Mark "Jamo" Jamieson - Australian Knitting Designer of the Year (Press Release)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (APR 1ST 2026)
END RELEASE DATE (JUNE 30TH 2026)
Contact: Mark Jamieson
Email: admin@jamo.store
Phone: 0400 346781
South Australia can claim host to Australia's Knitting Designer of the Year for 2026. Mark "Jamo" Jamieson owner of the Skein Machine Yarn Store based in Eden Hills, South Australia was awarded Knit Designer of the Year at the Australian Yarn Show held in Canberra on 6th of March 2026.
The Australian Yarn Show is the focal point for the fibre arts industry and community within Australia. Showcasing the best yarn/fibre related producers throughout the country. Since its establishment in 2024 this industry showcase attracts the attention of many thousands of avid fibre arts enthusiasts, industry professionals key political figures and influencers from interstate and overseas. The quality of the fibre arts community within Australia is second to none and the perfect platform for emerging designers, artists and producers to show off their creations.
Jamo's designs are most often met by new viewers with "gasps of awe". The designs are so "surprising" they almost defy explanation. Jamo will explain to onlookers that his designs can be created by anyone. Even though it may be hard to believe that something so intriguing can be executed so simply. When asked "what is the best thing about being a knit designer?"Jamo replied, "Finding out that my patterns have inspired people to learn to knit, thats the best feeling".
Being awarded the title of "Best Knit Designer for Australia" Jamo explains when asked about his inspiration that the community is a major driver for his creations. Many of his most recent designs having been requested by avid fans of his work. Jamo also draws from stories within his own life and connections with family or friends as inspiration for his creations.
When asked how Jamo got started as a designer, he explained after having suffered ill health in 2016 he was instructed to "sit and rest" for several weeks. This proved difficult for him and he quickly sought out activities to keep his mind and hands busy. A close friend offered to teach him to knit to help keep him from getting bored. It immediately sparked an interest that eventually grew into an obsession. For several years Jamo and his partner ran a small but successful market business selling their patterns and yarn across the country. With support of an avid fan base and a vibrant community, the couple opened the "Skein Machine Yarn Store" in Eden Hills (finalist for the 2026 Yarn Store of the Year Award) to become home of the "Jamo Designs" brand. Since then the couple expanded the business further by creating their own yarn brand called "The House Dye".
Jamo reported after his work had gone viral on the internet, catching the attention of key figures within the global knitting community. He started to receive invitations to teach and talk at international events. "It's a humbling experience to realize the creations that you loved creating for yourself are also loved and enjoyed by so many others" he explained when talking about his recent success.
Supporting his community by engaging with other creative partners seems to be the hallmark of Jamo's approach to business, whether it be part of his Knit Design work or his community-focused Yarn Store. The theme that rings true throughout Jamo's work and life seems to be the building of strong connections within his community and with his creative partners. Apart from his Knitting Design award, Jamo achieved recognition as a finalist in both the "New Business of the Year" and "Best Yarn Store" categories at the Australian Yarn Show.
When asked "What does the future hold for Jamo designs?" he stated, "Endless Possibilities."
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