More Things We Love - Soto Softies

Last weekend, Massachusetts Mom packed the kids in the car (and her handsome husband too!) and went down to the South End Open Studios. As you know, I've been hoping to blog about some mom/women-run companies and indie designers making great stuff right here in Massachusetts (and beyond). So I've been visiting local craft fairs and open studios compiling lists and names and I'll be blogging about all of my finds very soon. Guess what there's a lot of really talented women out there. So much so that I'm actually quite jealous. I've always had this secret hankering to be a really creative artsy-craftsy type but sadly re-sewing a button on a blouse is about the best I can do.

So, first up Soto Softies. Maritza Soto started working on these adorable animals after graduating from Parsons School of Design and realizing that she was falling in to a bit of a rut as an illustrator. Soto found herself wanting to make toys. She drew her inspiration from blogs like little birds. Soto had some background in sewing but not enough to make these fabulous creatures. So, she bought some Japanese toy-making books and learned her craft stitch by stitch, button-joint by button-joint. She loves working with fabrics and color and the 3-D form has allowed her to really experiment. She hopes her softies appeal to kids and adults alike. The one photograph here doesn't do justice to her entire collection. These are not just cute stuffed animals. They are works of art. But cuddly enough to be the perfect baby shower gift (seriously wouldn't it be better to show up to a baby shower with one of these in tow instead of a onesie from Baby Gap?).

Prices range from $9 for a pocket squirrel to $120 for a praying mantis. Although most items fall into the $35-$40 range.

You can also check out Soto's blog and a whole gallery of photographs on Flickr.

You can get in touch with Maritza through her blog or by clicking here.

Oh and don't forget to tell people that you saw these wonderful creatures on Massachusetts Mom. I will be posting more fabulous items soon so keep checking back here.