My Story
Decades of Knitting
My name is Tracey (AKA Knitty Nora) and I have been knitting for over 50 years!
My two grandmothers taught me, one was a left-handed knitter and the other a knitter, who let’s just say had her own style, so it was a little bit of a case of finding my own style of knitting, I was also fortunate to have an auntie who owned and ran her own wool shop, so there was always a discount wool to be had. As a child I knitted clothes for dolls and teddies, often they were very bright in colour.
In the 80’s I went to art college where I studied Applied Arts, specialising in textile design. When I left I started a knitwear business, featuring handmade knits, mostly designed for adults and based on pattens I designed myself. They were all one offs. I had a number of porple who supported me in knitting up the garments, which I sold at craft and design markets, I also had a regular stall at Camden Lock Market.
A New Label Was Born
Whilst knitting, selling and designing knitwear I had the opportunity to work as a community artist, working with community groups to produce a number of community textile projects. I also spent time teaching small groups how to knit.
I really enjoyed designing producing garments, however the community work took over and with this a career in social work manufactured itself, and with that I have been a social worker and social work manager for many years. However, throughout the years I have continued to design and knit for friends and family, but I always promised myself that I would relaunch my knitting business when I had the time and opportunity.
And here we are!
Tracey Rowe (aka Knitty Nora)
The Heart of Balou
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