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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!
a tale as old as timeWe 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.
Don’t fret you’re in the right place. These services from Home Ec are designed to restore, refine, and reimagine the pieces you already own.
Services
Bring 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.
Custom: 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.Cut/Sew: You already have your pattern and fabric, and simply need a skilled hand to bring the piece to life whether it’s a one-off or a small batch. This service is strictly for assembly if you’re looking for fittings, pattern development, or design guidance, please book a custom service instead.
Interested in cut/sew - let’s chat! -
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.
A la carte Pricing
Everything is created by hand in my NYC studio using locally sourced materials whenever possible.
Listed prices serve as starting points and may vary based on the scope of work except meeting and fitting fees which are set. Final price reflects the craftsmanship, materials, and attention each piece requires.
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
HAND 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
Sourcing $100
Dying $50 Natural Fibers/ $75 Synthetic Fiber
Cut/Sew $100
Custom Occasion Wear (bridal/evening) $4k
Cut & Sew
Basic Top $90–$225
Button-down Top $240–$525
Basic Dress $120–$375
Complex Dress $300–$750
Basic Pant $120–$375
Complex Pant $300–$750
Basic Skirt $120–$225
FITTING/MEETING SET FEES
A La Carte Fitting $15* 1-3 pieces
Custom Design Meeting $250*
Upcycling Design Meeting $100*/90min
Wardrobe Reimagine Package Meeting:
$425 4-8 pieces half day
$775 9-12 pieces full day includes lunch
*holds appointment & will be applied to final cost
Wardrobe Reimagine
P A C K A G E
Stop side-eyeing that pile in the corner and start wearing it! Because you’re coming in hot with stack that needs a little (or a lot) of love you’ll bulk pricing will save you from 10-30% off A la carte pricing! This is not your average alterations appointment; it’s a collaborative design session and personalized fitting baby! 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.
🤯The world of possibility opens while playing dress up
a dress becomes a your go-to matching top and skirt set
a new silhouette for the pants you’ve grown out of
thoughtful trims get added to your fave vintage Levi’s
the silk top you just thrifted gets elevated through custom dyeing
your mothers wedding gown becomes the perfect cocktail dress
a new silhouette for the pants you’ve grown out of
dye and add a million pockets to the tote your grandmother sewed in the 60s
During the session, we’ll prioritizes your peices based on your needs, lifestyle, upcoming events, and how you envision wearing them. We’ll explore possibilities through tailoring, reconstruction and styling. For pieces being re-designed we can pull fabrics, trims, embellishments, and other custom details to begin shaping the design. We’ll map out a clear plan for each piece following our collaborative design direction and the role it will play in your wardrobe.
Following the session, all work is priced based on the scope of each project and your budget so you can move forward with what feels right. Pieces will move into the design and construction phase. This may include additional fittings, sourcing of specialty materials, custom embellishment, and refining of one-of-a-kind design details. Production timelines will vary based on the scope and craftsmanship required for each piece.
Half day design meeting & fitting (4-8 pieces) $425
Full day design meeting & fitting (9-12 pieces) $775 includes lunch!
Final Project Pricing is 10%-30% off A La Carte pricing.
Your style has evolved from the “investment piece” you went into credit card debt to buy in your 20’s. Let’s reimagine it!
Custom Design
When what you’re looking for either doesn’t fit your body, or doesn’t fit what you’ve dreamed up - we make it from scratch. Custom Designs are created to your unique measurements and proportions but that is only the beginning. We go through a series of fittings working through any fit and style issues .
With over a decade of experience in custom bridal I can create anything from a wedding gown to everyday staples to costumes, one-of-a-kind accessories.
Design Meeting includes measurements, custom design and sourcing of specialty materials. Final prices depend on many factors including fabric choice, intricacies of construction, and timeline.
Following the session we will meet for a series of fittings first as a rough draft to prefect fit and then in the final fabric.
Custom Design Meeting $250
Custom Occasion Wear garments (bridal/evening) start at $4k
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
We’ll dive deeper into the creative direction or transformation: sketching, selecting and sourcing materials, and finalizing design details. For upcycling + custom design only.
