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Whimsy Couture Interview and Giveaway!

Congratulations to Jansie, who is the winner of this Giveaway.  The giveaway is now closed.

This week we are happy to introduce you to a wonderfully talented new PDF pattern designer, Denise Knapp, owner of Whimsy Couture!  We are carrying 30 e-patterns from Denise at SewBaby.  Denise was kind enough to answer a few questions about herself and offer a giveaway of 3 of her patterns of your choice! 
Where did you grow-up, where did you go to school, where do you live now? Tell us about your family.
I was born and raised in Germany and moved to the States over 10 years ago. I live in the outskirts of Washington D.C. with my husband, two kids and a dog.

How did you learn how to sew, and what inspired you to start your own pattern line?
I learned sewing in school when I was 12 and loved it ever since. Years ago when my little boy was born I discovered how fun it was to make baby clothes and slowly went into drafting patterns. My own pattern line started around Summer of 2009 with only 2 girls dresses. I went to a pattern making class and got the hang of it. Then more and more patterns came out. My goal is it to offer patterns for everyone, kids, adults, pets etc.

What advice do you have for beginning sewers?
It's very important no matter what pattern you buy but beginners want to read the entire pattern and instructions before beginning. Most questions can be eliminated by understanding it beforehand. Then,  my next advice would be "practice, make mistakes and learn"

What makes your patterns unique?
I offer downloadable patterns which on most sites will be emailed. The customer can sewing start right away. I try to keep my patterns as much "handmade" as possible so the commercialization will be at a minimum. Although a commercially produced or printed pattern looks more professional but I like it more handmade and personal. I also offer great customer service with help and advice for newbies.

Thank you, Denise, for sharing your creative skills with all of us.  You are a great inspiration for beginning and advanced sewists alike!

Comments

  1. MorganJanuary 19, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    Wow, what lovely patterns! I may or may not be drooling...

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  2. SophiaJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    I just recently discovered Whimsy Couture on Etsy and purchased some of her patterns. I love them!!!!!!!! Good clear directions with outstanding illustrations for visual people like me and her customer service is awesome!

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  3. ChristineJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    These ARE adorable ... but doesn't anyone make cute BOY patterns?!?

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  4. GinnieJanuary 19, 2011 at 7:07 PM

    I love seeing new and interesting patterns for children. These are absolutely adorable - what a talent!

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  5. Sarah AJJanuary 19, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    Such cute patterns! I've had my eye on the fleece booties for a while.

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  6. Mary on Lake PulaskiJanuary 19, 2011 at 9:35 PM

    Cute, cute patterns! I would love a few!!

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  7. zoegirldesigns.etsy.comJanuary 20, 2011 at 6:43 AM

    I love her patterns and have wanted to add a few to my collection.

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  8. PeggieJanuary 20, 2011 at 6:44 AM

    These patterns are adorable! I love reading about how people get into pattern making, I have tried my hand in my younger years but get a bit chicken now. Love the designs and have to try them on a grand daughter!

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  9. KristyJanuary 20, 2011 at 6:55 AM

    I LOVE Denise's patterns and own quite a few of them already! :) Always happy to win another though, so thanks for the chance!
    It was fun to learn a little more about the person behind the patterns, and I must say, she really does offer GREAT customer service and a very personal and warm experience!

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  10. LindaJanuary 20, 2011 at 7:11 AM

    I learned how to sew at an early age-through school. I never really had interest again until my daughter was seven. Since then I have had a dream come true: I made her wedding gown. The funny thing is I can follow a pattern; but, I cannot alter. You gave me hope with your story. Thank you!

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  11. PattijJanuary 20, 2011 at 7:47 AM

    Really love these patterns! So cute!

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  12. ChrisJanuary 20, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    I have two little granddaughters and your patterns would be a fun sew for them. Just adorable.

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  13. Beverly Clark/Bev's Creations BoutiqueJanuary 20, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    I love your ideas. I too learned to sew early and have been sewing ever since. I just in the last 10 years started sewing for children. Especially when I had my two boys and wanted cute boy clothes at an affordable price. Good work!

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  14. cheekydiapersJanuary 20, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    I love your patterns and would be tickled to win a couple more. :)

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  15. DianeJanuary 20, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    Very cute designs and I love the e-patterns. Instant sewing.

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  16. Jaye JayeJanuary 20, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    So cute! Thanks for sharing, I love the Ruffled Neckline Dress :)

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  17. UnknownJanuary 20, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    Would love these patterns for my granddaughter.
    Very cute!!

