Sunday, May 19, 2013

Pattern Testers Wanted -- Ladies Yoga A-Line Skirt -- CLOSED !!!

this testing is now CLOSED ... thank you so much !!!
I'm currently looking for people who are interesting in testing my "Ladies Yoga A-Line Skirt" (#12010) sewing pattern before making it available for purchase. IMPORTANT: I *need* the reviews back by May 31th!!
...
Description: Features a fold-over a simple straight yoga waistband.  Wear the yoga waistand up for more coverage and support (high rise), or folded down for a low-rise look.  Pattern includes NINE different length options (from above the knee to maxi).  (This is a pattern for *knit* fabrics, not wovens.)
Here's how it works (please do this all in ONE comment!!)
~ You leave your email in a comment and what size you would like to test.
~ In the SAME comment, please link to a picture (on a blog or on fb) where I can see samples or your sewing/photography. MUST be pictures of aduts, not children.  Photography plays a BIG part on who tests for me.

I need testers for the following sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
...
Already claimed: NONE
...
PLEASE read the PATTERN TESTING GUIDELINES!!!

**I reserve the right to choose whomever I wish to test.  It will not be based on a first-come first-serve basis.  If you've tested before and did not return the results you are NOT eligible.... and you must have purchased pattern from Jocole before (yes I do check).

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Pattern Testers Wanted -- Ladies Yoga Pants -- CLOSED

this testing is now CLOSED ... thank you so much ladies !!!!
I'm currently looking for people who are interesting in testing my "Ladies Yoga Pants" (#13012) sewing pattern before making it available for purchase. IMPORTANT: I *need* the reviews back by May 31th!!
...
Description: Slim trough the waist and thighs and then flares out below the knee.  Features a fold-over a simple straight yoga waistband.  Wear the yoga waistand up for more coverage and support (high rise), or folded down for a low-rise look.  Pattern includes short length, capri length and full length (petite, regular or tall) options.  These are not *just* for yoga ... you can wear these ANYWHERE !!!  (This is a pattern for *knit* fabrics, not wovens.)

Here's how it works (please do this all in ONE comment!!)
~ You leave your email in a comment and what size you would like to test.
~ In the SAME comment, please link to a picture (on a blog or on fb) where I can see samples or your sewing/photography. MUST be pictures of aduts, not children.  Photography plays a BIG part on who tests for me.

I need testers for the following sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
...
Already claimed: NONE
...
PLEASE read the PATTERN TESTING GUIDELINES!!!

**I reserve the right to choose whomever I wish to test.  It will not be based on a first-come first-serve basis.  If you've tested before and did not return the results you are NOT eligible.... and you must have purchased pattern from Jocole before (yes I do check).

Thursday, May 16, 2013

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 ...

Monday, May 06, 2013

Boatneck Tee -- Mix&Match Modification

Boatneck Tees are all the rage, do you want to sew one?

Here is a quick tutorial on how to adjust the Mix&Match Basic Empire Bodice so you can make one.
Left: Basic Empire Bodice (adjusted following the tutorial), Classic Sleeve (long), and Radiant A-Lone Bottom (tunic length) for a looser fit
Right: Basic Empire Bodice (adjusted following the tutorial), Classic Sleeve (3/4 length), Basic Tee Bottom for a more classic tee fit.

The pictures were drawn with the ladies size pattern pieces .... but you can definitely use it for the girls sizing options as well.

MATERIALS NEEDED:
Basic Empire Bodice pdf sewing pattern
Classic Sleeves pdf sewing pattern
pencil or pen
scissors
paper and tape

[BELOW]  To start, you'll need the BACK pattern pieces from the Basic Empire Bodice pdf sewing pattern [shown with blue lines] available in the Mix & Match Series.

Draw a line starting at the middle of the shoulder seam and gently curve it to the middle of the center back neckline (where it meets the center back vertical line).

NOTE: you will use this new modified back pattern piece for both the front AND the back when you sew up your Boatneck Tee.
D-O-N-E .... now you can pair your new modified back piece from your Basic Empire Bodice with any of the pieces from the Mix&Match series from Jocole.

I would recommend doing the Turned & Stitched method around your new boat neckline.  You can find those instructions HERE.