Repair
Shop
Designed to get the stack of clothes that have been staring at you from the counter of the room back on that body-ody-ody!
okay here's the stitch-uationWe all know the thrilling feeling of finding that new piece, discovering it while walking past a store window or in the far reaches of the internet. It feels like being rewarded after a long hunt, and we can now step into the fantasy of who we will be when wearing or using this new item.
We cross the threshold of our home with our new trophy and put it in pride of place. Beaming with joy, we admire the fruits of our labor…we are now whole. But in the very next moment, its slow descent into ordinariness begins. The rest of your items watch with boredom because they know all too well that it’s only a matter of time : a season, a year, a decade before it becomes one of them:
The Never Worn, The Worn-Out, The Would-Be-Worn-If-It-Weren’t-For-This-One-Small-Change.
Services
Don’t fret you’re in the right place because The Repair Shop at Home Ec NYC is designed to restore, refine, and reimagine the pieces you already own. Bringing in a single pair of pants in need of a hem or a full rack of garments to sort through. We’ll decide together what should be returned to its former glory, what can be modified to better serve you, and what is ready to be completely reinvented. This is about giving your clothes a second life that actually works for you now.
Check out [Pricing] & [FAQs] below to insure we are the perfect fit.
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When you’re not ready to give up on something good.
Mending is repairing and restoring garments so they can continue to be worn and loved
It’s fixing the rip, replacing the zipper, patching worn areas, and reinforcing the seam that gave up before you did.
The goal is to extend the life of your clothing while maintaining or thoughtfully enhancing its original character.
Interested in learning to mend yourself? Check out mending workshops! -
When the fit is off, but the potential isn’t.
Alterations are about improving the fit and of a garment.
It’s taking something in or letting it out, adjusting hems, reshaping silhouettes, or modifying details like sleeves, straps, or closures.
Proper alterations can completely transform how a piece looks and feels, turning something that almost works into something you reach for constantly.
Interested in learning to alter yourself? Check out alterations workshops!
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When it’s not the end…just a plot twist.
Upcycling reimagines existing garments into something new!
It's modernizing an outdated piece, combining multiple items into one, or completely redesigning a garment’s structure and purpose.
It’s a collaborative, design-driven process resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces tailored to your style.
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When you want something made from scratch.
Starting with your ideas, needs, and references, we design and build a one-of-a-kind piece(s) made specifically for you. From concept to final garment, this is a fully collaborative process that results in something that only exists because you asked for it. -
When it’s not just a fitting…it’s a wardrobe reincarnation.
This is a one-on-one styling and design experience where your wardrobe becomes the starting point.
We’ll play with the pieces you want to transform and see what needs fixing, what needs a whole new identity!
This package is an on going fitting and design process that can include custom design concepts, tailoring, material sourcing, and ongoing collaboration resulting in a wardrobe that feels entirely your own.
Stop side-eyeing that
pile in the corner
and start actually
wearing it.
If you’ve got 5–10 garments
that need a little (or a lot of) love:
[jump to learn more] about
NAME OF PACKAGE
Process
Consultation
Meet Cute
We start with a quick call or email to assess the situation: what you’ve got, what you want, and whether this is a match made in wardrobe heaven.
Design Meeting
Daydreaming & Scheming
(for upcycling + custom design only)
We’ll dive deeper into the creative direction or transformation: sketching, selecting and sourcing materials, and finalizing design details.
Fittings
Fine-Tuning
Sometimes it’s as simple as pinning a hem, sometimes it’s a bit more like playing dress up and imagining what this piece is about to transform into. Either way, this is where it starts to take shape.
Hand-Off
Homecoming
Once your piece is complete, you’ll return to pick it up, try it on, and see the final result. This is the moment where everything comes together: restored or reimagined, and ready to be worn again.
A la carte Pricing
Our clothing deserves a longer life. The pricing reflects the time, care, and intention behind each piece. Everything is made by hand in my NYC studio using locally sourced materials whenever possible. Final price depends on the scope of the work. The prices listed below are starting points and are subject to change.
If you’re unsure where your project fits, feel free to reach out, I’m happy to talk it through with you.
MENDING
Moth Hole $17
Hand Darning $30 woven / $40 knits
Machine Darning $20
Darning > 1/4" +$10/inch
Covering Patch $30
Window Patch $30 raw edge /$40 clean
Appliqué $20
Replacing Elastic $35
Button $10
Zipper Replacement $50
EMBROIDERY
Initials or monogram "1 tall $35 / + $10/inch > 1"
Script word $45 / $3/letter > 7
Larger design or motif $65
ALTERATIONS
Blind Hem $60 pants / $120 dress
Jeans (keeping original hem) $50
Double Fold Hem $45 pants / $45 sleeves / $60 dress
Facing/ Lined Hem $75 dress
Wide leg Hem +$10
>60" dress Hem +$.60/inch
Shortening from waist - Dress or Jumpsuit $120
Sleeve with cuff $65
Taking in $45 Shirt/ $75 Dress/ $45 Skirt/ Pants $60
Darts at back waist $45 Pants / $60 Jeans
Reshape center back $45 Pants / $60 Jeans
DESIGN
A La Carte Fitting $20 retainer
Custom Design Meeting $250 retainer
Upcycling Design Meeting $150 retainer
Sourcing $50 retainer
Dying $50 Natural Fibers/ $75 Synthetic Fibers
Your style has evolved from the early aughts “investment piece” you went into credit card debt to buy in your 20’s. Let’s reimagine it!
