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Whimsy Couture Sewing Patterns

Childrens Sewing Patterns

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An Interview With Mark Cesarik & A Giveaway! NOW CLOSED!

by 86 Comments




I am very excited to present a new star on the fabric designer horizon! Mark Cesarik!

Mark just launched his first collection produced through Free Spirit and let me tell you, it’s fantastic! I posted about it HERE.

Not only can I present you this awesome line but I was lucky enough to have Mark do an interview with me and offered a treat to my readers:

1)where were you born and raised?
Born in Buffalo, New York and raised just outside of Cleveland, Ohio.

2)how did you get started designing fabric?
My first time designing fabrics came when my girlfriend (now fiance), an avid crafter and sewer, asked me to design a fabric for a pattern she was making. She had just heard of a company called spoonflower where you can design your own fabrics by the yard and this really gave us a chance to actually design our own fabrics. This was in 2007, and that, along with the fact that we had just gotten a perfect little puppy named Bettie, led to us forming Sew Bettie in late 2007.

3)what inspires you?
Wow, that’s a loaded question and I hope it doesn’t sound like I’m giving you a generic answer when I say everything. My background is in painting, drawing and design, so I suppose that, as a fine artist I’ve always just kind of taken things from everywhere; some of my favorite artists, my physical environment, whether natural or man-made, my emotions that I’m feeling at the time. I have been a city-dweller for my entire adult life so the modern urban environment has always had a profound effect on my instincts as an artist and designer as well.

4)how long did it take you from the first thought of a design to the actual finished fabric line?
That’s a tough question as well. Most of my direct visual references come from my sketchbook, and it depends on where that reference has come from, when I first made it, etc. But I’d say that after I have a good jumping off point a collection can take me anywhere from 2-to-6 weeks … although maybe more … or less. Ha. Calypso Swing was my first full, cohesive collection. With Sew Bettie I always was designing individual fabrics and wasn’t thinking so much of quilting as I was finished products and accessories. Designing as a complete collection is a different animal in its entirety, obviously, as you have to think beyond what you are working on at the moment and how that fits as a part of a group.

5)who are your fabric designer idols?
As a relative outsider to the quilting/crafting world I’d be lying if I said that I had a ton of fabric designer “idols” so to speak, but I really find myself drawn to designers such as Amy Butler, Heather Baily and Anna Marie Horner. What these women design transcend more than just quilting or crafting, I really think a lot of their designs translate very very well to all areas of surface design.

6)do you have assistants or do you design by yourself?
Sometimes I ask my “assistant” (my fiance Cara) for color suggestions. It’s kind of funny sometimes when I am stuck in a rut I’ll look up and say “Ummm …. yeah why don’t you come on over and try out some color options. See you in 30 minutes.” Other than that its just me.

7)what makes your collection stand out from others?
I would say that my relative “outsider” status is evident in my first collection. It has an edge to it that might be a little harder to find in this industry.

8)when will we see some of your wonderful animal designs on fabric?
I love incorporating animals into my fabric, in particular dogs, I designed quite a few pooch fabrics under the Sew Bettie Label, but for my first Free Spirit collection I wanted to go in a different direction. I have a feeling that you might see some furry animal references in the near future.

9)where would like to see your fabric being used for?
Everything! Quilts, clothes, accessories. I love all elements of surface design and hope to design just about everything that I can.

10)lastly, do you have any advice for the newbie fabric designer and those who want to be one?
My main advice to anyone doing anything creative, weather that’s designing fabrics or oil painting, is to stay committed to the work. The work is the most important thing, That’s what artists live for, to enjoy and struggle with the process and to see it to it’s completion. Outside of that the main thing is getting your name out there. In this industry I love the entrepreneurship that is required of anyone who hopes to make a career out of it. Cara and I have put a lot of effort getting Sew Bettie off the ground and obviously almost 4 years later my first fabric collection from Free Spirit is coming out. It’s certainly been a process.

Thank you Mark, for this great interview! It was a pleasure to have you here! Good luck with your fabric designs!

Now to the treat I promised! Mark has generously offered to do a giveaway on Whimsy Couture and I am so excited to this! NOW CLOSED!!

Mark is giving away 1 yard of his collection Calypso Swing:

and 1 yard of Rythmic Toss:


For some great inspiration visit Mark Cesarik’s Website.

How to enter: NOW CLOSED!!

All 3 entries are mandatory!

