Introducing Michelle from MICMAC Design.
Where every item is handmade!! From her home in Northbridge, NSW, Michelle hand knits all of her amazing creations. Find out why Michelle started creating and why she is so passionate about the value of handmade.
Tell us about your creations and your handmade process.
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a handmade artist.
I have always been a knitter. It's really a part of me. I understand the term "itchy fingers" because I really do feel that pull to make something when I get a creative idea! I began selling my creations about ten years ago. I started with an Etsy store but it became too difficult to engage with customers on such a large platform. That's why Madeit is so great - we're all Australian and celebrating Australian handmade.
My pricing does not really reflect the hours and effort which has gone into each creation - I would never sell anything if I had to charge for all of those hours. But luckily I love what I do and just want to bring the joy of handmade to customers at a reasonable price!
What is your inspiration or where do you find inspiration?
My inspiration initially came from traditional Aran knitting. I think my heart is still in Ireland even though I have now lived in Australia for far longer than I lived in Ireland. I love all the textures of an Aran knit but especially cables, but I also get my inspiration from the yarn itself.
The yarn often dictates the design. Sometimes I will have an idea for a design but when I start knitting the yarn tells me to do something different!
I also like to "rescue yarn" - yarn is so expensive - especially the real wool yarns. And so I like to source pre-owned yarn that hasn't yet been used but is no longer wanted. This helps to keep my costs down!
Where did you learn your craft?
I can't remember who taught me to knit but I know that my Grandmother was as crazy about knitting as I am. She always created traditional Aran sweaters and cardigans and I remember watching her and thinking - wow, she is always knitting! She would take her knitting in the car (as I do) and to my Dad's horror, to classical music concerts. My Dad hated that. Now that I know what is involved in traditional Aran knitting, I am filled with awe about how she was able to do it seemingly without looking, without a pattern and all the while watching the TV and talking - a lot.
Why is handmade artistry so important to you?
It's all about the creativity - It's a real emotional connection. When I see something beautiful which has been lovingly made by hand, I can't help but be drawn to it. But handmade is not for sissies! It's a tough gig competing against cheaper products that to most consumers seem just as good. But you have to stick at it, especially when you love what you do (which all of us creators do).
Creativity needs to be nurtured - it makes my fingers itch to knit and is what makes my heart sing! In this era of fast fashion and mass production, handmade is beginning to stand out. It has always been there but now it is shining through and people are seeing the beauty of it.
Michelle is a much loved member of the Madeit Collective, posting regularly in our Facebook Group ~ The Ultimate Artisan Gift Destination ~ and sharing her new creations as they are released. If you haven't connected with MICMAC Design already, make sure you join our FB Group and say hi!
