I had a hard time picking photos from the Too Sweets pattern shop. There are just so many adorable dresses that Sophie makes for her little girl! Sophie is a talented pattern designer who has cute down pat, not to mention the little bit of awesome she throws in now and then–look at that jumpsuit!! And crocheted accessories?! She’s a pattern maker after my own heart. All the little girls in your life will be happy that you met Sophie:

1. How did you get into designing patterns?

Is it cliche for me to say it was because of my daughter? (And the fact that simple but cute clothing costs a lot more than one would think.) Being a new mom, I wanted something comfortable, functional, and modern for my daughter to bounce around in. Not having the financial resources to dress her in fifty dollar dresses she would outgrow in three months forced me into getting creative with her wardrobe. So, I decided to design my own simple stuff. And then share it with others!

2. Do you have a specific kind of child in mind when you are working on your designs?

I figure that most children appreciate being comfortable, so I keep that in mind most when designing patterns. Children are only young for so little time, and they deserve clothing that allows them the freedom to really be a kid. I know that sounds silly, but I’m all about function (as in, comfort) while still keeping things fashionable and reflective of a child’s personality. It’s for this reason I keep many of my patterns simple and open for alterations, embellishment, or whatever change one might wish to add.

3. How do you think children should dress?

It really depends on the child’s personality, I think. My daughter is already insistent on dressing herself (at the age of 2, lord help me), and I find that her taste changes daily. So, rather than battle her about clothing, I give her a nice selection of different styles I like: modern, understated, playful, comfortable, and not too matchy-matchy. That way we both win!

4. Do you think what you wear influences how you dress your kids or design your patterns?

I wear a pretty basic, primarily black wardrobe (fun, I know) where I don’t take many risks. Instead, I’d like to believe that in a way I’m living stylishly and vicariously through my sewing patterns; it’s much more fun dressing my daughter in styles I wouldn’t necessarily consider for myself! Plus I’m sure she looks way better in them than I would.

5. Do you also sew clothes for yourself?

I have yet to jump the intimidation-hurdle when it comes to sewing clothing for myself; I do however enjoy sewing home items and other things for my family and friends. We’re expecting baby girl #2 here in a few weeks and I have a ridiculously long list of items (clothing, blankets, bibs, etc) I’d love to sew for her.

6. What children’s clothes designers do you admire?

I really love Stella McCartney’s childrens lines, Imoga, crewcuts, Yeppar, Misha Lulu…to name a few. Target also carries some great clothing in which I am constantly finding inspiration.

Thank you so much Sophie! Check out Sophie’s etsy shop, Too Sweets, for all her patterns. And her blog, Much Too Sweet, for more goodness.