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 ...

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

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

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.

Pattern Testers Wanted!! - Simple Shrug - CLOSED !!

THIS TESTING IS NOW CLOSED!! THANKS EVERYBODY I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOUR PICTURES!!

I'm currently looking for people who are interesting in testing my "Simple Shrug" (#25002) sewing pattern before making it available for purchase. IMPORTANT: I *need* the reviews back by October 20th!!

...

Description: A super cute simple shrug featuring a bound curved front. FOUR different sleeve options make this pattern versatile (short, petal, 3/4 and long).

...

I need testers for the following sizes: Doll, 18m, 4t, 7, 8,10

...
Already claimed: 6m, 12m, 2t, 3t, 5t, 612

...

PLEASE read the PATTERN TESTING GUIDELINES!!!

Have you seen?

Have you seen the Basic Knit Leggings? they are perfect for layering ... especially since we are coming into fall and winter. They have 2 length options capri (shown above) or full (which reach the ankle). Above they are paired with the Shoreline Knit Tank ... the pattern includes how to make ruffles along the neckline, but instead I opted to make it plain and add a dyed flower on the side (template included).

And stayed tuned ... that shrug pattern is in the works. It's going to have FOUR different sleeve options ... another versatile pattern. Is there anything better than versatile clothing that can be worn over and over and over?

Pattern Testers Wanted!! - Double Layer Ruffle Skirt - CLOSED !!

THIS TESTING IS NOW CLOSED!! THANKS EVERYBODY I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOUR PICTURES!!

I'm currently looking for people who are interesting in testing my "Double Layer Ruffle Skirt" (#22001) sewing pattern before making it available for purchase. IMPORTANT: I *need* the reviews back by October 3rd!!...Description: A super cute skirt featuring a double layer ruffle and a dropped waist. It's fun to mix and match prints and colors. 3 different length options make this pattern versatile. (above knee, at knee and below knee options)

...

You will receive a cutting measurement guide (no printable pattern included to save you ink and paper) and 15 pages of instructions and , including 22 steps and 23 pictures to guide you along as you make it.

...

I need testers for the following sizes: Doll, Nb, 3m, 6m, 18m, 4t, 14

...
Already claimed: 12m, 2t, 3t, 5t, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12

...

PLEASE read the PATTERN TESTING GUIDELINES!!!

busy busy busy ...

I'm busy orking on some new patterns ... a Easy Cap Sleeve Tee, in toddler and girl sizes (most likely 2-14) ... and a double layer ruffle skirt ... in NB-14 sizes.

You can get instructions on the bow on the shirt here ... I just cut a 2" wide strip of fabric, serged around the ends and used that as my "ribbon".

Pattern Testers Wanted!! - Everyday Knit Ruffle Pants - Larger Girl Sizes - CLOSED!!

THIS TESTING IS NOW CLOSED!! THANKS EVERYBODY I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOUR PICTURES!!

I'm currently looking for people who are interesting in testing my "Everday Ruffle Knit Pants" (#23004) sewing pattern before making it available for purchase. IMPORTANT: I *need* the reviews back by August 9th!!

...

Description: Slim-fitting through hips and thighs with an easy-on elastic waist. Pattern includes full length and capri length options, and single or double ruffle options. Instructions on how to apply professionl topstitched elastic (no uncomfortable twisted elastic casings here). Made with super comfy knif fabric or refashion some old shirts. Easy tricks for sewing knit fabrics with a basic sewing machine for professional looking results -- no serger required (although serger tips are included as well).

...

You will receive 8 pages of patterns and 17 pages of instructions, including 28 steps and 33 pictures to guide you along as you make it.

...

I need testers for the following sizes: 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, doll
...
Already claimed:

...

PLEASE read the PATTERN TESTING GUIDELINES!!!

Pattern Testers Wanted!! - Basic Cap Sleeve Tee - CLOSED !!

THIS TESTING IS NOW CLOSED!! THANKS EVERYBODY I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOUR PICTURES!!

