This week I thought I’d give you an update on the Joy bamboo pocket pant. You’ve all been wonderful in providing me with your valuable insights so I think it’s only fair to keep you in the know!
Customer input
In the world of fashion, it can feel like you’re at the mercy of designers and the latest trends. One of my core design principles has always been to listen to you, my customers. I often seek out your input when it comes to new designs. Then COKANNA Kanbassadors test out samples. And, your feedback when a style hits the streets is great information for further pattern adjustments and future designs.
The pocket pant is a good example. Many of you volunteered to be a Kanbassador. The first two people who put their hands up were Joy in Montreal and Jackie in Ottawa. They’ve both given the pants a thumbs up. The pocket, set into the side panel on both legs, is perfect for carrying your phone, cards, keys, or whatever you need handy.
3 pant lengths
From there I sought out your opinion on offering 3 different lengths: Petite 28″, Regular 31″, and Tall 35″. Btw, the measurement is for your inseam which runs from the inside top of your leg to the floor. As an aside, I find with knit pants, there is a tendency to make them too short. When you pull them on, they stretch so they appear longer, but as you wear them they creep up. It’s always better to go an inch or more longer than you think. Particularly, if they’re narrow at the ankle. It’s okay for them to bunch up a bit. If they go over the shoe, they should be at least halfway down the heel.
Your response to offering different lengths was YESSS! For the long-legged beauties, there’s not a lot out there to choose from. If the pants are too short, there’s nothing you can do. No one wants to wear floods!
For the petite ladies, you always have the option to shorten your pants. But, it’s a pain you could live without. Or, at least, not having to cut 6 or more inches off the leg. As some of you pointed out, when you have to shorten the legs that much, it often changes the look of the pants. They don’t hang properly. At 5 foot zero, I can relate to this.
So, based on your valuable feedback, I will be offering the Joy pant in all 3 lengths. Please keep in mind It’s adding 8 new sizes to my repertoire because each Size 1 to 4 will have 2 more lengths added in. Which means I can only do a few Petite’s and Tall’s for each size and colour.
3 colours
The other thing you so kindly helped me out with was colour. I had already decided to do black because black is a staple. It’s always the best seller. I also wanted to do a charcoal grey mix because that’s been popular in the past and I haven’t offered it for a while. But, the 3rd colour was up in the air. I wondered should I go completely different with a plum or olive green. Again, you responded and I heard you. The overwhelming choice was navy. So, navy it is.
3 colours: black, charcoal, navy
The fabric has been ordered. The markers have been done. That’s the layout of the pattern pieces. We are set to go into production at The Bobbins Production Studio in August. Psst…for those of you who like the Olive, I have a bit of sample fabric leftover so we’ll probably be able to squeeze out two pairs.
Olive green
Pre-order opportunity
If you don’t want to miss out, you can pre-order now to guarantee your size, length, and colour choice. Delivery will be in approximately 6 weeks just in time for Fall.
I would also like to ask you for a favour. Please pass this opportunity on to anyone you think might be interested. I’m producing a lot more than usual. Even though there will only be a few of the Petite’s and Tall’s in each size and colour, they all add up to a much larger production run.
Of course, the best way to stay on top of new style offerings is to be on my mailing list. Here’s the link to sign up. Any Kanbassador opportunities, pre-orders, sales, blog posts, etc. go out to my subscribers first. You always get first dibs.
Joy’s story
Last but certainly not least, I would like to tell you a bit about Joy Rodgers, the beautiful soul for whom the pocket pant is named. In 2016, Joy was diagnosed with breast cancer just after her 35th birthday. She had a 3 year old and 6 year old at home.
One day her bra felt funny. When she got home, she took it off only to find it looked fine. So, she gave herself a breast exam and found a lump. As with many women who are diagnosed with breast cancer, she had no family history of cancer, she worked out 5 days a week, never smoked, and ate well.
Scared and in shock, she was quickly thrown into 16 chemotherapy treatments before undergoing a double mastectomy. A few months later, she had a hysterectomy after finding she was a carrier of the BRCA1 gene mutation.
In June of 2018, 4 surgeries completed, she was in remission. But, she felt as though she couldn’t just walk away. In July, the idea for Joyful Packages was born. Joy offers cancer care packages for men, women & children both in treatment and in recovery.
After breast cancer, Joy started Joyful Packages
Thank you, Joy, for graciously lending your name to the new bamboo pocket pant, and for bringing some joy, comfort and care to those living with cancer.
Until next time,
~ Colleen
I’m a recovering Chartered Accountant and Breast Cancer Champion turned Fashion Designer. My COKANNA Canadian-made bamboo clothing is all about comfort and style. Giving back to the community is important to me so I support Rethink Breast Cancer‘s metastatic breast cancer education, support, and advocacy work.
