Jocole Patterns are a staple here at Pattern Revolution, and we're happy to share the latest pattern, the Ladies A-Line Shift. It's a dress and a tunic, and suitable for knits and wovens, so lots of versatility there. This pattern will be available in the Women's Bundle UP May 1-8 at a deep discount, and after may 22 at full price in the Jocole SHOP. Here's the full review Kari and a second look by Marnie.

Hooray!!! It’s Women’s Bundle UP time and a great excuse to put down my toddler/children’s patterns and sew for myself!! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Kari from That's-Sew-Kari and I spend most of my time creating outfits for my two girls. Luckily, the Bundle UP forced me to take a much-needed ME sew!

The Ladies A-Line Shift Dress is an A-line shift dress or tunic with a boat neck or scoopneck option and can be made in woven or knit. The woven version includes a zipper down the back whereas the knit version does not require the use of a zipper. The included size range (XS -XXXL) covers chest measurements of 30” - 49”. True to Jocole fashion, this pattern is well-drafted, yet easy to customize to your unique body.

For mine, I’ve sewed the boat neck, knit version in an XS. I was originally going to sew with woven fabric, but then realized (after a couple woven muslins) that I had this navy/white polka dot Riley Blake knit [that I ordered from fabric.com in lieu of paying for shipping :) ] that was begging to be used. Sewing a muslin for yourself is a much-needed step, in my opinion, as no two ladies’ bodies are alike. The patterns are drafted for the average lady, and I, for one, am anything but average. I am 5’1” and have a rather “rectangle” body shape, meaning my waist measurement isn’t that much smaller than my shoulder or hip measurements. I measured into the size S, but found the XS to be a more flattering fit on my petite frame. I also used the indicated lines to shorten the pattern that my body needed.

Truth be told, I had originally planned this dress to be made just in the navy dots… but, unbeknownst to me, my “BACK” pattern piece had come untaped and I realized it only as I was sewing up my side seams (which is one of the last steps). I didn’t have enough dots to recut both back pieces so I turned to my fellow Pattern Revolution ladies and lamented my mistake. Enter red knit band to the rescue!! Seriously, I now couldn’t imagine the dress without the contrast band at the bottom! (Thanks for the save, ladies!) The contrast band is just under 6” tall here.