Wednesday, February 25, 2015

February Designer's Challenge Pattern Revolution

February Designer's Challenge

















Jocole is honored to be a part of the February Designer's Challenge.  There are so many amazing designers in the PDF world, and we are thrilled to be part of a fun challenge.  The challenge for Jocole is always to be fashion forward but also easy and quick.

Jocole accepted the challenge and totally rocked this one out!!!  Go to the Pattern Revolution blog to see more photos and find out more about the challenge.   The Girls Pencil Skirt is ready for purchase. Be sure to enter the giveaway!

Go to the Pattern Revolution blog to read more about the pattern and see more pictures.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Free Valentines Printable Cards


I just designed the cutest ones for my kids, want them? 
Is anyone doing last minute stuff and just wants something to print from home? 
Am i the only other last minute mom? [please tell me no!!]

Included in the downloadable pdf file is valentines for both boys or girls 
(one with the triangle background and one without to save ink for each design)


Enjoy!!  

Thursday, February 05, 2015

Mix & Match dreams DO come true!

How about some Jocole Patterns Mix & Match goodness?!




I love all of the Jocole patterns, I won't lie... but my favorites are the Mix & Match series! I love how customize-able they are. I can literally do anything with my Mix & Match patterns. I love that feeling of freedom (thank you Jodi Jean Baird)!

I recently made a pair of pants for a sew a long Whimsical Fabric is having this month and I needed a cute top to go with them. I looked through all my patterns and I found....NOTHING... that I liked. I'm sure you've been there lol. I started thinking about what i wanted and it had to be something with a nicely fitted bodice but I wanted the skirt part to be more free flowing. The more I thought about it, the more I knew the bodice had to be the Jocole Mix & Match. Cuz, you really cannot go wrong with Jocole, amirite?

I used the Basic Empire Bodice and the Classic Sleeves  to make the basic bodice of the top. I pretty much just followed Jodi's excellent instructions and made a perfect bodice cuz yeah thats how I roll.


Then I took out my trusty Radiant A-line Bottom and started measuring. I ended up with 2 rectangles that were about 24" wide and 10"high? tall? I gathered the tops of each rectangle to match the bottom of my bodice and I sewed them together and attached them to my Mix & Match bodice. Cake! Looks pretty good, doesn't it? :)

Being the completely awesome designer she is, Jodi Jean Baird did all the math so everyone can make this adorable Mix & Match variation for themselves! Voila!!


Tuesday, February 03, 2015

Skinny Minnie Riding Pants Tutorial

Hello! Harmony from 3Giraffes here again. Today's tutorial is taking the Skinny Minnie pant and turning it into a "riding pant". **WARNING This post is picture heavy! :) **



Ready to get started?? What you need :
 ~Woven fabric
 ~Knit fabric
 ~Skinny Minnie pattern (on jocole.net or on jocole.etsy.com)
 ~Sewing supplies
The purple piece is my cut-out from the first pair I made to show you the shape and size.
Use the Skinny Minnie pattern to cut out a pair of pants in your child's size using the woven fabric.
Stack all four of the pieces on top of each other lining up the inseam from crotch to ankle. Then measure approximately 3/4 of the way up the leg - or about 1/4 of the way down from the crotch. This will be the top of your knit inset peak. You want to cut out a very elongated rounded triangle.
Towards the bottom of the ankle the base of the elongated triangle cut out should be almost half the width of the bottom of the ankle. (Just look at the above picture for a reference.) Your pants will now look like this.
You can either toss out all but one of the cut-out pieces (because you need to use one as a pattern piece to cut out your knit), OR you can do what I did and save them all... I plan to use them as tie-straps later.
Use one of the cut-out pieces to cut out your knit inserts. Fold the knit with the greatest stretch going side to side, not up and down. Place the cut-out along the fold.
I used a jersey sheet for this. But a cotton lycra would be ideal.
Do not add seam allowances. You want the pants to be very fitted and since you are using knit for the inserts no seam allowance is necessary...and it will only make the pants fit more tightly.

If you place the knit insert pieces into the cut-out space it will be a perfect fit.
Next sew up the front and back rise.
With right sides together pin the insert to one of the cut-out spaces on one of the legs. At this point it really doesn't matter if you start with the front of the legs or back. Pin from the bottom up several inches. Then pin around the curve. Continue pinning up the straight.
The points of the triangle peaks should hang over the edge just barely. See pic below.

