Intentional: My Word for 2026

For the second year in a row, I’m choosing a word of the year that reflects my real life. It’s not a highlight reel or a goal list filled with pressure. It reflects the season I’m actually in. As I move into 2026, my word is intentional.

This word didn’t come from a trend or a list of “popular words for the year.” It came from lived experience. From lessons learned the hard way. From moments where I realized that being busy doesn’t always mean being fulfilled. Doing more doesn’t always mean moving forward.

Why Intentional, and Why Now

Intentional means choosing with purpose. It means slowing down long enough to ask why before saying yes. It means aligning my actions with my values instead of running on autopilot.

At this stage of my life, I’m learning that growth as an adult often looks quieter than we expect. It looks like discernment. It looks like boundaries. It looks like honoring your energy instead of giving it away freely.

In 2026, I’m no longer interested in pouring from an empty cup. I want to live in ways that support the woman I’m becoming. I want to move and create in ways that support her as well. I will not support the version of me that felt obligated to do it all.

Being Intentional With My Fitness

Fitness has been a constant in my life, but my relationship with it continues to evolve. In 2026, I’m choosing intentional fitness—not punishment, not extremes, not chasing quick results.

This year, my goals are rooted in:

  • Strength that supports my body as I age
  • Consistency over intensity
  • Movement that feels sustainable and empowering
  • Fueling my body with care instead of restriction

Every workout is a choice to invest in my future self. Strength training, cardio, rest days, and nourishment all have a place—and none of them require guilt. Being intentional means listening to my body and respecting what it needs in each season.

Being Intentional With My Sewing

Sewing has always been more than a creative outlet for me—it’s a form of self-expression, problem-solving, and confidence-building. In 2026, I’m being intentional about what I sew and why.

That means:

  • Choosing projects that challenge my skills and support my growth
  • Sewing garments that fit my body and my real life
  • Letting go of perfectionism and embracing progress
  • Creating with joy instead of pressure

Each stitch reminds me that learning takes time, mistakes are part of the process, and finished is better than perfect. Sewing teaches patience—and patience is something I’m intentionally practicing this year.

Putting Myself First Without Apology

One of the biggest shifts for me has been understanding that putting myself first doesn’t mean neglecting others. It means showing up whole. It means protecting my time. It means safeguarding my energy and my creativity. This way, I can give from a place of fullness instead of depletion.

Intentional living means:

  • Saying no without over explaining
  • Resting without feeling like I need to earn it
  • Choosing peace over performance
  • Allowing myself to grow out of what no longer fits

This year, I’m honoring my needs without guilt and trusting myself enough to follow my own rhythm.

What I Hope 2026 Brings

I’m not chasing perfection in 2026. I’m choosing alignment. I’m choosing thoughtful decisions, steady progress, and a life that feels good from the inside out.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that intention changes everything. It shapes how we move, how we create, and how we show up for ourselves day after day.

Here’s to a year of living on purpose.
Here’s to a year of intentional choices.
Here’s to 2026.

The Sassy Sweatsuit – A Cozy Second Make

There’s nothing like a pattern that you love enough to sew twice. The Sassy Sweatsuit by Patterns by Dee definitely earned that honor in my sewing room! This is my second time making this pattern, and I have to say, it’s just as enjoyable as the first. The first one was made in November 2024 (the black and white). I am starting to see a theme with this pattern and the month of November.

For this version, I used a soft sweatshirt fleece (I wish I could remember where I purchased it — clearly I need to start labeling my fabric stash!). The fleece provided an excellent balance of warmth and structure. This makes it ideal for cozy weekends. It is also perfect for casual days out.

Easy and Beginner-Friendly

One of the things I really appreciate about the Sassy Sweatsuit is how beginner-friendly it is. The construction is straightforward, and the instructions are easy to follow. If you’re newer to sewing and looking for a confidence-boosting project, this one is a great choice.

Small Alterations

The only adjustment I made was to the pant length. I removed about 4 inches to get the perfect fit for my height. Otherwise, the pattern fit beautifully straight out of the envelope.

Final Thoughts

This is one of those patterns that I know I’ll reach for again and again. It’s comfortable, stylish, and comes together quickly — everything I love in a loungewear project. The Sassy Sweatsuit is a reminder that sometimes the simplest makes can bring the most satisfaction.

Until next time,
Keep the Sew Life with Riesha Nicolle 💜

Viki Sews Erica Top in Hunter Green Sweater Knit

The Viki Sews Erica Top is such a beautiful balance of comfort and style! I wanted something cozy yet chic for my Fall Capsule Wardrobe Collection, and this pattern was the perfect choice. I used a soft, lightweight sweater knit in a rich hunter green — the color feels so elegant and ideal for the season.