I'm currently looking for people who are interesting in testing my "Basic Cap Sleeve Tee" (#11001) sewing pattern before making it available for purchase. IMPORTANT: I *need* the reviews back by September 3rd!!

...
Description: A snug-fitting hip-length tee with extended cap sleeves and a simple scoop neck. Binding around the neckline and armholes. Can be worn reversed -- with the scoop in the back. Perfect for everyday wear, excellent for layering under more revealing tops, or under cardigans and jackets. Easily paired with jeans, or dress up with skirts -- and it can be embellished in many ways.

...

You will receive 14 pages of patterns and 15 pages of instructions, including 26 steps and 26 pictures to guide you along as you make it.

...

I need testers for the following sizes:

...
Already claimed: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL

...

PLEASE read the PATTERN TESTING GUIDELINES!!!

Summer 2011 Collection - Custom Handmade Women's Clothing

Instead of working on pdf sewing patterns, I've been busy working and sewing on a collection of custom handmade women's clothing. On Wednesday April 27th we did the photoshoot of the entire collection and I couldn't be more pleased with how they turned out. Leah Teofilo did the photography. What a rush to see my collection being modeled and photographed ... SERIOUSLY!

The summer collection involves 12 easy to wear pieces that can be dressed up or worn everyday. I adore versatility. They are made out of the most super soft knits ... you'll feel like you're wearing pajamas all day. I promise comfort and style from every piece.

These items are custom made to order and you can customize them: longer sleeves, shorter pants or longer skirts, and you get to pick the fabric and color. Each item is handmade by ME and professional finished for stretch and durability with my serger and coverstitch machines.

A couple people have asked me about a maternity line ... let me tell you, this collection isn't made for maternity but I care wear EVERY piece and I'm 7 months along. I always wear my designs throughout my pregnancies.

So, go check out the Summer Collection ... now available at Jocole.com.

Works-in-Progress

Classic Knit Tee with a crew collar and turquoise gradient dying. A simple, classic design that has endless possibilities -- plus it's perfect for girls AND boys!!

As fall approaches I realized my daughter needed some pants. These feature a flat-front, with elastic sewn-through in the back. Plus they have a faux-fly -- simple but really adds to their look. Another basic look that is perfect for both girls AND boys!!

clean out your closet

everyone has too much clothing in their closets. most people only wear about %20 of the clothes that they own. lets get rid of the things we no longer wear. cleaning out your closet will make it easier to get dressed in the morning (less choices) and make your laundry easier (you always put laundry off longer than you should -- because you still have more clean clothes and if you washed all your clothes you wouldn't be able to put them away because your closet is full!)

...

pull your clothing out of your closet one at a time and try it on -- think about the words you hear in your head. do they make you feel absolutely beautiful or do you feel bad? going through the clothing in your closet is difficult because it can evoke an entire spectrum of feelings. your closet didn't get out of control in one day and you wont be able to clean it out in one day either. take you time, spend 15 minutes here and 15 minutes there.

...

we're only going to keep the clothing that we absolutely adore and feel great in.

...

you will begin to see a pattern of your favorite items. we all have a favorite color, fabric or style that brings a smile to our face. i love jeans and pink. it's all about what you love and how you feel when you wear your clothes.

...

let's build our wardrobe with the basic foundations:

(i'm not saying you should only have this, you can have more, these are BASIC foundations to build upon)

• undergarments: 7 pairs that you love and 7 pairs for that wonderful time of the month.


• bras: 7 - at least 1 black, 1 natural and 1 white - but colors are fun and make you feel pretty no matter what.
  
