_nikki_
Brooklyn, NY, USeditor
Originally a Texan, I can usually be found either commuting to Taunton from Brooklyn or trying to practice my banjo while concocting things edible or crafty in my Flatbush apartment. After moving to the Big Apple, I had the lovely pleasure of working for several publications including Seventeen, Teen People, Cutting Edge, and Adorn. My work has also been featured in several publications including Adorn, Knit.1, BUST and other books and magazines.
I guess you can say that I'm an omni-crafter, but I mostly dig sewing and pattern making. I currently design clothing, jewelry, accessories and sewing patterns, in between working as the Associate Editor for Threads and SewStylish magazines. I also teach workshops, private lessons and classes at my studio in Brooklyn and Make Workshop in Manhattan.
My personal blog is at http://www.applianceclothing.com/blog
craft interests: crochet, embroidery, fashion, home decorating, jewelry making, quilting, restyle, sewing
Gender: Female
Member Since: 05/06/2008
How to Create a Rustic Centerpiece
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, this tutorial by the folks over at Design*Sponge helps you get your table guest-ready with items from the grocery store.
How to Make Stuffed Pumpkins
These stuffed pumpkins by Danielle Thompson make the perfect decoration for this holiday season and beyond.
Check out the Threads Halloween Contest Winners!
This year Threads challenged you all to create the ghouliest, scariest, most creative, and coolest costumes for a chance to win a prize pack from Threads. Check out who won.
What was your very first sewing project?
From A-line skirts to pajama pants, each of us has a unique story of what project they first learned to sew on.
How to Make No-Sew Place Mats
Dress up any dinner party with these gorgeous no-sew place mats.
How to Sew Velvet like a Pro
It's that time of year when velvet starts making its triumphant comeback with holiday dresses for girls of all ages. Get tips from the pros who can sew it best.
Rent designer clothes for a fraction of the price
Short on cash but need a killer dress for Friday night? Try Rent the Runway for a mail-order designer dress rental.
What's your favorite fabric to sew?
There's a whole world of fabric out there. Which is your favorite to sew?
What sewing mistake has taught you the most?
We all do it--that's why we all have a seam-ripper at the ready. What sewing mistake taught you the most?
Book Giveaway: Twinkle Sews by Wenlan Chia
Comment on this post by November 3rd for a chance to win one of five free copies of Wenlan Chia's new book.
How to make your own wallpaper motif
This amazing tutorial from Design*Sponge shows how to make your own temporary wallpaper motif. Use it to embellish your walls or even to decorate for a themed party.
How to Make Witchy-Poo Shoes
Brighten your home this Halloween with a festive door decoration.
Which holiday do you like to sew for and why?
Do you look forward to making Halloween costumes every year or do you love decking the halls with homemade gifts in the Christmas or Hanukkah season?
Project Runway Episode 10 Recap
This week the designers created ensembles inspired by destinations. Did you agree with who the judges sent home this week? Cast your vote now.
How to make a vest from a plaid shirt
Transform an everyday oversized flannel shirt into a super-cute plaid vest.
And the Fall Fashion Challenge Winner Is...
It was a VERY close race, but Very Prairie took home the win with her Vivienne Westwood-inspired top.
Last Chance to Choose the Winner
We've narrowed the entries down to our top five from more than 60 entries in the SewStylish Fall Fashion Challenge. Vote now to pick the winner of more than $1,200 in prizes.
Project Runway Ep 7 Recap
Last night the Project Runway contestants were paired off to create ensembles fit for the aisles at Macy's. Read on to see all the looks and backstage photos from Brother Sewing Machines.
Get Connected With SewStylish
Become a fan of SewStylish on Facebook or join our Flickr pool for a chance to be featured on the site
How to Make a Feather Headband
Feather headbands dress up any ensemble, and they’re super-easy to create. This low-sew project can be finished in no time for a night out with friends; it could even be completed with a bit of glue if you don’t feel like sewing at all.
Project Runway Episode 6 Recap
This week's challenge was to make a costume fit for the silver screen. Find out the winner of this challenge and who was out?
Book Giveaway: Design-It-Yourself Clothes
Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win one of five copies of Cal Patch's new book Design-It-Yourself Clothes: Patternmaking Simplified.
Last Day to Enter to Win!
For a chance to win more than $1,200 in prizes, simply upload a picture of a garment you've created inspired by a designer. It's that easy!
2009 Emmy Fashions
The red carpet shined last night with bright TV stars and big designer names.
Project Runway Ep. 4 Recap
This week's challenge was to make create garments for "the models of the runway". Were the designers able to live up to the high expectations of their models?
