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..
***************************************
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?
It is not ALL about girls with Dixi!
She also has some great things for the little men in your life.
Fancy, fluffy, and perfect for every little special occasion you can think of!
Weddings? Birthday? Valentine's Day?
Just because she does not stop... Recently she has introduced her first dolly pattern - perfect for American Girl / Our Generation 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
