Swimsuit Sew Along

Jocole Shoreline Tank and Basic Brief

Swimsuit Sew Along

Materials Needed:

• Lycra Spandex
• Elastic - FOE, clear elastic, or knit elastic
• Thread
• Shoreline Tank and Basic Brief patterns

Schedule:

• Monday - Print and tape all pattern pieces.   Cut fabric.
• Tuesday - Shoreline Tank - ruffles, straps
• Wednesday -  Shoreline Tank - side seams and hem 
• Thursday - Brief Bottoms

Here is a sneak peek of the swimsuit top that we are making.  

Print the pattern pieces.  You will have a tank bodice, Brief Bottoms (2 pieces) and crotch seam piece.  If you are making the Ladies version of the Brief Bottoms, it is recommended to make a full lining instead of only the crotch piece.

Print, cut out and tape all pattern pieces.

You should have a pile similar to the pieces below.  Tank front and back, briefs front and back, crotch piece, ruffles(optional) and elastic.

I highly suggest FOE.  There will be instructions for using clear elastic but FOE is much easier to work with and is my new favorite.

Come back tomorrow to start the Shoreline Tank!

Don't forget to use the coupon code to get 25% off your purchase until May 13.

Yoga Waistband Modification

Do you have any of my knit pants patterns: Basic Knit Leggings, Ruffle Leggings or Everyday Ruffle Pants??  How about the Essential Pants, the Mega Ruffle Pants, the Flounce Ruffle Pants or even the Skinny Minnie Pants ??  They all feature an elastic waist ... have you ever wished you could do a yoga waist instead?!

pssst ... the instructions for adding the Extreme Ruffles (shown above) to the leggings patterns can be found HERE.

Well ... you ladies have twisted me arm ... but instead of creating and selling new patterns I've decided to write up a quick tutorial on modifying the existing patterns ... and passing along the savings to you !!  You're welcome.

For the Everyday Ruffle Pants or the Leggings::  Draw a new line (shown in RED) 1" below the original cutting line for whatever size you are planning on sewing.

For the Essential Pants, Mega Ruffle Pants, Flounce Ruffle Pants or Skinny Minnie Pants::  Draw a new line (shown in RED) 1 1/2" below the original cutting line for whatever size you are planning on sewing.

Cut a strip that is 4 1/2" wide for a regular knit yoga waistband ... or 8 1/2" for a knit fold-over yoga waistband ... and then cut the length of the yoga band use the cutting measurements included in the patterns for the elastic.

Skip the instructions for applying the elastic waist ... and instead follow THESE instructions ...

(above) FOLD the yoga waistband in half lengthwise.  Align the short sides, RIGHT sides together.  STITCH waistband into a loop using a 3/8" seam allowance.

 (above)  FOLD yoga waistband in half, aligning the raw edges, WRONG sides together.

 (above)  MARK yoga waistband and the waist of your Leggings or Everyday Ruffle Pants into quarters.

With the pants RIGHT side out, slip the pants inside the yoga waistband, RIGHT sides together, aligning the top edges and matching quarter marks and pin into place.

(above) STITCH yoga waistband into place along the waist of the pants using a 3/8" seam allowance.  You'll need to stretch the waistband so it matches the length of the waist opening, but don't over stretch !!  Backstitch to reinforce seam.  Start stitching at center back seam of the waistband.  A serger's overlock stitch or a zigzag stitch is recommended for optimal stretchiness. 

Done and Done ... super easy ... and SUPER comfy ...

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 ...

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

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)

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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.

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

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

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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".

Stretchy Ruffle Instructions

Quick and easy instructions for creating S-T-R-E-T-C-H-Y ruffles. TWO easy, fool-proof methods for sewing ruffles: using clear elastic or single baste ruffles.

This is how I add stretchy ruffles to tight fitted knit garments ... like the legs on leggings, arms on t-shirts or the tops of socks. You can use ribbon, knit or woven fabric strips or even lace. Add some buttons or bows and you can make them even more awesome.

Check out the complete step-by-step instructions with full color pictures by clicking the above picture, or HERE.

Check out my other tutorial on making little girl knee high socks HERE.

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!!

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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).

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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.

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

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PLEASE read the PATTERN TESTING GUIDELINES!!!

Pattern Testers Wanted!! - Knit Peasant Tee - Larger 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 "Knit Peasant Tee" (#21003) sewing pattern before making it available for purchase. IMPORTANT: I *need* the reviews back by July 11th!!

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Description: A snug-fitting hip-length peasant-style tee with elastic shirring around the neckline and sleeves for easy on and off. Made with super comfy knit fabric or refashion some old shirts. This versatile tee is great for layering and easily goes with skirts, under jumpers or even paired with jeans -- and it can be embellished in many ways. Pattern includes short, 3/4 or long sleeve options. 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).

