Designing Women: Fashion Creators and Their Interiors

May 26, 2023 by Hilarie Dayton in Fashion Design, Fashion Education, Fashion History

The recent exhibit at the Museum at FIT, Designing Women, Fashion Creators and their Interiors, beautifully captures the women behind the designs, her visions, her revolutions, her impact on the world and how her work influenced other women of their time– not in a prescriptive way, but rather by giving women new avenues for self-expression and empowerment. By pushing boundaries in both fashion and interior design, these designers expanded the realm of possibilities for women. By telling the story of the woman behind the designs, her visions, her revolutions, and her impact on the world – it shows how these women, through their work, transformed the spaces we live in and the clothes we wear.

Claire McCardell Exhibition at FIT: Exploring Fashion's Pioneer

Little Stitch Studio

May 19, 2023 by Hilarie Dayton in Fashion History, Fashion Design, Garment Construction, Fashion Education

In the world of fashion, certain designers leave an indelible mark on the industry, shaping trends and redefining the way we dress. One such visionary is Claire McCardell, whose groundbreaking designs continue to inspire and captivate fashion enthusiasts even today. In April, I was able to see a captivating exhibition celebrating the remarkable legacy of Claire McCardell, at the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT): Claire McCardell, Practicality Liberation, Innovation. This small exhibit showcased some of her revolutionary designs while highlighting her enduring influence on contemporary fashion.

Introducing: Sew your own Wraps, Capes & Cover-ups. A Garment Sewing Primer.

Little Stitch Studio

September 20, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in Book, Fashion Design

I wrote this book to get you excited about making clothing that you will love wearing. The projects are all loose fitting so that you can concentrate on sewing and design and not get too focused on fitting. I show you how to manipulate fabric to make a wardrobe of timeless fashion accessories. Though it is really in the fabrication and finish of each garment where the true test of quality lies. The finish is exceptionally important. Clothing should be as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. The sewing techniques and projects in this book emphasize this principle of quality construction. Beyond the projects, the book is about craftsmanship. It explains in text and photos how to finish seams, embellish garments, and some pattern manipulation techniques that I hope will inspire you to expand your sewing skills.

10 Children's Books About Fashion and Sewing that Feature Black Characters

Little Stitch Studio

June 19, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in Fashion Design, Fashion History, Teaching

In recent years, I have found an increase in the number of books that are both fashion and sewing related that feature kids with black and brown skin. This expanded diversity not only allows kids the opportunity to see themselves in these stories but also helps broaden the perspective of all children by fostering their sense of empathy and connection with characters who might look different from themselves.

Form, Function and Culture

Little Stitch Studio

March 03, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in Fashion Design, Fashion History, Pattern Making, Teaching, Sewing and Construction

In Pattern Making, there are three types of sleeves; set-in, raglan and kimono. All other sleeve styles are developed from one of these three blocks.

However, in this era of globalization, it no longer feels correct to refer to this as a “kimono sleeve”. What then, is an appropriate name for a bodice where the sleeve is integrated into the design instead of a separate piece? “T-shape? Extended sleeve? Robe?

Make Do and Mend

October 22, 2018 by Hilarie Dayton in Fashion Design, Teaching, Fashion History

Would it surprise you to learn that the average piece of clothing is worn only 7 times before it is discarded? Seven times. When I was younger, and considering wether a purchase was “worth it”, I would calculate the Cost Per Wear- and use that number to decide how much to spend on an item of clothing. If I knew that I would only wear something 7 times, it would hardly be worth spending much on. Now a coat, sweater or dress that might be worn a few times a year for many years would be a different story. I have one grey cashmere cardigan that is fairly tattered by now, but it has been in constant seasonal rotation for twenty years. It might have cost me $100 back then, but overtime, just pennies per wear. A new pair of jeans might cost even more than that- but what if they are only worn for a single season? Do you understand my point?

Wedding Veil Making Workshop

March 22, 2017 by Hilarie Dayton in Fashion Design, Teaching

I think there was something magical in the snow on Sunday. As I began the Wedding Veil Making Workshop, the first of a series of DIY wedding workshop experiences, huge snowflakes began to fall, as if on cue.

In this workshop, we made custom wedding veils. With the exception of one mother of the bride, none of these women had sewn before. Making a veil is a very simple hand-sewing project. Perhaps because of the cost associated with weddings and the dreams tied to it, very few people actually make their own veil. I'd like to change that.

On the First Day of Christmas.......Fashion Design Edition!

December 01, 2016 by Hilarie Dayton in Fashion Design

It's here friends. December. Wow! This year my 12 Days of Christmas is going to be a bit easier than my 24 days of doll-outfit-making-fun like last year. (Please don't remind my kids:) For this first day of Christmas, I'm going to give you a gift list that any budding fashion designer would love.

Aster Clutch Pattern Testing

November 11, 2016 by Hilarie Dayton in Fashion Design, Bag Making

The Aster Clutch is a PDF sewing pattern by Hilarie Dayton. This PDF sewing pattern makes a foldover clutch purse and a zipper pouch. The finished measurements are 12”x 12” for the large and 11”x 8” for the medium.