Hey, I am Irene and I am the designer of Handmadepast. I live in an old listed building from 1760, 7km from the sea in the Netherlands. I have a sweet little studio there with a real bedstead! I love knitting and crochet, of course, but also quilting, embroidery and everything you can make with fabric, as well as playing tennis, reading and travelling.

From an early age, I learned to knit and had a penchant for learning all sorts of things you could make with your hands... even carpentry, glass engraving, painting... you name it.

My designs and inspiration come mostly from nature and from the beautiful trips we have taken. I was also an agent for various baby and children's brands for a long time and this fondness is also reflected in my designs. I love playful, colourful, cheerful but also sweet, vintage and cosy.

I hope my designs inspire people to get creative themselves. And hope they become as enthusiastic about working with balls of wool as I am.

You can find my designs on my website, Ravelry and Etsy