Modification Mashup - Crossover + Peplum

Ready for a fun mashup of the Crossover dress and peplum?? Because really...these two were just begging to be made together. Bonus? Printable pattern pieces for girls and ladies to be able to do the midriff banding. Because Jodi is just that awesome.

You can download the pattern piece HERE for free -- seriously, all sizes
(girls nb-14 AND the ladies xs-xxxl)

For this top you need the new Mix and Match Crossover top (women's or girl's), the Classic Sleeve (women's or girl's), and the Peplum top (womens or girls). (Although to be honest, it would be super cute with a skater skirt (womens or girls), too!!)
Ready for the super fast cutting and sewing? Because it really only takes MAYBE an hour to cut and sew the whole thing! You could make the whole thing with one fabric, mix it up with two fabrics like I did, or even make every piece a different fabric for something really fun and funky!
Cut out the mix and match crossover bodice.
Cut out the band for the middle using the free pattern.
Cut out the sleeve to the desired length.
Cut out the peplum.

Sew together, hem and bind as you desire! Voila! It takes almost no time at all!! And the end result is so fun and cute!!

March Mashup - Crossover + Herringbone Tutorial

To go along with March 2015's Mini-Bundle that is on sale ONLY this month, we'll be featuring free tutorials on new ways to use the patterns that are included in the Mini-Bundle.  You can order it HEREnow through March 31st at 11:59pm.

This tutorial is a super fun mashup between the new Mix and Match Crossover Bodice [soon to be released] ... of course you could always use the bodice from the Crossover Tunic &Dress and the Happy Herringbone skirting. With a fun bonus! Herringbone insert in the sleeves. (I KNOW! They are fantastic!!!)

So how do you make this adorable top?? Well, first you need three patterns - the new Crossover bodice for the Mix and Match series [soon to be released], the sleeve pattern, and the Happy Herringbone dress.
I didn't take pictures of ALL the steps...mostly because they are self explanatory and you just follow the directions/pattern.

First - cut out the M&M Crossover bodice.
Second - cut out the sleeves but make them two sizes too wide (but keep the correct length you need).
Third - cut out the pieces for the Happy Herringbone dress.
Fourth - Sew the shoulder seams of the crossover bodice and finish off the edges either with binding or FOE according to the directions.
Fifth - create the herringbone skirt ... this is the most time consuming part of this entire outfit. BUT the results are wonderful!!
Now this is where we deviate from what would otherwise be a fairly generic mash-up.
To make the sleeve you take the parts you cut off of the herringbone skirt to make it squared up.

Now take those strips and line them up so they are vertical instead of horizontal.

Put the right sides facing each other and sew them together. Then open up and top stitch the seam to one side. Make sure to top stitch the seam to the opposite side on the second one. (This is so the seam is always pointing towards the back.)
Fold the newly-sewn pieces in half along the center seam and place the sleeve pattern on top.

Cut the shoulder curve and the bottom of the sleeve for both arm pieces.

After both arm inserts are cut like this it's time to trim away the excess points on the sides and make the sides straight.

Notice that the center seams are on opposite sides of each other? That's so that a seam is always pointing towards the back.

Now take the sleeves you cut out earlier (remember, two sizes too wide) and lay them folded in half then fold the inserts in half along the seam again and lay them on top following the sleeve curve.

Cut the sleeve along the side of the insert. Place right sides together and sew. Open up the sleeve and top stitch.

You now have a nearly-complete, very fun and unique sleeve! YAY!
Sew the sleeve into the bodice.
Finish off the bottom of the sleeve (I chose to use FOE along the bottom of the sleeve just like I did along the edge of the crossover.)
Next you either sew up the underside of the sleeve all the way down the bodice and then add the sewn together gathered up herringbone skirt, OR you add the gathered up front of the herringbone skirt, the gathered up back of the herringbone skirt then sew up the underside of the arms and down the sides of everything.
Finally you hem the bottom of the herringbone skirt. A fun and beautiful new top!!

Want the whole look? The Skinny Minnie Pants pattern is here and the tutorial to modify the pants is here.
Happy sewing!!

