DIY Easter Kits-No Magical Bunny Required!
Hop to it and invite these adorable bunnies into your home! The playful wool felt bunnies make this kit the perfect addition to your spring decor, or to be found in a little someone’s Easter basket!
Kit includes wool and rayon felt, batting, embroidery thread, needle, pompom tail, and step by step instructions to complete. Finished bunny measures about 4 inches high +3” ears. Each kit comes beautifully packaged in a kraft paper box with a double faced satin ribbon sealed with a Liberty of London sticker.
Hop to it and invite these adorable bunnies into your home! The playful wool felt bunnies make this kit the perfect addition to your spring decor, or to be found in a little someone’s Easter basket!
Kit includes wool and rayon felt, batting, embroidery thread, needle, pompom tail, and step by step instructions to complete. Finished bunny measures about 4 inches high +3” ears. Each kit comes beautifully packaged in a kraft paper box with a double faced satin ribbon sealed with a Liberty of London sticker.
You can purchase here. Priority shipping is a flat rate of $8.00. If you are local, you can of course purchase and pick up at my shop.
Little Stitch Studio Featured in Inside Business
I was thrilled by the opportunity to sit down with Sandra Pennecke, of Inside Business, the business journal of The Virginian Pilot, and share a bit about Little Stitch Studio and the work that I do.
I was thrilled by the opportunity to sit down with Sandra Pennecke, of Inside Business, the business journal of The Virginian Pilot, and share a bit about Little Stitch Studio and the work that I do.
Click here to read the article.
Four years ago, I took a leap to pursue this dream, which led to another, and then another. There are no promises in life, but I have learned that with hard work, time and a passion, dreams can take you far.
XOXO, Hilarie
Adult Sewing Workshop Re-Cap and Re-Fresh
Last weekend, I taught my first adult workshop of this year. Like with each workshop that I do with children, I learn something new. As I clean up after everyone leaves, I think about what went right during the time and also what I can do to streamline or improve the experience for everyone next time.
A pretty fantastic leather clutch made in the January workshop.
Last weekend, I taught my first adult workshop of this year. Like with each workshop that I do with children, I learn something new. As I clean up after everyone leaves, I think about what went right during the time and also what I can do to streamline or improve the experience for everyone next time. This workshop was no different. Each of the ladies that attended, learned something and left with a fabulous bag. However, it occurred to me, that maybe the adult workshops might be even better if they weren’t set up in the same manner as the ones for children. (If I didn’t love designing and sewing so much, I might be a professional organizer, planner or over thinker:) With that in mine, I plan to try a couple of different workshop models going forward. The first will be very much like the model that I have used in the past, where you can come in, learn a skill and leave with a fun, small (but stylish!) project in two hours. This is going to be how I will offer the beginners workshop. For a larger or more time intensive project, instead of a two hour workshop that inevitably lasts 3 or more, I’ll schedule it for more time to begin with. This way, we can take our time, relax, enjoy the learning experience, camaraderie and walk away with something special.
A longer workshop will also allow time for a break and some treats too! What do you think? What would you like to learn how to make?
Next workshops:
The poncho and cape feature a generous, oversized drape. The sleeveless construction and extended hem make it ideal for layering - I like it best over skinny pants or jeans. Whether made of french terry, fleece, or lux cashmere, it will instantly update your much loved basics.
Saturday, March 16, 10-2 PM; $110
Bralette- Coming Soon! I promise. As many of you know, I have been dealing with migraines and vertigo for the past 5 weeks. As such, I’m off my game a bit. For a project like a bralette that requires a bit more precision and detail, I need to get better before I can teach it.
Best,
Hilarie XOXO
Setting the Scene for 2019
If learning to sew is one of your goals for this new year, I have just the classes for you.
If learning to sew is one of your new years resolutions, I have just the classes for you.
Beginning January 19, I will host monthly learn to sew classes for adults. As I haven’t found just the right day and time to meet everyone’s schedule, some classes will be offered Saturday mornings, others on a week night.
Since I love making bags (and have written a new book on bag making!) They are so quick, relatively easy and near instant gratification. Look forward to lots of bag making opportunities.
January’s Adult Sewing Workshop : Zipper Clutch Purse- In this skill building class you will learn all the basics of sewing, including learning the parts of the sewing machine and how to use them, learn how to wind a bobbin, thread the machine and troubleshoot common issues. You'll also learn how to cut and pin fabric, learn the basics of understanding seam allowance, straight stitching, sewing curves and corners, and inserting a zipper.
$55, All supplies included.
February workshop ( date pending) Lace Bralette, it is both beautiful and functional. Some sewing experience required.
