My Story

A sense of place grounds my one-woman business, Olann Handmade, through design inspiration, regional materials, and knitwear traditions. I grew up in Ireland and today make my home on the West Coast of Canada. Earning a Fashion Knitwear Design degree from Nottingham Trent University I continued my education with a seminal internship with People Tree in London. I started my company to design and create thoughtful, handcrafted knitwear. I begin with environmentally conscious materials in beautiful Irish tweeds, mohair, Canadian wools and merino, and natural dyes. For designs and colors, I find inspiration from the places I have called home and the seasonal shifts of the West Coast landscape. My designs mostly indulge in the craftsmanship and artistry of hand knitting. Knitting is my passion, from its rich history and cultural and social significance, to how it shapes and nourishes the mind. Each Olann piece is made-to-order, from my hands to yours.