The Wonderful World of Marcie... with "Wonderfully Made 4 You"

 Meet Marcie Sawyers of 'Wonderfully Made 4 You'
- PDF Sewing Patterns -
(isn't she a doll!)

Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops is happy to be able to work alongside this "wonderful" designer!   Marcie brought 'Wonderfully Made 4 You' e-patterns to FF&L in April of 2013.  Three patterns are currently in her collection.  Designed for teens and ladies - these three patterns are trendy, stylish, and perfect for any and ALL occasions!  Easy to dress up, keep casual, and look fabulous in... the Gracie B. One-Shoulder, Harleigh Sundress, and Southern Charm Top - they are a MUST in all wardrobes! 

Marcie is an absolute sweetheart and a busy family-oriented woman.  She has been married for 16 years to her best friend (Travis) and homeschools their two teenage boys (John-David and Elijah) and daughter (Gracie).  The time she spends with her family is cherished! Her greatest "sanity keeper" is sewing and designing.  

As a young girl, Marcie learned to smock from her mother.  In her teen years, she began sewing on a machine.  Now...  She is embarking on a new journey of pattern making - the sewing world is sure to fall in love with her skills!  It is an absolute pleasure to bring her designs to you.

Here we go with a little 20-question fun
 all about Marcie!

1)  How long have you been sewing?

I have been sewing since I was nine... I'm now 34, so a LONG time.  ;)  I started cross-stitching at nine, then my mom taught me to smock at age eleven.  I paid for all my cheerleading fees and car with my smocking money.  :)

2) What was your first pdf pattern that you created? How long did it take you to "take the plunge"?

Gracie B.'s One Shoulder Dress was my first pdf pattern that I created.   I actually created a shorts pattern for a local boutique since I was making the shorts for their trunk shows, but haven't turned it into a pdf as of yet.  I'd say it may have taken me a few years to actually take the plunge into creating the first pdf.

3) When does inspiration find you?

Usually when I'm trying to sleep.  :)  Or, while I'm sewing and I have some time to think about things.

4) How many yards of fabric would you estimate to have in your stash?

Sadly, I'd have to say hundreds, if not into the thousands... it's my addiction!

5) What was the biggest "light bulb" moment when you were first starting out?

Hmmm, not really sure.  I know just learning how to take the drawn pattern and convert it into a pdf was challenging for me at first.

6) What is something that you can not live without (does not have to be sewing related)?

Jesus and my family, of course!  :)

7) If you could eliminate ONE thing from your daily schedule… what would it be?

Sleep... who needs sleep anyways!  ;)  Seriously, if we didn't have to sleep just think about how much we could get done.

8) Do you speak any foreign languages?

No.  I took Spanish in high school but it didn't stick.

9) Have you ever been told you look like someone famous?  Who? Do you agree?

No.  The closest I've come is a local woman saying I looked like a certain representative for the state of Alabama.  LOL

10) What is the last book that you read?

The Bible.  After homeschooling my kids all day, reading a book is the LAST thing I want to do.  LOL

11) Do you enjoy cooking? If so, What is your SIGNATURE dish that everyone craves? If not, who is the head chef in your family?

I don't mind cooking as much as cleaning up.  ;)  I always cook for Thanksgiving and everyone always requests my sweet potato casserole.  I also cook a mean squash casserole.  :)

12) How many states have you lived in?

One!  I was born in Florida, though, and lived in Alabama my entire life.  We live just 10 minutes from Florida so my mom used the hospital there.  :)

13) What is your biggest pet peeve?

This is a hard question for me.  Nothing really pops into my mind, except I do hate when people smack at the dinner table.  Chew with your mouth closed, people!  :)

14) Do you fall asleep easily or toss and turn?

Depends....I usually try to stay up until I'm about to pass out to keep from tossing and turning.  Last night I thought I'd go to bed when my family did and I found myself playing Candy Crush to make myself tired.  LOL

15) Of all of the seasons… which one do you love the most?

Fall, hands down!  I love coming out of these HOT Alabama summers into fall.  I love everything about it.......Alabama Football (ROLL TIDE), pumpkins, cooler days/nights, Thanksgiving, and getting excited about Christmas!  :)

16) Did you walk to school when you were a child?

Nope.  My mom drove me until I was 16.  There was about a two month time period in 5th grade where I meant to ride the bus with my best friend.  We decided one day to walk home from school instead of riding the bus.  Yep, you guessed it... never rode the bus again.  ;)

17) What do you love most about your home?  Is it in the city or the country?