What would you like to learn to make?
Happy new year!
Hilarie XOXO
It's here: Small Business Saturday
Our annual holiday event is a celebration of the incredible creative talent that Norfolk has to offer. On November 24th, we will transform Colley Avenue into a holiday shopping extravaganza featuring handmade items, DIY workshops, immersive experiences, festive music and much more.
Our annual holiday event is a celebration of the incredible creative talent that Norfolk has to offer. On Saturday, November 24th, we will transform Colley Avenue into a holiday shopping extravaganza featuring handmade items, DIY workshops, immersive experiences, festive music and much more.
This unique showcase brings together local shopping, amazing food, drinks and fun activities for the whole family. You can shop local for everyone on your list as well as find awesome food and drinks from a variety of vendors. There are fun activities for the little crowd too, including an ornament making station, coloring station and even a Kids Handmade Fair. Plenty of reasons to skip the Black Friday madness and shop local!
Here is the line up of what you can look forward to:
Little Stitch Studio Little Stitch Studio will host a Kid’s Handmade Fair from 11-2pm, and a Felt Gingerbread House making workshop from 3-5pm.
Texture of Ghent Texture will be offering festive refreshments, door prizes and an ornament giveaway (while supplies last!)
Strawberry Fields Get a free homemade hot chocolate when you purchase a $10 gift card
Pendulum Fine Meats "Burger Saturday" - $6 burger and a side from 11 to 4.
• Complimentary Wine Tasting - Get ready for your holiday meal and grab all your hostess gifts for every holiday party. Wine specials throughout the store on Small Business Saturday.
• Holiday Preorders - Place your special order for your holiday meal and receive 10% off at pickup. Get that prime rib roast, ham, brisket or whatever makes your holiday meal preordered today!
• Buy $100 worth of gift cards, get a $10 gift card for yourself!
Kitsch- Will be featuring a Pop-up of handmade hats and custom ornaments. Additionally, with every $50 purchase you will receive a free Kitsch tote bag!
A. Dodson’s Started this early with short video montages of their employees giving a shout out to their favorite local business. (Follow along for the fun- they are asking their customers to tag their favorites, too.)
Running Etc. It’s too good to post. Stop by and see for yourself!
We hope that this collaboration will have a ripple effect of everyone talking about and tagging their favorite small businesses and will spread the love and the message far and wide... for many Saturdays to come!
My book! Sew Bags: The Practical Guide to Making Purses, Totes, Clutches & More; 13 Skill-Building Projects
Friends, I’m so excited to share that my book, “Sew Bags: The Practical Guide to Making Purses, Totes, Clutches & More; 13 Skill-Building Projects”. This project has been two years in the making and will be published by Stash Books, in June 2019.
Friends, I’m so excited to share that my book, “Sew Bags: The Practical Guide to Making Purses, Totes, Clutches & More; 13 Skill-Building Projects”. This project has been two years in the making and will be published by Stash Books, in June 2019.
I love making beautiful things, maybe a bit obsessively so, and it’s been a dream to create my first sewing book. I had such a specific vision for this and knew that I wanted it to be first and foremost inspiring, instructive, encouraging, fashionable and full of exciting projects. I have loved writing this book, and I hope that you’re going to enjoy reading and sewing from it.
This book brings style and attention to designing and sewing your own bags. It features step by step instructions (with pictures!) to make 13 different purses, totes, clutches, and drawstring bags. My goal when writing this, was to create a book filled with projects that you’ll want to make again and again.
Not only are the projects unique and fun, but the book is also beautifully produced (something that you’ve come to expect from all C&T Publishing.) It is a paperback book with a cover that I illustrated, featuring several of the book’s projects. Also included are two large removable sheets of full-sized pattern pieces for each project.
The book begins shipping next spring, but it is available for pre-order from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Once it is released, I’ll also make autographed copies available on my website and in the shop.
Look for some glimpses of the book over the coming months, and start checking existing projects off your sewing list-because I think you’ll want to make several projects from this book!
Make Do and Mend
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?
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?
During World War II, the Make Do And Mend campaign was Vogue's call to women to alter, change, patch or re-do clothing rather than wasting precious resources. It encouraged homemakers to be resourceful and thrifty. Handmade and hand-repaired clothing became an essential part of wartime life. People got creative across the country out of necessity, finding ways to make and care for clothes - and forge their own wartime style. At that time, more people knew how to sew and how to repair their own clothes.
Growing up, clothing was a luxury. I am the oldest of 10 children- fortunately (since I do love clothes) I learned to sew at a very young age. I spent many years practicing on thrift store bargains and hand me downs. Through necessity, an article of clothing could live many lives before finally hitting the scrap bin. This experience has greatly informed my style and point of view.
