Team Crafty Scientist / Sleeping Hound Knits

The Crafty Scientist is one Dayna Mankowski, a real scientist! She is a part time Pharmacist and full time crafter. She is a former research scientist, who decided to retire from drug metabolism research in order to spend more time growing The Crafty Scientist. The Crafty Scientist began as Sleeping Hound Knits in 2002 as a collaboration between two crafty ladies (Dayna and Pat) and their hounds (Isaac and Cindy), knitting and crocheting pieces for friends and family. With part of the team moving to a warmer climate, other crafts such as sewing and playing with duct tape came to the forefront. In January 2005, The Crafty Scientist Experimental Design Lab was developed to showcase the art and craft of the DitterMan Clan!

In addition to work and crafting, Dayna is also an Assistant Editor at the new craft zine, CROQ, and helps organize the New England Crafty Crew (http://www.craftynewengland.com) with Lindsey of Yankee Girl Designs (http://www.lindseyandray.com/ygd) and Alison of Wonderland Q  (http://www.wonderlandq.com). 

The other half of the team is Stephen Ditter, pharmacist by day, disc golfer by day, disc golfer by night...and also part of TCS custom crafting team, print gocco artist, and technical support for TCS, especially in the 'Environmental Archer' disc golf bag line. Steve is currently developing some additional disc golf related accessories for the site, so be sure to check back!

Isaac, our loving 5-year old Long Haired Whippet, aka 'The Sleeping Hound' is moral support and inspiration for Team Crafty Scientist. Plus, he is our boy! (and very cute, too!).  He constantly inspires crafts for the site, so be sure to check back for dog treats and accessories!

The newest member of the team, Sheba, is a 3-year old female grey kitty!  She provides the invaluable 'beta testing' for all Crafty Scientist cat toys and mats.  If Sheba (aka "Inspector 12") isn't approving it, it is not good enough for your cat!!

About the Products:

All of the designs are made with care in small batches or are one of a kind!  I use high quality, fun and whimsical fabrics, and I am always trying out new designs. I make things to last and to be used; most can be washed in the machine, and I serge hems and raw edges of pillows and even parts not seen (linings, etc). I want you to have and love your items for years to come! Currently, I love to 'repurpose' different items; placemats and pillowcases into bags, plastic bags into tote bags...I am obsessed with functional bags!  I am also loving making custom skirts from fun fabrics, as well as refashioning clothing into funkier things. 

 I am working to better update the site, but please contact me for special orders or to see what I might have available for sale.  I love special orders! 

Crafty Scientist Chosen Charities:

100% of all proceeds from Cat and Dog toys and treats will go to local animal rescue/shelter organizations. $2.00 of each Cat Mat will go to Cause for Paws.