• slips: 1 black and 1 white
  
• socks: 7 pairs for the summer and 7 pairs for the winter (i like ankle socks in the summer and colors in the winter)
  
• pants/slacks/jeans: 1 good pair of black wool slacks for dressy occasions and 1 pair of lightweight black for summer, 2 pairs of jeans, 1 pair of tan pants or khakis
  
• skirts: 1 black wool winter skirt and 1 black summer skirt, 1 tan or khaki skirt, and 1 printed summer skirt
  
• dresses: 1 little black dress, 1 summer dress
  
• blouses: 1 black, 1 white and 2 colored
  
• t-shirts: 6 (1 black, 1 white 4 colored)
  
• coats: 1 black and a nuetral

you should only keep clothing that fits you and you feel fabulous in. a great way to see what you are actually wearing is to turn your hangers backwards and only flip them the right way after you wear something. after a sest time period (3 months, 6 months, whatever works for you) get rid of anything that is still on a backwards hanger.
...
i know you might be tempted to hold on to some clothing that no longer fits you (you know what i'm talking about: those jeans that are 2 sizes too small) how long have those been hanging in your closet anyway? let them go, if you do end up losing the weight do you really think you wanna wear clothes that are old? nope, you'll wanna celebrate by wearing new clothes that flatter your new figure.

...

coming next organizing shirts and blouses.

organize your closet - accessories

the first step towards a more organized wardrobe is with an organized closet. when your closet has some organization you'll be able to find that putting together outfits are suddenly easier.
the next step is accessories (this includes belts, scarves and purses). if you are like most women you only wear 20% of the clothing in your closet. it's true! most women have full closets with nothing to wear. what about the other 80%? it's just taking up space, collecting dust. if you don't love it and your no longer wear it -- it has to go!

when you only have clothes in your closet that you wear regularly you will have a lot more room and less stress. you might be afraid of letting them go, but let me assure you that by letting go of clothing that you are not wearing will show you what you *are* wearing and it will help you see what you are missing from your wardrobe!

accessories are a major part in setting up your individual style and must not be forgotten. they give you a "put together" look all day.

there are many possibilities and different ways to organize your accessories, it's up to you to figure out what works best for you.

start by sorting through each group, one item at a time. starting with scarves, then belts, purses, jewelry and any other accessories that need organizing.

for example, take one scarf and go through your arranged categories in your closet (shirts, pants, skirts and dresses, etc.) and see if you can incorporate it into your wardrobe in a different or unique way. do you still want to keep it?

any accessory that you no longer like or feel you will never wear needs to be purged into 3 piles.

1. give-away. (these are still in good condition that no longer work with your wardrobe, anything that you haven't worn for a long time -- probably a year or more)

2. give. (these have monetary or sentimental value. give these items to family or friends you feel would appreciate them.)

3. trash. (this includes anything that is stained, too worn or broken)

my favorite way to organize jewelry is in plain view (because if you see all your options you will wear it more), you can just hammer some nails in the wall, or use an expandable mug holder mounted on the wall (or cup hooks). when necklaces are hung separately they won't get tangled. earrings can be sorted in ice cube trays (plus they can be stacked and stored in a drawer). i keep my earrings and rings in a jewelry box. i use a piece of plastic grid (you can get it in any craft store) to store my earrings.

As Coco Channel, a fashion icon once said, "Fashion is Architecture:
it is a matter of proportions. " This is true with your accessories as
well as your clothes. If you are of larger stature, your jewelry
should be bigger. If you are petite your jewelry should not overwhelm
and be on the understated side. Keep it in proportion.

The purpose of accessories is to draw the eye to a part on the body
you want to give attention to. Is it your earlobes, dainty wrist bones
or your décolletage? Jewelry is an attention getter.

Wear earrings that are an opposite shape to your face shape. If your
face is round avoid round earrings. If you have a long face, avoid
long dangling earrings. Contradictory shapes balance each other out.
Do the same with purses too.

If you have a thick neck try the slimming effect of the long vertical
line created with a long necklace. Avoid chokers and scarves tied at
the neck; they just draw attention to your neck.