When both inserts are pinned on to either the front or the back, if you open up the inserts it will look like this.
Sew down (either with a serger or with a regular machine.) then top stitch. Pin the other side of the insert to the corresponding cut-out.
After the second side is sewn and top stitched finish sewing together the inseam. If you are going to add any embellishments then now is the time to do so.
See?? Super cute with some embellishment added!
Hem the bottom of the pants, sew up the outer seam, add elastic in your favorite manner and you are done! SUPER cute riding pants!
Want more information on the top? Keep a look out for another blog post!!
Jodi, thank you for letting me come play again! <3 Your patterns are so wonderful!


Sunday, February 01, 2015

Mega Ruffle Pants - Hi-Lo Modification


Want a tutorial on how to use Jocole's Mega Ruffle Pants in a different way??  This is an easy modification and breathes new life into the ruffle pants pattern.  You can do this for the full length, capri length or short length options!! :)

Are you ready?

Print out your Mega Ruffle Pants pattern pieces. (Original pattern piece show in black lines, using the size 5)

The light blue block signifies the new hi-lo amount ... you can make it more drastic or shallow as you like.  I went up the inseam/side seams 1.5" (for the smaller sizes you might want to do less, and for the larger sizes you might want to do more)

From that part that is marker, next you'll want to draw a curved line.  The line will curve up on the front, and down in the back -- shown in RED.


That's *IT* ... seriously. Now you can sew up the pants, exactly as the pattern is written and use the ruffle cutting measurements as indicated in the pattern.

ENJOY!!


Monday, January 26, 2015

Girls Bundle UP

Girls Bundle UP!


Wow!  Have you checked out the AMAZING Bundle happening right now?  The Girls Bundle UP pattern bundle is now available!  If you don't know the details, click here to find out more.


 You can also enter to win a great giveaway!  Click the photo below to enter for your chance to win some amazing prizes.

Best of all, go buy your bundle with some amazing patterns from the top PDF Pattern Designers in the business.  The bundle is only available for a limited time so get it while the price is great!

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

BundleUp is coming

 Are you ready for the next BundleUp sale??  It's coming in 3 days on January 23rd.  11 completely new, previously un-released patterns at a fantastic price.

The fourth installment of Bundle Up is coming.  Bundle Up is a collective of your favorite established pdf sewing pattern designers coming together to offer you a sweet deal on hot NEW patterns.
So what makes Bundle UP different from other bundle sales? 
  • We only feature established designers whose patterns and reputation you already know and trust.
  • We create themed bundles.  You get more of what you need and none of what you don't.
  • We offer ONLY new  never released patterns.
  • We allow you to "Build a Better Bundle". You gets to pick and choose which patterns and how many to include in your bundle.  
  • The more you buy, the more you save!
Are you ready to see who is in the third Bundle Up sale?  Watch the video at the bottom of the post to see all 11 patterns.

How does it work?
These patterns are already a great bargain, marked about 50% from their retail prices, but we have an even better deal for you.  The more you buy, the better deal you score!!  You must buy at least 6 patterns to get the bundle pricing, but the more you add to your cart, the cheaper they get.  Here are the details:
  • $4.50 each for 6 ($27 total)
  • $4.25 each for 8 ($34 total)
  • $4.00 each for 10 or more ($40-$44 total)

here's a sneak of the NEW  Jocole pattern


Thursday, January 01, 2015

Past Sew Alongs

Here is a list of ALL of Jocole's past Sew Alongs ...

Endless Dress Sew Along:
Endless Dress+ Vol 1 + Vol 2 + Circle Flounce Dress
Endless Dress Sew Along: Day 1
Endless Dress Sew Along: Day 2
Endless Dress Sew Along: Day 3
Endless Dress Sew Along: Day 4

Essential Pants Sew Along: 
Schedule & Announcement
Essential Pants Sew Along: Day 1
Essential Pants Sew Along: Day 2
Essential Pants Sew Along: Day 3
Essential Pants Sew Along: Day 4

Pajama Sew Along:
Classic Knit Tee & Ruffle Leggings using the FREE Cuff Modification Tutorial
& the Mega Ruffle Pants using the FREE lengthing Modification Tutorial (no ruffles)
Pajama Sew Along: Day 1
Pajama Sew Along: Day 2
Pajama Sew Along: Day 3
Pajama Sew Along: Day 4
Pajama Sew Along: Day 5

Peplum Sew Along:
Peplum Top + Skater Skirt Add-On
Announcement & Schedule
Peplum Sew Along: Day 1
Peplum Sew Along: Day 2
Peplum Sew Along: Day 3

Mix & Match Sew Along:
Introduction to Mix & Match Patterns from Jocole
Announcement
M&M Sew Along: Day 1
M&M Sew Along: Day 2
M&M Sew Along: Day 3
M&M Sew Along: Day 4
M&M Sew Along: Day 5
M&M Winners