Wardrobe Reimagine Package
This is not your average alterations appointment; it’s a collaborative day of playing dress-up in a personalized fitting and design session!
We’ll try things on, pin, play, and experiment to figure out what each piece could be. Some garments might just need a simple tweak, while others get reimagined entirely. Think: silhouettes reinvented, thoughtful details added and colors transformed through custom dyeing! All evolving into the dopest update to your wardrobe.
Depending on your vision, we can also:
Sketch custom design ideas
Source fabrics and trims locally
Schedule follow-up fittings to bring everything to life
During the session, we’ll map out a clear plan for each piece, including design direction, alterations, and any larger transformations. After the session, all work is quoted individually based on the scope of each project so you can move forward with what feels right.
Past Project
“Working with Hillary has not only helped me fall in love with some cherished items again, it has given me an overall appreciation and confidence around my own style and eye. I also learned so much from Hillary and her work, she knows what’s up. Hillary’s craftsmanship is incredible, but her collaboration and down to play spirit really layers this process with so much fun and trust. I had no idea where this journey was going to go, but fully trusted Hillary’s guidance, and now I am beyond thrilled with my items and cannot wait to keep wearing them.”
a look inside Jaqueline’s Reimagined Wardrobe
If you're interested in working together, complete the form with a few details about your project. I'll review your message and get back to you within 24-48 hours.
Let’s Work TogetherRepair Shop FAQs
Don’t see what you're looking for here? I’d would love to answer your questions!
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Honestly, sky in the limit. But we will take into consideration your vibes, style and budget to make the pieces you love at the back of your closet into something you will actually wear.
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I work on a wide range of garments including wedding dresses, denim, outerwear, accessories and more. If you're unsure about a specific item, feel free to reach out!
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Depending on the project, yes! I occasionally work on bags, home goods, or sentimental pieces - just ask!
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In many cases, yes! If something has sentimental value, high quality, or just fits you well, repair or alteration can be a great investment.
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Yes! I’m happy to provide creative direction based on your garment, style, and goals.
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Reference images help guide the direction, details, and overall feel of your piece—but they’re not meant to be copied.As a designer, I create original pieces and do not replicate or copy other artists’ or designers’ work. Your final garment will be uniquely crafted based on your vision and the materials provided.
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If you are...
are interested in the creative process
are curious about your own style
Down for a collaborative process
knowing you maybe shouldn’t be buying so much shit
too aware to be able to buy things from shein
caring for the things they already have
understanding of the value of craftmanship
Then, I’d love to rework your wears!
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Yes! I offer services for individuals, stylists, and small brands! Reach out to discuss your needs
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Suiting is not my area of expertise. I am willing to work on these garments on a case by case basis but will not be making them from scratch.
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YAY!!!! I'd be glad to teach you through one of my workshops or private lessons!
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We can absolutely work together remotely. We’ll start with a Zoom consultation to go over your pieces and goals. From there, you’ll ship your items to me, and we’ll stay in touch throughout the process.
Once the work is complete, I’ll send everything back for you to try on. If any final adjustments are needed, we’ll refine them together until it’s just right.
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The best way to get a hold of me is to fill our the above form with your project details or for other questions shoot me an email at info@homeecnyc.com
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I work out of my New York City studio Home Ec NYC located at :
44-02 23rd st #315
Long Island City NY 11101 -
No, the studio is by appointment only.
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Turnaround time varies depending on the complexity of the work and current order volume. Simple repairs may take a few days, while more involved alterations or upcycling projects can take longer.
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Rush orders may be available for an additional fee. Please inquire ahead of time to check availability.
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Pricing depends on the type of service and complexity of the work. You can view starting prices on this page, and I’ll confirm the final cost before beginning any work.
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I prefer venmo but also accept cards.
The Retainer is due when you schedule you fitting or meeting. You are welcome to pay the full price up front or 50% down and 50% due on or before the pick up date. Clients who need further payment installments should reach out to discuss their needs.
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I have soooooo much to say about this haha but ill try to keep it short:
Alterations and skilled craftsmanship in general can feel “expensive” because we’ve been conditioned to see clothing as cheap and disposable. We’re also taught to undervalue physical labor and overlook the complexity of hands-on work.
In reality, low clothing prices often rely on fast production, lower-quality materials, and exploited labor (overwhelmingly of women).
Alterations, mending, and custom design are done by hand, with care, precision, and experience. Each piece is treated individually, not mass produced. Depending on the garment, the cost to alter or redesign it can match or exceed its original price.
You’re not just paying for the item you’re paying for the skill, time, and attention it takes to make it.
Working class artists, crafts and trades people deserve to make a living wage, to be compensated for their skills.
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Nope!
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Elements that add complexity can increase the cost, including:
Stretch and synthetic fabrics
Delicate or fragile materials
Intricate construction or multiple layers
Pattern matching (stripes, plaids, prints)
Working around embellishments (beading, lace, boning, etc.)
Limited seam allowance or previous alterations
Finishing Techniques
The overall volume of fabric or extent of the changes
These details require a more considered, hands-on approach often involving specialized techniques, additional fittings, and a higher level of precision to achieve the best result!