Danamarie Hosler of greenstarstudio, is the visionary behind Knitimals: hand knitted and hand sewn “soft sculpture sweeties” that are made from local yarns and other eco-friendly materials. Danamarie, who grew up in Miami and moved to Baltimore to attend the Maryland Institute College of Art, came up with the idea for Knitimals while sick in bed ten years ago. “I started making these dolls of comfort in an attempt to make available the same sense of importance imbued in the dolls we love when we’re little; something that is completely okay to cuddle with and take with you when you’re in need of support.”

Creating each Knitimal takes Danamarie anywhere from two hours to one day and an average of two hours to piece together and stuff. She doesn’t use patterns, nor does she repeat designs, so no two Knitimals are alike. And though they are meant to be for comfort, Knitimals are also intended to introduce children to what it’s like to own a work of art. She says, “I’ve always wanted to make art for kids. I started off as a muralist and a children’s book illustrator, and eventually realized that I needed to bring my designs to life…when you’re little, you probably don’t have the occasion to buy paintings or sculptures, so I also see Knitimals as a way of starting a child’s art collection.”

They really are a wonder to see. Each one has its own personality and the amount work that goes into making them is evident – even to a kid. “Kids always seem blown away by the fact that I made them with my hands. At shows, they pick up a particular Knitimal with such determination like it's speaking to them or to a part of them that needed filling. Those kids ‘get it’ and I think that ‘getting it’ is a big door opener to other exploration, culture and creativity.”

With the scraps leftover from Knitimals, Danamarie also makes Recyclimals (knitimal-esque dolls made from old sweaters and baby blankets) and cozies for cell phones, cameras and coffee cups. She also sells original illustrations, prints, coloring books, zines, greeting cards, bookmarks, magnets, pins, plates, boxes, frames and soaps. Knitimals, however, are the heart of her product line.

So, if there is a young person in your life who you think would like a Knitimal (or if perhaps you would like one for yourself) come visit Danamarie in the Artists' Market section at Artscape. She has been furiously sewing for the last few weeks in preparation for this weekend and consequently getting very little sleep, “I LOVE Artscape. Love it! I knit and paint and sew until I’m dizzy, but it’s perfect.” To learn more, check out Danamarie’s blog or visit her online shop, greenstarstudio.