Stephanie Dottavio

Background

About Stephanie Dottavio

One of the most surprising facts about me is that I didn’t start sewing regularly until I was in college. From there, I fell in love with it and all things related to textiles. I graduated in 2017 from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts. I studied fashion design, costume design, textiles, and all things related to those subjects. I started Cuddle Me: A Little Shop in 2018. First, I used a modified pattern and called the stuffed bears Chubbies. Overtime, I really wanted to create a pattern that was all my own. In 2022, I designed and patterned just that and the Chonkies were born. Soon after, I was introduced to machine embroidery. I learned how to run the machine, how to digitize, and incorporated that into my work. In between, I began doing different odds and ends jobs, such as repairs and alterations, expanding my skill set even more. I hope to one day be able to own an art studio that has all the mediums and methods to make all of my design dreams come to life. Until then, I will continue using the cultivation of all my skills to create unique creations and to help others with their alterations, repairs, and design dreams.