Studio Policies

These policies are designed to help students and families understand our guidelines for cancellations, lateness, illness, and other “life happens” moments. Please read them carefully before registering. I invest significant time each week preparing for lessons, so if you have any questions, feel free to email me at hilarie@littlestitchstudio.com.

No Refunds
Please note that no refunds will be given for missed classes, camps, or workshops. Our small class sizes allow for individualized attention, and this policy ensures we can cover the costs of time and materials while also giving waitlisted students a chance to participate in full classes.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Drop-Off Policy:

Arrival and Drop-Off
To keep classes, camps, and workshops running smoothly and ensure a positive experience for all, please do not drop off your child more than five minutes before the scheduled start time. As the sole instructor, I need that extra time to prepare the space and materials, and early drop-offs can disrupt these preparations.
Additionally, when some children arrive too early, it may create anxiety for those who arrive on time, as they might feel they’re missing out on activities or important information. To prevent this and maintain a fair, enjoyable environment, the studio door will open right at the start time.

Kids-Only Classes
All classes are drop-off only, and the studio does not offer a waiting area. However, there are plenty of fun shops and restaurants nearby to explore. When you return, your child will be excited to show you their handiwork.

Timely Pick-Up and Tardiness
Please arrive on time to pick up your child after class. If you are running late, call or text me. Each class is carefully planned to complete specific projects, and tardiness can disrupt the lesson for everyone.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us create a positive and organized experience for our students!

Cancellations, Transfers, etc.

Date Transfers
If you need to transfer your child’s registration to a different class date or time, please give at least one week’s notice. Transfers must be of equal value, based on availability, and take place within the same session as the original registration.

If You Cancel
Cancellations made at least two weeks before the start of a class will be refunded (minus a non-refundable (100 deposit) within 10 business days.

No-Shows
If your child is absent without prior notification, the full class or workshop fee will be forfeited. Please let me know before the class start time if your child will be unable to attend.

Instructor Illness or Emergency

In the unlikely event that the instructor is unable to run the camp due to illness, injury, or emergency:

Little Stitch Studio will make every effort to provide a qualified substitute instructor.
If camp must be canceled in full or in part, families will be offered a credit or partial refund based on the number of days missed.
We reserve the right to reschedule or modify camp structure if needed to ensure a safe and meaningful experience for students.

WAIVER

Please note Little Stitch Studio requires a waiver to be signed for all participants under eighteen years of age by their parent or guardian prior to attending a class, camp, or workshop at Little Stitch Studio.

BEHAVIOR

Rules, Expectations and Consequences

Students will:

Practice safety in the studio and follow teacher's instructions
Participate in all activities.
Be kind and respectful to teachers, assistants, and classmates.
Help clean up after each activity.

If a rule or expectation is broken:

1st time: Teacher speaks with student about inappropriate behavior.

2nd time: Student is taken away from class for quiet time and parent is called.

3rd time: Student will be dismissed and parent will need to pick child up.

Smart Phones

Students cannot use phones during class, unless they have express permission. If your child carries a smartphone, it needs to be turned off or silenced.

Make-up Class

In order to keep your child's fashion and sewing education on track I can accommodate one make up class during a 8-week course for Fashion Design and Sewing Classes (kids and teens). Make-up classes are taken during another sewing class time, in the same session, and require advance scheduling so that I’m ready with your child's project. This make-up class policy is for multi-week sewing classes only offered during the fall, winter, and spring terms. Please note there are no make-up classes for workshops.

Inclement Weather

Inclement Weather Policy
Little Stitch Studio generally follows Norfolk Public Schools’ inclement weather closing policies. If Norfolk Public Schools close due to weather, we will cancel classes as well. We designate [one or two] make-up days each session to accommodate these cancellations. If additional weather closures exceed our scheduled make-up days, we may extend the session to ensure students receive the full instructional experience.

Because of our small class sizes and the costs associated with each session, we do not offer refunds or partial credits for weather-related cancellations. However, if we encounter multiple cancellations and cannot reschedule additional in-person classes, we may offer a short virtual lesson or provide recorded tutorials to keep students engaged at home. While not a complete substitute for hands-on studio time, this option helps maintain continuity and learning momentum.

Thank you for understanding that these policies help ensure fairness for all families. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at hilarie@littlestitchstudio.com.

Re-enrollment

Re-Enrollment Policy
Re-enrollment for continuing sessions opens during Weeks 4 and 5 of each session. To keep the same day and time, please be sure to register promptly during this window. If you need to switch days, contact me directly, and I will do my best to accommodate you based on availability. Please note that only one automated email reminder will be sent in Week 4; it is each family’s responsibility to complete their child’s re-enrollment on time

Parking

There is a small parking lot across the street from the studio and lots of street parking on Shirley and Colley Avenue. The driveway between the studio and the apartment building next door can be used for a quick pick-up or drop-off but is not a parking space.

Supplies

The studio is set up and ready for you to sew. I provide sewing machines, fabric, tools and supplies needed to complete the projects. If your child would like to bring their own machine, please let me know in advance so that I have an open space.

Camp Cancellation Policy

We reserve a limited number of spaces for each child in our summer camps, and many sessions have a waiting list. Additionally, sewing camps require significant advance preparation, including purchasing supplies months ahead of time. Because of this, we maintain a strict refund policy for cancellations and no-shows.

Cancellations before May 10, 2025: Refunds will be issued, minus a $200 non-refundable deposit.
Cancellations on or after May 10, 2025: No refunds will be issued.
Missed Days: We do not offer make-up classes or rescheduling for any missed camp days. No refunds or credits will be provided for missed days, and missed days cannot be transferred to private lessons, group classes, or after-school programs.
Behavior Policy: If a camper is dismissed due to misbehavior, no refund will be issued.

Instructor Illness or Emergency

In the unlikely event that the instructor is unable to run the camp due to illness, injury, or emergency:

Little Stitch Studio will make every effort to provide a qualified substitute instructor.
If camp must be canceled in full or in part, families will be offered a credit or partial refund based on the number of days missed.
We reserve the right to reschedule or modify camp structure if needed to ensure a safe and meaningful experience for students.

By enrolling, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Flex Pass Cancellation Policy

Due to the nature of Summer Sewing Classes, I do not offer make up classes or reschedules for any missed days and we do not refund/give credit for missed days. No credit/monetary refund will be given for missed days and it cannot be transferred to private lessons, group or after school classes. No exceptions. Please check your schedule and make sure your child has no other conflicts before purchasing a Flex Pass.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES AND GROUP EVENTS

Deposit: All parties/group events require a non-refundable $100 deposit to reserve our studio. The balance is due the day of your party or event.

Inclement Weather Cancellations: Should a party or event need to be cancelled due to inclement weather or other force; a refund will be made in full within 10 business days.

If You Cancel: Birthday party or special event cancellations will result in the forfeiture of the deposit.

Date Transfers: We require three weeks advance notice for any date or time changes. Little Stitch Studio will do our best to accommodate your revised date based on availability provided your new date is within three months of the original date.

Pricing: Our birthday party and event prices are per child. We will contact you the Wednesday prior to your child’s event to obtain a final guest count; this is the number we will use when determining your balance. You will be charged for any extra guests who may not have rsvp’d.

Guest Count: Please be as accurate as possible when determining your guest count. Little Stitch Studio may not be able to accommodate a guest increase of more than two participants.