Running Skirt Sew Along: 
Yoga A-Line Skirt + Ladies Basic Leggings
Running Skirt Sew Along: Day 1
Running Skirt Sew Along: Day 2
Running Skirt Sew Along: Day 3
Running Skirt Sew Along: Day 4

Skinny Pants Sew Along:
Introduction
Skinny Pants Sew Along: Day 1 (Planning)
Skinny Pants Sew Along: Day 2 (with fitting helps!!)
Skinny Pants Sew Along: Day 3
Skinny Pants Sew Along: Day 4

Swimsuit Sew Along:
Shoreline Tank + Basic Brief Bottoms
Swimsuit Sew Along: Day 1
Swimsuit Sew Along: Day 2
Swimsuit Sew Along: Day 3
Swimsuit Sew Along: Day 4

Wideleg Pants Sew Along:
Wideleg Pants Sew Along: Day 1
Wideleg Pants Sew Along: Day 2
Wideleg Pants Sew Along: Day 3

Saturday, December 20, 2014

{Tutorial} Sequins Leggings!


Who here is ready for the New Year!? It's coming right around the corner and odds are there's a party coming along with it. Save yourself the "but what do I wear??" drama and sew up these sparkly leggings!

Sequins not your style? Use this tutorial to make a two-toned version. Mix solid and print, two solids, or even add a stretch lace overlay! 

Just like the original Jocole Leggings pattern, this sequins modified version sews up fast, and makes a BIG impression! Let's get started:


Grab your printed pattern piece, and get ready to see it in an all new light. See that line down the center?  Yup. There's been a built in two-tone-legging guide there this WHOLE TIME!

You can opt to cut along this line, and add your seam allowance while you're cutting fabric, or you can use wax paper like I'm about to to make two separate pattern pieces for this project. 


Unroll your wax paper over top the front half of the leggings pattern piece. Line up it's edge 3/8 inches past that guide line. This is our seam allowance. Grab your marker and trace along the pattern piece. 



Grab your pattern piece again, and mark 3/8 inches past the guide line again - towards the front of the legging this time. Fold along this new line, and now we'll have a back piece for our two tone leggings!


Cut 2 back, 2 front, and 2 front lining (if applicable).
 The sequins are attached to mesh, see-through fabric, and the whole thing is super itchy! So we'll spare ourselves that discomfort and cut a lining for the front sequins panels. 

Lay out your front pieces atop their respective linings:
Lining up along our side seam, lay your back piece on top of your front pieces (right sides together). Top stitch this seam towards the back.
Stitch these 3 layers along the inseam.


Now.. because our sequins fabric is itchy, we don't want to fold a traditional hem and have it scratch up our ankles. So grab your ruler and scissors and cut off 1 1/4 inches off the bottom. Keep these ends and bring them over to your cutting table.


Measure the length of your ends (measurement X), and cut (on the fold) two cuffs 3 inches tall by X. 


Stitch your cuffs on the short side and them fold in half, wrong-sides-together. 
Slide the cuff onto the end of your leggings, and clip or pin all raw edges together. 

Now refer to your pattern instructions for your last few steps (though for the same reasons we didn't hem the pant legs, I don't suggest doing the elastic-waist option. I'm partial to the yoga waistband anyway! Woop woop, built-in-girdle!) and meet me back here in two shakes of a lambs tail for a sequins legging dance!

Now wasn't that easy?? And you've got a glittery new wardrobe piece to rock on new years! Or while doing housework. Let's be honest. Shiny things make everything better :)

Here's a Gold/Black version I did a few weeks ago, and a gold/gold version I made for my daughter. What versions will you make??

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Peplum Sew Along Day 3

Peplum Sew Along

Day 3

Today is a quick sewing day.  The top of the shirt is complete, now let's add on the skirt.

Hem the bottom of the peplum.  Attach the skirt to the top and attach.



As my youngest daughter would say, woila!  Congratulations, you have completed the Peplum and have a new garment to add to your wardrobe!

Be sure to add your photos of your Peplum in the Jocole Facebook Group with the hashtag #jocolesewalong.  


Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Peplum Sew Along Day 2

Peplum Sew Along 

Day 2



Now that you have the fabric cut and ready to go, let's get started.  
  1. Sew the bodice front and back together at the shoulder seams.
  2. Finish neckline as desired.  My favorite method is using a neckband.
  3. Attach the sleeves.

  4.  Press the hem.
  5.  Sew the side seams of the top.

That's all for today.  Super simple, and fast!  See you tomorrow.