Mommy Review: Svantje Children's Wear

I thought I about died and gone to heaven when I first stumbled upon the etsy shop, Svantje -- the kids' wear is just adorable and unlike anything you can find commercially here in the states.  My sweet Magnolia was honored with the opportunity to tryout her very own pair of wool felt shoes courtesy of Antje, the woman behind this creative shop!  They have been the perfect shoes as M transitioned into a mobile bunny.  One thing I love about wool is how well it regulates body heat -- seems impossible to get too hot or too cold.  The felt in these shoes is really soft and not itchy at all.  Sometimes M even wore them without socks.  The elastic band keeps the shoe secure and the tag in the back makes them easy to pull on.  The stitching is immaculately done.  

To be honest, I'm a little jealous of Magnolia's sweet shoes from Europe! -- Yes, Europe!... Antje is from Berlin!  A mother herself (she has a 22month old baby girl), Antje's line is influenced by both her culture and her daughter.  More than just shoes, Svantje features hats, dresses, accessories, and more.  

{Get to know Antje more with a quick Q&A}

 

Q: Where are you from and what is your favorite thing about living there?

A: I originally come from Rostock which is a city at the north eastern baltic sea. I grew up there and was 8 years old when the Wall came down. For more than 2 years now I live in Berlin, together with my boyfriend and our little daughter. We live in Berlin-Kreuzberg which is quite famous and is one of the best-known areas of Berlin. On one hand it is the home of the largest community of turkish immigrants outside Turkey itself and also home of Berlin's Punk Rockers and the world famous punk rock club SO-36. It is exactly this cultural diversity I like about Kreuzberg. But the times are a changing and as rents getting higher and higher lots of immigrant move forward to outer districts and a younger, also international folks move to Kreuzberg. It is now full of Scandinavians, Brits and Americans - people from all over the world. So it will always be the cultural heart of Berlin. And the place on earth where Döner Kebap was invented ;-)

Q: Favorite junk food?

A: All kinds of pasta - if that counts as junk food. In this term I would say: Gözleme. Kind of a turkish crèpe which spinach and feta cheese. I love to eat that while I buy fabrics on the Turkish Market on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Q: How does being a mom influence your shop?

A: First, it is the base. If I were not a mother right now I would probably never have started a kidswear label. I was part of a fashion label before I gave birth. But this broke up due to my new life. And nowadays I can say: Luckily it happened!

Second, I have to work very efficiently. During the day I only have 6 to 7 hours where Tilda is in the kindergarten. This is the time where I sew and cut. As I work at home I always have to look after my scissors and needles and stuff. Often I return to my desk after bedtime and concentrate more on my online work.

All my designs are inspired by Tilda, my daughter, and our life together. When I created something new she is the first to try it. She always has to test all my items if they really work out. So on the week ends we go out in parks and playgrounds and Tilda wears the new stuff I designed the week before. We make photos and have fun. And in the end - if everything works out fine - a new Svantje outfit is born and probably soon online available.

Q: Any hidden talents or other crafting skills not shown in your shop?

A: During my pregnancy I discovered the art of crochet. That is my hobby, actually. But right now I am kind of stuck with a little fox I started a few months ago. I have just not enough time.

Where to find Svantje:

etsy  |  facebook