I founded Penny Grace Knitwear in 2022, after two years of highs and very low lows.

The loss of my parents unexpectedly during the 2020 lockdowns makes you look at life very differently. It was while at my parent’s house that I found my knitting machine from my studies and past career as a knitwear designer. I studied textile design at Chelsea College of Art and Fashion Knitwear at the Royal College of Art. However recently I was managing a group of restaurants, and faced redundancy during covid restrictions.

It felt like a sign. Despite the years gone by disused and gathering dust, my Mum had kept my machine, perhaps knowing that I might want to use it again.

Fast forward 12 months, a second child was born, I turned 40 and I made the decision to not return to work. Instead to make a leap of faith, and start my own knitted accessories business.

Helen x