**Viral Designer Creates Custom Dress for ‘Dancing with the Stars’**
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**A Talented Designer’s Big Break**
Kelsey Swarthout, a viral designer who showcases her custom-made clothing on Instagram, recently had a momentous opportunity to create a unique dress for the popular show ‘Dancing with the Stars’. Known as “ropedropdesign” on Instagram, Swarthout shared her experience with PEOPLE, detailing how she was commissioned to design a dress for prime time television.
**From Sewing Hobby to Prime Time Recognition**
Swarthout, who has been sewing since her middle school days, found her passion reignited during the pandemic when she lost her job and returned to her crafting roots. What started as a hobby blossomed into a successful endeavour when she began upcycling children’s bedsheets into vibrant and whimsical adult clothing items. Her Instagram page, boasting over 300,000 followers, features her unique creations that celebrate Disney’s most iconic characters.
**A Special Collaboration with a DWTS Contestant**
The turning point in Swarthout’s career came when ‘Dancing with the Stars’ contestant Danielle Fishel reached out to her for a custom-made dress themed around Disney’s Jungle Book for an episode honouring Disneyland Resort’s 70th Celebration. Despite the tight deadline of two weeks and Swarthout’s upcoming trip, she eagerly took on the challenge, creating a standout piece that Fishel proudly wore on the show.
**From Screen to Reality**
Witnessing her creation on national television was a surreal moment for Swarthout, further validated by the recognition she received from followers who instantly identified her work on the show. The dress, crafted from Jungle Book-themed bedsheets, captured the essence of the classic film and showcased Swarthout’s talent for transforming nostalgic fabrics into contemporary apparel.
**A Magical Disneyland Experience**
The excitement didn’t end with the TV appearance. Fishel extended an invitation for Swarthout to visit Disneyland during the filming, where she had the chance to see her dress in action and even participate in an interview alongside Fishel and her dance partner. The experience of seeing her creation being worn live was a poignant moment for Swarthout, who usually sends off her pieces without seeing them in person.
**Expanding Horizons with a New Book**
As Swarthout continues to bask in the success of her DWTS collaboration, she is gearing up for a significant milestone with the upcoming release of her book ‘Sew Nostalgic!’. The book, a guide to upcycling bedsheets with unique patterns, reflects her dedication to sustainable fashion and creativity. Despite the challenges of writing the book, Swarthout is excited to share her knowledge and passion with a broader audience.
**Supporting a Dream**
Looking ahead, Swarthout remains deeply involved in her craft, balancing commissioned work with personal projects that fuel her love for sewing. As she eagerly anticipates the book’s release, she encourages everyone to tune in to DWTS and show their support for Danielle Fishel, the wearer of her standout Jungle Book-inspired dress.
**Conclusion**
Kelsey Swarthout’s journey from a sewing enthusiast to a renowned designer featured on a national television show exemplifies the power of creativity, dedication, and seizing opportunities. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring designers and artists, showcasing the endless possibilities that await those willing to take a chance on their dreams.