ABOUT US
ALYSON MELHUS
Owner, Instructor, Designer
Meet Alyson Nicole Melhus. Born and raised in a cozy little town in Pennsylvania, where she her creativity bloomed with the encouragement of her family. Thanks to her Grandmother, Alyson learned to sew at a young age, which quickly became her passion and lead her to continue with Fashion Education in College.
Besides Fashion and the Arts, Alyson spent a big part of her life practicing dance (Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, & Hip Hop) and even had the opportunity to teach dance classes for adults and children.
When she’s not busy with her brand Alyson Nicole, or teaching- you’ll find her getting crafty with her daughter, baking delicious treats, or planning the most fantastic birthday parties and events. Alyson is all about spreading joy and making memories!
Read on to learn more facts…
Industry Experience
After graduating in 2010, Alyson started her fashion career in Leather Accessories designing women’s and men’s belts, bags, wallets, and other small leather goods.
During her time in the leather industry, she was able to attend New York Fashion Week where her accessories walked down the runway for Nanette Lepore and Rebecca Minkoff.
Her career also gave her an opportunity to travel internationally to Italy, Hong Kong, and China to work with factories and attend trade shows.
Bridal Designer
Established in 2009, Alyson Nicole began her collection with bridal veils and headpieces. Three years later, she expanded her collection to contain a full range of accessories including bespoke accessory and apparel services.
Alyson Nicole’s brand caters to non-traditional brides along with those who dare to be different. Most of her styles can be worn on all occasions, not just the wedding day.
Alyson’s accessory collection blends natural, industrial elements with a hint of modern femininity, which are all handmade in her Brooklyn studio.
(Photo of Alyson wearing her own wedding dress design with her husband.)
sewing since 1996
At the young age of 8, Alyson’s Grandmother was tired of seeing her rip up her clothes to alter them with safety pins and decided to teach her how to properly sew garments.
From that moment on, Alyson started creating dresses for her school dances, outfits for her American Girl plays, and clothing for everyday wear.
TEACHING SINCE 2021
What started as a Facebook inquiry to teach a small group of girls Fashion Illustration, soon turned into so much more.
The word soon spread about the Fashion Classes and turned into multiple in-home private lessons for sewing.
Then in 2023, with the help of one of her student’s mom, Alyson started teaching an after-school enrichment program at PS185 offering kids the chance to learn Fashion Illustration and hand sewing/embroidery.
Alyson also had the privledge of teaching a Fashion Illustration workshop to Visitation’s Girl Scout Troup before they sadly closed their doors.
CPR Certified
Alyson is proud to be CPR and First Aid Certified.
Bachelors of Fine Art
Alyson has her BFA in Fashion Design from Cazenovia College, Class of 2010.
VISUAL ARTS
Alyson continued in the arts throughout her High School, College, and professional career by challenging herself in multiple medias to expand her knowledge.
"Working with Alyson has been an absolute delight! Thanks to her expertise and dedication, my daughter has not only learned the invaluable skill of sewing but has also flourished creatively. From sketch to stitch, Alyson's classes have empowered my daughter to bring her designs to life with confidence and finesse. We couldn't be more grateful for Alyson's guidance and support throughout this journey."
"My daughter always had a passion for fashion but Alyson ignited her passion for design and drive to execute! Thank you for making Alina‘s experience so special. I’m in awe of her illustrations and grateful that she is following in my grandmother‘s footsteps via your mentorship. Can't recommend Alyson enough!!"
"Miss Alyson makes you proud of your designs and even teaches you to create them. I had such a great time."
"Alyson has been my daughter’s sewing teacher for over two years now, and I am continually impressed and amazed by the skills she has developed and the projects she has made under Alyson’s tutelage! Throughout her time working with Alyson, my 10-year-old has learned how to skillfully work a sewing machine, create her own designs and make projects such as scrunchies, skirts, a backpack, and a denim jacket. Thanks to Alyson’s patience, creativity and encouragement, sewing and fashion illustration have become some of my daughter’s greatest passions. I cannot recommend Alyson’s classes highly enough!!"
"Sew 'N Fashion is a gem! It is an excellent place for learning and having fun! Alyson, is a wonderful and patient teacher and she has ignited my daughter’s passion for sewing. At just five years old, she eagerly attends every class and has been creating adorable stuffed animals for the past five months. Through Alyson’s guidance, my daughter has discovered her creativity and has found a love for sewing and fashion.
We also had my daughter’s birthday party at Sew.n.Fashion, and Alyson took care of everything. She decorated with balloons and made a special birthday sign for my daughter. All the girls went home with a small pouch and the jewelry they made. Sew.n.Fashion is truly a great addition to our neighborhood, where kids can have fun, make friends, and learn a valuable skill."
"The adult classes here are great. Each class builds on the last so that you can really master the basics principles of sewing, and then begin to work on fun projects. Alyson is a great teacher and thorough with her instruction. Highly recommend!"
"This is a great addition to Bay Ridge with a unique offering for children, teens and adults. Have experienced the children and adult sewing classes, kids camps, workshops and drop-off parties. Alyson is a great teacher who works so diligently and patiently with each child. The best part is that she teaches a skill that will be used forever and there’s a deliverable/ product that comes from her classes. Through her classes, my kiddo has made jewelry, bags, pencil cases, make up bags, hair accessories, hats and more!!! She also hosts amazing birthday parties. Highly recommend!!"
"Ms. Alyson is a wonderful teacher; patient and kind. Our daughter enjoyed both, fashion and sewing afterschool classes. She was very proud of the work she did in class. We look forward to joining future classes!"
"I loved Ms. Alyson’s sewing class. I learned so much about sewing and embroidery...I didn't know that there were so many types of stitches! One of my favorite stitches was the Long & Short stitch. I especially loved making a tote bag! Ms. Alyson is an amazing teacher!"
The Studio
Take a quick peek into our cozy fashion studio!
