Tag: #diyfashionblogger

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

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.

Welcome to 2024

Hello, My name is Riesha, also known as Riesha Nicolle on the socials. I am a fashionable, fitness foodie, that loves to sew, workout, and cook daily. Follow me on my journey of sewing a new wardrobe to match my new physique, as well as making delicious meals and working out to keep it. I am also the owner of my own online t-shirt and accessories shop, known as SixTwentyTwoLLC. I am a married mom of 2, a girl and a boy. My family is my world.

I started my fitness journey, seriously, in 2014 when my mom passed away from stomach cancer. This is also when I started sewing. I used fitness and sewing to help with the grief of losing my mom. My t-shirt shop name is her actual birthday, 6/22, the name was my husband’s idea.

Now that you know a little bit about me, let’s get into my goals for 2024.

Goal #1 – Finances – Financial Freedom

My main goal for 2024 is to achieve Financial Freedom. I have a few bills that I have created over the past few years, that I just want gone. In order to do this I have put myself on a personal budget and will be spending less. I want for nothing when it comes to material things. I have a sewing space that includes any any and everything you could possibly imagine, some of the things I have, have never been used. Such a shame.

An action plan for the month of January is to not buy any fabric or sewing patterns. I will be using all the things I have in my space. If a project calls for a fabric that I don’t have, I will be choosing something else to create my next project. I did not come up with this idea on my own, it is part of the group Sew Much Talent on Instagram. I am so excited for this challenge and I think it is going to kick start my no unnecessary spending.

Goal #2 – Personal Development – Expanding My Sewing Skills

This is a tough one. I love to sew with Knit fabrics. So, in 2024 I will be using more wovens, oh gosh did I really just put that in writing? Okay, yes I did. It is going to be the only way that I grow. I have used wovens before, it’s not like they are brand new to me. I just don’t always go to the projects where they are required. 2024 is a year of growth for me. Here is a list of a few things that I am going to master:

  • Zippers
  • Woven Fabrics
  • More Tote Bags/Purses
  • Specialty Fabrics – Fancy Fabrics

Here are a few of my favorite items in a woven or little to no stretch fabrics.

Goal #3 – Health and Fitness – Staying Consistent with Taking Care of Myself

I have a plan that I am using, actually working with an online coach, 2 more months and it will be cancelled. Not that the program is not working for me, because it is, but I am using all that I have learned to be able to do the workouts and meals on my own. This way I am taping into Goal #1 – financial freedom, and using the plans accordingly on my own. My plan is 4 days of strength training, Lower body – glute focused, Upper body – shoulders and arms, Total body, and a body weight only workout day. I do cardio 3 days a week, Saturday and Monday are Xtreme Hip Hop Classes, and Wednesday is a traditional step class. I take the classes because I am not disciplined enough to do cardio on my own, I don’t like it. LOL!!!

Be Consistent

McCall’s 8408 Misses’ Patchwork pants and shorts.

Pattern description: Patchwork shorts and pants with contour waistband features a fly front zipper, back darts, topstitched hem and pockets.

Pattern rating by simplicity: Average

Pattern rating by me: intermediate

I am looking forward to Fall Sewing this year, as I am planning projects that are out of my comfort zone. I have a few coats/jackets on my list that I have not sewn before and I want to add denim, mainly jeans to the list, which I just completed my first pair. I used McCall’s 8408 for this project. I am absolutely in love with these jeans.

McCall’s 8408

I used a fabric that I saw at my local Joann’s, it is also available online, today, but not sure how long supplies will last.

This fabric is called blue patchwork denim fabric. It’s in a dark denim. It is 57 inches wide, 88% cotton, 8%, polyester, and 4% rayon. I fell in love with this fabric when I first saw it in the store of course it was not on sale so I waited to purchase it. Glad I did. The original price is $20.99 a yard. I was able to get it on sale for $11.99 a yard. It was worth every penny.

For the contrasting color in the middle I used a denim, but I’ve had this denim in my stash for a while. I actually purchased it at Cali fabrics in San Francisco California. They have a lot of great choices in fabric. It’s one of my fabric shops that I go to when I visit. I was able to get the pockets on the back and they are lined up perfectly so I was proud of that. I was also able to get in the fly zipper. I did not put the front fly flap on it. I wanted the zipper exposed to give it a more vintage look so I kept the front flap off.

I made sure to keep the insides as clean as the outside. So what I did was once I attached each piece front and back to the to the leg pieces, I used my serger to clean up the seam lines. It gives it a nice clean finish, and my fabric was fraying.

AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE WAY THEY FIT.

Until, next time, SEW WHAT?