Wendy Voon is a genius. Her knitwear designs are a testament to her creativity and innovation. The mathematical aptitude and skillful use of yarn that it takes to create Wendy’s clever drape and shapes in knitwear is artistry and function all at once.

We’ve been proud stockists of Wendy Voon Knits for many years now so it’s with great pleasure, and honour, to present this incredible designer’s work as part of Mrs Woo 20th Anniversary Showcase.

MRS WOO: When did you launch Wendy Voon Knits and what sparked this business move?

WENDY: I launched Wendy Voon Knits, in my final year of study at RMIT in 2004. Wow, I am also 20 this year!

I went back to study Studio Textiles, with the intention of starting my own business. I'd spent my twenties working for big and small companies, and had decided it wasn't for me. The business was a low-key organic start. It began with wholesaling to a very supportive Melbourne boutique (which sadly, no longer exists).

MRS WOO: What we love about your designs is all the clever play with convention forms to create such contemporary knitwear. What inspires your creativity?

WENDY: What inspires me is other people's creativity in all fields - from fashion, design, architecture and music. That feeling when you see excellence or experience something unique gives me the energy to do the same.

MRS WOO: The yarns you work with are incredible. We’ve been wearing your knits for, gosh - definitely more than 10 years now, and they’ve maintained their colour, shape and they hardly pill. Also, most people may not realise that every piece is machine-knitted by hand, one at a time. What can you tell us about having strong making skills, and how it’s important to your slow fashion and sustainability practices?

WENDY: Strong making skills is very important to me, perhaps I've been too self-reliant, but I really wanted to understand and be able to do everything myself. I make each design several times, finessing the process before handing it over to one of my knitters.

As a maker of my designs, I have been able to develop ways of working that result in design outcomes that are unique to my label.  I think there is sometimes not as much respect for the making process compared to the design process, it's seen as drudge work compared to the 'glamour' of design. I really think a designer who knows how to make is a better designer. I also find making a very meditative experience.

Being able to make and have a team of knitters that make one piece at a time is, for me, very important to my sustainability practice. I don't have to meet minimum quantities (I don't know anyone who can accurately forecast how much they will sell of a particular style/size/colour) so we don't have a lot lying around of something we can't sell. I try to have in stock one of each style/size/colour and we make to order as much as possible.

MRS WOO: Another thing folks wouldn’t know is that you had a previous life as a as a Business Analyst in IT which is a skill that lends to knitting more than we realise! Yet they are worlds apart. What do you love about what you do now that propels you to keep on this creative business path?

WENDY: It is very satisfying to have made 'a thing' especially when you see it on a customer and it looks great on them, and you can see how a well-made and designed piece of clothing can make someone feel good, happy and confident when they wear it.

WENDY VOON KNITS range is produced one at a time in the highest quality natural fibre yarns. Available from High Tea with Mrs Woo's NEWCASTLE and SYDNEY stores throughout the year.