Saturday, March 7, 2015

Saturday Artisan: Sweet Pea Designs by Dee



Meet Denise of Sweet Pea Designs by Dee, she is our Saturday Artisan this week. I adore her creations. Her dresses are so cute, oh how I wish I have a little girl to dress up.

Denise and I belong to a couple (or more) FB groups and she is such a nice lady to interact with. I'm sure you'll get a top notch customer service if you shop with her.

Visit her FB page, order a custom dress, I'm sure she'll be happy to help. 

Let's get to know her a bit more, shall we? 




Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?

Hello! My name is Denise. I am the owner and designer of Sweet Pea Designs by Dee. I design and make handmade children's clothing. Little girls dresses, aprons and skirts. Also bow ties, suspenders, shorts and rompers for little boys.
From a very young age I have always enjoyed crafting, and sewing. I loved to draw and paint, winning several awards for some of my drawings and paintings. I always thought I'd be an artist! But life got in the way. I got married, had two beautiful babies and there just didn't seem time to follow that dream. Years passed. After retiring in 2013, I needed something to keep me busy. So I decided to turn my passion for sewing into a business. Sweet Pea Designs by Dee was born.
There are many historic homes and Businesses in and around Alburtis. One that we visit often is The Inn of Maple a Grove. A wonderful local restaurant with great food. Legend has it there is a ghost named Charlie. It is said that when the fireplace is lite Charlie will appear!
My home is on 10 beautiful acres, where wildlife is always present. From deer, fox, and even an occasion coyote! Built in 1787 we too have a friendly ghost!



What is the story behind your shop name?  

Sweet Pea Designs by Dee got its name from my beautiful granddaughter. The day she was born I gave her nick name was Sweet Pea.




Which part of creation process that you enjoy the most?

I love to create with fabrics and colors. Nothing is more rewarding than having a design come together just as you imagine it in your head.

For us who love to travel, could you share a bit about your beautiful town/ city? 

I live in Alburtis, a small town in northeast Pennsylvania. Local tradition holds that the town was named after Edward Alburtis, a civil engineer involved in the construction of the East Pennsylvania Rail Road.

Could you share on how your organize your products, we all can use a little tips here and there in this department?

My studio is where I spend most of my day. I have all my fabric arranged in a shelving unit arrange by color. All my threads are arranged by color in an antique spool case. I try to keep my workspace neat and tidy. I can't seem to sew in a messy workspace.




What is your best seller?

My best seller are my peasant dresses.




How does your day go in general?

I treat my Buisness as a full time job. I work Monday through Friday taking off the weekends. Weekends are spent doing chores and spending time with family.

How do you balance your personal and work life?

I treat my Buisness as a full time job. I work Monday through Friday taking off the weekends. Weekends are spent doing chores and spending time with family.

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by my granddaughter and also by all the beautiful little girls out there.




What sets you aparts from your competitors?

I think what sets my shop apart from other is the fabrics I use and colors.



Would you like to be featured as a Saturday Artisan and sponsor a giveaway?Here is how to apply.


16 comments:

  1. I would love to ask denise how she got into cloth making! It seems so fun to me and I really wanna try it lol

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    1. I have always love to sew. I made all my children's halloween costumes and when my grandchildren came along I've ,ade theirs. It is a lot of fun. You should give it a try!

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  2. Everything she makes comes out so beautiful ♡

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  3. The items you make look amazing! Very talented :)

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  4. I would like to know two things actually!. What is your favorite to make? also I would like to know What is the most challenging item you make?-Aimee Trader

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    1. I love making dresses. The most challenging thing I've tried is appliquéd work. I love it and I'm getting better at it.

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  5. I love how you pair all of the beautiful fabrics. I would like to see long sleeved or 3/4 sleeves as here in Michigan, it's not unusual for there to be snow on the ground.

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    1. Most of my dresses can be made in long or 3/4 lenght sleeves. If your interested just shoot me a message. I'll be happy to work with you.

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  6. Denise, are you teaching your grandchildren how to sew? That is something I wish my grandmother had taught me.

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    1. Not yet. My granddaughter just turned 6 and she lives far away. But I will if she show an interest.

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  7. Your models are adorable!!! I love your work!!

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  8. I love your use of color and pattern! You definitely have an artistic eye.

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    1. Thank you so much. I love mixing and matching fabrics.

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