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Festival News : Shaker Woods Festival : Featured Artisans
Last Updated: Jun 11th, 2008 - 02:46:29


STUDS ‘N STUFF SPARKLE LIKE DIAMONDS ON SHIRTS AND JEANS
by Gladys Blews Wilson
Jun 11, 2008, 09:26

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Jill Hitt imports Swarovski crystals direct from Austria to decorate the shirts, jackets and jeans she makes under the name “Studs ‘N Stuff.” She applies each tiny crystal to the garments with tweezers working with templates she designs herself.

“Each crystal is about the size of a pen point and the sticky backing makes them adhere to the fabric. But it’s the heat bond from a 450 degree press that makes the bond permanent,” the Gibsonia artist says.

Just as Jill uses only quality designer crystals, she buys only the highest quality Egyptian cotton shirts. A rainbow of colors and sizes from extra small to size 3x means no one will be disappointed. With ten years experience behind her, she knows that her clothing can be washed, dried and ironed dozens of times without taking away from the original beauty.

“I was a single mom working for a non-profit organization Monday through Friday when I first added crystals to some gift clothing for my nieces who were two and three years old at the time. Then, I made a few shirts and when a friend saw them she asked if I could make outfits for an athletic team.”
The girls loved the shiny motifs and the light sparkling off the crystals surrounded every move with an aura of light. Soon, other teams were asking her to highlight their outfits with crystals.

“That was the beginning and within two years, my little business snowballed. Church and school groups ordered my shirts by the 100s to use as fundraisers. When the orders piled up, I knew I could quit my day job and make it on my own.”

A business of her own meant being at home for her son, Nolan. The thrill of doing something she loves and meeting hundreds of appreciative customers kept her spirits up through the trauma of divorce.

“The people at Shaker Woods have been a real support group for me. So many people come back year after year and although teenagers got the ball rolling for me as the business developed I was surprised to see that women age 45 and up are buying almost half my inventory. They tell me that my jeans and shirts are their perfect “dress down day” outfits. Some people buy 10 to 15 shirts, some for themselves and some for gifts.”

Among Jill’s 450 designs, she always stocks the basics, but each year she adds ten new designs. At her “Studs ‘N Stuff” website you will see everything from holiday and seasonal motifs like pumpkins, Santas and Valentines to super heroes, music idols, animals and sports emblems.

As the demand expanded, Jill’s mom and dad, Marilyn and Ken Davis and her sister, Jackie, joined in her enterprise. She also depends on friends Elizabeth and Joe who work for her part-time.

“The quality materials and workmanship I put into my clothing means customers come back time and again to add different styles and designs to their wardrobes. When people suggest things they’d like, I’m always ready to try something new.”

She enjoys working with families to design special things for wedding parties and family reunions. In addition to clothes, Jill now trims children’s white shoes up to size 13 with sparkling crystals.

If you don’t find what you want in your size at Jill’s booth at Shaker Woods, she will ship it to you with no charge for postage.

“I guarantee that you will have your choice within two weeks.”

Find Jill, her family and helpers in booth 23.


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