Is there a particular theme, style or ethic behind your current collection?
Map 29 happened quite by accident.  I’ve always loved maps and am quite nostalgic about my childhood and where I lived.  A childhood friend had a significant birthday  and I wanted to give her something memorable and nostalgic.  I made her a map purse of where we grew up on one side and where she lives now on the other.  She loved it and showed it to her friends who loved  the concept.  I made purses for a few different people and decided to seek permission from Melways  to use the maps.

Have you always been into making stuff?
I am a late blooming designer and crafter with no formal training but a great passion for making and buying quirky, high quality handmade goods. I learnt to knit, crochet and embroider at an early age but could never use a sewing machine, in fact avoided it at all costs.

What are your future plans for your label?
I’d like to grow my label gradually and expand into the tourist sector.  Map 29 isn’t only about making money but about giving back too.  I try to donate a percentage of my profits to a charity of my choice each month.

Any advice for others wanting to follow a creative career?
Go for it!  You never know where it will lead you.

Is there a particular theme, style or ethic behind your current collection?
My collars are inspired by vintage fashion, and it shows, iv been going to op shops since i was a little tacker with mum and i dont think i’ll ever stop. It’s when im happiest going through racks of random stuff and the smell, it’s like a treasure hunt. I think it’s taught me to really appreciate the styles of old, the thought and skill that goes into garments, and quality of materials, and above all it’s just an aesthetic i resonate with the most.

How long has your label been an ongoing project for you?
I came up with the label early last winter, after thinking about it for a while it just came to me. Hand Hook Yarn seemed so fitting, it describes the organic process of what i do, my hand controls the hook which weaves the yarn. It’s all i need and i can do it anywhere, sometimes i jump on the train and crochet to the end of the line and back, or i go to the park, it’s better than staying home.

Who taught you how to crochet?
In 2006 i volunteered in a program which was based in a remote aboriginal community called Papunya, another volunteer ‘Zowie’ was crocheting on the bus as we headed out from Alice, it looked interesting and i asked her to teach me. I really enjoyed it and i think being a knitter had helped me understand the concept, i picked it up pretty easily and after a while i started to experiment and come up with my own designs.

Tell us a bit about your favorite piece, if you can pick one as they’re all so adorable!
My collars are my baby’s now, since i started them i haven’t paid much attention to any other projects, i like them because they’re smaller and more interesting, i don’t get bored because i can constantly challenge myself with formulating new designs.

What are your future plans for your label?
i have no idea! its crazy and exiting and so satisfying to have my talents recognized. I take everyday as it comes, but i’d be lying if i said it wasn’t the unlimited dream to make a living off my art, i know a lot of people agree with me on that one.

Any advice for others wanting to follow a creative career?
Do it! don’t delay, don’t procrastinate, make a plan, break it up into small achievable tasks and do one of them right away. It feels good.