Don't over-do your accessories. Too much is chaotic and you look like
a decorated Christmas tree! No more than 3 accessories at one time!
(This includes eye glasses)

The right touch of accessories can take an ordinary outfit and make it
look extraordinary. Have fun with accessories and show your style!

organize your closet - pants and skirts

the first step towards a more organized wardrobe is with an organized closet. when your closet has some organization you'll be able to find that putting together outfits are suddenly easier.
the next step is pants and skirts. if you are like most women you only wear 20% of the clothing in your closet. it's true! most women have full closets with nothing to wear. what about the other 80%? it's just taking up space, collecting dust. if you don't love it and your no longer wear it -- it has to go!

when you only have clothes in your closet that you wear regularly you will have a lot more room and less stress. you might be afraid of letting them go, but let me assure you that by letting go of clothing that you are not wearing will show you what you *are* wearing and it will help you see what you are missing from your wardrobe!

examine each and every pant and skirt you own and stand in front of a full length mirror and ask youreslf: is it worn out, stained, out of style or too small/big? when was the last time i wore this? toss the pants and skirts that no longer fill your needs into 3 different piles:

1. give-away. (these are still in good condition that you haven't worn for a long time -- probably a year or more) if you don't like it and don't wear it -- there is no sense in keeping it. the real question is WHY? ask yourself these questions as you examine the pants and skirts that you no longer wear:

- does it fit well? if it's too small it should be given away, if it is too big and you don't like it enough to have it altered it should be given away.
- does it look good on you? don't feel guilty about not wearing something that is not right for you. pass it along to someone who will wear it.
- it was on sale and it seemed like a good deal. but you don't like the color, style, fit, etc. and it doesn't make you feel pretty -- refer to above, don't feel guilty.

2. trash. ask yourself: "would i purchase this at the thirft store?" if the answer is "no" then toss it in the trash.

- is it too worn? yes, if it has pilled or faded in color. yes, if the buttons are missing and the stitching is coming undone.
- is it stained and dirty?

3. alterations. (these are pants and skirts that you would wear with some minor alterations)

- buttons are about to come loose, or already have.
- minor holes that need to be repaired.
- hemlines that are too short or too long.

- wearing pants too short will make you look heavier. lengthen your leg length and slim your silhouette by getting the right pant length. pants should break on your foot -- or slightly crease over the top. wear your shoes you would wear with your pants to get the correct length.

- for skirts the most universally flattering length is at or just below the knee. long skirts have a tendency to make women look more matronly and short skirts ... well?

now we need to organize the pants and skirts that are left. you'll want to sort by putting all the pants together and all the skirts together and then arrange by color (for example: white, cream, brown, black, grey, purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue). sorting by color will show you that you have too many black pants, so there is no need to buy more.

as you start to organize your closet take a look at your hangers. trash the wire hangers and replace with plastic tubular hangers.

having an organized closet will make getting dressed easier and finding new wearable combinations easier.

organize your closet - shirts and blouses

the first step towards a more organized wardrobe is with an organized closet. when your closet has some organization you'll be able to find that putting together outfits are suddenly easier.

the next step is shirts and blouses. if you are like most women you only wear 20% of the clothing in your closet. it's true! most women have full closets with nothing to wear. what about the other 80%? it's just taking up space, collecting dust. if you don't love it and your no longer wear it -- it has to go!

when you only have clothes in your closet that you wear regularly you will have a lot more room and less stress. you might be afraid of letting them go, but let me assure you that by letting go of clothing that you are not wearing will show you what you *are* wearing and it will help you see what you are missing from your wardrobe!

examine each and every shirt and blouse you own and ask youreslf: is it worn out, stained, out of style or too small/big? when was the last time i wore this? toss the shirts and blouses that no longer fill your needs into 3 different piles:

1. give-away. (these are still in good condition that you haven't worn for a long time -- probably a year or more) the real question is WHY? ask yourself these questions as you examine the shirts that you no longer wear:

- does it fit well? if it's too small it should be given away, if it is too big and you don't like it enough to have it altered it should be given away.

- does it look good on you? don't feel guilty about not wearing something that is not right for you. pass it along to someone who will wear it.

- it was on sale and it seemed like a good deal. but you don't like the color, style, fit, etc. and it doesn't make you feel pretty -- refer to above, don't feel guilty.

