Twist Tie and Wrap Dress

Here's the latest project ... a twist tie and wrap dress. This versatile dress can be worn in multiple ways ... I've only just shown three. It features an a-line skirt (30" from seam to hem) with a 12" band and 2 LONG straps. The band can be folded and pulled over the bust, or worn at the waist ... etc. The straps can be wrapped, twisted and tied however you can dream it.

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It was in the shop for 2 hours and got 37 views and 3 hearts and then it sold.

sneak peek ... new colors coming soon!

New colors coming soon ... pictured above is charcoal grey. We will also be offering a soft orange, a kelly green and a robin's egg blue. I'm soooo excited about all the changes coming to jocole. Hence all the not-posting on my blog.

digital delights

here is what i've been up to since christmas ... the newest jocole creation ... pdf stationery!! printable cards (folded or flat) and gift cards or tags. all you need is paper! you can print as many as you like, for you, or give as a gift!

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This stationery set features a picture of abstract swirly carnations in white, cream, pink and green and is currently for sale in my etsy shop. (more designs will be listed soon!)

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Folded Note Card: 4.25" x 5.5"

Flat Note Card: 4.25" x 5.5"

Folded Gift Card: 2.125" x 2"
Flat Gift Tag: 4.25" x 2

are you wearing the right size?

i haven't been posting to the jocole blog in AGES!! that blog was created to discuss what was new and going on with my business and also to just talk about clothing and thing related to clothing and dressing in general.

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today i'm discussing correct bra sizing ... so head on over there and check it out. i'm also working on a series to help you clean out your closets.

jocole logo

i'm sure you're wondering what logo i decided on ... since i haven't updated after adding the poll. i was surprised by how many people voted ... 37!! sheesh i didn't know that many people follow my blog, since i've never received that many comments. for those of you who were curious as to the results ... here they are!

before i even posted the poll i was already pretty much set between #2 and #3 and then before the poll closed i decided on #3. i think it's interesting that design won ... although that isn't why i chose it. thank you to everyone who voted!!

jocole news -- plus 15% off

there is stuff happening with jocole right now. i've been pretty much neglecting my business since i got pregnant with aidan -- seriously neglecting!! recently i've had a surge of creativity in the tyvek things and have been posting those on etsy ... and then i thought to myself why aren't i focusing more on the modest clothing?
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so ... i've been working on patterns for new styles. i have a phone number for a new sewing contractor to get some more shirts manufactured (i'm hoping to call on monday). huzzah ... new color options!!

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i was recently contacted by an online lds website that wants to carry my clothing as part of their inventory. just one more outlet for people to buy my stuff, and for me to be able to expand. i'm really excited about this new venture and hoping that it leads to more. (one order through them so far!!!)

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the new venture gave me another push and has motivated me further. i finally updated my website, and am working on adding the tyvek things (most are still only available on etsy right now). i figured out how to handle keeping track of my available inventory, so i now have product actually for sale on my website. and i'm offering a promotion for the month of august.

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hopefully i don't lose all this momentum when #2 decides to arrive.

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and now i know what you're thinking ... WAIT!! i thought you mentioned something about 15% off??

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yup ... that's right folks. in order to try to clear out some inventory to make room for more ... i'm offering 15% off your entire order of $50 or more. all you have to do is enter the promotion code: Jocole15 during checkout. but this special promotion is only through august and ends on the 31st. and as always through jocole.net: FREE SHIPPING!!

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and if you want to order a tyvek creation that isn't currently available on jocole.net, send me and email and i'll try to get it up asap.

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so tell your friends and family, and pass along the savings.

which logo is your favorite? (POLL)

alrighty people!! the very talented and creative megan of knuckleheaders is working on creating a new logo for jocole ... and i just LOVE all her designs. i need outside opinions. please vote in the poll (on the left sidebar) and leave comments on what you like and what you don't like. seriously people ... i NEED your help!

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yes ... i know some numbers are missing ... i've already narrowed down the logos a bit. (and i'm leaning towards one of them ... but i don't want to make you biased)

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Design #2

Design #3

Design #4

Design #10

newest modest shirt design

my newest modest shirt design. i did the pattern on tuesday and cut it out in the fabric and sewed it last night. (only took me 15 minutes to sew it ... LOVE LOVE LOVE my new serger!) it still needs tweaking ... i think gathers under the bust where the empire seam is would look much more flattering. but i LOVE the idea. one side has a cowl neck where the other side has a high neckline (but it's totally reversible ... you could wear the cowl in the front or the back!) i also think i want to make the cowl more pronounced. is it cute enough to worry about trying to fix the pattern, or should i move on to another design??

i think it looks cute on my bump though ... and can you see my belly button just wanting to pop out??

i got press

i met a girl on the etsy forums and she was interested in doing an interview with me and featuring me on her blog! holy moley!