Fitting
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.
Past Projecta look inside
Jaqueline’s
Reimagined
Wardrobe
“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.”
✨Client Love Notes ✨
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Hannah
CUSTOM
“When I first met with Hillary, she enthusiastically listened to my rant about dresses, sketching while I talked; when I finished she turned her paper around and there on her sketchpad was my dream dress. I was thrilled.” -
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Amanda
CUSTOM
“I decided to go custom for my wedding, as I had a VERY specific vision I wanted. Not only did Hillary understand every last detail, but she anticipated and recommended additions to my look that even I had not thought about. Beyond the ability to take an image in my head, design it, and fit it PERFECTLY on my body.”
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Gloria
ALTERATIONS
“I bought the dress because I fell in love with the color, but it was vintage, wildly oversized, and realistically might have sat untouched in my closet forever if not for Hillary. What I loved most was how collaborative the process felt — she could immediately see the potential and had a vision. Together, we played with shape, structure, and proportion until it became something entirely new: a piece that feels both completely singular and completely me.” -
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Michelle
CUSTOM
“Hillary is truly one-of-a-kind and it's so fitting that her genius lies in working with clients to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Her creativity is unparalleled and her expertise invaluable. She listened to and supported me with exactly what I wanted and offered great ideas, insight and guidance when asked.”
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Liv
CUSTOM
“I needed a bridesmaids dress ASAP from fabric that the bride had given me. When we looked at the fabric we realized that it really wasn't ideal, but because it was what I had received, we couldn't do anything about that and Hillary STILL managed to pull off the design I wanted. She worked to the T to get me the look on time before my departure to Europe! I am so grateful for her work ethic and talent! She was fast, detailed, reliable and GREAT all around to work with.”
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Courtney
CUSTOM
“The custom embroidery and appliqué work on the veil was absolutely stunning! Hillary is incredible.” -
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Erene
CUSTOM
“Hillary was truly the fairy godmother of my dreams! She is such a visionary and was so supportive throughout the whole creative process! It was a pleasure to work with Hillary and the dress she created was pure perfection!” -
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Hannah
CUSTOM
“ Planning a wedding- even a small, simple one- is stressful, but I can honestly say that the dress was not. It was truly a joy to watch it come together, and that was only because Hillary was behind the scenes taking care of everything. I felt truly beautiful and authentically me. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to work with Hillary!” -
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Amanda
CUSTOM
"I want Hillary to design my entire life based on her creative vision and incredibly hardworking get-it-done attitude that never had me stressed about the final outcome."
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Michelle
CUSTOM
"Finding the perfect wedding dress, let alone customizing my own, completely overwhelmed me. However, Hillary distilled the process, making it simple, stress-free and fun. In the end, she helped me feel like the most beautiful and authentic version of myself on my most special day and I am eternally grateful."
Ready to get started creating?!
Let’s Work Together
Have a few questions first? Check out the [FAQs] &
I'll review your message and get back to you within 24-48 hours.
Services
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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Head straight to the [booking page]
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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 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 11101Please note studio in by appointment only. There are no walk ins allowed.
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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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Consultations are always free. They’re intended to answer questions about the process, help determine if this is the right fit for you, and give us a chance to get to know each other before moving forward.
Fittings for à la carte services are used to reserve your appointment time. Home Ec NYC is an appointment-only studio, and reserving fittings helps protect dedicated studio time and prevent last-minute cancellations or ghosting. You’d be surprised who would ghost a catch like me, but unfortunately there are some weirdos out there haha. The fitting fee can be applied toward the final cost of your work.
Design Meetings for custom work and upcycling projects reserve a dedicated 1.5–2 hour session. This time includes fittings, design development, project planning, sourcing materials, and pulling options specific to your project. The Design Meeting fee can also be applied toward the final cost of the project.
Wardrobe Redesign Packages reserve an extended appointment ranging from 4–8 hours. This includes all design time, fittings, wardrobe evaluation, sourcing, project planning, and collaborative development work completed during our session together. This fee is factored into the final package pricing, which is already offered at a discounted rate.
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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!