letter 02: michelle__nia

Nov 24

Written By Jess Parsons

FASHION, SPIRIT - FALL 2023

“I want to keep expressing myself through whatever art form I feel called to at the moment. I want to leave fear behind <3”

Dear Shelly,

As I opened your package of pieces addressed from Chicago to NYC, I felt like I was tearing through a marshmallow covered in tissue paper, filled with bouncy knitwear pieces. I am in awe of how incredibly un-fragile it is to ship knitwear, yet they are simultaneously, gorgeously delicate. We use the word tight-knit to describe a community, a closeness, a connectedness. Wearing knitted garments feels like a hug, a reminder of the love that went into the making of this article of protection and warmth, it emits caring toward your body.

Here are my burning questions for you.

Xx, jess

When did you begin knitting, and what are you most excited about in your practice at present?

I started knitting when I was maybe 9 or 10. My mom signed us up for a knitting club and from then on I saw it as a really relaxing and enjoyable art that I was always excited to come back to.

Right now what excites me is just everything I still have left to learn. I love exploring new techniques and practicing new stitch patterns. I'm excited to design more and just keep experimenting.

*Love Letter vol. 2* - Brooklyn, New York

I love describing Love Letter as a neo-ethereal portal for love, fashion, art, and spirit. How do you connect with these elements in your work?

My pieces are like little notes to myself sometimes, often inspired by memories and emotions. How certain colors have a mood to them. I try to hold on to whatever moves me and come back to it when I'm creating.

shop michelle__nia

Who is your ultimate muse? If you could have anyone wear your pieces, who would it be?

I think I'm my own muse in a way. I really try to make pieces that I know I'd fall in love with if I was on the outside looking in. Things my younger self would have always wanted.

“I started to knit and sew again simply to relieve my anxiety and stress and it turned into much more than I knew it would.”

*get him back! music video by Olivia Rodrigo*

*Dress by michelle__nia featured in music video by Olivia Rodrigo*

Before knitting, did you make other forms of art / clothing?

I did! I sew and still do, I'm currently working on some new stuff right now that has me really excited :) I also love to play the guitar and make little songs, I'm hoping to do more with that.

What birthed your practice of knitwear? Was there a catalyst to guide your approach to the medium?

I was at a point in my life where I felt lost and confused honestly. I think I wasn't headed in a direction I felt connected to. I started to knit and sew again simply to relieve my anxiety and stress and it turned into much more than I knew it would.

How do you recharge your creative batteries?

I'll read or cook my favorite meal, which right now is pesto pasta with mushrooms and tomatoes. I love to be outside, going for long walks also helps a lot.

What is your favorite song at the moment, and the last film you watched?

Aselestine by Yo La Tengo, and Shadows by John Cassavetes.