About Us
Hello, I'm Rita — and I sew every single thing you see here.
Dandy Duds by Rita is an independent, one-woman business. Every garment, every stitch, every finished seam comes from my hands — and from a genuine love of making something beautiful for children to wear.
The Name
"Dandy" used to mean a gentleman who was all dressed up fancy — and I love that. "Duds" can mean any kind of clothing, but to me it also means wearable, comfortable clothing. Put them together and you get something that's both polished and practical: fancy enough to turn heads, comfortable enough for real kids living real lives.
I wanted a name that spoke to the clothing children wear, but in a way that depicted them as being cool, fun, and wearable. "Dandy Duds" felt just right. I added "by Rita" to make it my own, since there was already a "Dandy Duds" out there — though they certainly weren't making children's clothes!
My Story
I've been sewing for others since 2012, though truthfully, I've been sewing my whole life. I sewed for all three of my children as they grew, learning along the way what kids actually want to wear — and what they'll refuse to put on! That experience shaped everything about how I design and make clothing today.
I'm a retired woman who found that retirement was the perfect time to turn a lifelong passion into something I could share with the world. I work out of my home sewing room, surrounded by four sewing machines and two sergers, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
From Chehalis to Your Doorstep
Dandy Duds by Rita began with a physical presence in Chehalis, WA, where I had the joy of connecting with local families face to face. Over time, I transitioned to a fully online shop — which means I can now reach families everywhere, not just in my corner of Washington State.
Craftsmanship & Materials
I take the making seriously. Depending on the garment, I work with a range of quality materials — including Cordura 500D nylon, vinyl, and cotton — chosen for their durability, feel, and how well they hold up to the adventures children get into.
My process varies by design: sometimes I work from commercial or European patterns; sometimes I alter a pattern to suit a specific vision; and sometimes I create a design entirely from scratch, cutting and piecing until it's exactly right. No two garments are quite alike, and that's exactly the point.
Just a glimpse of the color palette Rita works with — every spool chosen with intention.
The Sewing Room
Where the magic happens — Rita's home sewing room, complete with her trusty machines and sergers.
My Philosophy
I believe children want a certain amount of autonomy over what they wear. If it's easy to put on or take off, if it looks good, and if it grabs attention — then it's something they'll actually want to wear. I love fashion, color, creativity, and uniqueness, and I try to bring all of that into every piece I make.
Shop the Collection
Every item in my shop is handmade by me, with care and intention. I hope you find something your little one will love wearing as much as I loved making it.
You're also welcome to follow along on social media for a peek behind the scenes, new arrivals, and a little sewing-room inspiration.