  • visit Free Spirit and name your favorite print from the Calypso line!
  • follow Mark Cesarik’s Blog
  • subscribe to Whimsy Couture Blog via email (pink box on top right)

Open worldwide – open until Feb.7, 2011 NOW CLOSED!! 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lee says

    February 1, 2011 at 9:10 am

    I love the MCO1 in White – lovely design!
    thanks!
    butler83ataoldotcom

    Log in to Reply
  2. Lee says

    February 1, 2011 at 9:11 am

    I subscribe to WC via email

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  3. Lee says

    February 1, 2011 at 9:11 am

    I am now a follower of Marks blog.

    Log in to Reply
  4. Peach Rainbow says

    February 1, 2011 at 10:26 am

    I love the MC06White & MC08Pink – YUMMY 🙂
    Thank you for the chance!

    Log in to Reply
  5. Peach Rainbow says

    February 1, 2011 at 10:28 am

    I follow!

    Log in to Reply
  6. Peach Rainbow says

    February 1, 2011 at 10:30 am

    Already subscribed to your newsletter 🙂

    Log in to Reply
  7. Lindsay Conner says

    February 1, 2011 at 11:33 am

    I like MC06White (the pink with white flowers!)

    Log in to Reply
  8. Lindsay Conner says

    February 1, 2011 at 11:34 am

    Following on Google Friend Connect

    Log in to Reply
  9. Lindsay Conner says

    February 1, 2011 at 11:35 am

    And, I just subscribed to the WC newsletter!

    Log in to Reply
  10. robin says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:41 pm

    I like MCO6 Purple. 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!

    Log in to Reply
  11. robin says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:41 pm

    Just signed up for your newsletter.

    Log in to Reply
  12. robin says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:42 pm

    Following Mark Cesarik’s blog now. 🙂

    Log in to Reply
  13. DANA says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:11 pm

    I love the Calypso Swing in purple! [email protected]

    Log in to Reply
  14. DANA says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    I am a new follower of his blog! [email protected]

    Log in to Reply
  15. DANA says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    I subscribed to your newsletter! [email protected]

    Log in to Reply
  16. Staci J says

    February 1, 2011 at 5:13 pm

    MC01 in white is my fav, but they’re all so bright and fun!
    [email protected]

    Log in to Reply
  17. Mama Lusco says

    February 1, 2011 at 5:28 pm

    Great fabrics! I really like MC10 Fuschia. mamalusco at ortelco dot net

    Log in to Reply
  18. Mama Lusco says

    February 1, 2011 at 5:28 pm

    Newsletter [email protected] mamalusco at ortelco dot net

    Log in to Reply
  19. Jolee says

    February 2, 2011 at 1:19 am

    beautiful! Love MC01 pink. So lovely. Did all 3 things. Thanks. 🙂 joleehamlin [at] comcast [dot] net

    Log in to Reply
  20. Tiffany says

    February 2, 2011 at 7:33 am

    I follow Whimsy Couture blog.

    Log in to Reply
  21. Tiffany says

    February 2, 2011 at 7:34 am

    I now follow Mark Cesarik’s blog.

    Log in to Reply
  22. Tiffany says

    February 2, 2011 at 7:35 am

    They are all great but the MC01White is my favorite!

    Log in to Reply
  23. Alyssa Willis says

    February 2, 2011 at 8:10 am

    I think they are all very pretty but I would most likely be making something for my daughter, so I really like MC05Wine.

    Log in to Reply
  24. Alyssa Willis says

    February 2, 2011 at 8:11 am

    I am following Mark’s blog!!

    Log in to Reply
  25. Alyssa Willis says

    February 2, 2011 at 8:11 am

    I signed up for your newsletter!!

    Log in to Reply
  26. jenna says

    February 2, 2011 at 9:29 am

    Love them all but my favorite is MC10Fuchsia. It’s such a fun line!

    Log in to Reply
  27. oksana says

    February 2, 2011 at 9:29 am

    I love MC07Pink!!! Lovely one!

    Thank you for the chance!

    ksyshenka(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Log in to Reply
  28. oksana says

    February 2, 2011 at 10:21 am

    Following Mark Cesarik’s Blog!

    ksyshenka(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Log in to Reply
  29. oksana says

    February 2, 2011 at 10:26 am

    Subscribed to Whimsy Couture Blog via email!

    ksyshenka(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Log in to Reply
  30. The BabbyMama says

    February 2, 2011 at 11:15 am

    I like the MC08Pink!

    christa d terry at gmail

    Log in to Reply
  31. The BabbyMama says

    February 2, 2011 at 11:17 am

    I’m following!