Sustainability is a key buzz word in the world of fashion and textiles these days. With good reason! Next to fossil fuels, the fashion industry is the worlds biggest environmental offender. But it doesn’t have to be. We can disrupt the cycle. Buy less, care for what you have, swap with a friend, learn to mend! I promise you won’t regret it!
If you want a stylish way to begin this journey, look no farther! I am having a Visible Mending Workshop for teens and adults on November 10.
Last year’s sweatshirt is this year’s prized top!
Visible mending.
Visible mending on patchwork. Look for this in my shop soon- I just need to remember to frame it:)
Kids Handmade Fair
On Saturday, November 24, I will be hosting our Second Annual Kids Handmade Fair. Last year, ten kids set up their booth in front of Little Stitch Studio and Kitsch to sell items that they made. It was such an exciting experience for them but also for me, that I have decided to do it again.
On Saturday, November 24, I will be hosting our Second Annual Kids Handmade Fair. Last year, ten kids set up their booth in front of Little Stitch Studio and Kitsch to sell items that they made. It was such an exciting experience for them but also for me, that I have decided to do it again.
Kids Handmade Fair, Nov 24, 11-2pm.
Registration
To register, please send me a letter outlining what you plan to make, how many items (approximately) you will have, a picture of your product. You may email this to hilarie@littlestitchstudionorfolk.com Deadline for registration is Tuesday, November 20.
Guidlines
All items must be handmade by the child.
You keep all of the money you make.
Baked goods must be individually wrapped.
You supply table, chairs, and everything else you will need to set up. (maximum table size is 4ft)
Conscious Consumption
As someone who loves clothes and fashion, you might be surprised to learn that I actually own very few clothes. Now, that is. In my younger years, I had multiple closets full of clothes and shoes in excess of 100 pairs. Not anymore. Once I became a mom, space, clutter and time became paramount. I also learned more about efficiency. Having fewer clothes means less upkeep and actually more options. The things that I do own, I wear and love.
As someone who loves clothes and fashion, you might be surprised to learn that I actually own very few clothes. Now, that is. In my younger years, I had multiple closets full of clothes and shoes in excess of 100 pairs. Not anymore. Once I became a mom, space, clutter and time became paramount. I also learned more about efficiency. Having fewer clothes means less upkeep and actually more options. The things that I do own, I wear and love.
To keep from getting bored with my clothes, I do tend to refresh and upcycle quite a bit. I might combine elements from two or more items or just cut up a skirt and refashion it into a dress. Often times these remakes are some of the clothes that I get the most compliments on.
To share some ideas with you on how you too can begin to slow down and reconsider your own closet updates, next month I am hosting a Sashiko mending workshop and a Clothing Swap. In addition to these workshops, I will be posting new content on this blog (now that I am promising it- it will happen. Accountability, my friends!)
What are some techniques that you would like to learn?
Fall Class Registration is Open!
Registration for Fall classes is open. Classes are organized into 6-week sessions, each class meets once each week for six weeks. Classes and weekend workshops run throughout the school year. Summer camps, birthday parties and school break camps fill in the rest of the year. Students learn to sew, design and illustrate their projects. Students get to take home what they've made throughout the course and all supplies are included.
The window is coming along!
Registration for Fall classes is open. Classes are organized into 6-week sessions, each class meets once each week for six weeks. Classes and weekend workshops run throughout the school year. Summer camps, birthday parties and school break camps fill in the rest of the year. Students learn to sew, design and illustrate their projects. Students get to take home what they've made throughout the course and all supplies are included.
While most projects take a few weeks to complete, we will occasionally break up the time with a quick bit of crafting magic. Beyond sewing, we will learn about the creative process and how to choose projects as a group. Sewing is a skill and takes time to develop. Because of the time and planning involved, it is a great way to teach kids to delay instant gratification and to be deliberate and thoughtful in their choices.
Class begins, Tuesday, September 5. Space in the classes are based on availability and require registration.
Class size is limited to 6 students/ $150 per 6-week session + $75 annual (school year) registration and supply fee.
Tuesday 4:30-5:30 (Full)
Wednesday 4:30-5:30 (Full)
Thursday 4:30-5:30
Friday 4:30-5:30 (Teen Class, rising 6th grade and up) (Full)
Friday 5:30-6:30
*Adult sewing class, Wednesday 10-11:30AM
*Homeschool Class, Thursday 12:30-2
*$200 per 6-week session + $75 annual (school year) registration and supply fee.
To register, please send me an email to check availability and send a $75 registration.