Category: patterns

Happy 2025

Welcome to my blog,

I’m Riesha (Ree-sha), known as RieshaNicolle across all social media platforms. I started my sewing journey in 2014, the year my mom passed away from stomach cancer. She was my world and when she gained her angel wings, I needed something to help me with the grief of missing her. So, I turned to Sewing. What started out as therapy for me, turned into a love for creating my own garments. Through my blog, I am excited to share my journey with all that are interested.

I am married, this year we celebrate 27 years in September. I have 2 adult children, a daughter, and a son. I love fitness, food, and fashion. I call it my 3 favorite F words. During the day, I work as a Staff Services Manager I for the State of California in an Investment Office, managing our Executive Support Team.

My first sewing machine had been purchased 2 years prior to me making a garment on it. I purchased it from Costco, yes Costco, to do borders on papercrafts, as I was into Scrapbooking photos of my 2 kids. At the time, I had no idea what I was doing with the sewing machine.

Please follow me on the following social media accounts:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rieshanicolle

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/rieshanicolle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RieshaSimmons

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/RieshaNicolle

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@rieshanicolle

Amazon Storefront https://amzn.to/4jqdqCu

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@rieshanicolles

Here are a few of my favorite makes from past years.

Let’s explore the endless possibilities of needle and thread together – one stitch at a time!

The Sew Life with Riesha Nicolle – What I Made in January

I can not believe it is already February. January came and went so fast. Did you get any sewing done? Did you make a list of the things you want to achieve? I did both. I spent a lot of hours in my sewing space and a lot of time reading up on new techniques I want to learn and I made my #makenine9 list. I actually completed the first pattern. The 2 pieces will need to be worn as separates as I didn’t have enough fabric of either choice to make a full outfit. I was serious about the pattern and fabric fast for January. I didn’t even step foot in a craft store. Yay ME!!!

So let’s see what I made in January and what I am working on now:

  • First make of 2024 was the Tuesday Tote from the Knotted Threads Co. It was super easy to make and I love how it turned out. It is a beginner friendly pattern. For the outside I used some left over Camouflage Canvas and some Faux leather that I purchased to redo some chairs I had and never finished them.
  • Second make McCall’s 7475 Tops – Made these as part of the Stash busting challenge in the Sew Much Talent Instagram group. I made the top twice with left over scrap fabric that was in my stash.
  • Third make was Vogue 1929 – Not sure how I feel about this one. It didn’t come out as I expected it to. It was an easy sew, but I think I need another fabric choice. I don’t know, maybe once I style it, I will change my mind.
  • Fourth make – Vogue 9319 I am absolutely in love with these pants. They were an easy make. I usually shy away from zippers, but I picked patterns that will challenge my skills. The challenge in this one was the zipper. If you know me, you know I am not a fan of zippers.
  • Fifth make was the top to Vogue 9319 – this one turned out really cute too. I used leftover denim for the main fabric and left over cotton fabric that looks like denim, from a dress I cut out but haven’t sewn up yet. 

Up Next: Know Me 2054 by Keechi B Style – View B Cargo Pants – with wrap fly waistband and multiple pockets on front and back. Here is a sneak peek of what I am working with. This pattern is not part of my Make Nine, but it was on my list to make. There is a lot of work on this pair of pants, due to the details on the pockets. I have been sewing a little bit each night, about a hour or so, to not be overwhelmed and to make them look good. Practicing my patience.

Until Next Time, Go sew Something.

The Sew Life with Riesha Nicolle – Make Nine 2024 Edition

Here we are again back at the beginning of 2024 and talking about our Make Nine for the year. I create a list every year. Sometimes I complete them and sometimes I don’t. WIth 2024 being my year of consistency, that’s my word for the year by the way, I was like why not.

The most important outfit of 2024 will be whatever I am going to make for Chicago Frocktails. This event is taking place in Chicago June 8 – 9, 2024. More details to come on this outfit as they are available. I will do a whole recording of what I am making and the process. You will be able to find it on my YouTube channel. 

How did I come up with my list? Well a couple of things.

  • I based it off of the skills I want to learn
  • Things I struggle with, for example zippers and buttons
  • Style of the pattern
  • Sewing Level, beginner, intermediate, advanced
  • Fabric type

Beginner patterns are always my go to for a quick and easy sew. These are good for last minute, I don’t have anything in my closet to wear, patterns. I have a few Tried and True (TNT) patterns that I refuse to give up.

Intermediate patterns are patterns that challenge my skills and I here for it. I have been sewing since 2014 and it is time to step up my game. There is no reason I shouldn’t be making these patterns.

