How AcademicHobbyist Came to Be

The AcademicHobbyist x MFY collaboration comes out of shared values and vision. A carpenter’s daughter, creator (and MFY team member) Tricia Miranda-Hartsuff yearned for a way to integrate her father’s artisan calling to her efforts in public health, and the AcademicHobbyist brand was born. Profits from AcademicHobbyist support the Hub for Evaluation and Learning (HEAL) Detroit, and other social causes.

The Collection - Notions that HEAL

Progress Keepers: These lightweight custom designs feature Michigan, knitting and crochet themes in a variety of finishes. Ring and removable style markers are both available. The shop favorites are definitely the Bruno's Bling set in loving memory of our Chief Happiness Officer!

Made For You Project Tags: Perfect for a gifted project or as a reminder of the hard work you've put in on your own item, these faux suede tags come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit the construction of your handmade masterpiece!

Needle & Gauge Ruler: The ideal size for having in your project bag, you will be reaching for this tool on a daily basis! From yarn weights to measuring gauge, to determining needle size or needing a straight ruler, we've got you covered!

Pom Pom and Tassel Maker: Create your own poms and tassels  in a variety of sizes with this versatile tool! Once you try it, you won't believe you made pom poms any other way! 

MFY Loom to Go: The Loom to Go has everything you need to take your weaving with you wherever you go! New to weaving? This is a great way to learn!

* Notions and tools available are all handmade and subject to availability. 

About Tricia Miranda-Hartsuff

Tricia teaches several courses at Michigan Fine Yarns, and also curates many of our online and special events. As a professor, Tricia has been instructing students for more than twenty years. At Michigan Fine Yarns, she combines that in-person and online instructional experience with her passion for yarn and knitting, which she’s been using as her mindfulness practice since grad school (over 20 years!!). Her favorite projects are ones that teach a new skill to "level up" your knitting, or introduce a new “must have” knitting notion for that occasional retail therapy. In 2022 she "leveled up" her love for notions by creating AcademicHobbyist, and collaborating with MFY in novel opportunities to benefit the greater good.