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.oneofakindonlineshop.com.

Find me on Facebook at 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/).

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!