Textiles

Uimi · Wonderment

We first discovered Feeona and Troy Balhaam of Uimi way back in 2012. We’re so inspired by their continued growth, and firm commitment to local manufacturing.

Out of their knitting mill in Thornbury, Troy, Feeona and their small team design and make a beautiful range of knitted blankets, throws, homewares and accessories using Australian merino wool and baby alpaca. Their latest collection ‘Wonderment’ launches this week.

 

 

Written
by
Lucy Feagins

The new uimi collection, ‘Wonderment,’ shot at Nord House, Red Hill. Photo – Nikole Ramsay. Styling – Ruth Wesley.

The Winter 2017 range is filled with beautifully soft natural fibres. Photo – Nikole Ramsay. Styling – Ruth Wesley.

Uimi pieces are designed and manufactured at their studio and knitting mill in Melbourne. Photo – Nikole Ramsay. Styling – Ruth Wesley.

Vibrant mosaic patterns play alongside gentle pastel tones and earthy neutrals for the range. Photo – Nikole Ramsay. Styling – Ruth Wesley.

‘We are constantly developing and sampling new designs every day,’ says Feeona, who often turns to Pinterest and design websites for inspiration. Photo – Nikole Ramsay. Styling – Ruth Wesley.

Coincidentally, uimi’s new range includes a baby blanket called Minnie! Photo – Nikole Ramsay. Styling – Ruth Wesley.

Writer
Lucy Feagins
6th of April 2017

I can’t explain exactly why this is but I get SO EXCITED about small businesses who manufacture their full range locally. I guess it feels like such a stoic, uphill battle at times – especially in the textiles industry. That’s why we go out of our way to support any business making beautiful things in Australia… (though, of course, it’s not possible in every industry). One such business we are always inspired by is the very talented team at Uimi.

With husband and wife team Feeona and Troy Balhaam at the helm, knitwear brand Uimi has grown exponentially since we first visited their little knitting mill in Thornbury more than five years ago. With a factory now double the size, the pair are dedicated to producing locally, and continue to manufacture their full product range in Melbourne.

Even though Uimi started from a passion for blankets and homewares, in recent times, Feeona and Troy have responded to a growing demand for knitted garments and accessories. This is now a huge growth area for their business, and has seen them take on many more retail stockists across Australia and New Zealand. These days, Uimi comes up with three ranges (Home, Kids and Wear) twice a year – that’s a LOT of product development for this small, dedicated team!

Today though, we’re featuring Uimi’s beautiful new Winter 2017 homewares range. Inspired by childhood adventure, the ‘Wonderment’ collection of blankets, throws, cushions and accessories encompasses chunky textures and geometric patterns, alongside a delicious palette of earthy natural tones, soft pastels and teal greens. Winter is suddenly feeling a little more exciting…!

Uimi is stocked at a wide range of retail stores Australia wide, and they also have an  online store.

Feeona and Troy Baalham of Uimi pictured with their children, Lola and Bonnie. Photo – Nikole Ramsay. Styling – Ruth Wesley.

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