Tag: Sewing

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,