What is your favorite Jocole pattern?

Easy:  the Happy Herringbone.  I actually designed it when I was going through a really rough time and honestly that pattern helped me through.  It makes me smile ever time I see it.  Second favorite, the Circle Flounce Dress.  It was one of my first patterns and it holds such a special place in my heart.  I found great friends through that pattern.

How do you decide on the next pattern?

I have no idea...whatever pops out the most to me.

Did you have a career before Jocole?

Jodi - Before kids and Jocole, I worked in a law office typing up legal documents all day long.  Before that I worked as a head pattern maker at a prom dress manufacturer, and before that I was the head pattern maker at a custom swimwear manufacturer.

I hope y'all enjoyed getting to know Jodi a little better, come back next week for our "Meet the Designer" series.  

Half Off Wednesday!

Half Off Wednesday!

The half off pattern today (9-3-14) is the Everyday Knit Ruffle Pants.  Head on over to the Jocole website to purchase the pdf pattern.  

Slim fitting through the hips and thighs with an easy-on elastic waist.

Pattern includes full length and capri length options with single or double ruffle.

Two size options:  NB, 3m, 6m, 12m, 18m, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5T, Doll/Preemie or 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14

Bundle UP Boy Edition

Bundle UP Boy Edition

Have you heard?  The Boy Bundle is here!  Bundle UP Boy Edition is available now.  If you haven't seen all the reviews and photos of the adorable boys outfits, go here to see them.  I can't wait to see all the boy clothes.  You can also see a review of the tank set here on the Pattern Revolution page.

 I'm not sure if you noticed but Jocole has a new pattern in the Bundle again this time.  The Boy Tank and Boxer Set is awesome!  You can purchase the set now through Aug. 29 on the Bundle UP site or you can purchase the pattern in the Jocole shop on Sept. 10.

Flat Front Shorts Tutorial

Flat Front Shorts Tutorial

Make the Essential Pants as instructed in the pdf pattern.

Leave an opening in the front waistband at both the left and right side seams.

Cut elastic at measurement below.  These measurements work for the Essential Pants, the Mega Ruffle Pants, the Flounce Ruffle Pants, the Skinny Pants and the Faux-Wrap Skorts ... basically ANY Jocole pants/shorts pattern.

Using a Bodkin or safety pin, insert elastic into the back waistband.


Feed the elastic through the waistband at the back of the shorts only.  Pin the elastic at one side while feeding it through the waistband (to secure the elastic in place at the side seam).  Pull the elastic all the way to the other side seam of the shorts and remove the Bodkin.  Pin the elastic at the side seam being sure the elastic is passed the side seam toward the front of the shorts.

Stitch in the ditch at the side seams to secure the elastic in place.  You might want to go over this seam a few times to make sure the elastic is secure.  Close the waistband at both side seams.

Enjoy your flat front shorts. 

Endless Dress Mashup

Endless Dress Mashup

I received some yummy Riley Blake fabrics in the mail and could not wait to get started sewing!

I started with the "Unicorns and Rainbows" cotton and scrumptious Knits.  The knit is so soft and creamy, I just love how it feels and so does my daughter.

One of my favorite Jocole pattens is the Endless Dress because it is so versatile.  There are literally endless variations of this dress!  I've made a few variations but this one may be my favorite.

Instead of using the bodice for the Endless Dress, I used the Basic Empire Bodice from the Mix and Match series.

 

I used the skirt, skirt band(the polka dot fabric) and sash(in knit) from the Endless Dress and attached it to the Basic Empire Bodice.

I love how the dress turned out and I cannot wait to make more.  I also made the Basic Knit Leggings to finish out the outfit.  

Crochet Baby Hats Review & Giveaway

Crochet Baby Hats by Annastasia Cruz

Review by Kara Orr

Are you ready for some serious cuteness?  My sweet friend let me borrow her baby to model this cute bear hat.  Both the hat and the baby are ridiculously cute!

Annastasia has a great new book of baby hats available on Amazon here and online in PDF format through Leisure Arts here.

 Annastasia has a fun crochet Facebook page here, where she offers support and answers questions.

The book offers 10 fun crochet hat patterns.  Everything from Brimmed Hats to Bunny and Bear Hats.  There are boy and girl patterns in the book and most can be used for either gender.

 

Leisure Arts offers some great video tutorials listed in the book.  It's so nice to have a visual when you need a little extra help.

 

The instructions are very clear and easy to follow.  There are plenty of explanations for basic stitches if you need some help getting started.  All of the patterns are listed as "easy" so you will be set if you are just starting out or if you are ready to whip out a quick hat.

Features include:

1. Sizes 3-12 mths
2. Shopping lists
3. Size information
4. Gauge information
5. Stitch instructions
6. Guide for: abbreviations, symbols and terms, yarn information, and stitch instructions

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Back to School Super Sale!

 Back to School Super Sale

Have you heard?  Jocole is having a Back to School Super Sale!  Use code "SchoolRocks" at jocole.net to receive 30% off your entire shopping cart!  

How to Make a Cinch Sac Backpack

How to Make a Cinch Sac Backpack

Supplies:

1. Cording - 2 pieces each about 60" long
2. Fabric - 2 pieces about 12"X14" each (could be bigger)
3. Embroidery Design and supplies

Cut 2, 12" X 14" pieces of fabric.  You can make the cinch sac bigger if you would like, just cut the fabric pieces bigger.  Embroider the desired design onto one of the fabric pieces.  Be sure to iron around the embroidery so that it doesn't look like mine.

 

Serge all four sides of both fabric pieces.

On both pieces, turn the top serged edge under another 1/4" and press.

Measure down 2" from the top edge and turn the fabric down to meet that mark.  Sew the seam down.

Line up the front and back pieces, RST.  Sew along the three remaining edges to make the sac.  Start and stop sewing just below the top seam.  We are leaving the edges open at the top seam to make a  channel for the cording.

Begin with one piece of cording.  Insert the cording into the front right channel and thread it to the opposite side, being sure not to pull it all the way through.  Insert the same cording piece into the left back channel and thread through to come out the right side.  You have just made a loop with the cording.

Tie a knot at the end of the cording piece that was just threaded through the front and back channel.

Repeat the same process on the left side.  Insert the cord into the front left channel and thread through to the other side.  Insert the same cord into the right back channel and thread it through.  Make a knot with the second cord piece.

Unpick both corners at the bag bottom.  Insert the cords through the bag and push the knots out of the unpicked corners.  The bag is still turned wrong side out.

Secure the cording knots in place at both corners.  I like to stitch over it several times to be sure the seam is strong.

Turn the bag right side out and cinch the cording.  Congratulations!  You have a cute little cinch sac for your little one!