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  18. RayJanuary 20, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    I love the dress that is ruffled too cute. I recently started sewing so I love her advice about making mistakes!

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  19. ReneeJanuary 20, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    I have a couple of your patterns and would love the chance to add to my collection. I sew for my 2 year old daughter and seaveral neices. The PDF patterns are the best. I love not worring about ruining, loosing, or where to store the pattern. For an instant gradification gal, it is great to be able to sew so quickly. I can see the Euopean influence in some of you clothes. It part of what draws me to your clothing line.

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  20. JansieJanuary 20, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    These are really cute. Wow! And love that they are e-patterns. My favorite. :)

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  21. megJanuary 20, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    Cute! Just the thing to dream about this dreary winter morning! :)

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  22. PascaleJanuary 20, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    I'm in love with the Ruffled Neckline Dress and the fabrics are stunning! I think I would like one for myself. :)

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  23. AnneJanuary 20, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    Adorable outfits that looks comfortable to wear.

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  24. scsmcarnold@gmail.comJanuary 20, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    Wow - these are so cute!! I love all of them - great designs and ideas.

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  25. AnonymousJanuary 20, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    I just finished four little peasant dresses for my 2yr old to wear this summer! They turned out great! :)

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  26. VickiTJanuary 20, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    Oh gosh, I'd LOVE to win some of the patterns from Denise. Her stuff is all just so cute. Thank you for the chance to win.

    vburr at charter dot net

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  27. PamJanuary 20, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    I actually own several of Denise's patterns and have made them for my granddaughters. I love the versatility of her designs and her pattern instructions and photos are easy to follow. I would love to add more of her patterns to my collection.

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  28. TheGigglingEJanuary 20, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    Ooh these are adorable! I'd be thrilled to win a few of her patterns! :)

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  29. Sandy GJanuary 20, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    Your patterns are delicious! I can't wait to sew up a couple for my grand daughters!

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  30. Jenn D.January 20, 2011 at 1:15 PM

    Such cute patterns! My little girl would love to twirl around in these. :)

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  31. JoJanuary 20, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    How generous! I would love to win those patterns!! j-j-s[at]juno[dot]com

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  32. Karen WJanuary 20, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    I love these patterns. My daughter loves them too. Now if there were only more for boys...

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  33. kerraJanuary 20, 2011 at 4:36 PM

    there are a lot of fun patterns!

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  34. UnknownJanuary 20, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    Beautiful patterns. Thank you for the opportunity.
    Christie

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  35. UnknownJanuary 20, 2011 at 10:14 PM

    Absolutely adorable! I can't wait to get my hands on some of these! :)

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  36. Emillie RoseJanuary 21, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    I love all of her patterns! Would love to win :)
    hisprincess886(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  37. Tonja H.January 21, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    I have two little girls that would just love some of the twirl-friendly designs I've seen here!

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  38. CindyKJanuary 21, 2011 at 12:17 PM

    I'm the proud grandmomma of a beautiful little girl and I love to sew for her. I keep looking at these patterns - I think it's time to order and start sewing for spring.

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  39. RuthJanuary 21, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    Adorable patterns! Thank you for introducing Whimsy Couture to me.

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  40. 6blessingsJanuary 22, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    I have used one of Whimsy Couture's patterns and it was great! I also love the fabric choices they use for the samples :)

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  41. VickiJanuary 22, 2011 at 11:04 PM

    Such precious patterns. I love the girly look!

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  42. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    I actually checked out your etsy site today, before seeing this blog post! Your designs are so cute, and I LOVE the fabrics used! I do have a little girl that could benefit from some of these :o)

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  43. UnknownJanuary 23, 2011 at 9:44 PM

    I'd love to try out some of Denise's e-patterns for my 6 1/2 year old...especially since I got a new embroidery machine for Christmas that I'd like to put to good use!

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  44. Kimberlee, The Spunky DivaFebruary 16, 2011 at 9:10 AM

    What great patterns she has. Love the fabrics!
    ~Kimberlee
    www.TheSpunkyDiva.com

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  45. Cheryl GundersonOctober 20, 2011 at 9:34 AM

    I love the Lollipop Bags pattern. What great gifts these would make!

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  46. MartinJune 10, 2012 at 2:23 PM

    Are you looking for good quality and stylish ladies pants ! so please check this out this store has very affordable high quaity varriety of ladies pants.

    Womens Pants | Womens Sweatpants

    ReplyDelete

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