ABOUT. UNIVERSAL DESIGN. RETAILERS. (original) (raw)

ABOUT. UNIVERSAL DESIGN. RETAILERS.

Thanks for stopping by and reading about mimiTENS and Some of the Parts.
My name is Anna-Maria and I am the designer of SOTP, mimiTENS and a few other projects. This mini-interview of me is being conducted by me. You are correct to sense some discomfort and awkwardness...

mimiTENS

What is mimiTENS?

mimiTENS started as a line of kid's mittens designed to stay on. mimiTENS are a patented design featuring a long sleeve with extra function. People wear them over the coat, under the coat. It is up to you.

What does mimiTENS mean?

It is a play on words. mimiTENS is a play on words on 'mes mitaines' which means 'my mittens in Canadian French.

When and why did you start making mimiTENS for people with limb differences?

In 2015, I was approached by a grandmother asking if I could make something for her granddaughter. The girl was born without a left hand. This was the first time that I had heard about the needs of people with limb differences.

It was the mimiTENS sleeve that caught the grandmother's attention. The sleeve meant that the mitten would more likely stay on. But I went further for her and asked if I could make the mitten flat given that she was not going to need the thumb.

mimiTENS now offers as much as possible for people with disabilities. We offer single mittens, we will make your set be different sizes, we will sell you two right mittens. You let us know at hello@mimitens.com

Do you make mittens for adults with limb differences?

Yes. We offer a big size range now. If you are an adult with a limb difference and need something in particular, please email at hello@mimiTENS.com.

SOME OF THE PARTS

What is Some of the Parts?

Some of the Parts is a collection of accessories, mostly bags with the occasional dabble in other departments.

Why don't you use zippers?

Because they break and they are hard to replace. Also, I wanted to create something that is easier for people with arthritis to operate. Arthritis runs in my family so I am really conscious of it.

How did you come design bags that work for people who use wheelchairs?

My friend Luke uses a power wheelchair. He was over at my house one day and I kitted him out with bags. While I was attaching the bags to his arm rests, Luke told me how much it meant to him to have a bag that closes. He told me that most wheelchair bags are wide open and vulnerable for theft. This really hurt my feelings. I don't know how else to say it.

I make sure that all my bags have D-LOOPS that enable being attached to wheelchairs and I will stick to the zipper-less design. Clips to attach bags to wheelchairs of free of charge. I also makes straps whatever length a person needs for their body, free of charge. You just need to let me know and indulge with with a little patience while the sewers sort out the custom work.

KINDA PERSONAL STUFF

What is your design background?

It was not my plan to become a designer, though my parents will tell you the signs were there. I am not trained in design. I have an English Lit and Liberal Arts degree. I have read a lot of books, but I have read way more magazines. What I am really good at is solving problems and being tenacious enough to see my ideas through. I am also good at talking to people. I talk a lot.

I have always loved to make things, this was super encouraged at home too. My grandparents and mom can do everything with their hands, knit, sew, needlepoint, grow their own food, woodwork, make clocks (!), stain glass, ceramics, and on and on. It rubbed off but only a little. They are all way more talented than me.

What is you design MO?

mimiTENS and SOTP came from a desire to solve a problem, mixed with some aesthetic ambition and an interest in equity. Pure design.

I love to create clean and complimentary lines -- as simple as possible. It is harder than it seems and I am really proud that mimiTENS and SOTP are recognized for their aesthetic as much as their function.

Where do you make mimiTENS and Some of the Parts?

SOTP are designed and made in Toronto, Canada.

Where can I buy SOTP?

Online, of course but also at Parkette, Jacob and Sebastian, Ad Hoc in Penticton, Miam Miam General in Ottawa. There are a few more retailers fishing around and we should be up to ten by the end of the year.

Where can I buy mimiTENS?

MONTREAL

TORONTO

OTTAWA