Fall is officially here! With it comes the layers that Northlanders need to survive the dropping temperatures. Oftentimes, these clothing pieces can be neutral in color and unremarkable. Northerners tend to prioritize utility in their fall and winter accessories. A rainbow amidst the swirling gray of winter, Jamie Rex of Hovland brings color and patterns to the mix—as well as winter usability—with her company, North Road Knits.
“I remember having a pivotal moment where I was at the mall, and I saw this beautiful scarf. It was kind of scrappy; it had lots of different yarns in it. I thought to myself, ‘I really want to make something like that, but those aren’t really my colors,’” said Rex, regarding the spark that began her knitting career.
That was the moment she decided to start creating pieces that inspired her. Rex began making what she describes as “funky” little hats and scarves for her kids and herself.
“The thing that kind of turned it into a business was a day when my sons were in preschool and going on a field trip to an orchard. I was wearing a scarf I had made, and a woman asked me to make her one in her colors. That was the first thing I sold, and I’ve been doing it ever since. It’s been about 17 years now,” said Rex.
As her business grew, Rex decided to go full time as a maker once her kids were older. Her website now sells knitting patterns, a variety of yarns, hats, headbands, sets, neckwear, and goods from other makers. Her products can also be found in Lutsen and Grand Marais area businesses, including Clearview General Store, the Mountain Shop at Lutsen Mountains, Dappled Fern Fibers, Sisu and Löyly Sauna, and Joy and Co. Not only that, but she also has a setup in downtown Grand Marais at the Art Sheds beside the Beaver House (across from Superior Creamery). She writes on her website, “I rarely make the same thing twice, so many of the knits are one of a kind.”
North Road Knits has a very active Instagram page, with the latest creations displayed for those who might not be in the area. Rex’s husband, Theo, was previously in the military, so her family moved a bit because of this. She has always had a pull toward being what she calls a “historian” when it comes to photography. “Social media was just a natural place for me,” she said.
While the items are beautiful, their creation is not easy. Dexterity, strength, and stamina are crucial to being able to knit often. Rex said she sees a physical therapist to keep up those important muscles. “If I don’t pay attention, the stress of things going on in the world and everything can affect my knitting. It can get tighter, and my arms start to hurt. It’s a lot of actually training my body,” said Rex.
Rex is one of the vendors participating in the Art Along the Lake event happening throughout Cook County. The event takes place Sept. 26 through Oct. 5. The event website describes it as “the unique opportunity to meet local artists in their home studios and gain insights into their creative processes.” Rex is incredibly excited for the event. “It’s magical to get to go into people’s studios and see how they set up their creative space. It’s really special to see an artist in their element,” she said.
One of the expected North Road Knits bestsellers for the event—as well as in her other selling spots? “I am currently making a ton of headbands. Headbands are able to breathe a little bit better, so if I am out snowshoeing [or doing another outdoor winter activity], I prefer a headband, so I don’t overheat. Fingerless mittens are also big right now. I don’t know what it is, but people love those right now. I can’t quite keep them in stock,” said Rex.
Rex’s advice for those hoping to turn their craft into a small business? “Try to be vulnerable and just put yourself out there. Surround yourself with people who are already doing it.”
To view Jamie Rex’s creations, visit: northroadknits.com. To learn more about Art Along the Lake, including a map of other vendors and makers participating, visit: artalongthelake.com.