March 2015's Mini-Bundle Annoucement

Jocole is SOOOOO excited to introduce a new concept for my patterns ... each month I'll release a mini-bunde with select patterns (March 2015 has 5) at a reduced price.

You can buy March's Mini Bundle HERE

For March 2015 we decided on patterns that would work well together and will be featuring tutorials on modifying them and mixing them together ALLLLL month long.  What a fun way to try out some patterns and use them in different ways.

This special bundle price will ONLY last through the end of March, so get it while you can and make sure you check back for the fun tutorials.

Total Retail Price = $43.0

Discount Mini-Bundle Price = $26 (40% OFF!!)

Details for Each Pattern:

1.  Crossover Tunic & Dress (Retail Price $8)

This tunic features a crossover v-neckline and extended cap sleeves. A-line shaped skirt with THREE different lengths make this a versatile pattern: hip length, tunic length, knee length. Binding around the neckline and armholes. Perfect for everyday wear, or super comfy as a nightgown.

13 sizes included: (12m-14 + doll)

2.  Peplum Top (Retail Price $9)

Fitted knit t-shirt with a peplum at the natural waist (also includes the option for a longer peplum in the back).  Patterns includes 3 sleeve length options:  short sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, long sleeves
16 sizes included: (nb-14 + doll)

3.  Skater Skirt Add-on (Retail Price $4.50)

Add a knee length curved, flared skirt to the natural waistline of the peplum top.

16 sizes included: (nb-14 + doll)

4.  Happy Herringbone Dress (Retail Price $10)

A super cute halter dress featuring an empire bodice with an elastic back and a pieced herringbone style skirt.  Bodice is fully lined for comfort.

Two length options: tunic or dress.

16 sizes included: (nb-14 + doll)

5.  Endless Dress + Vol. 1 (Retail Price $12)

The Endless Dress is the ONLY dress pattern you are EVER going to need.

A timeless and classic style dress with a peter pan collar, or 2 different necklines, fully lined empire or waist length bodice.

3 Sleeve length options: short sleeves, 3/4 sleeves or long sleeves

Tunic Length or Knee Length Gathered Skirting

Button or Snap closure at center back.

Add-On Options: Volume 1 is included for even *more* options:

Chevron Bodice, Bib Front, Sleeveless Bodice, Sash and Banded Skirting

Ribbon Bow, Applique and Freezer Paper Stencil Embellishments

To see how truly versatile this pattern is check out THIS BLOG POST for more information which explains how you can make 1,080 different dresses and tops.

To see MORE inspiration photos, please visit THIS ALBUM on the Jocole fan page dedicated to just the Endless Dress.

16 sizes included: (nb-14 + doll)

Total Retail Price = $43.0

Discount Mini-Bundle Price = $26 (40% OFF!!)

Get it HERE

{tutorial} Crossover Wrap Sweater

another fantastic guest tutorial from the amazing Becca Duval ... are you ready?  here she is ...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Who is ready to draft their own pattern piece!?

Aww now don't panic! If this is your first time combining or modifying pattern pieces, you'll be thrilled to see just how simple it can be!

What you'll need:

• Wax Paper
• Marker
• Pattern pieces: Crossover Bodice, Mix & Match Basic Empire Bodice, Mix & Match Basic Tee Bottom, Mix & Match Classic Sleeves
• Ruler
• Fabric & the usual notions.

1. Tape two pieces of wax paper together, each the length of your basic bodice+tee pattern. You should be able to fit both halves of the pattern pieces across. 
2.  Lay wax paper overtop the bodice+tee pattern, and trace from the shoulder, down around the side, and across the bottom. Flip bottom piece, complete the trace across the bottom. So far so good, right?? Images below show the wax paper under the paper pieces so you can better read them.
3. Grab your crossover piece. Match the inside shoulder seam and trace. We will improvise this line in a minute.
4. Find and mark the narrowest part of the tee bottom. This is the waist. 
5. On the side opposite the shoulder seam, draw a line straight down from the waist to the hem. 
6. Now for our "improvising" step! Using your ruler, draw a line from the waist up to the crossover curve. 
7. Your finished piece should look like the bottom image:

That wasn't so bad, was it?? Let's call this our "front pattern piece. "Now to cut our fabric! You'll need:

• 2 Front pattern pieces, one mirror.
• 2 Sleeves
• 2 Ties (3 in x selvage-to-selvage)
• 1 Neck Binding (6in x selvage-to-selvage)
• 1 Back (basic tee bottom + basic empire back bodice)

Refer to any of the jocole pattern tutorials for diagrams and additional details on assembling shoulders and sleeves. 

