Crafty Bastards Vendor Q&A with Pear

Get excited — we are reviving the Crafty Bastards Q&As! These interviews feature vendors who participated in the 2007 Crafty Bastards fair. Last year, we didn’t get to post all of the Q&As before the festival was upon us, so we are going to start publishing them now.

First off is PEAR, which features colorful crafts by avid sewing enthusiasts and twin sisters Mary and Tracy Kruger. The sisters live across the globe from each other, but they work together to create products that combine color and texture for a unique look. PEAR creations reflect their love of both Danish modern simplicity and vintage embellishments. Their line includes messenger bags, skirts, the most darling clutch purses and more. Tracy lives in Copenhagen and Mary lives in Raleigh. You can take a look around at their website www.PearThreads.com.

1. How long have you been making things?
We’ve been sewing for 4 years.

2. What is your earliest/favorite crafting memory?
When we were 12, we made clocks in woodshop from a black walnut tree that fell down in our yard during a storm. (Our mom still uses them!!)

3. Why do you make things?
We are curious and enjoy the challenge of expressing ourselves through creative construction.

4. What sort of things do you make?
Tracy makes clothing and Mary makes bags.

5. Any success stories you’d care to share?
Coming up with the final design of our messenger bag. Our challenge was to create an original design for a bag that had to be functional and durable. It also had to incorporate elements of our signature style. The bag was named the “Moby” in reference to Melville’s white whale. Throughout its evolution, we worked together, learning new techniques and developing our skills. In the end, we produced a product that is representative of PEAR and that we are both very proud to share with our customers.

6. Inspirations?
Scandinavian design, art deco ornament, Japanese floral decoration and the textures & colors of fabrics.

7. Craft supplies you can’t live without?
Tracy loves a sharp seam ripper and Mary thinks a needle and thread are essential.

8. Describe your work area (photos please!)
Tracy’s workshop in Denmark has a lovely view of the city and Mary’s is the opposite, a basement with no view!!

9. Family? Pets? Plants?
The two of us have an older brother. Mary is married with a baby on the way and Tracy is engaged.

10. Favorite color or pattern?
Mary’s favorite color is orange and loves just about any Marimekko print. Tracy’s favorite color is teal.

11. Have you been a Crafty Bastard before?
Yes, we’ve participated in the Crafty Bastard show for the last 2 years!!

12. Tell us about other crafters you love and your favorite handmade purchases.
Wendell Castle, Snowflake 66

13. What is one thing everyone should know how to do themselves?
Mary thinks sewing on a button is a good skill & Tracy thinks it is important to finish all those projects!