The world of handmade crafts and slow fashion has seen a beautiful resurgence in recent years, as more people embrace the value of craftsmanship, sustainability, and the personal connection behind each creation. Knitting, in particular, has evolved from a quiet pastime into a celebrated art form that weaves together tradition, creativity, and mindfulness. Within this growing movement, small businesses are redefining what it means to create with intention. One such inspiring story is that of Mo’ Knits, founded by Melissa O’Connor in 2018, a brand that embodies warmth, authenticity, and the joy of making something truly one of a kind.
The Beginning of Mo’ Knits.
Melissa’s journey began during a quiet autumn while she was on maternity leave with her eight-month-old son. What started as a simple desire to knit a toque for him quickly grew into something much bigger. Armed with determination and YouTube tutorials, she began crafting more pieces and experimenting with patterns she discovered on Etsy. By the end of that same year, she had created 40 handmade items for her first Christmas market, where her creations sold remarkably well.
That early success sparked a passion that soon evolved into Mo’ Knits. While continuing her full-time career as a property manager, Melissa began balancing both her professional and creative worlds. Each market brought new opportunities and encouragement. Within a few years, she had launched her own website, developed a fresh brand identity, and gained growing recognition in Canada’s handmade knitwear space.
The Art of Handmade Excellence and Wool Dyeing.
What makes Mo’ Knits truly special is Melissa’s commitment to craftsmanship and individuality. Every piece she creates is entirely handmade, using high-quality merino wool that she personally dyes, along with other carefully selected wools she uses for her creations. This process ensures that every product is one of a kind, giving customers something they cannot find anywhere else.
Her merino wool is sourced from the UK and dyed using acid dyes, a technique that involves soaking the yarn in vinegar before heating, coloring, washing, and air-drying it to perfection. Melissa’s dedication to detail extends beyond the knitting itself; she also makes her own pom-poms, ensuring that each toque or accessory feels cohesive and personal. From newborn-sized hats to adult styles, her work reflects both skill and warmth.
The super bulky knit toques remain her favorite to make, not only because they come together quickly but also because they have become her most popular items during Canada’s cold winter months.
Balancing Business, Family, and Creative Growth.
Running a small business while raising three young children is no small feat, yet Melissa manages it all with grace and determination. She works full-time as a commercial property manager during the day and dedicates her evenings and weekends to knitting and preparing for markets. Despite the challenges, she finds joy in staying busy and creating something meaningful with her hands.
Of course, there are hurdles too. The biggest one, she admits, is keeping up with production for her markets. As the holiday season approaches, she often finds herself working late nights to meet demand. Yet those moments of exhaustion are balanced by the pride she feels when customers connect with her creations.
Looking ahead, Melissa hopes to open her own brick-and-mortar shop where she can sell both her knits and her hand-dyed yarns. For now, she continues to grow Mo’ Knits with the same heart and passion that started it all, one stitch at a time.
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