I've got the Skinny on Jocole Patterns in the BundleUP!

The Pattern Revolution BundleUP for Women Blog Tour Continues!  The sale continues through June 27, 2014!  If you haven't made a decision yet, look over the patterns available here.

Today's look at the BundleUP is Jocole Patterns.  Two patterns are included!

 

Take a look at all of Jodi's PDF Patterns available here:  JOCOLE

A Couple of Pictures first . . . .

Jocole Peplum Top, modified sleeves, Elbow Length

Jocole Skinny Pant, Front Pockets, Capri length

Jocole Peplum Top

Honestly, when the buzz started a year or so ago about "Peplum" this and that, I had no idea what everyone was talking about.  I am a flip-flop, tennis skort, cami top styling girl that tills a garden, cleans my pool, mows "the back 40," entertainer of chickens, dogs and cats kind of girl.  I know nothing of style.  Just comfortable clothes that get me through each day.  

Then I realized my niece Katie mentioned something about never having found a peplum top that she really liked.  Yeah, a chance to try a peplum and find out what the fuss is all about.

Tshirt with a twist is what it is!

This top is a fitted knit t-shirt with a peplum at the natural waist and includes six (6) sleeve options.  After printing 15 pages with a smidge of colored ink use (the jocole logo), you will have 6 pattern pieces, one is optional to change the look of the back peplum.  Instructions are very detailed and every possible tip is included either directly in the pattern instruction or via a link provided to Jodi's extensive tips & tricks located at her website here.  

I finished my shirt in 30 minutes: from print & tape, cut & fabric to the serger.  (I've been sewing for 30+ years, and its not often I find a pattern I can sew together without looking at the instructions -- I'm in love with Jocole!)  If you take longer, no worries, we all sew at different levels!  I know I cried many times over the last 30 years struggling to learn to sew!  

My Peplum Top

I decided I wanted to make it one size larger, for layering. 

AND I wanted split sleeves.  

Glad I tried this!  I love the look.  

And I love the sweater knit I found on a clearance table at Hancock Fabrics a couple months ago.  #hoarder

I simply cut the sleeves in the largest size, split each sleeve in two pieces at the fold, overlapped the top and bottom of the sleeve to fit my armscye, stay-stitched, then set them in following the instructions.

Try it! You can figure this one out!

I wonder if Katie will like this!

Jocole Skinny Pants

Girls, how many pairs of pants do you have that, if you lay them out on the floor, look like a rectangle?  Are you shaped like a rectangle?  No, we all have a bit of a curve, whether or not you realize it!  

Fiddled with a decorative stitch on my sewing machine.  I'm liking that special touch!

Jodi has designed the essential easy-on, comfy knit waistband (the comfort of yoga pants plus the style of  skinny pants) one stop bottoms pattern.  I say bottoms because there are seven (shout it!) length options:  shorts, bermuda, clam digger, capri, petite, regular, tall.  And options for front and/or back pockets.  Yep.

I know.  You are amazed.  Jodi Jean Baird is amazing.  

My Skinnys

I found a woven in my stash that had the same leaf style as the sweater knit I used for my Peplum Top.  #lovemyfabrichoard!!!  And I had a lycra knit that I was saving for a bikini, so I knew I would be able to snip off a bit for my yoga waistband and still have enough left for future plans with that fabric.

And yes, another 30 minute garment completion time.  I did not have to look at her instructions, yet again.  (Of course I did look at the instructions -- you may not have been sewing as long as I have and you might wonder if everything you need to know to make these pants & top are there for you -- IT IS!!!!)

21 color coded pages to print, 2 pattern pieces for the pant, 2 optional pattern pieces for the pocket choices.  One measurement guide to cut your yoga waistband.  

For me, a perfect fit.  I do not have to go to another clothing store for bottoms.  Ever.  

(Fishtail Peplum Option)

My Recommendation

Because Jocole Patterns are filled with everything you need --  detailed instructions, photos/diagrams, links to extensive tips & tricks from Jodi on her blog, cutting lines for lengthening/shortening; and Jodi Jean Baird has created a community for discussion and help on Facebook; and, the devoted, helpful Jocole fans sharing their experience with Jocole patterns, as well as their personal sewing experience/expertise . . . (I need to take a deep breath here because that is a LOT y'all!) 

. . . you should definitely Bundle both Jocole Patterns offered in this sale.  

Then, go directly to her shop and buy some more!  

Happy Self-Care Sewing,

gloria june

PS:  Did I tell you I love Jodi Jean Baird?  She works hard for you honey!  Give her some of your money! And you'll get back so much more!   

Smart Tip: Lengthen or Shorten Your Pattern Pieces!

How to Lengthen/Shorten A Pattern Piece

If a pattern has a cut line to use for adding or removing length, you can customize the garment to fit your body style. This means the designer took the time to determine for you where it is most appropriate and will not disrupt the design or the way your fabric will lay once construction is complete.

I’m using the Love Notions Ladies Hip Hop Tank for this example to lengthen.  A tip for SHORTENING is at the end of this tutorial.

My chest is larger than my waist by 11 inches. Therefore, I know that I need to add at least 2” to the length of my tank. My chest will raise up the tank’s length on my body.

On the main pattern piece for the tank, you will find a scissor and dotted line indicating where to cut to lengthen or shorten.

I know I need to lengthen by 2” so I have cut on the dotted line and then squared my (now) 2 pattern pieces on my cutting mat, 2” apart.

I’ve recycled the paper that was left over from cutting out the actual pattern, turned it over so no print would show (avoiding confusion!), and placed it under my pattern pieces.
Repeat with the back pattern piece.

Tape to secure and you now have added length to your tank!

The same concept will work for shortening. Take the bottom part of the two pieces you created. Measure the length you need to REMOVE. Mark your cut lines on the bottom piece, using your cutting mat or other measuring tools. Cut on the line you just created/marked. Tape the bottom piece back to the top piece. Do the same with the back of the bodice. And you’re ready to cut your fabric!


Happy Sewing!
gloria june