Dora & Nino

02/20/2026

Thank you to for the opportunity to test this lovely pattern! It was a lot of fun to make using a couple of different yarns & colours. The first & third versions pictured here were made with Canadian yarn by in Estelle Chunky purchased at a local favourite from my old neighborhood in Toronto, .ca, a queer-owned & community-based shop. The second version was made with in Big Value Chunky, a UK yarn purchased at another small local Toronto shop,

02/05/2026

A few samples of what I’ve been working on behind the scenes throughout this winter. Life has changed a great deal since we moved back to our small home town of after 15 years in Toronto & 5 years in Niagara. I’d like to say it’s been a quiet winter, but it has in fact been a tumultuous one, full of change both big & small, including a personal tragedy over the Christmas season. I’ve been focussing on personal & charity work during this time, & am hoping to slowly make my way back to commercial items by the end of the year. In the meantime, it’s a good reminder that hope is a process, not a product, & that even when things seem quiet on the surface, it doesn’t mean growth isn’t happening underground 🕊️

09/08/2025

I’m back! After an unexpected hiatus due to worsening health & some big life changes, I’m back on my crochet game, living back in my home town (we just moved in last week!) & I’m bringing back slouchy hats bc the now-ubiquitous urban Jimbo Jones hats just do not work for me (tho I’m still happy to make one for you if they’re you’re thing—no judgement!). In all honesty I don’t know what the future of Dora & Nino will look like right now. There have been innumerable challenges this past year that have forced me to pause & reflect, and I don’t think that is a bad thing. What I do know is slow, intentional growth is the only option for me, so for now I’m sitting back & learning from other sick & disabled entrepreneurs because I simply cannot keep up with any amount of hustle & grind. In the meantime I’m going to keep crocheting & sharing my work here, & remain open to custom requests ✌️

If you want to join me on the slouchy throwback train, you can custom-order one of these or make your own using the simple & easy pattern called Wisteria Slouch Hat by ✨🧶🫶

06/18/2025

Playing around with head & neck scarf design in cotton for now, with plans to work in lighter, lacy silk. I want to design pieces that can easily be taken from home to hospital to hot sun, offering both beauty & protection for delicate hair that is prone to splitting, breakage, & environmental damage.

06/04/2025

REMINDER: this is an LGBTQ+ friendly business. Doris was a lifelong ally & one of the reasons this company is named for her is to honour her spirit of love & inclusion for the communities she loved, including the Church St community of Toronto where she lived & regularly did her own personal community outreach, extending help & support to neighbours in need.

WOOOO HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!!
🖤🤎❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

04/19/2025

My first flower, for Nonna 🤍🪽✨
I may not have inherited her skills in the kitchen, but I still have something of her in my hands to carry on & give to others. Thank you Nonna for everything you have given us. I love you & will miss you forever.