    Log in to Reply
  32. The BabbyMama says

    February 2, 2011 at 11:17 am

    And I subscribe to your newsletter via never.teh.bride at gmail

    christa d terry at gmail

    Log in to Reply
  33. Gintare says

    February 2, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    my favorite is MC09Pink

    gintare[dot]amber[at]gmail[dot]com

    Log in to Reply
  34. Gintare says

    February 2, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    following Mark Cesarik’s Blog

    Gintare
    gintare[dot]amber[at]gmail[dot]com

    Log in to Reply
  35. Gintare says

    February 2, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    subscribed to Whimsy Couture Blog via email

    gintare[dot]amber[at]gmail[dot]com

    Log in to Reply
  36. Lucretia says

    February 2, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    My favourite print is absolutely MC10Purple

    araxekercadio[at]gmail[dot]com

    Log in to Reply
  37. Lucretia says

    February 2, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    Following Mark Cesarik’s Blog

    araxekercadio[at]gmail[dot]com

    Log in to Reply
  38. Lucretia says

    February 2, 2011 at 2:45 pm

    Subscribed to Whimsy Couture Blog via email

    araxekercadio[at]gmail[dot]com

    Log in to Reply
  39. rsp2001 says

    February 2, 2011 at 5:20 pm

    My favorite is the….MC09Purple

    Shannon
    [email protected]

    Log in to Reply
  40. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord! says

    February 2, 2011 at 9:17 pm

    MC01 Pink!

    I already subscribe to your blog via email…and am now a follower of his!

    Log in to Reply
  41. Neoma says

    February 3, 2011 at 3:07 am

    I’m a a follower of his blog! He got nice pictures over there!

    Log in to Reply
  42. Neoma says

    February 3, 2011 at 3:08 am

    My favourite fabric is MC10Fuchsia (but the purple ones are really nice too!)

    Log in to Reply
  43. Neoma says

    February 3, 2011 at 3:09 am

    I’ve subscribed to Whimsy Couture Blog via email

    Log in to Reply
  44. clenahan says

    February 3, 2011 at 11:23 am

    My favorite is MC04Pink but since I am a huge fan of pink and black, I could go home with the line!

    Log in to Reply
  45. Peach Nia says

    February 3, 2011 at 1:18 pm

    https://freespiritfabric.com/core-pages/gallery.php?gal_id=348&sw_id=5129 is my fave

    Log in to Reply
  46. Peach Nia says

    February 3, 2011 at 1:19 pm

    https://markcesarik.blogspot.com/ i follow mark’s blog

    Log in to Reply
  47. Peach Nia says

    February 3, 2011 at 1:20 pm

    i follow this blog x

    Log in to Reply
  48. Brooke says

    February 3, 2011 at 4:16 pm

    This is my favorite fabric. MC05Gray

    [email protected]

    Log in to Reply
  49. Brooke says

    February 3, 2011 at 4:18 pm

    I’m following his blog. 🙂

    [email protected]

    Log in to Reply
  50. Brooke says

    February 3, 2011 at 4:22 pm

    I subscribed to WC via e-mail.

    [email protected]

    Log in to Reply
  51. Saratogarose says

    February 3, 2011 at 4:59 pm

    I so love Free Spirit! I try to us it in my bags!! Love MC04Pink!

    Thanks!

    [email protected]

    Log in to Reply
  52. Saratogarose says

    February 3, 2011 at 5:00 pm

    I am also following Mark Cesarik’s blog! Awesome!!

    [email protected]

    Log in to Reply
  53. mframe says

    February 3, 2011 at 5:18 pm

    I love the MC01Pink fabric.
    [email protected]

    Log in to Reply
  54. Tracy says

    February 3, 2011 at 5:53 pm

    Now following Mark and whimsycoutureboutique and completely in love with MC06 Gray!!

    So many lovely fabrics!

    Log in to Reply
  55. jakiesmom says

    February 3, 2011 at 10:05 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Log in to Reply
  56. Garilyn says

    February 3, 2011 at 10:12 pm

    Email subscriber
    blessed.mama4 at yahoo.com

    Log in to Reply
  57. Garilyn says

    February 3, 2011 at 10:15 pm

    I like MC01 Pink.
    blessed.mama4 at yahoo.com

    Log in to Reply
  58. Garilyn says

    February 3, 2011 at 10:18 pm

    follow Mark’s blog
    blessed.mama4 at yahoo.com

    Log in to Reply
  59. TopHat says

    February 3, 2011 at 11:16 pm

    I love MC10 Purple- Royal purple is one of my favorites- in fact, it was one of our wedding colors!

    hrfarley at gmail dot com

    Log in to Reply
  60. Diana says

    February 3, 2011 at 11:31 pm

    I love Wine!

    goldiez at hotmail.com.

