The Robot Line May 26, 2010

Why robots?  Because they are cool.  I love robots: R2D2, C3PO, Wall-E… even Johnny5.  Robots are like puppies, so cute and loyal: a spaceman’s best friend.  Of course some robots have gone crazy or been designed to conquer and destroy, but these little robots are adorable and ready to be your new helpful little friends.

The robot line made its debut at Maker Faire last weekend and is now ready to go online for all.  Totes are made from recycled cotton canvas (Ecobags).  The twin-size quilts are 100% cotton inside and out.  Stationary is printed on heavy card stock at standard card size (4.25 x 5.5 inches folded).

Binary touches have been added to the bedding and cards.  The quilts use ones and zeroes to spell out ROBOT and my favorite card is designed for the geek in love: You’re the 1 to my 0.  I hope you like them:).

Cheers,

MsCraftypants

Countdown to Maker Faire May 18, 2010

Calling all makers, crafters, dreamers, crazy people and YOU!

Come on out to San Mateo’s Maker Faire this weekend and you’re sure to be amazed.  It’s a carnival for inventors.  I’m always amazed and thrilled by what I see and you are sure to be too.  From the giant Rube Goldberg Mousetrap to the Robotic Giraffe to the Rolling Cupcakes – I love it all.

I hope I get some time to enjoy the rest of the fair outside of my booth, but be sure to come by and say hi to us crafters in the Bazaar Bizarre building.  We’ll have lots of amazing hand made goods you just won’t be able to live without.  Plus we love to chat:). 

Looking forawrd to seeing you there!

MsCraftypants

Caterpillar Cuteness May 13, 2010

I just whipped up these little babies for Maker Faire next week.  I’m trying to make sure I keep up to date with everyone while prepping for my show.  These little fellas are made of recycled felt and ribbon.  They measure aproxomately 52″ long.

Okay… back to my pinking shears and carpal tunnel.

Cheers!   -   MsCrafty

Interview on Bazaar Bizarre May 12, 2010

Hi Everyone!  Just a quick note to let you know I have an interview on the Bazaar Bizarre website.  I hope you check it out and give your feedback of course!  I’m so Looking forward to seeing some of you at Maker Faire in San Mateo very soon.  Now I must get back to the grindstone (or sewing machine in my case).

http://www.bazaarbizarre.org/sanfrancisco/2010/05/craftypants-a-happy-and-productive-crafter/

Cheers to everyone!

MsCraftypants

Love Birds Wedding Quilt May 1, 2010

My best friend Laurisa got married to a wonderful man recently so of course my wedding present to them had to be an extra-special quilt. Laurisa has always had impeccable taste and artistic sensibilities. So when she designed a wedding theme based around love birds and birch trees I knew I had my inspiration.
The result you see here is my interpretation of Laurisa’s wedding sketches and I think it is the best quilt I have ever made. The quilting design worked so nicely I want to try it again in the future. I’ve always had trouble quilting large blankets on my regular sewing machine so to accomplish this one without all my usual swearing was a triumph. (One day I will squeal with glee over buying a quilting arm, but that’s not going to happen anytime soon.)
For those of you interested in the technical side of things this is a queen size quilt made entirely of cotton and appliquéd with satin thread. For the quilt process I pinned the quilt layers together on each block and then replaced the pins with a free form scroll work pattern in the middle. The top of the blanket is sewn in a sideways loop pattern like clouds and the bottom in long vertical sweeps to emulate blades of grass. As for the tree, it is a brown fabric overlain with cream to make up the bark of the tree. The birds and leaves were attached loosely in a three dimensional style thanks to advice from my friend Erika (thanks!).
The quilt has two lovebirds in a nest (the Bride & Groom) and the third bird on the branch signifies Charlie, their 4-year-old son. Both the colors and quilt pattern came from the wedding design. I hope Laurisa and her Groom enjoy this quilt as much as I did creating it. Congratulations again Mr. & Mrs. Dixon!

Tons o’ love went into making this quilt, but there is even more in their marriage.
Rebecca (aka MsCraftypants)