Now we need to hem the remaining sides and bottom, as shown above. You can fold 1/4 and 1/2, or be a cheat like me and serge the raw ends, then turn 1/2 inch and stitch. 

Now let's measure down our neck binding! Grab it, your measure tape, and your scissors.

How long is the opening? Add 1 inch for seam allowances, and cut your binding to size. 

Have a bowl or other curved object around? Great! We'll need that. Or you can eyeball if you're feeling gutsy. Fold over the neck binding, then freehand a curve at the short ends. Start about 1.5 inch up from the long raw edges - we'll have to add our ties here.

Sew each tie piece into little tubes (first RST, then turn). They'll be a little unmanageable this way, but we will topstitch in a bit! Do NOT sew the short ends, we'll cut those down to size later.

Clip or pin the ties as shown, 1/2 inch up from the raw edge. Sew along the curve, back tacking at the ties for extra security. 

Stitch the neck binding RST across the opening. I knowwwww it looks ugly now, our top stitching will pretty it right up.

Now let's try it on! We need to measure down those ties. There's no button hole to feed the ties  through, but don't fret - this is a rather imperfect science. Your ties should wrap behind your bodies, around the side and tie in a loose, easy bow or knot at the front. What's left? Cut one of your ties at hip length. Now take off the sweater (that's already looking pretty schnazzy, might I add!) and cut the other tie to match. Fold the raw ends of the ties 1/2 inwards and pin.

Time to top stitch! Start at the center of the neck band/back bodice seam. Fold the raw edge inwards, and top stitch all around to the tie. Put the needle down, lift the presser foot, turn. (Do this at all corners.) Sew down the tie, across the tucked raw edges, back up the tie, and alllllll the way around to the other side, down THAT tie, and that folded raw end, back up the neck band/ back bodice seam and meet at our starting point. You just made one heck of a top stitch circle my friend! 

Those finished ties need a place to feed through when wrapped. Let's add a button hole!

Lay one front bodice piece down over top of the back bodice. Where the ties meet the side seam, mark a button hole the same size as the tie width. Take that puppy over to the machine and stitch your button hole!

Now hem (or add a cuff) to your sleeve, and proudly parade around in your completed wrap sweater!

Note on fabrics: The button hole - with certain machines, and certain light weight knits may prove problematic. I've used medium weight sweater knits and heavier weight ponte de roma. If you use thinner knits consider sewing the ties to the side-seam at the waist, so they don't need a button hold on the inside to wrap fully around the body.

There you have it! Your very own wrap sweater! Really - what *can't* we do with Jocole patterns?? 

Happy sewing!! 

Crossover Tunic or Dress: Sew Along Day 4

There is *still* time to catch up ... if you already haven't picked up the pattern you can get the Girls Sizes HERE or Ladies Sizes HERE ... both patterns are available from Jocole.  These sew up SUPER fast and you're gonna love them.

Today we're doing Steps 11 through 19.

STITCH skirt pieces together along the side seams, RIGHT sides together.

HEM skirt pieces.

SLIP the bodice inside the skirt, making sure to align all the raw edges and match the side seams.

STITCH bodice and skirt pieces together.

TOMORROW: We'll be posting pictures!!!

Crossover Tunic or Dress: Sew Along Day 3

There is *still* time to catch up ... if you already haven't picked up the pattern you can get the Girls Sizes HERE or Ladies Sizes HERE ... both patterns are available from Jocole.  These sew up SUPER fast and you're gonna love them.

Today we're doing Steps 6 through 10.

STITCH side seams.

