Easy DIY Lace Collar Necklace

October 21, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in Fabrics and Textiles, Pattern Making, Tutorial

Have you gotten used to dressing too comfortable while working from home? Like many of you, I have been looking forward to the change of season wardrobe and some fun experimentation with color and layering. This DIY lace collar necklace is an easy update that can instantly elevate an everyday cardigan or sweater top. The idea is reminiscent of lace detachable collars of the 80’s but so much less stuffy. Gone are the Laura Ashley floral prints and fussy ruffles. These collars are designed to make a statement and bring a bit of contrast to up your look. Ready to sew?

Room Rater Gave Me a 9/10!

Little Stitch Studio

October 12, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in Book, Bag Making, Press

You are familiar with Room Rater, right? Throughout the pandemic, Rate my Skype Room has been a fun Twitter follow into the snark and fun of rating home decor. Imagine how pleased (and surprised!) I was when I was featured. They gave me a 9/10 for my FB Live for C&T Publishing to kick off National Sewing Month.

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.

DIY Easy Mini Felt Bunny Ornaments

April 10, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in PDF Pattern, Tutorial

Easter is on Sunday! Since quarantine began, I am never really quite sure what day it is anymore. Somehow in all of this uncertainty, I hadn’t gotten around to putting out any type of seasonal decoration. With a daughter called Bunny, we generally take Easter decorating pretty seriously around here. So, in an effort to jump start on all things Bunny, here is a quick hand-sewing project for you to make and enjoy.

Face Mask Making FAQ's

Little Stitch Studio

April 09, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in Pattern Making, Sewing and Construction, mask

So many of the questions that I receive through comments, emails and phone calls, tend to focus around a few topics. In the presence of that, I present to you a Face Mask Making FAQ.

How to Maximize Your Time Sewing Cloth Face Masks With These Tips and Tricks

Little Stitch Studio

April 03, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in Tutorial, Sewing and Construction, PDF Pattern, mask

Learn how to save time and maximize the number of face masks that you can sew. How to sew a double-layer face mask with wire and pocket for filter or shield. Step by step cloth face mask tutorial and free pattern. Face masks are hard to come by and it seems that hospitals will be facing a shortage.

Face Mask Sewing Pattern and Tutorial

Little Stitch Studio

March 18, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in Tutorial, Pattern Making, Sewing and Construction

Across the world, we are all discovering just how unprepared we are for the COVID-19 situation. Face masks are hard to come by and it seems that hospitals will be facing a shortage in the near future. After reading this article I decided that I needed to put my skills to use make a mask pattern.

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?

An Insider’s Look at International Quilt Market

Little Stich Studio

February 27, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in Book, Fabrics and Textiles

I was so fortunate to be able to attend the Fall International Quilt Market. Why Quilt Market, you may ask? A reasonable question. It is a curious name, but don’t let that fool you. The International Quilt Market is the premiere trade show for the sewing industry. All manner of fabric, patterns, notions, sewing machines, tools, books and accessories are represented.