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Stephanie Dottavio's Portfolio
Welcome to my portfolio. Here you’ll find a selection of my work. Please click on each image to learn more and to explore each section.
Cuddle Me: A Little Shop
Cuddle Me: A Little Shop is my online store where I create one of a kind plush called Chonkies. Started in 2018, I first used a modified pattern and called the stuffed animals chubbies. Overtime, I knew that I wanted to create my very own pattern that was 100% my own design. Thus, Chonkies were born. I have created over 800 plush between the two types in all sorts of species and styles. Here is a collection of the Chonkies I am proud of as well as the design process of how I made the pattern.
Dimensional Weaving
Dimensional Weaving is the process of weaving 3D shapes and objects on a flat loom. It also includes basket weaving. My favorite piece of this section is the woven and resist dyed obi and custom fan set.
Dye
Throughout the entire portfolio, the use of dye is prevalent, such as hand dyed yarn, fabric, and wool. Here is a look at some other dye projects I have explored that did not fit into one particular section.
Machine Embroidery and Digitizing
In 2023, I was introduced to machine and embroidery and quickly fell in love. I soon purchased my own machine and digitizing software. I taught myself how to digitize and began creating one of kind pieces and incorporating it into my Chonky bear designs. I also use it as a technique to repair garments.
Fashion
A collection of garments that I have sewn. Some are from provided patterns, such as the jackets, while most are from draping and pattern by me. These include the Banksy-Inspired Umbrella Dress and Fur and Teeth Dress.
Millinery, Make Up, and Wigs
This section includes three different groups, because they overlap. First is millinery, which is the art of design and creating hats. Here I present the two hats that I have a created from scratch, a 1940s felt pillbox hat and a gothic, all black Kentucky Derby hat. Second is makeup, designed and applied by me. Last are the wigs styled by me.
Wet Felting
Wet felting is the process of using water and friction to create felt from wool fibers. This process can be used to create different shapes and textures as well as fabric that can be sewn. I truly enjoyed the creations I had made from this process, specifically the tendrils seen in two of the projects. Also featured in this section is hand dyed wool.
Weaving
Where dimensional weaving was weaving to create 3D shapes when taken off the loom, weaving was to create dimensional patterns in the fabric itself. The intracity of the patterns was something I truly loved to create. This section also features hand dyed yarn.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is another medium that I absolutely fell in love with, creating your own fabric and tapestries that then can be used art pieces or for something bigger. I definitely long to be able to use the technique again some day. Here are four prints on fabric and gouache illustrations of the repeats and other patterns.
Technique, Alterations, and Repairs
The skill I am most proud of is my sewing ability. I've learned that being able to think differently is a super power when it comes to alterations, being able to look at something and figure out how to fix it in maybe a way that isn't so traditional, but yet produces a solid end product. I often alter and repair are holes, rips, seams, zippers, and hems. I also do sewing on dance costumes as well as sewing patches on to vests. I have repaired a plush's face, a couch cushion a dog ate, and added a corset to a dress that was too small. Frequently hemmed, but not pictured include dresses, such as formal dresses and bridesmaid dress, and pants, such as jeans.
Odds and Ends
This section showcases creations I've made, mostly for personal use, that don't fit into a specific category. It highlights the variety of my skills.
Costuming for Productions
While in college, I had the opportunity to costume two productions. The first was for "The Servant of Two Masters," where I was a costume design assistant and wardrobe supervisor. I was tasked with costuming the three actors that played the porters. The main goal of costuming for this production was to use what we had in costume storage. The second show was for a student production of "The Tell Tale Heart." For this, I was the main costume designer, including makeup, and was able to design and pull outfits from costume storage as well as adding creating the flouncy additions to the bodysuits.
Other Plush Sewing
This section shows other plush that I have created and sewn.
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