How to Embroider a Basic T-shirt Dress
Jacquard fabric paint and a bit of embroidery turn a basic T-shirt dress into a stunner. Embroiderer extraordinaire, Erika Kern, created this floral design that can be paired with black leggings or jeans for an effortlessly stylish look.
Project Runway Ep. 3 Recap
Yet another week has gone by and another designer was sent home. Click to vote now and comment on who you thought should have won or lost. See all of the designs along with exclusive behind-the-scenes images from Brother.
What sewing detail do you find the most difficult?
From setting sleeves to stitching a zipper, what gives you the most difficulty in the sewing room?
Diaper Bag and Matching Changing Pad
After I learned my former college roommate was having her first baby, I went a little overboard with making her and her little one gifts...
Project Runway, Episode 2 Recap
Read on to see all of this week's designs and vote on your favorites.
How to Make a Paper Keyboard Playing Cat
This week blogger Tubbypaws shows how to create your own paper cat who actually plays the keyboard.
How to Make Knitted Converse Baby Booties
When my old roommate first told me she was pregnant, I knew exactly what I wanted to make her little one--tiny Chuck Taylors just like his mom's
Don't Miss Project Runway Tonight
Don't forget to tune into Lifetime at 10/9c tonight for episode 2 of Project Runway. Then come back here to vote on your favorites.
How to Make a Faux Zebra Rug
This week's How-Tuesday on Etsy features a project from my new book, Dorm Decor. Read on to see how to make your own faux zebra rug with this no-sew tutorial.
Miss Universe Pageant Puts Costumes and Gowns on Display
Last night the 2009 Miss Universe pageant was broadcast worldwide from the Bahamas. Aside from the gowns we normally expect, this year each contestant wore extravagant costumes to represent their countries.
Project Runway, Episode 1 Recap
This season of Project Runway kicked off last night, and the designers showed off their red-carpet-ready sewing skills. Comment and dish on who you thought was in and who was out.
What are you sewing for fall?
Back-to-school clothes or your next favorite new jacket? Share what you're sewing for fall.
New Season of Project Runway starts tonight!
Be sure to tune into Lifetime tonight (10/9c) for the season premiere of Project Runway, and come back to CraftStylish to dish who you thought did or didn't "make it work."
Book Review: Crochet Adorned by Linda Permann
CraftStylish contributor and crochet extraordinaire Linda Permann's new book is packed with lovely crochet inspiration.
Send a personalized message from Project Runway's Tim Gunn
Can't wait for the new season to start? Send fellow Tim Gunn fans a customized phone call straight from the Project Runway design guru himself.
What sewing tools can you not live without?
Share what tools you use to make your sewing go smoothly.
How to Make a Savvy Tote
Learn how to make my Savvy Tote in a video produced by Bernina Sewing Republic.
New SewStylish on newsstands now!
The newest issue of SewStylish is on newsstands today! Check it out now for designer inspiration and techniques straight from the runways.
How to sew an exposed zipper
See how easy it is to sew a designer-inspired exposed zipper.
What machine are you sewing on now?
Share what machine you love to sew on and why.
ASG Goes to Albuquerque
Next week, the ASG is hosting their annual conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Sign up now to learn new sewing techniques from the pros who know them best.
Get to know fabric designer Anna Maria Horner
We just love the amazing fabric designs from author Anna Maria, and now she has her own pattern line and book available, too. From her very first fabric collection for Free Spirit in 2006, to her current quilting and décor lines for Westminster, Anna Maria always has an original style full of inspiration.
How to Make a Sewn Necklace
Take a cue from the runway and make a necklace using fabric and ribbon.
How to Make an Argyle Fleece Throw
Check out this excerpt from my new book, Dorm Decor. This low-sew throw gives new meaning to the phrase “college sweater-vest.”
Who first taught you to sew?
From crafty mothers to inspiring home-ec teachers, who first taught you to sew?
Choose the Winner of the SewStylish Spring Fashion Contest
Thanks to everyone for voting! Check out who won the contest.
Renegade hits Brooklyn this weekend
Come to McCarren Park Pool in Brooklyn, NY this weekend for the 5th Annual Renegade Craft Fair
SewStylish Contest Ends This Friday
Time's almost up! Upload photos of your creations for a chance to win more than $380 in prizes
Online Fabric Shopping Destinations
Do you shop for fabric online? What are your favorite places to shop for sewing supplies on the internet?
New SewStylish on Newsstands Now!
Check out the new SewStylish issue and blog, and enter the Spring Fashion Contest for your chance to win more than $380 in prizes.