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you can read all about me on her blog, it's kinda flattering, no?

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she makes the cutest camera straps i've ever seen, check out her etsy store for yourself.

my newest tyvek creation -- baby wipes case

here is the prototype for my newest tyvek creation ... a baby wipes case. wouldn't this make you happy every time you had to bust it out to use it? i know it sure would make me happy. i know all of you will just be waiting on the edges of your couches until you can purchase one for yourself!!! sorry, you can't have this one ... it's for nicole and baby caleb's bum!! (and she LOVED it!) ... head on over to my etsy shop to buy one of your own!

sneak peek

here is a sneak peak of one of my new designs that will (someday) be available at http://www.jocole.net/. i love it!! it's comfortable (not too tight and not too loose) and extra long (as all jocole shirts are) and long sleeved. oh how i love me some long sleeves when it's cold outside. i can't wait to play with this pattern and make some more changes!! overall, i'm really pleased with how it turned out. it will be perfect starting point to change the neckline into anything, and change the sleeves. a perfect basic pattern. i LOVE it. here is betty modeling it ... i haven't been able to teach aidan to take pictures ... YET ... so none of me!

i took one of my own patterns, converted it into a pdf and uploaded it onto burdastyle.com just to see how it would turn out back in january. i love the idea of offering some of my own patterns on my website, so stay tuned. i'll be working on some more, i'm sure. but for now, check out the square bottom bag, currently available for download over at burdastyle.com

happy birthday mom!!

it was my mom's birthday last week, and i had to wait until i gave her present to her to blog about it (ya know, since she reads my blog). here it all is, i hope she's happy with it. i told her i was making her tyvek stuff, but didn't tell her what. and the pattern was a surprise as well. enjoy mom! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

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scripture covers, one for her bible and one for her triple combination.

a new coin pouch and wallet

the coin pouch features a zipper change pocket in the back ... oooooo fancy!!

a new makeup bag with matching mirror (she's been needing one of these, her old one was one of the first ones i ever made ... the design was hand drawn on with permanent markers and it wasn't lined) this was her one request. all the others were surprises.

MY new toy

look at what my husband let me buy ... it's a babylock imagine ... which features air-jet technology ... meaning it basically threads itself (which if you've ever used a serger know what a hassle threading is!!) i haven't had a chance to REALLY play with it (and i've had it since the sturday before mother's day!!) i need to go cut some fabric and make me some shirts. maybe i'll have some free time next week.

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i got a GREAT deal on it ... $400. now that might seem like a LOT to you, but they retail for somewhere around $2,300 and the buy-it-now price for used ones on e-bay were $1,200. (i tried getting some links, but there weren't any on e-bay right now, and all the sewing supply places said "call for pricing") sheesh!! robby said i should sell it and get the profit ... but i want to use this baby!! now i can start pumping our some sample designs for jocole. HUZZAH!!

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i'll show ya some new designs when i have a chance to sit down a play!!

Recipe Box - Design Your Own

now available in my etsy store!! you know you want one to spice up your kitchen. stay tuned for more new tyvek creations and more tyvek designs coming soon!!Keep all of your favorite recipes, whether handed down, borrowed or invented, in this recipe box with style. It holds 3" x 5" recipe cards. This box is made out of light, but sturdy cardboard and is covered in printed tyvek. Keep your recipes neat and organized with 12 coordinated blank tabbed dividers.

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Check out all of our available designs that can be printed on all of our Tyvek creations at the Jocole Library! Colors may vary slightly due to different computer monitors. I reserve the right to choose the best part of the design for your wallet. Or choose an image of your own and make the creation truly unique. How can you go wrong when you choose your own design or image?

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Dimensions:
5.5" w x 4" h x 3.5" d

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** This item is made to order – Please allow approximately 2 weeks for shipment after payment is received. **

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Designed, printed and handmade by Jocole.

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About Tyvek:
Tyvek offers all the best characteristics of paper, film and fabric in one material. The raw materials for Tyvek include recycled plastic milk jugs, providing an excellent reuse of post-consumer materials.

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Tyvek is considerably lighter than other materials, yet considerably stronger. Incredibly water- and moisture-resistant. Liquids simply run off its smooth surface, keeping the contents perfectly dry. Tyvek is unaffected by moisture, common acids or bases, which makes it ideal for long-term storage and archival purposes.

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Tyvek is puncture- and rip-resistant, which allows it to stand up to rough handling that it might be subjected to. That’s nice to know when you’ve got something important inside.

