How to Make Plush Fabric Pumpkins Free PDF Pattern and Tutorial

November 23, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in Tutorial

Happy Thanksgiving! Since most of us will be home this year to celebrate, and needing some festive decor, I’ve got a fun DIY for you. This tutorial is a bit of an update from one that I wrote a few years back. The construction and pattern are the same, but I’ll walk you through a few other options for stems. Plus, like the velvet pumpkins that I love to make and gift each year- we can tuft these to give them a more organic pumpkin-y shape.

How to Make a Plush Fabric Pumpkin

What Should I Look For When Buying a Sewing Machine? A Guide to Selecting the "Right" Machine for You

Little Stitch Studio

November 12, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in Learn to Sew

Shopping for a sewing machine can seem a bit of an overwhelming task- especially if you don’t have a lot of sewing experience. I’m guessing that if you are reading this article, you might fall into that category. Welcome! I’m so pleased that you stopped by.

There is no doubt about it, 2020 has brought sewing back! A telling sign for me is that instead of the rush of November requests for advice or recommendations for sewing machine, I ‘ve been getting a steady stream for months.

No matter who calls, my advice is always begins with the same question. What are you planning to make? You see, sewing machines are designed for utility and also for specific sewing needs. It helps to know what types of projects you will be making as well as the kind of fabric you plan to use.

You see, sewing machines are designed for both utility but also for specific sewing needs. It helps to know what types of projects you will be making and what kind of fabric you plan to use.

When considering the purchase of a new sewing machine, whether for yourself or as a gift, there are several things that you need to think about.

A Garment Construction Plan; 25 Steps to Successful Sewing

Little Stitch Studio

November 09, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in Learn to Sew, Garment Construction

I’ve always loved the excitement and sheer certainty that comes with starting an ambitious new project. Once the fabric is in hand, it feels like it is only hours until I get to wear this dream de jour. Each moment spent preparing, is filled with thoughts such as, “what shoes should I wear with it?” “What kind of bag goes with awesome?” Oh and – “where will I wear it?” Of course, as a mom, I quickly realize that time slips away and those mere hours from concept to ‘all decked out’ turn into weeks or months. When I was much younger, it was nothing to stay up all night and sew a new outfit for school the next day, or for some dance or occasion. I can still picture myself sitting on the floor in my room, sketching, cutting, sewing and dreaming the days away. I’ve managed to hold onto a few of those pieces that I made early on. When I look at them now, part of me is appalled by the lack of skill and obvious haste in which these clothes were made- but the other is touched with the charming memories and joy of the sheer zeal and passion of my younger self.

The Basic Principles of Garment Construction: Functional, Structural and Decorative Design

Little Stitch Studio

November 04, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in Garment Construction, Learn to Sew

The Design Process

Fashion is all about illusions, line, color, space and texture. These concepts are based on the Principles and Elements of Design. It doesn’t matter if we are talking about designing couture gowns, tailoring, fashion accessories, kids wear or pet clothes. These foundational art principles become primary considerations in construction. Sewing is an art, that of making beautiful clothes. It takes time, thought and practice.

Why Construction Should Matter

Clothing construction refers to the stitching of garments and all the sewing techniques involved in the process. Every choice and detail: pockets, seams, seam finishes, zippers, facings, linings, interfacings, closures and hems, as well as a good understanding of fabric are all intertwined.

Having a strong understanding of construction will help you to become more confident in handling your sewing projects. You will no longer be beholden to the pattern as written. Understanding construction will allow you to confidently move a dart or eliminate an unwanted detail. You will begin to understand how and why pattern pieces are joined in a particular way and order.

Introducing: The Basic Principles of Garment Construction, A New Blog Series

Little Stitch Studio

October 23, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in Garment Construction, Learn to Sew

So many of you are discovering the possibilities that open up when you learn to sew. With even a basic set of skills, you can begin to make simple clothing, fashionable accessories and home decor projects. Soon you may find yourself searching for patterns, fabric and fancy new sewing machines. Suddenly a whole new world opens up- it really is an exciting time.

Well, that is until it isn’t.

There are so many frustrating moments that you will encounter when learning to sew. Tangled threads, broken needles, machine malfunctions. All normal stuff- I promise. You see, there is a difference between knowing how to sew and how to sew well. Learning to sew well takes time and patience. Yes, you will continue to make mistakes, I still do! But it is through these mistakes that you can begin to really learn why things need to be done in a certain order or way – and what happens when you don’t.

Easy DIY Lace Collar Necklace

Little Stitch Studio

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.