Did you see the release of our new dancewear pattern today? Tyra's Ruffled Tank is super cute and I know your little dancer is going to love it!
We're really excited about our new designer for dancewear at CKC, Tosha Smith, and I thought it would be fun to tell you a little more about her today! You may remember Tosha from her guest tutorials on using knit shirts on Poppy's bodice and on making a halter top using a tee. Tosha caught our eye again when she posted unique dance outfits she was making for her daughters using adapted CKC patterns. We knew immediately that we had to have her on board! In just a short while Tosha has already wow'ed us with her new designs and you might even get to see a few sneak peeks today, ssshh! But first, I asked Tosha a few questions so we can all get to know her better:
We're really excited about our new designer for dancewear at CKC, Tosha Smith, and I thought it would be fun to tell you a little more about her today! You may remember Tosha from her guest tutorials on using knit shirts on Poppy's bodice and on making a halter top using a tee. Tosha caught our eye again when she posted unique dance outfits she was making for her daughters using adapted CKC patterns. We knew immediately that we had to have her on board! In just a short while Tosha has already wow'ed us with her new designs and you might even get to see a few sneak peeks today, ssshh! But first, I asked Tosha a few questions so we can all get to know her better:
Welcome, Tosha! Please start off by telling us a little about yourself!
"Hi! Well, to start off I am a mommy of two beautiful and talented girls. I have been sewing ALMOST as long as I've been with my high school sweetheart…ten years! My husband is my rock and I could not be living my dream of sewing and creating without him, he supports me a hundred percent! I am a huge family person so when I'm not sewing I'm spending time with my them! We live way out in the country so we're always outside riding 4-wheelers, playing with the dogs, BBQ'ing and just making memories!"
I love that! And how long have you been sewing?
"I started sewing right after my oldest daughter was born. My mother-in-law decided to make her first Halloween costume and after I walked into the fabric store for the first time in my life, helped her pick out fabric, and watched her create the most adorable circus monkey costume I've ever seen, I was hooked! I borrowed her sewing machine frequently to practice and the next Mother's Day she bought me my very own! I haven't quit since!"
What a great inspiration! I'm sure you've learned a lot along the way. What made you decide to start designing your own outfits?
"Well let's face it, dancewear is just plain expensive... and there's not a huge variety. I just couldn't stand to pay as much money as I was, just to have my daughter walk into dance class and match half the other girls there. She likes to be different! And now that she can be, all of her friends want something made too! Yay for me... like I'm not busy enough, lol!"
I bet! Where do you find your inspiration?
"My daughter helps me a lot. She know what all the "cool" stuff is! We look at the things in the dance stores and she says 'Mom, you could so make me this!'"
What is your favorite part about designing for CKC?
"My favorite part of designing so far is just seeing my creations come to life! I love to see the smiles on all of the little testers and think, 'Wow, that really is cute!'"
I can definitely relate to that! Is there anything else you would like to add before we finish up today?
"Yes! I have to say that I am so excited to expand the selection of CKC dancewear patterns. With my daughter's experience in ALL types of dance I'm sure to offer at least something for all types of dancers! She dances ten hours per week and is currently on two competitive dance teams, one them being break-dancing! She loves ballet and just mastered a triple turn on Tuesday night! Although my 3-year-old is not officially registered yet, they both have a tremendous love and passion for dance. I tell people all the time, "Dancing with the feet is one thing but dancing with the heart is another!" I cannot wait for all of my fellow dance moms to see what I have in store for your little dancers!"
Thanks so much, Tosha! You are very talented and we love having you on board at CKC. I'm sure our readers will agree!
Now that we're feeling inspired, let's all go get Tosha's new Tyra's Ruffled Tank pattern and make some cute dance wear for our little girls.
Let's Create! ~ Kristen
