Author: Riesha Nicolle

My name is La Riesha Simmons, family and friends call me Riesha. I began sewing in 2014. I currently sew mostly for myself with the exception of sewing a few things for family and friends.

It’s warming up – New Look 6372 Misses’ Dresses

I do love a good maxi dress and can be drawn into any pattern that says “easy”. Well this one is just that, easy, not just easy, but super easy.

This pattern, New Look 6372 has been on my “to do list” for at least the last year, maybe longer. So when the forecast here in California went from raining one week to high 80’s and now some upcoming 90 degree weather, it was time to put in the work to get this dress done. This dress took about an hour, maybe less, but of course I got hungry during the construction. LOL!!! I hate when that happens, especially when it is an item that I am going to write a blog on.

I made view B for this one using a soft knit fabric from Journal Fabrics in Los Angeles, Ca. Unfortunately, there isn’t an online store, well I think that’s a good thing, for my sake. I do try to take a trip to the Los Angeles Fabric District at least twice a year, early Spring (April) and early Fall (September). This year I may not make it in the Fall and I have plenty of Fabric to use now for Summer and Winter.

This dress looks a lot like New Look 6291, you can find the blog post here for View C. I created it last year to wear while on vacation for my wedding anniversary in September.

Pattern Description: Misses’ Dresses each in Two Lengths

Pattern Sizing: 6-18

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, Just like it

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, REALLY easy!!!!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Loved it, it’s a maxi. Dislike – it has no pockets and I forgot to cut a pair before sewing up the side seams. Next time it will have pockets.

Fabric Used: Double Knit, it’s super soft, love it

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: cut off 6″ from the bottom to accommodate my 4’11 frame, for the tie I used fabric instead of a chain as shown in the picture.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Of course I am. I have at least 3 other fabrics I want to use, thi will allow me to cut the other versions as well. There really isn’t a huge difference, just the neck and the length.

Conclusion: Love a good quick and easy maxi dress. This is on my I love it list.

Simplicity 8379 for Summer AGAIN!!!

This pattern will always be one of my favorites for summer, so of course I had to make it again. I used a green knit fabric this time. If you’re looking for a quick and easy to make dress, this is definitely one. Now that I have made it a few times and had the pieces already cut out, it took me less than an hour to sew it from start to finish and that included serging the inside seams.

I made it last year here in this pretty orange knit fabric and below in a green floral knit fabric. One thing I love about this dress is that you dress it up with a pair of wedge sandals or dress it down with a pair of flat sandals or even some sneakers. Hey who doesn’t like to be casual and comfortable.

Erin – Style Sew Me Pattern Collection

I would like to introduce you to Erin.

Erin is a pattern from the Style Sew Me pattern collection. Erin was selected for the April 2019 #sewyourview pattern on Instagram. I selected View B, why? It has pockets of course. Just kidding, but I really do love a dress with pockets. You really should check out all the dresses the ladies have made over on Instagram. Simply BEAUTIFUL!!!!

There are 5 pattern pieces to Erin. 7. Back Facing 8. Front Facing 9. Back 10. Front 11. Pocket (the numbering starts at 7, as View A has pattern pieces 1-6). There are 13 steps to sew up Erin, View B, to me the fewer the steps the better. Not only are there 13 steps, there is also a YouTube video to follow along to, the video is only 19:55.

The fabric I used is from Nicole Miller, purchased from Joann Fabric. I was drawn to the color combo and the paint splatter effect that it has. This fabric is definitely something different from my regular florals and bright colors, but it was one I had to have. When I saw this pattern I knew this fabric would work. I love the outcome.

 

Pattern Description: 
Misses’ Dress
Pattern Sizing:
XXS-XXL
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? YES

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes and there is a YouTube video to follow along to for the construction of this pattern. 
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked how easy it was to make and that it is very stylish. 
Fabric Used:
Cotton blend, Nicole Miller fabric from Joann Fabric
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes I will definitely be making this again and I recommend it to all sewists. 
Conclusion: This is a great pattern for summer and can be worn in the fall with a cute pair of boots and leggings.

Bye for now, time to Go Sew Something!!!

Me and My Birthday Suit – McCall’s 7755

 April 10,1975, wide leg jumpsuits, bright bold colors, I was really feeling this fabric and decided to use it for my birthday outfit. I didn’t have much time to decide on a pattern so I went with one that I knew was a quick sew and one that I loved, McCall’s 7755. I started and finished this pattern 2 hours before I went out to dinner.

I have made this jumpsuit twice before and loved the outcome. I think is starting become my new Tried and True (TNT) pattern, at least for Spring/Summer any way. You can also read my previous blog  on McCall’s 7755 here.

I highly recommend this pattern if you want to make a jumpsuit and need an easy straight forward pattern you try this one. I just absolutely love jumpsuits right now, who am I kidding, I love jumpsuits and maxi dresses/skirts all the time.

I apologize for the lack of blog posts in the past few months. I had foot surgery in my right foot, the sewing foot, lol, and was out for about two months. I am back getting my summer, we don’t have Spring here in California, unless you count allergy season. So stay tuned for mire posts coming up in the next few weeks.

Bye for now, Time to Sew Something!!!!

2019 Pattern Selection for Spring/Summer

Jumpsuits, Pants, Cardigan, and a Top

These are a few of the patterns that I have purchased for my Spring/Summer sewing plans for 2019, these will go along with my Make Nine for 2019 linked from a previous post here. There aren’t a lot of new patterns that I have seen that are not similar or almost identical to a pattern that I currently own. It could be that I own too many already.

Jumpsuits

A Jumpsuit is an extremely versatile article of clothing. Dress it up or down, either way it makes for a great outfit. For this Jumpsuit, McCall’s 7909 I am liking View B. Usually not a fan of the ruffled sleeve, but this one is speaking to me and if I can find a pretty floral piece of fabric, I will be a happy girl. I plan on sewing the bodice up a little higher just not to show off too much skin.

Another Jumpsuit that caught my attention, is View A of McCall’s 7872. This will be a great outfit for date night or girl’s night out on these hot summer nights that we get here in California. McCall’s recommends using the following fabrics and lining to complete this Jumpsuit : Fabric: Crepes, Charmeuse, Suiting Fabrics, Crepe Back Satin. Lining: Lining Fabric. I haven’t decided what type of fabric I would like use, but it will be a solid color.

Pants

These pants are absolutely beautiful and designed by one of my favorite designers Nicole Miller. I love her designs and these pants are on the LOVE list for sure. I love the blush color on the pattern, but would definitely want a pair of these McCall’s 7911 pants in black or even a navy blue. Not so sure how these pants would look in a printed fabric, who knows I may try it to see. Florals are the print for Spring.

Cardigan
McCall’s 7912 was selected as the monthly pattern for Sew Your View for February by @thatssewmonica over on Instagram. Unfortunately due to my foot surgery I didn’t get to make it in February. I am still going to complete it in the upcoming months as I play catch up on my sewing plans. I can always use a cardigan even when the weather is hot outside as the office I work in can get really cold at times.

Top

This top, McCall’s 7750, I am not so sure about, I like it, but I don’t love it, but hopefully with the right fabric choice and a great fit, I may change my mind. I can see View A or B, with or without the sleeve ties as the Views to make. Tops and pants are what’s missing from my wardrobe for Spring/Summer.



Bye for now, time to go Sew Something!!!!