WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO...
This year started a little differently for us...
Because we spent December recovering from a very busy year and consciously chose not to have anything in production, we’ve kind of started this year doing something a little radical… resting.
And honestly? It’s been kind of wonderful after such a busy year and the move in September! The slow start didn’t last too long though. While we waited for production to gear back up, we started prepping for our first online sample sale in a year and a half.
We had so much fun in the studio watching Drag Race while sorting everything, pricing it, and uploading it to the site. (OMG this is the hardest part!!!) I’m always slightly terrified of putting that much inventory on the site at once because I am notorious for messing something up haha. Luckily this time I think I only messed up three listings, which is honestly huge for me.
We even hired one of my students who graduated last year to come help prep with us, and they helped so much. They were sewing pieces right up until the sale that you all gobbled up so fast.
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In January we also launched our leopard balloon pants, which are honestly my favorite pants that I own. Leopard has always been my favorite color (yes, I consider it a color), and it’s something I’ve wanted to bring to Nettle for a really long time.
Funny story though… I actually bought the leopard fabric back in December 2024 from an online retailer I had never used before. When it arrived a few months later it was folded into boxes in what can only be described as my nightmare. Normally when you order that much yardage it comes on rolls, not chopped into little pieces.
So… we spent last summer hand rolling 300 yards of twill onto leftover cardboard tubes in the studio. Let me tell you — that is not for the faint of heart.
These pants literally have our blood, sweat, and tears in them. (Yes I cried about this.) But I don’t hold it against the pants because they are honestly my favorite pants we’ve ever made.
And if you love them too… don’t worry.
More leopard is definitely coming this year.
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February was a big behind-the-scenes month. We were coming off the high of our biggest January ever sales wise, but we still didn’t have anything new ready to launch. Production can take anywhere from 1–3 months, so at that point we’re mostly waiting on our sewing factories.
So February became a bit of a catch-up month. Natalie updated our size charts and designed a ton of new socks (hint hint… kids socks may or may not be coming). We also had a photoshoot with a new model — and now friend — Keda, and it was magical. Mr. Softee even drove by right after, which really felt like the cherry on top of the day. (I got a cherry dipped cone in case you were wondering.)
Behind the scenes I also bought a ton of fabric for summer, had several fittings with our pattern maker, and made lots of samples for new styles. One thing I’m especially excited about is that I finally found a new linen supplier that’s much more local. It makes the pricing more sustainable for both me and you, which honestly feels like a bit of a weight lifted.
Oh! And we launched our Plissé pants, which had been high on the request list, and I’m completely smitten with both polka dot colorways.
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Right now I’m working on perfecting the fit of a brand new pant that merges the Mid Easy and Easy pants. YES — I finally have the funds to develop these and omgggg I am obsessed.
Once we get the fit perfect in my size (I actually have a fitting appointment today), we’ll grade the pattern and fit it on Kursten so the plus sizes can be perfect too. I’m so grateful to have Kursten on the team. Not only does she handle so much of the backend of the business, but having her as a fit model and getting real-time feedback has honestly helped us expand the fit for plus sizes in a really thoughtful way.
While the studio keeps moving along, I’m also in my busiest season at school. My students are preparing for their musical production and getting ready for their fashion show next month, so things are a little wild in the best way. I’m working overtime trying to make everything special both at Nettle and for my students.
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One thing I’m stuck on though… summer colors for Nettle.
I want colors that feel bright and joyful — like sunshine. If you have a color you’d love to see this summer, tell me. Outside of work I’m also trying to get out and walk more now that the weather is warming up and the sun is sticking around longer.
Hell yes daylight savings.
xoxo Alex