profile_talk Contact this artisan
preview Click to view all products available
ABOUT

I started Sew Whimsical By Katie just over a year ago. It has been my lifelong dream to have a little sewing shop and I love all aspects of my work. When you buy a Sew Whimsical by Katie item, your are buying an original design, sewn from unique, vintage re purposed fabrics that encourages creative play and imagination!

I have always loved sewing, ever since I was a little girl. I used to make and design toys for my younger siblings (I am the oldest of 7), but now that I am a stay at home mom to 3 young children (ages 18 months to 6 years), I sew for them! I loved seeing them play with their handmade toys and softies and I wanted to offer them to other children!

My mom taught me to sew when I was 8 years old, and my step mom later helped me to further my sewing skills by always having projects for us to work on together. I started to become more serious about my craft and learning more technique and pattern design in my early 20s. I am largely self taught, but am lucky to have a long time sewer for a mother-in-law. I am always willing to learn from other sewers and quilters, and love finding new tricks and techniques to apply to my own work!

When designing a new doll or softie, I am most inspired by my children. Watching them play and seeing the direction their interests take them always gives me ideas for new toys to create! I also love special requests from my customers – it is so exciting to bring their vision of a special doll alive – I never get tired of hearing “It’s just what I wanted – I LOVE it!” It is so rewarding for me.

My own childhood interests and memories also play a big role in my artistic process, and I gain further inspiration from lovely vintage illustrations in children’s books. I am always drawn to vintage themes and colour schemes!

When I’m not thinking about sewing, I spend time with my family, run competitively and garden. I also love going to thrift shops and antique stores - I’m always on the look out for my next creative project!

I currently sell my products online at www.etsy.com/shop/SewWhimsicalByKatie and www.facebook.com/SewWhimsicalByKatie. I also sell at various craft shows and expos in Thunder Bay and at the True North Community Co-op (http://truenorthcoop.ca/).
WHY WE'RE ONE OF A KIND

My products are all original Sew Whimsical By Katie designs. All work is done by me, in my home studio. When coming up with an item to meet a customer’s special request (or my own), I sit down with a pencil, scrap paper and ruler and sketch out my design. Then I slowly draw the pattern pieces and adjust size and features as I go. This is very exciting for me, as my dolls and softies really start to evolve as I work on them, and take on a life of their own!

The re purposed, vintage fabric I use, cannot be bought just anywhere, and that alone makes my dolls and softies stand out! I am always thinking about how to give my designs more depth and interest for a child – it is my goal to spark their imaginations and set off a domino effect of make believe, pretend play. For example, the child size super hero gear included in the super hero set allows the child to play with their doll, it’s a great way to stimulate their creative thinking and imagination!

Another reason my items are so unique is because you, the customer will play a big role in the design process! All my items are custom made to order. I see the creation of your special item as a joint effort! With your ideas and preferences we can create something that is uniquely you!
PRIMARY MATERIALS

I primarily work with vintage, re purposed linens and love the patina, shabbiness and romanticism found in the fabrics. I believe that fabric tells a story, especially when it has some age. I can recall almost where and when I have bought all my fabric, and love to share its story with my customers (for example, doll skirt is made from a table cloth bought at a church rummage sale and the skirt trim was bought in an antique shop in the US several years ago on a family trip etc.) I am so passionate about reusing these items and it is so exciting to take a discarded item and create something new and fresh! And it is that much better to know that a child will treasure and love it.
SHIPPING POLICY

For the majority of my items I ship within Canada using padded envelopes, regular envelopes or boxes that includes $100 insurance, 4-7 business day delivery and tracking and delivery confirmation. Additional insurance available for parcels at $2.05 per $100 worth of insurance.

For items that can be packed flat, oversized letter shipping is used. Insurance for oversized letter shipping not included, but also available for $2.05 per $100.

I ship to the US using Tracked Packet with 4 to 7 business day delivery and tracking and delivery confirmation.

International shipping (outside of Canada and the US) only available for bulky items (dolls, quilts etc) at special request. Just send me a message!

Please be advised that we are not responsible for any taxes, duties, or any other fees that may be imposed by your government. These are the responsibility of the buyer.

I refund all shipping overages! If my shipping and handling quote for your order comes out lower than expected, I will refund you the difference through paypal.

Return Policy – A full refund for the price of the item (not including shipping and handling costs) will be given if you not satisfied (within 20 days of product being shipped). Seller pays for return shipping. Please note that there are no returns available for personalized items.

All items are custom made to order, so please allow 3-4 weeks for creation time!

Please contact me through email at katie@sewwhimsical.ca with any questions about material choices or custom orders!