makwa studio
Minnesota is a land of contrasts—where glistening lakes meet pine-green forests and summer’s heavy heat gives way to subzero stillness. Love it or hate it, the dramatic cycling of our seasons shapes who we are—and what we wear. Each winter, the cozy creature within us all stirs to life, seeking refuge in soft wool sweaters and chunky, hand-knit scarves, lovingly crafted by makers across our state.
From the rugged North Shore to the creative heart of Le Sueur County, meet three Minnesota knitwear artisans who have refined their craft to the rhythm of our state’s shifting seasons, curating warmth, optimism, and comfort with each stitch. Their handcrafted pieces remind us that style can persist even in the dead of winter—and that coziness is just as much an art form as it is a survival strategy.
North Road knits
Inspired by the landscapes and seasons that define the wild North Shore, North Road Knits embodies the adventurous spirit of its creator, Jamie Rex—a California-born, Minnesota-bred knit artist based in Grand Marais.
Self-taught through a combination of YouTube tutorials and demonstrations from friendly neighbors, Rex sold her first knitwear creation on an apple farm field trip with her sons’ preschool—and hasn’t looked back since. Now a full-time venture, Rex operates North Road Knits from her humble house in the North Woods, inspired by the crisp autumns and swirling, blue winters of her chosen home.
“I’ve wanted to live in the forest since I was a kid growing up in Los Angeles,” says Rex. “I’m inspired by being in the elements, so I like making things that fit well for me to snowshoe and be in the wind and have ice flying toward my face.”
North Road Knits stands out for its artful use of color, wholly original patterns—dreamt up by Rex herself and sold separately to DIY knitters—and its devotion to slow, intentional craftsmanship. By sourcing mostly hand-dyed yarns from small, women-owned businesses, Rex pays homage to the long, tactile journey that transforms raw fiber from a sheep’s back into one of her signature hats.
“I’m excited about every stitch sometimes,” says Rex. “When you pick up a hand-dyed skein of yarn, it’s really unpredictable—that’s part of the fun.”
Rex updates her website daily with new hand-knit creations and also maintains small in-store collections at Clearview General Store in Lutsen and Northern Goods in Grand Marais. Be on the lookout for cozy winter pop-ups, including a Galentine’s day event at the Lutsen Winery in February. northroadknits.com
North Road Knits
Nickichicki
From its spunky, upbeat name to its chunky, eccentric knits, Nickichicki’s style proclaims the mantra of its Montgomery-based owner Nicole Brown: Fashion is supposed to be fun.
“In the sustainable fashion space, there is such an emphasis on neutrals. I figured there has to be a customer that is interested in slow fashion but still wants those statement styles,” says Brown. “Your neon pink sweater can be your staple piece.”
Best known for its signature giant-heart sweaters and double-pom beanies, Nickichicki’s pieces reflect a sense of optimism and individuality that radiates from the knitter to the wearer, and back again—as evidenced by its locally loved “weirdo” sweaters, a direct request from an enthusiastic client.
Guided by the slogan, “hand knitted with heart,” Brown designs and knits each piece with love and intention, while operating a team of 10 Midwest-based female knitters who help tackle the constant influx of orders. Sourcing quality yarn from mills based in Peru, the team curates offerings for both children and adults, as well as a separate luxury line and zero-waste collection—each a reflection of Brown’s passion for environmental sustainability.
“Our luxury line uses 100% natural fibers, and those fibers are biodegradable,” explains Brown. “They’re supposed to be heirloom pieces, but even if something happens along the way, it’s never going to harm the earth.”
The zero-waste collection has a similar vision of minimizing environmental impact, combining throw-out odds and ends from previous orders to create something new, often unlocking serendipitous color combinations.
This winter, Brown is leaning into bright neons and cozy merino wools—what she sees as an uplifting cure to the post-holiday blues. Shop products online or at Spoils of Wear in St. Paul. nickichikci.com
Nickichicki
Makwa Studio
Maggie Thompson, textile artist and owner of Makwa Studio, distinctly remembers her first knitting project. It was in fourth grade at the Minnesota Waldorf School, where she was challenged to create a knit flute case. This was just the beginning of her knack for merging functional design with fine art, a talent that now defines the intricate, heritage-driven knitwear creations she sells at Makwa Studio.
Translating to “bear” in Ojibwe, Makwa was the first word Thomspon learned in the language, and it now encompasses her brand’s broader mission to bridge cultures and traditions, weaving inspiration from both her family history and her modern-day experience as an Ojibwe woman of mixed heritage.
“My work is deeply personal and grounded in heritage, yet open to innovation,” shares Thompson. “I draw from traditional motifs and craft practices and translate them into contemporary forms and wearable art, creating an interplay between heritage and modernity.”
This interplay shines in her bold and refined knitwear pieces, which range from cowls, beanies, and hoodie scarves to tunics and baby blankets, produced through a mix of hand and industrial machine knitting. As both an artist and a designer, Thompson sees her knitwear as a creative release—an opportunity to simply play.
“I see my knitwear practice as distinct from my fine artwork, which often carries heavier conceptual weight. Knitwear for me exists in a different emotional space and is more about experimentation and the tactile pleasure of making.”
Makwa Studio is currently in a stage of transition, with plans to lean into industrial knitting and focus on collaborations with local artists, including Lydia Skahan who will be natural dying a collection of beanies this winter. Visit Makwa Studio at the Northrup King Building in Northeast Minneapolis or shop products online. makwastudio.com
makwa studio
