There was never a time that I wasn’t involved in art. When I was 2 my Mom taught me to sew. When I was 3, I learned to crochet. When I was 4, I was enrolled in my first program at the Toledo Museum of Art. Not once, since then, has my artistic exploration slowed. If anything, it has gained momentum.
Lucky enough to be raised in a family environment that encouraged creative exploration, I chose to pursue art as a career. Well, most days it’s more of a joy than a career.
For 15 years I worked in the retail field as a visual merchandising specialist with a focus in retail business analysis. My philosophy was that a store should look terrific with a purpose. If it isn’t going to affect the bottom-line in a positive way, there is probably a better solution. Now that I’ve opened my own company I offer my expertise in retail to independent businesses in the form of training and consultations. If you’d like more information on the opportunities available in this venue just let me know.
In 2005 my first pattern books for handknitters were released for Catalina Yarns. Essential Luxuries and 
Chunky Essentials each offer patterns for the modern hand knitter in a variety of sizes and styles. Photgrapher Rick Leuttke and a host of local models helped to create a rich and vibrant visual experience. Later that year I collaborated on the book 220: 220 Patterns Using Cascade 220 creating nearly half the patterns in the book (currently out of print – I will be re-releasing some of the patterns here later this spring). Additional patterns have been featured in Cast On Magazine, Knit Net Magazine and my accessories for hand knitters were featured in Vogue Knitting, Knit 1 and Knit Simple magazines under the name Urban Tribal Wear. The Fifth Stitch in Defiance, Ohio is my home base for knitting.
Overland Park, Kansas offered an experience too exciting to turn down in 2006. I was invited by my friend Grace Gibson-Carpenter to design and brand an independent boutique in Hawthorne Plaza called Style & Grace. A vibrant color palette and custom fixturing combine to create a unique shopping experience. If you find yourself in the Kansas City Area, stop in and visit the fantastic group at Style & Grace.
Now, my time is spent painting, creating new knitting patterns, working with the Defiance Development & Visitors Bureau to promote the Main Street philosophy in my adopted city, spinning yarn, and working with many (and varied) clients on unique designs for home & work.
My work can be found at the following fantastic boutiques:
Style & Grace ::: Overland Park, Kansas
The Fifth Stitch ::: Defiance, Ohio
Indigo ::: Defiance, Ohio
Twiggs ::: Rossford, Ohio
and more coming soon.
I hope you enjoy my designs and would love to create something custom for you.
Best Regards,
Rebecca Sweinhagen