Wedding Veil Making Workshop
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.
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 stress associated with weddings and the dreams tied to it, very few people actually make their own veil. I'd like to change that.
To set this workshop apart from my kid's sewing classes, I held the workshop at Jollity and Co. a new party supply store and space in Norfolk. It is in a freshly renovated, light-filled building in Norfolk. The attendees were served coffee, wine and dessert. My friend, José of Elite Custom Cakes, provided the cupcakes and petit fours. They were just as delicious as they were beautiful.
The guests brought a picture or sample of a veil that they wanted to recreate. We set to work. First question: Have you purchased your dress? The dress really determines the color and style of the veil. Once the dress is chosen, you can get down to the fun details. White or ivory? Length? Style? Tulle, English Netting, or Illusion?
Each woman choose an appropriate length and style, we cut it out and began sewing. As the guests immersed themselves in hand-stitching their veils, they seemed to relax and enjoy the camaraderie and conversation.
After attaching the veil to comb, the guests were invited to choose from the assortment of freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals, rosettes, vintage lace bits, ribbon, beads and feathers to embellish their combs.
I hope that each woman that attended left with a new found skill and the confidence to consider making their own heirloom accessories. Perhaps you would like to join me in the next workshop: Bowties for boys and men.
XO, Hilarie
In the news!
A couple of weeks ago I received a phone call from Arleen Spenceley, a correspondent at The Virginian-Pilot. She had seen something online about Little Stitch Studio and wanted to learn more. I was thrilled to chat with her about my work and your kids!
A couple of weeks ago I received a phone call from Arleen Spenceley, a correspondent at The Virginian-Pilot. She had seen something online about Little Stitch Studio and wanted to learn more. I was thrilled to chat with her about my work and your kids!
Sew Young Norfolk studio keeps students in stitches several times a week.
I am forever grateful to my friend Sarah for dropping her daughter off at my house one December afternoon with her new sewing machine that she wanted to learn to use and some cash. A couple of minutes into the lesson, I realized that I might just have something to share.
XOXO, Hilarie
The Ultimate Bridal Accessory
Are you ready to DIY the ultimate wedding accessory? I am teaching a bridal veil making class at Jollity & Co. to top anything you can learn on Pinterest! I spent years designing wedding gowns and veils and am ready to help you make the veil of your dreams.
Are you ready to DIY the ultimate wedding accessory? I am teaching a bridal veil making class at Jollity & Co. to top anything you can learn on Pinterest! I spent years designing wedding gowns and veils and am ready to help you make the veil of your dreams.
It would seem that custom veil combinations are endless — meaning you can create your very own one-of-a-kind veil for your big day! I will guide you through the process of creating a beautiful bridal veil that fits your style. Choose the length, color and finishing touches. Veiling tulle will be precut in a length you choose. Ribbon, a variety of combs, beads, embellishments, and hand-sewing materials will be provided for this hands-on workshop.
Sunday, March 19, 10-12 Noon at Jollity & Co., 2111 Granby Street, Norfolk VA
Join us for a bit of cake, drinks and ultimate DIY fun!
$55 per person
Please call (757-615-5802) or email Hilarie to reserve your spot today. (Classes are limited and fill up quickly!)
*Prices and timing stated allow for the creation of one veil per person, which is yours to keep. I will do my best to accommodate requests to make pieces for a specific theme, the materials are subject to availability. Please check at the time of booking.
On the Fourth Day of Christmas.......Books about making stuff!
On the Fourth Day of Christmas, I present a collection of my favorite sewing themed books for kids. These will surely inspire young minds to use basic sewing principles and easily accessible materials to express their individuality. The thrill of taking some plain cloth and creatively cutting and adding trim is quite appealing to children. It teaches them that we can liberate ourselves from our roles as passive consumers to passionate creators! As an added bonus sewing (or being absorbed in any creative pursuit) trains young minds to concentrate deeply, which undoubtedly benefits them in other aspects of life.