    Log in to Reply
  61. Diana says

    February 3, 2011 at 11:36 pm

    Following Mark’s Blog.

    goldiez at hotmail.com

    Log in to Reply
  62. Diana says

    February 3, 2011 at 11:36 pm

    Subscribed to your newsletter via email.

    goldiez at hotmail.com

    Log in to Reply
  63. bcbeaveratheart says

    February 4, 2011 at 12:02 am

    MC10Fuchsia, love it.
    [email protected]

    Log in to Reply
  64. bcbeaveratheart says

    February 4, 2011 at 12:04 am

    I am a follower of Mark’s blog on GFC
    [email protected]

    Log in to Reply
  65. Shel says

    February 4, 2011 at 1:29 am

    My favorite is the MC01 White…but they’re all gorgeous.

    shel704 at aol dot com

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  66. Shel says

    February 4, 2011 at 1:29 am

    I’m following Mark’s blog with GFC

    shel704 at aol dot com

    Log in to Reply
  67. Shel says

    February 4, 2011 at 1:30 am

    Subscribed to Whimsy Couture via email
    shel704 at aol dot com

    Log in to Reply
  68. liz says

    February 4, 2011 at 9:23 am

    Gosh, lot of things i adore, but this one is the faviest MC01Pink

    Much Thankies for the chance dear
    Good luck for me and everyone 🙂

    liz_crowny(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Log in to Reply
  69. Hannah says

    February 4, 2011 at 1:32 pm

    I like the MC08Pink fabric! I love graphic prints
    [email protected]

    Log in to Reply
  70. Hannah says

    February 4, 2011 at 1:32 pm

    I follow Mark’s blog!
    [email protected]

    Log in to Reply
  71. Hannah says

    February 4, 2011 at 1:33 pm

    I get your emails
    [email protected]

    Log in to Reply
  72. The Straight says

    February 4, 2011 at 5:49 pm

    hard to choose, but I love MC01 in white!

    Log in to Reply
  73. babiesdoc says

    February 5, 2011 at 12:30 pm

    I like mco7 grey
    It is hard to find grey prints
    and I have a newly grey bedroom

    Log in to Reply
  74. Homemaker Honey says

    February 5, 2011 at 5:38 pm

    I like the MC10Purple
    https://freespiritfabric.com/core-pages/gallery.php?gal_id=348&sw_id=5149

    Deborah
    homemakerhoney.com
    homemakerhoney at gmail dot com

    Log in to Reply
  75. Nancy says

    February 5, 2011 at 6:27 pm

    I follow Mark’s blog and subscribe to Whimsy Couture through email 🙂
    I really love the MC08Wine swatch. All are gorgeous though. Thanks for the giveaway!
    Nancy
    nafairbank (at) gmail (dot) com

    Log in to Reply
  76. JordynnLeigh; says

    February 5, 2011 at 7:04 pm

    MC06 in Black is my favorite ! (:

    [email protected]

    Log in to Reply
  77. JordynnLeigh; says

    February 5, 2011 at 7:06 pm

    also following marks blog <3

    [email protected]

    Log in to Reply
  78. JordynnLeigh; says

    February 5, 2011 at 7:10 pm

    Also subscribed to this page (: thanks for the giveaway !
    😀

    [email protected]

    Log in to Reply
  79. Jessy B says

    February 6, 2011 at 10:56 pm

    Favorite from the line is MC10Purple
    – jessyisawinner(at)gmail(dot)com

    Log in to Reply
  80. Jessy B says

    February 6, 2011 at 10:57 pm

    I’m following Mark Cesarik’s blog via GFC –
    jessyisawinner(at)gmail(dot)com

    Log in to Reply
  81. Jessy B says

    February 6, 2011 at 10:58 pm

    I subscribed to your blog emails.
    jessyisawinner(at)gmail(dot)com

    Log in to Reply
  82. Mendy says

    February 7, 2011 at 12:01 am

    I follow this blog and receive emails, [email protected]

    Log in to Reply
  83. Michelle Tripp says

    February 7, 2011 at 7:39 pm

    Did all 3 required for giveaway…my fave print is the Calypso Swing, MC10 in PURPLE!!
    michelletripper at yahoo dot ca

    Log in to Reply
  84. Love Katydid says

    February 7, 2011 at 10:48 pm

    My favorite is MC08Gray
    lovekatydid at g mail dot com

    Log in to Reply
  85. Love Katydid says

    February 7, 2011 at 10:48 pm

    I love getting your emails
    lovekatydid at g mail dot com

    Log in to Reply
  86. Love Katydid says

    February 7, 2011 at 10:48 pm

    I follow Mark Cesarik’s blog
    lovekatydid at g mail dot com

    Log in to Reply

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