After attending Maker Faire 2010 last year, I knew I wanted to have a more active part in the next Maker Faire.  I was so happy to be asked to participate in a couple of presentations.

The first was the Saturday & Sunday noon panel discussions on "Crafting Your Online Presence" moderated by Diane Gilleland where I was joined by some incredible heavyweights from the craft world:

On Saturday:
Moxie, Made by Moxie
Susan Beal, West Coast Crafty
Garth Johnson, Extreme Craft
Bridget Frankowiak, Mr X Stitch
(me)
Lee Meredith, Leethal

photo credit: Diane Gilleland

On Sunday:
Moxie, Made by Moxie
Cathe Holden, Just Something I Made
Jenny Hart, Sublime Stitching
Garth Johnson, Extreme Craft
Drew Emborsky, The Crochet Dude
(me)

Seriously, people, all the awesomeness was almost too much to bear.  At one point during the Sunday panel, I got a little shot of adrenaline and I could feel my heart beating like a scared little rabbit, but I still loved every second of it.

Here's an article about the panel (on Tilly and the Buttons) and a bonus photo of Moxie, Me, Jenny Hart, and Diane Gilleland.

I also did a demonstration of foundation crochet stitches (more photos).  There were a handful of crocheters there to learn the stitches (and three handfuls of tired people resting their feet).  I was able to run through my bio, a discussion of foundation stitches, show everyone my crocheted stitch samples, my demo of single and double foundation single crochet,  and my demo of making an fsc bridge ... all in 11 minutes

When I wrote the outline of my presentation down on paper, I imagined it would take up WAY more time.  But now that I think about it, I can teach someone to crochet in about 5 mintues, so stretching one little stitch out to 11 is pretty good.  Afterwards the actual crocheters came up to the table and I did a little up close and personal demo and answered questions without having to speak through the rockstar headset, which was nice.

Last year I was determined to meet new people and force myself into social interactions.  This year I couldn't help but meet friends old and new ... and new-old, in the case of finally meeting my longtime friend, Diane Gilleland, in the flesh for the first time.  My weekend was just one big hugfest.

I'll be honest, big groups of strangers aren't my thing ... so it would figure that gigantic groups of people packed together like sardines who are shuffling around like zombies gently and persistently elbowing each other are doubly (triply)  not my thing.  Even if the whole fairgrounds were emptied of spectators and I could go from booth to booth and talk with the presenters, I think I'd be overwhelmed (like the good little introvert I am ... bonus introvert article).

But, even though I don't experience Maker Faire like the smorgasbord of info and experiences like most other people, I wouldn't miss it for the world.  I had a great lunch sitting in the grass under the shade of a tree with Véronique (the best faire buddy ever), Moxie (must to read this cnn article - she's the real-deal), and Mr. Moxie (my apologies to you for not remembering your name, Sir).  These are my Maker Faire memories ... the moments when I made meaningful connections with people that totally light my fire.

And that's why I'll go back next year ... and  the year after that and the next  and the next ...

Here's my little pile of swag.  My fancy-dancy presenter's name tag, a sew-on Maker patch, my ticket stub, a signed copy of Moxie's book I Felt Awesome (which is going to a Crafting In Public friend who is already a Moxie fan), and a promo for Cathy Callahan's book Vintage Craft Workshop (I saw her great presentation about crafty ladies of the 60s and 70s ... which reminds me that I saw several amazing presentations at the Craft Stage ... Moxie's needle felting and Diane's kanzashi where she had a preview of the AMAZING clover kanzashi makers.  Mother of f*cking god those things are like magic.)  

Oh, and not pictured is this amazing contraption that the Simplicity rep slipped into my hot little hands as I was walking out the door on Sunday.  I know, right?!  I can't wait to try it out.

OMG, I've been writing this post for weeks and I've got an hour left of this month and I'm determined to get it posted before we slip into June.  I've totally left out so many awesome people and things ... Drew Emborsky is a hoot-and-a-half and I'd commit a non-violent Class 3 felony for a cone of freshly fried mini donuts.

I think I can officially say Maker Faire 2011 = Crazytime Awesomesauce.