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You will receive 6 pages of patterns and 17 pages of instructions, including 30 steps and 43 pictures to guide you along as you make it.

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I need testers for the following sizes:

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Already claimed: 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14

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PLEASE read the PATTERN TESTING GUIDELINES!!!

Ruffle Directions (4 Ways)

Quick and easy instructions for creating ruffles. Here are my FOUR easy, fool-proof methods for sewing ruffles: using a ruffle foot attachment, double baste gathering, zigzag gathering and elastic gathering. Check out our complete step by step instructions with full color pictures by clicking the above picture, or HERE.

Pattern Testers Wanted!! - Everyday Ruffle Knit Pants -- 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 April 8th!!

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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).

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You will receive 6 pages of patterns and 17 pages of instructions, including 28 steps and 33 pictures to guide you along as you make it.

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I need testers for the following sizes:
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NB, 6M,
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Already claimed: Doll, 3M, 12M, 18M, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5T

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PLEASE read the PATTERN TESTING GUIDELINES!!!

Pattern Testers Wanted!! - Knit Peasant Tee - CLOSED

THIS TESTING IS NOW CLOSED !!! -- thanks everybody!

I'm currently looking for people who are interesting in testing my "Knit Peasant Tee" (#21003) sewing pattern before making it available for purchase.
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Description: A snug-fitting hip-length peasant-style tee with elastic shirring around the neckline and sleeves for easy on and off. Made with super comfy knit fabric or refashion some old shirts. This versatile tee is great for layering and easily goes with skirts, under jumpers or even paired with jeans -- and it can be embellished in many ways. Pattern includes short, 3/4 or long sleeve options. 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).
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You will receive NUMBER pages of patterns and 14 pages of instructions, including 30 steps and 36 pictures to guide you along as you make it.

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I need testers for the following sizes:
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NB, 2T, 5T
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Already claimed: 3M, 6M, 12M, 18M, 3T, 4T, Doll
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Here's how it works ...
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~ You leave your email in a comment and let me know that you're interested and what size you would like to test.
~ I reply and send you a copy of the pdf pattern, which you download, print and get sewing.
~ You tell me where I can improve and refine the pattern and instructions ... including how the size fits, grammatical errors and typos, if something needs to be added (pictures, more instructions, explanations, etc.)
~ You get a free copy of ALL the final versions of the pattern once they are edited and finalized.
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Requirements ...
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~ You must have basic sewing skills (you don't have to be advanced!)
~ You must have the results back to me within 1 week.
~ You must take pictures of the finished product and email them to me.
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I hope you're up for the challenge, if so let me know!!!
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NOTICE: Anyone who has tested and *not* returned the results within 2 weeks will not be eligable to test (unless you've tested multiple patterns before), contact me for more details.

Pattern Testers Wanted!! - Ruffle Skirt - CLOSED

THIS TESTING IS NOW CLOSED!!!

I'm currently looking for people who are interesting in testing my "Ruffle Skirt" (#22004) sewing pattern before making it available for purchase.

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Description: A darling skirt featuring a ruffle and a dropped wait. It's fun to mix-and-match prints and colors. Instructons for three different elastic techniques (shirring using elastic thread, classic elastic casing and ruffled elastic casing). Instructions for three different gathering techniques (2 variations using a basic sewing machine and using a ruffler foot attachment). OPTIONAL: Instructions on using our Bloomer pattern for a Ruffle Skirt with attached Bloomers.

You will receive 1 page of patterns and 15 pages of instructions, including 50 steps and 48 pictures to guide you along as you make it.

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I need testers for the following sizes:

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NB, 18M

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Already claimed: 3M, 6M, 12M, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5T, Doll

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Here's how it works ...

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~ You leave your email in a comment and let me know that you're interested and what size you would like to test.

~ I reply and send you a copy of the pdf pattern, which you download, print and get sewing.

~ You tell me where I can improve and refine the pattern and instructions ... including how the size fits, grammatical errors and typos, if something needs to be added (pictures, more instructions, explanations, etc.)

~ You get a free copy of ALL the final versions of the pattern once they are edited and finalized.

...

Requirements ...

...

~ You must have basic sewing skills (you don't have to be advanced!)

~ You must have the results back to me within 1 week.

~ You must take pictures of the finished product and email them to me.

...

I hope you're up for the challenge, if so let me know!!!

...

NOTICE: Anyone who has tested and *not* returned the results within 2 weeks will not be eligable to test (unless you've tested multiple patterns before), contact me for more details.