I love that we live in the country.  I love that we built it twelve years ago and got to choose everything about it.  It was the first home my husband and I bought (we previously rented an apartment) and unless the Lord calls us elsewhere, it will probably be the last home we live in.

18) When you go into stores… do you find yourself "inspecting" things to see how they were made?

Not really.  To be honest, I'm not much of a shopper.  My kids are teens now, so they like what they like and no matter if I inspected it and thought it wasn't made well, they would still wear it.  Although, I will say my middle son is super picky!  He purchased a shirt with his own money and didn't like the way it was hemmed and asked me to fix it.  :)  It was just serged and he was really worried it wouldn't hold up after washing, so I hemmed it for him.

19) What was the last concert you attended?

We just attended the Needtobreathe concert back in November.  It was AWESOME!

20) What can the sewing world expect to see from Wonderfully Made 4 You for 2014?

You can expect to see digitized pdf patterns from me.  I am learning how to digitize.  It's a terribly slow process for me as I just don't have much time to sit down at the computer and learn the process of it.  I am updating my current pattern collection and I have several patterns in the works, for women as well as children, so you can expect to see those released this spring... fingers crossed.  :)

Well, Marcie... Let's see some of the "wonders" of your world!  We are happy to share a peek into your lovely family!  

Marcie and her husband, Travis

Lovely Daughter: Gracie

Handsome sons: John-David and Elijah

The "newest" addition: Perrito

 We look forward to seeing more, more, more!!! 

 If you have not checked out the patterns that are available now... we highly recommend it.  Especially with Spring and Summer sewing just beginning.  You will be glad you did!  If you have whipped-up any of the "Wonderfully Made 4 You" patterns - tell us all about it.  We would love to see what you have to show off!

Thank you, Marcie, for sharing your story.  We admire your family-sense and eye for design.  Keep up the great work! 

Gracie B. One-Shoulder Dress
(ladies sizes 0 - 22)

The Southern Charm Top
(sizes: teen/ladies 0-18)

Harleigh's Sundress
(sizes: teen/ladies 0-18)

Be sure to follow our blog!
 There are many more designers to be featured in this series.


Now... It's time to Sew Something 
"Wonderfully Made 4 You!"

The Wonderful World of Dixi... from My Childhood Treasures

Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops is honored to bring you the greatest pdf sewing patterns from some of the most talented independent designers in the world!  We see them everyday.  We watch their skills sharpen as they produce pattern after pattern.  The journeys that the designers embark on is nothing less than amazing.  Keeping a step-ahead of the trends and spending hours ironing out details - these "pdf-powerhouses" still maintain a family, run professional businesses, and create from their hearts.

But... who are they?  What is the life of a pattern maker really all about?  This year, Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops wants to give you a "peek" into their worlds and find out what things REALLY make them who they are, how they began, and just simple facts about what makes them unique.. AS A PERSON.

Each month, we are stepping into the worlds of the minds behind the designs!

We are excited to bring you the first of the "Wonderful World" series...
 Dixi, of My Childhood Treasures!

In February 2013, Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops happily welcomed My Childhood Treasures to the line-up!  We were excited by the classic (yet contemporary) designs, professional photos, and extensive collection that was offered.  I believe it was the Elke Dress that really won me over!  Since then, Dixi has continued to deliver chart-topping sewing patterns!  We are always happy to see what she will be working on next!

When we had the idea to do this series, I first brought it up to Dixi.  She was very responsive.  Through a couple of months of preparing - she waited... patiently.  Finally, everything fell into place.  I informed her that we had decided to take a "whimsical spin" on 20 questions.  She was more than happy to take part!  Even having no idea what these questions would have been!
She was not afraid... What a brave lady!!!

Here we go...
Welcome to The Wonderful World of Dixi:

1. How long have you been sewing and where did you learn?

I still remember so clearly the very first thing my mother taught me to sew when I was about 5. It was a little elastic waisted skirt for my beloved teddy made from a soft floral fabric. To this day I'm still convinced it is the straightest seam I have ever sewn. I sewed it with so much concentration, love and care and have been hooked on sewing ever since. 

 

2. Describe your sewing room/space.

It is small and well-organized (my husband might dispute the well-organized comment). Not only do I have my machines, books, patterns and fabric in the room but I have a small photography table and lights set up as well

3. Have you purchased a fabric that you loved so much you had a hard time cutting it?
Actually I have a few in my stash that I have had such a hard time cutting they are still sitting there. Every time I go to use them I put them back thinking maybe next time. I have a red and white heart print that I can’t bear to cut.

