Inspiring Conversations with Lynette Hunter Halalay of Knit Sew Fabulous

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynette Hunter Halalay.

Hi Lynette, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory. 
My journey in the world of sewing and design began in my childhood, during summer vacations in St. Louis with my sister Karen. It was there, in the warmth and creativity of my Aunt Mildred’s sewing room, where my fascination with the craft first sparked. Aunt Mildred was not just an aunt to us; she was a mentor and a magician of sorts, transforming fabric into beautiful garments with an effortless grace. Watching her work was mesmerizing, and it was under her guidance that I took my first steps into sewing and textile arts. 

My very first project, a simple pillow, remains etched in my memory. It symbolizes the start of my journey, a journey filled with learning and patience. Aunt Mildred’s encouragement was pivotal, especially when I grappled with more challenging tasks like inserting zippers into skirts. Her patience and perseverance became a foundational part of my own approach to sewing. 

Today, I stand as a testament to her teaching. Not only have I continued to create my own garments, but I’ve also stepped into the role of a teacher myself, using the same methods Aunt Mildred used to teach me. This continuity of tradition is something I cherish deeply. While I’ve embraced modern techniques and tools, the essence of Aunt Mildred’s teachings – the attention to detail, the joy of creation, and the value of patience – remain at the heart of my work. 

In essence, my story is one of legacy, passion, and the enduring power of family influence. From the summers spent in St. Louis to the lessons I now impart to my own students, every stitch I make and teach is a tribute to Aunt Mildred’s enduring impact on my life. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been a completely smooth road. The journey began quite smoothly, especially under the guidance of my Aunt Mildred. The early days were filled with learning and mastering the basics of sewing and design. However, as I progressed and started to design and create my own garments, I encountered a significant challenge – the scarcity of quality fabrics at affordable prices in Detroit. This issue became more and more apparent, leading me to realize that Detroit, in many ways, was a ‘fabric desert.’ 

This scarcity posed a considerable hurdle, and there was a period when I stopped sewing altogether. However, I believe that in every challenge lies an opportunity. It was during this time that I pivoted towards knitting. I started with hand knitting, then moved on to arm knitting, and eventually explored using vintage knitting machines. This shift opened a new chapter in my creative journey. Knitting was not just a workaround; it became a new passion. 

Becoming one of the few knitwear designers in Detroit during this time was exhilarating. It allowed me to explore a different aspect of textile arts and design, and it helped me stand out in a unique niche. This phase of my career was a testament to adaptability and finding creativity amidst constraints. So, while the road wasn’t always smooth, the challenges I faced led me to diversify my skills and grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Adding to this evolution, the decision to have my niece, Sew Marsai, join my team as a sewing instructor, along with offering embroidery services, has helped tremendously. Marsai’s involvement has not only enriched our offerings but also brought a fresh perspective and energy to our team, enhancing our ability to connect with and inspire our students and clients. Her talent and passion for teaching, combined with her expertise in embroidery, have become invaluable assets to our collective mission of fostering creativity and skill development in the world of sewing and fabric arts. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Welcome to a snippet of my journey, Lynette J. Hunter Halalay, the heart and soul behind Knit Sew Fabulous. From strutting the runways of New York, San Francisco, and Milan to embarking on a fashion design voyage, my life has been a kaleidoscope of fabulous experiences. Now, I’m channeling all that chic energy into something close to my heart – fashion design. 

Knit Sew Fabulous sprang to life in 2010, born from a desire to weave joy into every garment. My creations? They’re not just clothes; they’re transformations. Each piece, versatile and figure-flattering, is designed to offer not one but up to five distinct looks. It’s my way of saying that fashion should be as limitless as the person wearing it. 

But here’s the twist – I’m weaving in the threads of sustainability and vintage charm with my latest adventures in Green Lennie, Altered Couture Vintage Textiles & Boutique, and Hunter My Closet. It’s all about giving old fabrics new love and keeping our planet as stylish as our wardrobes. 

I believe fashion is a hug you can wear, and my knits are here to wrap you in warmth and wow. “I Knit, I Sew, to make you look Fabulous” isn’t just a motto; it’s a promise to you to craft garments that make you feel as fabulous as you truly are. 

What sets me apart from the rest in the fashion world is my distinct approach to sustainability, specifically through the utilization of vintage fabrics. This isn’t just about recycling materials; it’s about reimagining and reviving them, giving these textiles a second life in the most beautiful and meaningful way. My brand is deeply committed to the ethos of sustainability, not as a trend but as a timeless principle that guides everything we do. 

I am most proud of how my brand, Knit Sew Fabulous, continuously evolves to embrace and promote sustainable practices within the fashion industry. We’re not just talking the talk; we’re walking the walk by integrating sustainability into every aspect of our operations. From sustainable alterations that breathe new life into old garments to our hands-on Sewing Classes that empower individuals to create their own sustainable fashion and our commitment to custom designs that prioritize zero waste—every initiative we undertake is designed to make a positive impact. 

What I want our readers to know about Knit Sew Fabulous is that we are a brand on a mission. A mission to not only dress you in unique, flattering, and versatile garments but also to inspire a movement towards more sustainable living through fashion. Our offerings—from the one-of-a-kind garments that come out of our boutique to the personalized services we provide—are all about celebrating individuality while protecting our planet. 

We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery, creativity, and sustainability. Whether you’re looking to enhance your wardrobe with eco-friendly alterations, learn the art of sewing with a focus on sustainability, or commission a custom piece that’s as unique as you are, Knit Sew Fabulous is here to make it happen. Together, let’s redefine fashion for the better. 

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory swirls around the vibrant, laughter-filled summers spent with my aunt in St. Louis. These were not just any summer days; they were the foundation of my journey into the world of sewing. My aunt Mildred, a pivotal figure in my life, was the one who introduced me to the intricate dance of needle and thread. While I had always been mesmerized watching other family members effortlessly create garments, it was my aunt who truly ignited my passion for sewing. 

She didn’t just teach me the basics; she showed me the magic that can be woven with fabric and creativity. Those moments, seated beside her, absorbing every detail as the sewing machine hummed and fabric came alive under her skilled hands, are etched in my heart. It was more than just learning to sew; it was about discovering a part of my identity and laying the groundwork for my future in fashion. 

This isn’t just a childhood memory; it’s the cornerstone of my passion. My aunt’s guidance was my first step into a world where fabric isn’t just material but a canvas for expressing creativity, sustainability, and innovation. Her influence is a thread that runs through every garment I create and every class I teach, reminding me of where it all began and the values that drive me forward in my mission with Knit Sew Fabulous. 

Pricing:

• $60 Stitch Starters: Master Your Sewing Machine, Class
• $75 Prom Dress Consultation
• $25 Knit Sew Fabulous Youth Sewing Classes
• $35 Sew Fabulous Sewing Class
• $35 Alteration Consultation

Contact Info:

• Website: Knitsewfabulous.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/knitsewfabulous/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Knit.Sew.Fabulous
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/kyMOrcyjMS

Image Credits
V Lens
Valerie Smith
@Morgan Int’I Photograpy