What I love most about the Erica Top is how effortlessly it can transition from casual to polished. I wore it with jeans for a casual dress day in the office and paired it with booties and a matching belt to complete the look. It was comfortable enough for all-day wear but still looked put-together.

I also plan to make a pair of trousers to go along with it for a more elevated, coordinated outfit option. The fit of the top is relaxed yet flattering, and the sweater knit gives it that perfect drape — cozy without being bulky. This pattern was simple to sew, making it a great project for confident beginners looking to add a stylish knit top to their handmade wardrobe.

Pattern: Viki Sews Erica Top
Fabric: Lightweight sweater knit in hunter green
Skill Level: Confident beginner

Until the next make, remember — confidence looks good on you.

💕 Sew Life with RieshaNicolle

Kicking Off My Professional Fall Capsule Wardrobe 2025

Fall is one of my favorite seasons to sew for. The cooler weather, cozy textures, and rich colors make it the perfect time to refresh my wardrobe. This year, I’m creating a Professional Fall Capsule Wardrobe. It includes 12 carefully chosen pieces. These pieces are designed to mix and match for work or any polished occasion.

The capsule will include:

  • 4 Tops – easy basics with a professional finish
  • 3 Bottoms – trousers, a skirt, and a pair of casual pants
  • 3 Outer Layers – layering pieces for warmth and style
  • 2 Dresses – one day dress and one little black dress

The goal is to sew pieces that are versatile. They should also align with my personal style. My style is chic, functional, and comfortable.

The First Piece: Mood Sewciety Marbella Fold Over Top

To start off my capsule, I chose the Mood Sewciety Marbella Fold Over Top. I love this pattern because it’s simple yet has an elevated detail with the fold-over neckline. It’s a style that feels polished enough for the office. It is still casual enough to pair with jeans or trousers on the weekend.

For this project, I’ll be using a lightweight sweater knit. The fabric has just the right amount of drape and stretch, which makes it perfect for layering under a blazer or cardigan. At the same time, the soft sweater texture adds that cozy fall vibe we all love when the weather turns cooler.

Why Start with a Top?

Tops are the backbone of a capsule wardrobe. They’re the pieces that get the most wear and have to mix seamlessly with multiple bottoms and layers. By starting with the Marbella Fold Over Top, I’m setting the tone for a capsule that’s comfortable, stylish, and versatile.

Over the next several weeks, I’ll be sewing each piece of the capsule. I will share my process here. This includes everything from fabric choices to styling ideas. My goal is to show how just 12 thoughtfully sewn garments can create a wide variety of professional looks without an overstuffed closet.

So, stay tuned as I build this capsule wardrobe one piece at a time. Next up: more tops that will form the foundation of this collection!

Embracing Change: Turning 50 and New Adventures

April was truly a month to be etched in my memory forever! Celebrating my milestone 50th birthday, attending the exhilarating Spring Fling #2 Sewrority Wear Retreat, and embarking on my very first solo adventure—all of these experiences came together to create a whirlwind of love, creativity, and connection, filling my heart to the brim with pure, unadulterated JOY!!!

Turning 50 in Style

This year, I joyfully celebrated my 50th birthday with an overflowing sense of gratitude, profound reflection, and a dazzling touch of sparkle! I wholeheartedly embraced the journey, the invaluable lessons, and the incredible growth that have profoundly shaped me into the vibrant person I am today. There were triumphant laughs, some heartfelt tears, and above all—an enormous appreciation for my past and an exhilarating anticipation for the future. Here’s to passionately stepping into this new chapter with open arms and an exuberant heart!

Sewrority Wear Retreat: Spring Fling Highlights

Shortly after the birthday festivities, I shoved my bags (and a mountain of cut out patterns) into the car and headed off to the airport for the Sewrority Wear Spring Fling #2 Retreat. It was a week/weekend overflowing with more fun and laughter that I could have ever imagined.

  • Late-night sewing sessions fueled by snacks and soul talk
  • Runway moments showcasing our handmade creations – the pajama night was a hit
  • New friendships formed over sewing projects and laughter
  • Learning, growing, and being inspired by so many talented women

It was more than a retreat—it was a celebration of sisterhood, style, and the magic we make when we come together.

Looking Ahead

April reminded me that life is richer when we show up fully—whether it’s celebrating personal milestones or sharing our passion with others. I’m walking into May inspired, energized, and so ready to keep stitching this beautiful life.