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Tyvek starts out as bright white and silky smooth. It has a distinctive look and feel that instantly sets it apart. The exceptional whiteness of Tyvek enhances images, which makes printing images and designs on it beautiful. We only use 100% waterproof archival pigment ink, so rest assured, your image or design will stay put.

the story of jocole

check out the story of jocole over at the jocole blog
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http://jocole.blogspot.com/2007/02/story-of-jocole.html

quick survey

the jocole team has been furiously working on expanding our products line and we want to know what *you* want. you can influence what products jocole carries.

please take a minute or two and complete the survey in the link below:

http://quizilla.com/users/jocole/polls/3581063/influence_the_jocole_product_line/

any other additional comments or suggestions can be emailed directly to Jocole at: buyjocole@yahoo.com

we plan to continue introducing products and color options, if you have a product or a color that you would like to see on our website, http://www.jocole.net, please contact us.

excuses excuses

sorry it's been forever people. luckily my last post was very entertaining.

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here are some excuses on what's been keeping me busy, in no particular order...

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- church calling - being the 2nd counselor in the young womens organization keeps me busy sundays and tuesdays

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- work - keeps me busy monday through friday, 9 am through 5 pm

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- baby - holy moley ... the kicking, the doctor's appointments, the eating - plus i finally got the crib and other baby things, which meant i had to clean out the "office" (aka the black pit, which means a room just full of random boxes that we never unpacked -- required a trip to ikea for some $30 bookshelfs) (heck yea, full bookshelfs for only $30.00 awesome!!!)

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- business - i've been working on trying to do a complete overhaul on my website (http://www.jocole.net), get some more shirts manufactured in more colors for those customers out there who are wanting more, draft some patterns for more designs (yup you heard it here first, we're planning more tops, pants and skirts) be prepared, i'm planning on posting some sketches here, i want feedback people to see what ya'll want.

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- random projects - my boss has "hired" me to make a costume for her daughter. i had to draft the pattern basically from scratch, and now i still need to do the fitting shell and then sew the finished garment. so far it is still only on paper. good thing i know she'll pay me for all the hours that are going to go into this. i'm thinking of asking her to trade the costume for her bernina, think she'll go for it? i hope so, hopefull i rack up enough hours to make it worth her while. i'm so tired of my sewing machine (which actually needs to go to the shop right now...)

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plus somewhere in the midst of all of this randomness i need to spend time with my husband, watch some gilmore girls, and spend some girly time with friends. blogging has just fallen behind. sorry people.

modesty

I had plans to post on my recent trip to the hospital, but I feel that this matter is much more important. (and please bear with me, I just typed this whole long post and my computer ate it.)
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recently on the blogs that I read there has been much discussion about "modesty". although I’m not a mom ... yet. I’ve always felt very strongly in that matter. I don’t think that this is necessarily just an issue with our kids, although there is an issue with that. I don’t ever shop for little girls clothes, but I have seen some in passing that make me sick. Why do people, and clothing retailers and manufacturers feel the need that we as parents want our six years olds looking like teenagers? They don’t need "sex appeal" they are little girls and need to remain that way.
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While I was working as a pattern maker in a custom bathing suit shop there was an order for a bathing suit for a one year old. It was for a bikini with a thong bottom. Yes you read that right. Why in the world would someone want to look at a one year olds bottom in a thong? Where would the diaper go? How could that be comfortable on such a small child (let alone, an adult)? It was disgusting, but I had to make it.
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Yes it is a problem for our girls, but I also think it is our problem as well. We as women and mothers need to be the example to our children and the children around us that modesty is important. We need to show them the correct way to dress. It is easy to be modest if you truly desire to and we need to be the examples.
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Modesty has always been an issue for me, I struggled with it as a teenager, but now as an adult I see it’s importance. So much so, that I started a business completely based on modesty. Check it out: http://www.jocole.net./ They are shirts designed to perfectly cover you in all of the right places. They are reversible, which means, that if you wear it one way it was a modest scoop neckline, or if you flip it around it has an even higher neckline. And they have an extra extra long length. You can wear them alone, are with the latest styles without compromising modesty. They are designed to expand your wardrobe options – while keeping your cleavage, back and stomach covered.
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The clothing that we wear reflects who we are. Modesty in our dress is a virtue we should not put aside because of today’s fashions. I value modesty in ones appearance. My goal is to provide clothing that women of all ages can feel good about wearing. I don’t believe that you have to choose between dressing modesty and dressing fashionably. How we dress is an expression of who we are. Everyone has their own unique style, and my products empower women to express themselves by choosing the clothes that they love AND still be modest.
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If you feel like reading more in the matter, you can check out:
http://everydaymommy.net/everyday-mommy/2006/9/5/moms-for-modesty.html
I feel very strongly about this subject, and I think we all should.