On the Fourth Day of Christmas, I present a collection of my favorite sewing themed books for kids. These will surely inspire young minds to use basic sewing principles and easily accessible materials to express their individuality. The thrill of taking some plain cloth and creatively cutting and adding trim is quite appealing to children. It teaches them that we can liberate ourselves from our roles as passive consumers to passionate creators! As an added bonus sewing (or being absorbed in any creative pursuit) trains young minds to concentrate deeply, which undoubtedly benefits them in other aspects of life.
When teaching sewing to kids, I really take a design forward approach. Often times, kids will come in with some fantastic idea. We discuss it and try to break the design down to the essence that they love but in an approachable way for them to feel successful and satisfied. I try sequence the difficulty so that they can avoid the frustration that comes with a too challenging project and total abandon of their skills. I hear from so many adults about boring projects that they had to suffer through before they could advance to the great stuff. I'd rather meet kids where they are creatively. If they stick with sewing, there is always time to learn fine sewing skills. If they loose their passion to perfection, then they may never find the simple pleasure of creative expression.
These are all books that I own. They provide simple, clear explanations for technique, combined with a great deal of inspiration. I hope that they will enable your child to feel successful and encouraged to explore sewing and design.
Crafty Chloe by Heather Ross. This is the first of two Crafty Chloe books. I hope there will be many more. They are hysterical and so on point for kids!
I had a Favorite Dress by Boni Ashburn. This book has been at the top of our gift giving list for years for fashion loving girls.
Isabelle, An American Girl, She's an American Girl doll who has pink hair highlights, dances, designs clothes and sews. What more needs to be said?
We love to sew, by Annabel Wrigley. This is the first of the series of books that Annabel has written. The projects are very fashion forward and so fun! Do yourself a favor and check out her other books and videos. Annabel lives in Winchester, VA and runs Little Pincushion Studio.
Sewing School, by Amie Plumley. These projects are popular for boys and girls of all ages. Amie has also written Sewing School 2 and is actively working on number 3! She teaches very young children how to sew in Memphis, TN.
Corduroy, Don Freeman. A true classic. I remember reading this as a child and loving Lisa for caring for Corduroy, sewing a button on his overalls and bringing him home to her tidy little room with that pretty quilt.
One Hundred Dresses, by Eleanor Estes. This is a story about a young girl who is quite poor and is made fun of for wearing the same clothes everyday. She tells the other kids that she has a hundred dresses at home, but they don't believe her. She moves and they find out the truth. Is it too late to make things right? This is a beautifully written but painful portrait of a young creative child. This was my favorite book as a child.
See and Sew by Tina Davis As the forward says, "This book is an invitation to sew". It is full of fun and easy projects to learn and build sewing skills.
My First Sewing Machine Book, This is a skill based book written for a child. The pictures are colorful and the projects are attractive.
Pockets, by Jennifer Armstrong. This is a beautifully written picture book that will surely inspire children to dream.
Upcoming workshops and Winter Break Sewing Camp
November and December
Sewing Workshops and Winter Break Sewing Camp
November and December
Sewing Workshops and Winter Break Sewing Camp
November Sewing Workshop
When baking holiday cookies, little chefs stir up a merry mess. Let them have fun and keep their clothes clean with aprons just for the occasion. Saturday, November 19, 1-3pm, $55
December Sewing Workshops
Santa’s Workshop with Outside the Lines Young Artists Studio, Saturday, December 3, 3-5pm, $55
Holiday gift sewing workshop, No peeking! Saturday, December 10, 3-5pm, $55
Winter break sewing camp
Wednesday, December 28 - Friday, December 30, 9am-12pm, $155 Lot’s of fun sewing options for the beginner and returner alike! We will focus on making clothing and accessories.
Space is limited to six students. Please email me today to register. hilarie@littlestitchstudionorfolk.com
Say Hello + Follow Along!
www.littlestitchstudionorfolk.com
XO, Hilarie