Last summer, shortly after I discovered I was expecting a girl, my mom taught me how to sew. I spent many pregnant nights sewing simple dresses for my Baby Girl. I am no expert, but I quickly developed an appreciation for beautiful homemade dresses, tops and skirts. (Sorry, boys, homemade is cuter for girls!)

Oh, how I wish I’d known about Whimsy Couture when I was on my sewing kick! Denise of Whimsy Couture creates sewing tutorials so you can design and make your own darling little duds. The patterns are sent via email and contain picture tutorials, sizing chart for cutting fabric, and come in Word and PDF form. With over 1700 sales on Etsy, it’s obvious she’s very successful and knows her business, so let’s get to know more about Denise.
The Shopping Mama: Tell us a little bit more about yourself.
I call Waldorf, MD my home right now but I am originally from Germany. I have two funny kids that keep me very busy.

TSM: When did you start making and selling your patterns? Is this your full time work or do you have a “day job”? Actually I started sewing Barbie clothes years ago and selling them on ebay. After that I went into pet beds of all kinds which was very successful and kept me working full time from home. Then once my kids were born I fell in love with making kids clothing and not to long ago I started writing patterns. Selling on Etsy IS my day job!
I never knew you could sew a pet bed, but how comfy does this Marshmallow Pet Cuddle Bed look? I’d sleep there, for sure.

TSM: What is your inspiration?
Life itself! Besides that my kids, all the wonderful fabric designers, the outdoors give me endless inspiration.
I just love shopping for fabric. There are so many beautiful, beautiful prints and colors – you can’t help but want to sew!
TSM: Do you have any plans for new, additional products or business expansion?
I still want to cover a lot of patterns for girls and I am planning to include some boys clothing as well. As far as my business plans….we’ll see where it takes me. ;)
Oh, boys! Forget what I said about boy’s homemade clothes not being cute. I’ll reserve judgment until I see your patterns.

TSM: If money were no object what is one thing you would buy right now?
A cure for cancer and for all those other deadly diseases.

TSM: What are some of your favorite stores or Etsy shops online?
Fabric shops, custom girls clothing (I love to browse those) and all handmade goodies

You can find Denise at the Whimsy Couture Etsy shop and blogging about her creations, giveaways and tutorials at the Whimsy Couture blog.

If you own a blog, Etsy shop or handmade boutique and you’d like to be featured on the Sunday Spotlight, email me!