2. trash. ask yourself: "would i purchase this at the thirft store?" if the answer is "no" then toss it in the trash.

- is it too worn? yes, if it has pilled or faded in color. yes, if the buttons are missing and the stitching is coming undone.

- is it stained and dirty?

3. alterations. (these are shirts and blouses that you would wear with some minor alterations)

- buttons are about to come loose, or already have.

- hemlines have come undone or minor holes that need repair.

- sleeves are too short or too long. (the proper length is at the wrist bone.)

now we need to organize the shirts that are left. how you organize them is up to you. you may want to sort by work, dressy or casual, or by sleeve length (tanks, short sleeves and long sleeves) or even by color (for example: white, cream, brown, black, grey, purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue).

as you start to organize your closet take a look at your hangers. trash the wire hangers and replace with plastic tubular hangers.

having an organized closet will make getting dressed easier and finding new wearable combinations easier.

organize your closet - shoes

the first step towards a more organized wardrobe is with an organized closet. when your closet has some organization you'll be able to find that putting together outfits are suddenly easier.

let's start with our shoes. where are your shoes? are they dumped in a pile on the floor of your closet (or worse next to the front door) and you can't find the mate to your black pumps? or are you wearing the same 3 pairs constantly while the rest are gathering dust?

examine each and every shoe you own and ask youreslf: are they worn out, scuffed, out of style or too small/big? when was the last time i wore these? toss the shoes that no longer fill your needs into 2 different piles:

• 1. give-away. (these are still in good condition that you no longer wear -- for whatever reason)


• 2. trash. (these are scuffed, unevenly worn heels, stitching coming undone, etc.)

having good basic shoes is essential to a good wardrobe. after the basics you can build it up by adding in fun, trndy styles. your basic shoes should cover every occasion for your lifestyle. here is a list of shoes that most women need:
1 pair of athletic shoes

• 2 pairs black/brown/navy casual or walking shoes
  2 pairs black/brown/navy shoes for work


• 1 pair dressy evening shoes


• 1 pair summer sandals


• 2 pairs black/brown boots for winter

purchase the best quality that your budget will allow in your basic shoes -- these are the ones that you'll wear over and over again. spend less on trendy shoes because they are not worn as much. have fun but keep comfort in mind while buying shoes.

you may have a lot of shoes already, but according to a recent survey conducted by Mervyn's 61% of women own more than 11 pairs of shoes. most women only wear half of these shoes on a regular basis. how many pairs pf shoes do you own?

shoes can change the look of an outfit completely. for example, take some basic jeans and add a colorfull t-shirt and some athletic shoes for a casual look -- then take the same jeans add a dressier blouse and some heels -- the look of the jeans instantly becomes dressier because of the heels.

how should you store your shoes? well that is different for everybody. you could store them in a shoe cubby, or line them up on shelves or a shoe rack. you can store them in their original boxes (a photo taped on the box makes them easier to find) or you could purchase clear plastic shoe boxes (i've found them at the dollar store and the same ones at target for a dollar). if you are tight on space there are over-the-door organizers or even hanging organizers.

tip: to help boots keep their shape roll a magazine and slide it in.

now that we've tossed some shoes, take an inventory and access your needs. write out a list of those needs before you go shopping. here are some shopping tips :

1. shedule shopping when you have plenty of time to try on and visit several stores -- you don't want to feel stressed or rushed.

2. if you find something that you love and that fits perfectly put them on hold -- then go visit several stores and shop around to compare. you may just find the same thing at another store for less!

3. always shop for shoes towards the end of the day, this is when your feet are the largest.

4. when trying on shoes make sure you wear socks or hosiery that you will wear with the shoe. (nylons with pumps and thick wool socks for winter boots)

5. buy shoes that are comfortable -- walk around the store in them (not just try them on and stand still, walk around). don't waste your money on cute trendy shoes that hurt your feet, you'll end up not wearing them.

now that your shoes are organized, try different shoes with other outfits and see if you can wear your old shoes in a new way.