Advanced patterns are the patterns that I will be making towards the end of the 3rd quarter in 2024. I will build all my skills needed to move forward and be comfortable picking up these patterns to sew.

So let’s get into this list. Of course with new patterns coming out for Spring/Summer/Winter I may want to change a few, but for now, this is my list. I will be making these in this order.

  1. Vogue 9319 – Very Easy Vogue Misses’ Tops, Shorts, and Pants – View B and View D

Skills to learn: Wide Front and Back Yokes, Pockets, and Back Zipper

    2. Vogue 1674 – Easy Misses’ Dress – View A – Colorblock

    Skills to Learn: Lining and Invisible Zipper

    3. Simplicity 8702 – Misses’ Knit Jacket, Pants and Leggings- View A and View C

    Skills to learn: Color Blocking, Zippers, and Drawstring

    4. McCall’s 8438 – Intermediate Misses’ Coats and Vest – View A

    Skills to learn: Buttonholes and Buttons

    5. Simplicity 9700 – Intermediate – Misses’ Jumpsuit – View A

    Skills to learn: Topstitching, Zipper, Set in Sleeves, Buttoned Cuffs, Buttoned Pockets, Side Pockets, and Belt Carriers

    6. Simplicity 9893 Misses’ Cape by Mimi G Style– Intermediate

    Skills to learn: Cargo Pockets, Inverted Pleats and Flaps, Storm Flap, Buttons, Tabs, Convertible Sleeve

    7. Know Me 2063 by Brittany J. Jones – Intermediate – View A

    Skills to learn: Elastic Casing, Side Pockets, Front Fly Zipper

    8. Know Me 2067 by The Stitch Fitz Advanced- Misses’ Dress – View (undecided)

    Skills to learn: Lined Bodice, Boning, Optional Straps and Invisible Back Zipper

    9. Simplicity 9894 by Mimi G Style – Intermediate – Misses’ and Women’s Top and Skirt – View A and B

    Skills to learn: Bust Cups, Zippers, Topstitching

    Until Next Time, Go Sew Something,

    Simplicity 9757 Misses’ Knit Top and Skirt in Two Lengths

    My first thought when I saw this pattern, oh that’s cute, but I could never wear that. Then I thought I can wear whatever I want and I did just that.

    I love the way it came out and I love the fabric choice I made.

    Pattern Description: Misses’ Knit top and Skirt in Two Lengths

    Pattern Sizing: Small – XXLarge. I cut a medium.

    Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? yes it looked just like the pattern envelope when completed.

    Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, the instructions were easy to follow.

    What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked that it was a quick and easy make. I didn’t really like the elastic on the side, I cut View D, for the skirt. Once it was in and I tried it on, I still wasn’t a fan of the elastic. I will make the longer version when I make the next one, yes there will be a next make.

    Fabric Used:  This is a two-way stretch, that I think I found at Walmart, I can’t remember, it’s either there or Jo-ann’s as there aren’t any other fabric stores close to me.

    Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: No alterations needed for this pattern. I made the short version, which I wasn’t so sure about, but when I measured it and compared it to my body measurements, the length was just where I wanted it to be, at the waistline, but not showing too much skin.

    Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I am already planning to make it again, in the longer skirt version View C. I highly recommend it others for a quick, cute summer outfit.

    Until next time, sew something!!!

    Happy Anniversary

    The hubby and I will be celebrating 24 years of marriage on September 12. We took an early vacation for 4 days down to Monterey, Ca, it’s a spot we both love. We spent the days eating good food, relaxing, walking the pier, and most of all enjoying each other. We both work full time and have other activities, so to not have to do anything was the best.

    Few weeks before we left I asked my hubby to help me pick a pattern and fabric for my dinner outfit. We also enjoy a fancy meal at The Chart House on Cannery Row. He picked a fabric I had purchase from the August Nina Ramel Fabric Box and Simplicity 8426 Jumpsuit.

    The evenings in Monterey can be a little cooler for me so I added the jacket from Simplicity 8177, fabric used was a black knit I had in my stash, to go with the jumpsuit. It worked out perfect and I loved how the whole look came together.

    I added some red drop earrings, red belt, and red flat shoes to complete this look. I was so proud of this look and the hubby he loved it. He’s my biggest supporter. I love me some him. He also gets all the credit for all the photos of me on this trip. He was the best, coaching my poses, and also reminding me to smile. I think I’ll hire him for my photos, not sure he’s ready for that job.😂

    Here’s to 24 more years of marriage. Happy Anniversary to us!!!