the Jocole blog: August 2014

Saturday, August 23, 2014

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.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

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.

Monday, August 18, 2014

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.

Saturday, August 16, 2014

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:

Sizes 3-12 mths
Shopping lists
Size information
Gauge information
Stitch instructions
Guide for: abbreviations, symbols and terms, yarn information, and stitch instructions