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.