Meet the Maker- Oakhorn

Oakhorn Fine Knitting creations bring soft textures, beautiful colors and maps together in a uniquely Canadian Way. 

Oakhorn was 1 of the 20 local businesses who lent us products to use in our BLOG LAUNCH photo-shoot in October. See more photo's from this shoot on our social media accounts. 

Photography by Kelly Allison Photography, MMM logo by Pareair Custom Designs, Manitoba wall hanging by Oakhorn Shop, Birch painting by Krista Heide Art, Mandy's earrings by Universal Abundance
Mandy's necklace by JFL Creations, Mandy's leg warmers by Ashley Erika Designs, Brandy's scarf by Ashley Erika 
Designs.

Oakhorn's map art is handmade with detail and care. Knitting Artist Lauren Schwab, is the talent behind Oakhorn Shop. Lauren has been sharing her love of knitting and travel since 2014. Her patterns are mapped out and then brought to life using a needle and some yarn. 

Oakhorn Shop is a direct reflection of Lauren's love for exploring and discovering the world; even if it's on her sofa at home. In order to write this blog, we had the pleasure of learning firsthand what makes these incredible creations so popular among Canadians and crafters alike.

Why did you decide to start doing what you do?

Quite simply, I love knitting and I love travel!
After winning the sock design contest at Ram Wools in 2013 with the design "Around the World in 80 Stitches", and after putting the whole world in the palm of mittens, I decided to make a unique gift for a friend who moved away: a knit map as wall art. I fell in love, and have been knitting maps ever since!

Photot by Caitlin Schlamb
of Decent Photography

Tell us something interesting about yourself? 

I've actually spent more time at craft sales as a musician, playing banjo with my husband, than as a vendor or a shopper!

What is your favorite product to make?

I really love making maps of Canada because of all of the detail in the lakes. I also have a great time making mittens, combining many colours and patterns together.

What part of Manitoba are you from?

I grew up in southern Winnipeg.  I have lived in France and Germany, and am proud to call Winnipeg, Canada home again.

What is one of your favourite things about Manitoba?

I have worked as a tour guide at the Manitoba Legislative Building and became fascinated with the history of our province and how that is reflected in the architecture and city culture today. I'm glad to live in a diverse place where we are interested in understanding and preserving our roots.

 
I love knitting, languages, and travelling, even if it's simply taking a flight of fancy. Oakhorn Shop was developed out of a love for exploring and discovering the world, even if it's on a sofa at home. 

I started knitting maps on socks and won a contest for "Around the World in 80 Stitches" socks in Winnipeg, but was eager to display a pixellated globe elsewhere than ankles, so made my first knit map in January, 2014, as a gift for a friend. I so enjoyed the process that I have continued to knit my way around the world, even making custom orders of different countries. 





Knitting maps enables me to work in a medium I love, using a variety of colours and soft textures, while taking imaginary trips across the country and around the globe. 

"Like" Oakhorn Shop on Facebook

Follow Oakhorn on Instagram @oakhornshop

Shop Oakhorn at Etsy

What is Makers Move Manitoba?

Makers Move Manitoba was created by 2 proud Manitobans, Mandy Johnston and Brandy Sylvestre.

We wanted to create a platform to showcase the MANY incredibly talented makers and shakers, located right here in our amazing Province while fostering a community of like-minded people who know the value and importance in shopping local and supporting small business.

We are passionate about connecting local artisans, hand-makers, crafters, and farmers with each other as well as a new stream of local customers and admirers.
In order to ensure that we do our best to spread the word of this fabulous community, we have developed a presence on both Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter; Please be sure to check them out and like and share them to help us continue to grow the community.

Fellow Creative Souls and Founders of Makers Move Manitoba

 
Want to be featured by Makers Move Manitoba?

We love nothing more then spreading the word about awesome local businesses!  If you are a SELLER of some sort, whether it be a maker, a baker, a crafter, a painter, a farmer, an upcycler, a vintage curator, an antique dealer, etc etc etc.....we would love to hear about what you do, and we will tell you what we can do for you!

E-mail us at makersmovemanitoba@gmail.com and include the word BLOG in your subject line!

Photography by Kelly Allison Photography, photo's taken at Blacknot farm,logo by  Pareair Custom Designs, word blocks by Jbirds & Sonshine, frame and chalkboard by Chalk It To Me, Brandy's boots by Northern Heart Designs, Mandy's scarf by Ashley Erika Designs, Mandy's earrings by Universal Abundance, Brandy's scarf by XOXO Knits, Brandy's earrings by Souvenir Handmade 

Watch and SHARE our promo video!