HOW TO HAND SEW SEQUINS: A Course in Creating Custom Embellishments with Sequins

February 26, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in Tutorial, Fabrics and Textiles, Sewing and Construction, Sustainability

Recently I have been seeing a host of embellishments of all manner in fashion magazines and on the runways. Perhaps since clothing shapes and silhouettes are holding steady, embellishment is a way to make clothing new and enticing. Whether it’s just a sprinkling here and there or an all-over design, embellishment is a fun way to both personalize and dress up your wardrobe.

This winter I discovered that one of my favorite sweaters had been enjoyed by some moths. Uggh! However, instead of being upset, I decided that this presented the perfect opportunity to create a design that I had been playing around with in my mind and repair my beloved sweater.

How to care for your clothing

Little Stitch Studio

April 25, 2019 by Hilarie Dayton in Fabrics and Textiles, Sustainability, Tutorial

Until very recently, caring for and mending our clothes and other textiles was a necessity. Sometimes because of rations or scarcity, but more often, because clothing was valued. Time and effort went into both purchasing and maintaining a wardrobe.

The key to a longer-lasting wardrobe is to care for your clothing. Treat clothes gently and mend them when they need repair. That means sewing on buttons, replacing a hem or mending a moth hole. Through these small acts, we will create a more meaningful relationship with the things that we purchase and prolong the life of our clothes.

An.thro.po.cene

April 22, 2019 by Hilarie Dayton in Fabrics and Textiles, Fashion History, Sustainability

On April 24, 2013, the Rana Plaza collapse killed over 1,100 garment workers in Bangladesh and wounded over 2,200 more. The incident left consumers all over the world questioning who makes the clothes we wear everyday and in what kind of conditions?

Conscious Consumption

October 04, 2018 by Hilarie Dayton in Fabrics and Textiles, Sustainability

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.