Hi there! I’m Ryan, the new TOTS Blanket Challenge co-ordinator! Buckle up, it’s certainly going to be a whirlwind!
Some of you might have some questions, so lets get right into some of the fun ones!
Q: what makes you qualified to coordinate this challenge, huh?!
GREAT question. To answer that, I must explain how I ended up here.
I was introduced to the Tots blanket challenge through Barb, who leased a space within The Creative Fringe back in 2023???? During this time, I got to meet some wonderful people who volunteer their time to the challenge. I assisted on the 2025 Christmas trees for the Panther’s Tree of hope Charity competition, which was a wonderful experience.
I digress. During my time running my business, Stitch Up Fursuits, I have learned how to effectively communicate with people, market my product and manage a social media presence of collectively over 5,000 followers, spread over major platforms. I have been running my business since early 2022, which takes me all over the east coast vending at community focused conventions. I Design, create and sew custom costumes for those who desire to look like a giant animal!
I believe the skills I have learned from my own experiences will assist me to do my absolute best in this role for the creative fringe.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
…People have spare time? What’s that?!
When I’m not running my business, I work at a suit shop. When I’m not working at the suit shop, I am now working at TOTS! My week is FULL, but that is the way I like it. I am the kinds of person that needs to be doing something constantly. However, if I DO find myself with some spare time, I am obsessed with fossils. I travel to Turimetta headlands and walk around the shale to find any signs of prehistoric life and then take them home to display in my cabinet!
Q: When can I drop off my Squares/Blankets?
The days that I’m in the office are Wednesday and Thursday’s, from 9:AM until 1:PM. During this time, feel free to come in, drop off your squares and tell me your story! And, if you are happy for me to share your story, I will take notes and create a lovely piece for you!
Q: How do I stay on your good side?
Ah, that’s a great question. I’m a simple man; you bring me caffeine to get me through the day? I will forever be your friend!
