Category: Simplicity

Sew Your Perfect Valentine’s Dress: 4 Must-Try Patterns

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to sew up something romantic, flirty, and fabulous! You are planning a date night. Maybe you are organizing a Galentine’s get-together. Or you just want to treat yourself to something handmade. I’ve rounded up four sewing patterns that are perfect for the occasion, in my opinion. ❤️ These McCall’s and Simplicity patterns offer a mix of elegance, drama, and comfort. You can look amazing on the most romantic day of the year. You’ll also feel incredible.

1. McCall’s 6713 – The Perfect Wrap Dress

McCall’s 6713 is a classic wrap dress with a figure-flattering silhouette. With its gathered bodice, waist tie, and flared skirt, it’s ideal for a soft and romantic Valentine’s look. Select a slinky knit fabric in red, blush, or deep burgundy. This will help you create a dress that hugs your curves in all the right places. Pair it with strappy heels and statement earrings for a timeless, sophisticated vibe.

This one is my choice this year. Stay tuned for a full look in my upcoming blog – What I Made and Wore for Valentine’s Day.

2. McCall’s 7531 – The Bodycon Stunner

If you’re looking for a sleek and sultry dress, McCall’s 7531 is your go-to pattern and one of my favorites. I call it my Tried and True (TNT) pattern, when I need a new dress. This bodycon knit dress is perfect for showing off your shape while keeping things elegant. The pattern has multiple sleeve variations. You can modify it to suit your style. Choose among sleeveless, long-sleeved, or off-the-shoulder looks.

For Valentine’s Day, consider sewing this in a velvet, ribbed knit, or a stretch satin for an ultra-glamorous effect. Here are a few of the makes I have made with this pattern.

3. McCall’s 7833 – The Elegant, Classic Look

McCall’s 7833 is a gorgeous dress pattern featuring a fitted bodice and a 3 skirt length variations for Valentine’s Day. The sleeve options and shaped hemlines with delicate details make it a feminine, romantic choice.

This pattern works beautifully with Velvet, Jersey, and interlock Knit. You can choose a classic red. You might prefer a soft blush. You could opt for a floral print. Whichever you choose, you’ll have a stunning dress that’s both elegant and comfortable.

mccalls 7833

4. Simplicity 8982 – Sassy, Cute

Simplicity 8982 is the perfect pattern for creating a stylish and versatile dress. You can dress it up or down. It is an ideal addition to your wardrobe for any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day. Choose a red, burgundy or black and white combo, red accessories of course and you have the perfect outfit. This pattern is great whether you’re a seasoned sewist. It is also suitable for a beginner looking for a fun project. It offers a range of design options. It can suit your style and is simple enough to tackle in a weekend.

As we wrap up this Valentine’s Day sewing inspiration, I hope these four dress ideas have sparked your creativity! Whether you’re looking for something romantic, fun, or playful, there’s a design here to fit every style and mood. Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to express yourself through fabric and fashion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors, textures, and prints. Choose ones that make you feel fabulous.

Happy sewing, and may your creations be as heartwarming as the love you’re celebrating! Let me know which dress you’re most excited to sew, and don’t forget to share your finished projects with me. I can’t wait to see what you make!

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

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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 – 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!!!

    Sewing Plans for 2023

    It has been a while since I have sat down at my sewing machine and completed a garment. I have 2 that I am working on completing this week. The first one is Simplicity 9544 View C. I started this jumpsuit in October with Carol’s Sewing Corner on Facebook. It is 95% complete, it needs the buttons attached and I ordered beads for the hardware for vthe waist tie.

    I was looking forward to this one and actually wearing it before the weather changed. It didn’t happen and we are now in a rainstorm, so once complete I will be doing indoor photos with this one.

    Here are a few photos of the progress.

    Project #2 New Look 6740

    I started this one the week of Christmas and it has been hanging on Brittany, my mannequin, half done. It needs the sleeves finished and the bottom attached. My son, he’s almost 25, in a few weeks, asked if I were going to wear pants under it. Huh? What? No I hadn’t planned on it, guessing he thinks its too short. I am only 4’11”, so more than likely it is going to be real dress on me and not a “mini” dress as the pattern states. I do like the booties with it that the model is wearing, so more than likely I will pair it with leggings and a booties. I’ll keep the son happy and stay warm at the same time.

    For now these are my sewing goals. I am also looking for an outfit to make for Valentine’s Day dinner with my husband. I haven’t decided if I want to do a jumpsuit, which you all know is my favorite, a dress, or a pants and jacket combo. I just don’t know. So for now I am going through my patterns to see if anything jumps out at me.

    What are your sewing plans? Leave me a comment. Happy sewing!

    Fashion is art and you are the canvas. ~Velvet Paper