Align the bodice front pieces at the center front mark, BASTE in place 1/4" from edge.  Make sure to catch both ends of your binding.

TOMORROW: We'll be doing Steps 11 through 19.  Stay tuned ...

Crossover Tunic or Dress: Sew Along Day 2

There is *still* time to catch up ... if you already haven't picked up the pattern you can get the Girls Sizes HERE or Ladies Sizes HERE ... both patterns are available from Jocole.  These sew up SUPER fast and you're gonna love them.

Today we're doing Steps 1 through 5 ...

STITCH shoulders together.

BIND around the neckline and sleeve edges using the binding strips.  Complete instructions can be found in the sewing instructions included in your pattern.

 TOMORROW: We'll be doing Steps 6 through 10.  Stay tuned ...

Crossover Tunic or Dress: Sew Along Day 1

There is *still* time to catch up ... if you already haven't picked up the pattern you can get the Girls Sizes HERE or Ladies Sizes HERE ... both patterns are available from Jocole.  These sew up SUPER fast and you're gonna love them.

Today we're doing some preparation work.

If you have ANY questions the Jocole Pattern facebook group is a great place to ask them. 

Have you seen the FREE tutorials on modifying this pattern???
Adding Sleeves
Maxi Length Adjustment
Halter Adjustment

(1)     PRINT out pattern pages at 100%.  Make sure that page scaling is set to "None".

(2)     TRIM margins and TAPE pages together.  Matching triangles to create diamonds and lining up the 1" grid lines.

(3)     CUT out desired size along the corresponding line.

(4)     CUT out pattern pieces from FABRIC.  Make sure you cut out 2 opposite bodice front pieces.  You should have a total of 5 pieces: 2 bodice fronts, 1 bodice back, 2 skirt pieces.

 TOMORROW: We'll be doing Steps 1 through 5.  Stay tuned ...

Modification -- Maxi Length Adjustment

http://www.jocole.net/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8_29&products_id=129

The Crossover Tunic & Dress is one of my FAVORITE patterns ... it's also my favorite to  adjust and make modifications and alterations to.  It's SO versatile.

This tutorial shows you how to modify the Crossover Tunic & Dress pdf sewing pattern into a maxi length dress.  You can use this tutorial for both the ladies pattern or the girls pattern -- it includes measurements for all sizes.

**This is NOT a finished pattern, just a tutorial on how you can modify the pattern from my shop.

This method and measurements will also work on the Radiant A-Line Bottom patterns from the Mix & Match Series.

Modification -- Adding Sleeves to the Crossover Tunic & Dress

http://www.jocole.net/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8_29&products_id=130

The Crossover Tunic & Dress is one of my FAVORITE patterns ... it's also my favorite to  adjust and make modifications and alterations to.  It's SO versatile.

Have you seen this pattern in my shop and thought about purchasing it but decided against it because cap-sleeves aren't your thing?  You are NOT alone.  This has been requested ... a LOT.  I've  decided to write up a tutorial on altering the pattern to adjust for set-in sleeves.

This tutorial shows you how to modify the Crossover Tunic & Dress pdf sewing pattern for different sleeve lengths..  You can use this tutorial for both the ladies pattern or the girls pattern.

**This is NOT a finished pattern, just a tutorial on how you can modify the pattern from my shop.

You can use ANY of the sleeve options that are available in the Mix&Match series. 

This can also be used on the Easy Cap-Sleeve Tee pdf sewing pattern.

Modification - Crossover Halter

http://www.jocole.net/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8_29&products_id=128

The Crossover Tunic & Dress is one of my FAVORITE patterns ... it's also my favorite to  adjust and make modifications and alterations to.  It's SO versatile.

This tutorial shows you how to modify the Crossover Tunic & Dress pdf sewing pattern into a halter top or dress.  You can use this tutorial for both the ladies pattern or the girls pattern.

Includes TWO different sewing instructions for completing the halter.

**This is NOT a finished pattern, just a tutorial on how you can modify the pattern from my shop.

Pair with the Ladies Leggings or the girls Ruffle Leggings in the short length to create a super cute tankinis for summer.