4.  Does your daughter show a desire to learn?  Have you already started teaching her?

She is only just 2 but every time I open the sewing room door she is straight in and up on the chair touching my machine. I don’t even think she even knows what it does but that fact she isn’t allowed to touch it tantalizes her even more. I can’t wait to start teaching her how to sew. Hopefully she is as passionate about it as I am.

5.   When do your best ideas come to you?
My best ideas come when I am walking along the beach or doing something relaxing. I think ideas often pop into your head when you are not trying too hard.

6. Who inspires you?
My daughter inspires me to create children’s wear.

7. How did you come up with the name "My Childhood Treasures"
I am quite sentimental about some of my childhood toys and my husband always teased me that they were “My Childhood Treasures”. So I always knew that when I created a children’s line that would be the name. 

8. Do you have any other hobbies?
Photography. I love creating photo shoots with models almost as much as I love designing the patterns. I wish I had more time for other hobbies but working and being a Mom keep me very busy.  

9. What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Coffee!  Especially at the moment as my daughter is waking me up at 4am.

10. What type of music do you listen to?  What is your FAVORITE song?
I think I’m in the minority but I’m not a big music listener. But if I listen to anything it would be pop songs. Anything slow doesn’t gel with my brain. Maybe I need to relax more. (see the above point – too much coffee perhaps.)

11. Do you have any pets?
Yes. A small white fluffy dog that is one of the loves of my life. She is like having another toddler – although a little better behaved at times. She follows me from room to room and loves nothing more than making a nest for herself on my newly purchased fabric stashes and messing them up.  I think I’m too soft as I never tell her off.

12. What is your best feature?
Physical feature or character trait? If you mean physical feature then I think it would be my eyes.  Have to admit though there are a few more smile lines now. (nice way of saying wrinkles.) If you mean character trait then I would have to say my patience and loyalty. I think you have to have a little patience to be a sewer.

13. If you could go anywhere in the world - where would it be and why?
I was tossing up between Egypt to see tombs or Tanzania to see a big game park.  Either would be great if anyone wants to send me there.

14. What is your favorite beverage? 
Anything sweet!

15. What is a favorite sewing gadget that you own or WISH that you owned?
Actually it is a fairly simple one. An elastic threader. I have so many fancy machine feet and gadgets that I spent too much on and that I rarely use.  Sometimes it is the simple things that are the best for making your life easier.

16. What is your favorite color?
Pink!  I know what you’re thinking –“does she think she is 5 still?” But my mother would never buy us anything pink when we were little as she hated it (including no Barbie dolls) so now I’m obsessed with it.  I have to stop myself buying everything pink and I have to not buy my daughter everything pink so we don’t match.

17. What was your first car? How long did you drive it?
A Mazda hatchback and I didn’t drive it for more than a year before someone drove up the back of me and made a mess.

18. If you could only choose one type of food to eat for the rest of your life… what would it be?
Lasagna. Easy winner.

19. Do you sleep on your stomach, back, or side?
My side. It’s terrible for posture. Mental note – start yoga in the new year.

20. What can we expect to see new from My Childhood Treasures in 2014?
More trendy sewing patterns for children simplified for beginners. I’ve also become obsessed with swimwear after my daughter started swimming lessons a few months ago.  So watch out for some girl’s swimwear patterns.  Now if only I could find the perfect fabric..

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We soooo enjoyed reading these responses!  I would have to say that I make a pretty killer lasagna and would gladly bake her one!  If only I could figure a way to get it from Kansas City to her home in Australia!  

As we anxiously await her next creations... take a peek to what she has to offer now at Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops -- 

remember the Elke Dress I mentioned earlier?
Have YOU made one yet?

The latest pattern that has been a favorite since day one....
The Colorblock Dress

  

It is not ALL about girls with Dixi!
She also has some great things for the little men in your life.

The Charlie Romper

Fancy, fluffy, and perfect for every little special occasion you can think of! 
Weddings? Birthday? Valentine's Day?

The Tutu Dress 

Just because she does not stop... Recently she has introduced her first dolly pattern - perfect for American Girl / Our Generation Dolls

The Poppy Bow Dress or Top for Dolls
 

So which patterns do you have or NEED to add to your collection? 
We would love to hear what you enjoy most about My Childhood Treasures Patterns!  Feel free to comment below or show off your creations on our Facebook Group Page!  We would be tickled pink!

Thank you, Dixi, for sharing your Wonderful World with us!  We are looking forward to summertime now and those new swimming suit patterns you have your mind on!  Somehow I just KNOW you will find the right fabrics!  

CLICK HERE to view all items from My Childhood Treasures