Add a center-front seam to a pattern
In the Spring '09 issue of SewStylish, author and couture sewer Anna Mazur showed you how to insert zipper 4 different ways. See how she added the center-front seam to accomodate her exposed zipper.
You Could Win Our SewStylish Spring Fashion Contest!
Show off your sewing know-how by transforming a SewStylish pattern to win a sewing machine, pattern drafting software, and more!
How to Make a Personalized Handkerchief for Him
Here's a very personal handmade something special for your guy that he can carry with him wherever he goes. This project will show you how to hoop and embroider on a handkerchief without distorting it.
Quilt for a Cause
Find out how you can make a difference with your quilting needle.
Create a Custom Sleeve Pattern
Draft a personalized sleeve pattern you can use to design your own creations.
1 Weekend, 2 Friends, Endless Outfits!
Ever wanted to start draping your own designs? Download and print the pull-out feature from the latest issue of SewStylish today to get started.
Roses and Strawberries Pocket Clutch
keyka | November 21st, 2009
Famity Tree Photos
CherishedMontages | November 21st, 2009
Quilled Card Tutorial
annquill | November 21st, 2009
Calm Mobius Scarf
Knitchicgrace | November 21st, 2009
Re: And the Winner of the Make it Pink Challenge is...
Way to go Pamela!
posted: 3:49 pm on November 11thRe: How to Embroider a Basic T-shirt Dress
The t-shirt dress was from American Apparel.
posted: 6:12 pm on September 17thRe: SewStylish Fall Fashion Challenge Official Rules
You can upload several photos of your creation to your post along with your inspiration post. And you can enter as many times as you want!
posted: 6:11 pm on September 17thRe: How to Make Knitted Converse Baby Booties
aww. Thanks! This pattern was surpringly quick to complete, especially since it was my first project. I'd love to see what you guys come up with, too!
posted: 1:59 pm on September 8thRe: How to Make a Faux Zebra Rug
Wall hanging is a great idea!
posted: 11:36 pm on August 31stRe: Miss Universe Pageant Puts Costumes and Gowns on Display
Elephile: Thanks for the reference on the Russian costume! It's hard to figure some of them out if you don't already know that country's history.
posted: 2:48 pm on August 27thRe: What are you sewing for fall?
This month I've made nothing but gifts! I have grand plans though to start my fall coat after Labor Day. I got inspired by one of the patterns we did with Pattern Review for Threads, and I can't wait to start it, complete with a wool interlining!
posted: 9:33 am on August 26thRe: Project Runway, Episode 1 Recap
Are you suggesting that handstands are counter productive? Perhaps I should stop doing all those gymnastics in my cubicle.
posted: 5:04 pm on August 21stRe: SewStylish Fall Fashion Challenge Official Rules
You can use any pattern you like. Just be sure to include a photo of your designer inspiration and describe how you made it your own.
posted: 11:46 am on August 14thRe: New SewStylish on newsstands now!
Hi Caseygal,
posted: 9:27 am on August 10thThe pattern used on page 33 is SewStylish Simplicity #2568.
Re: How to sew an exposed zipper
TFaps: Anna Mazur added a center-front seam in the pattern. To see how she did it, visit the tutorial here:
posted: 2:18 pm on July 30thhttp://www.craftstylish.com/item/49862/add-a-center-front-seam-to-a-pattern
Tessy: The pattern is available on simplicity.com
Re: How to sew an exposed zipper
Hi Shehog,
posted: 1:45 pm on July 22ndFor Anna's garment, she put in the zipper before she faced the dress. After the zipper was sewn in, she sewed the facing to the top edge of the dress, folded the seam allowance under along the facing's zipper edge and hand stitched it in place.
Re: How to Make an Argyle Fleece Throw
Hi floweringfig--
posted: 12:29 pm on June 22ndI meant 6 strands of floss, meaning all 6 threads that make up one skein of floss.
Re: How to Make an Argyle Fleece Throw
Yes. Cut out the diamonds from the cream fleece, creating a reverse applique of diamonds in the goldenrod fleece.
posted: 9:08 pm on June 18thRe: How to Make an Argyle Fleece Throw
Thanks, Gertie! This is actually one of the projects that I kept after the book was done. It hardly ever leaves my couch!
posted: 1:12 pm on June 17thRe: Spinning a Yarn: An Evening of Crafty Stories at The Lion Brand Studio, NYC
See you there!
posted: 4:08 pm on June 2ndRe: You Could Win Our SewStylish Spring Fashion Contest!
Of course!
posted: 5:00 pm on June 1stRe: How to Make a T-Shirt Quilt
is that a t-shirt with a Corgi on it I see!?!!?
posted: 4:21 pm on August 25th