Crossover Tunic/Dress: Sew a Long Day 1

Are you ready for another Sew a Long??  I know *I* am ... yup I can't stop thinking about it.  The last one for the Leggings was just toooooo much fun.  It's like having a long distance sewing party with your girlfriends ... and then at the end we all share our creations and pictures.

I've decided to do another pattern with a HUGE size range ... I want to make sure everyone can participate. Let's do the Crossover Tunic and Dress this time around.  The girls pattern ranges from sizes 12m through 14 ... and the ladies pattern ranges from sizes xs through xxxl.

Links to purchase are below (the patterns will be HALF OFF tomorrow - Wednesday June 19th)... and I'll be adding more FREE tutorials on modifying the pattern.  Oh I LOVE this one.

Girls Sizes HERE

Ladies Sizes HERE

Below is the schedule we'll be following (so you can plan ahead).  Each day I'll be posting new things on the blog.  Tips and tricks ... new tutorials ... you just never know what might show up.

Schedule:

Wednesday June 19th:

Purchase pattern(s) for HALF OFF

Thursday June 20th - Sunday June 23rd:

Purchase fabric for patter if needed

Monday June 24th:

Print pattern, tape pages together and cut out desired size and length.

Tuesday June 25th:

Steps 1 through 5

Wednesday June 26th:

Steps 6 through 10

Thursday June 27th:

Steps 11 through 19

FREE Tutorials:

Sleeve Modification

Crossover Tunic -- sleeve modification

Have you seen the Crossover Tunic or Dress in my shop and thought about it but decided not to purchase it after all since cap-sleeves aren't your thing?  You are NOT alone.  I've decided to write up a quick tutorial on how you can alter the pattern to adjust for set-in sleeves.  You can then use ANY of the sleeve options that are available in the Mix&Match Series at Jocole.com

Pssst  I've written this out for the Ladies sizing ... but you can definitely use it for the girls sizing options as well.  This can also be used on the Easy Cap-Sleeve Tee pattern.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

Crossover Tunic or Dress pdf sewing pattern

Basic Empire Bodice pdf sewing pattern

Classic Sleeves pdf sewing pattern

pencil or pen

scissors

paper and tape

[Below]  To start out, you'll need the Front and Back pattern pieces for the bodice from the Crossover Tunic and Dress Pattern [top with black lines] and the Front and Back pattern pieces for the bodice from the Basic Empire Bodice [bottom with blue lines] (available in the Mix&Match Series).

[Below]  Lay the Basic Empire Bodice pattern pieces on TOP of the Crossover Tunic pattern pieces.  Align the center front/center back, the empire lines and the side seam at the bottom.  NOTE:  The side seam at the armpit on Basic Empire Bodice will be LESS than the side seam at the armpit on the Crossover Tunic.  The shoulder seam on the Basic Empire Bodice will be HIGHER than the shoulder seam on the Crossover Tunic.

[Below]  The RED lines show the NEW lines you'll trace onto your Crossover Tunic pattern using the Basic Empire Bodice as your guide.

 NOTE:  The side seam at the armpit on Basic Empire Bodice will be LESS than the side seam at the armpit on the Crossover Tunic.  The shoulder seam on the Basic Empire Bodice will be HIGHER than the shoulder seam on the Crossover Tunic -- if you already cut out your Crossover patter you might need to tape some paper along the shoulder seams to draw the NEW lines.

D-O-N-E ... now you can pair your Crossover Tunic or Dress pattern with ANY of the sleeve options available in the Mix&Match Series.

[Below]  Drawing of the Crossover Tunic with 3/4 Sleeves [left] and the Crossover Dress with Long Sleeves [right].  I HIGHLY recommend using the Classic Sleeve option.  It includes SIX different lengths: cap, short, elbow, 3/4, wrist and long sleeves.

HALF OFF Wednesday ... Crossover Tunic and Dress

It's time again for another HALF OFF pattern ... are you ready?  This Wednsday (September 19th, 2012) ONLY,  it will be the Crossover Tunic.

You can find the HALF OFF pattern in the FEATURED category every week.