Hi I’m Melissa
I’m a designer, illustrator & author who is passionate about all things handmade. I am originally from Mexico and deeply influenced by its rich culture and history. I currently live in Ontario with my husband Tom, twin boys Wesley and Elliott.
Always having a passion for the visual arts, I received an Honours Bachelor Degree in Graphic Design from the joint program at York University and Sheridan College. I pursued my passion for handmade with my first business Milo&Ben, creating sewn and needle felted animals based on my illustrations. After winding down Milo&Ben I went on to write my first book Handmade Animal Dolls, a how-to book on how to make my stuffed animals. My second book Vibrant Punch Needle Décor focuses and is inspired by Mexican heritage, the patterns reflect the vibrant colours and geometric patterns of traditional textiles, with a modern touch.
I have also collaborated with various companies illustrating and designing fabric, paper collections, phone cases and package designs.
I discovered my love for sewing during the pandemic, when I started making my own clothes as a creative outlet and a way to pass the time. What began as a hobby quickly grew into a passion, inspiring me to take a course in pattern drafting and garment construction. Now, I focus on creating contemporary, tasteful pieces that reflect both personal style and thoughtful craftsmanship.
Shop my designs.
Explore a curated collection of my design products, ranging from playful stickers and artful prints to thoughtfully crafted punch needle patterns. Whether you're decorating your space or diving into your next DIY project, there's something here to inspire your creativity.
My fabric
I’ve had the opportunity to design number of quilting cotton collections over the years. Some prints are available through independent shops or even online.
My spoonflower shops carries some of my most popular designs!
My books
Handmade Animal Dolls
Designed with her own kids in mind, these beautiful plush toys are infused with Melissa Lowry's artful craftsmanship and fresh sense of style. Now you can create your own unique characters and quick-sew fabric accessories. Use easy-to-learn needle-felting techniques for cuddly animals without any sharp plastic components.
Follow simple, fully illustrated steps to craft huggable, long-limbed friends like Oliver the Raccoon and Madeline the Fox or adorable little plushes like Harry the Hedgehog and Penny the Panda. With moveable arms and legs and chic outfits, every doll has personality. Experienced sewers will love the clever, detailed patterns and beginners will find the simple, clean lines approachable. As well suited to playtime as they are to home décor, these dolls make the perfect handmade gift and add a whimsical touch to any room.
Vibrant Punch Needle Décor
With these 20 punch needle projects, crafters of all levels can create stunning pillows, wall hangings and more, for a handmade look with a fraction of the work of traditional embroidery. Readers can follow Melissa's gorgeous patterns and simple step-by-step instructions to create one-of-a-kind pieces.
Inspired by Melissa's Mexican heritage, these patterns reflect the vibrant colours and geometric patterns of traditional textiles, with a modern touch. The book includes full-size templates, so readers can replicate Melissa's signature designs. Beginners can get that amazing handmade look creating beautiful pillows, hoop art, napkins and placements from scratch. Readers who want to dive deeper into the craft can tackle large-scale rugs and wall-hangings along with more detailed designs. Contemporary, colourful, and truly unique, these projects make it easy to pick up a satisfying hobby and personalize your home.
*Disclaimer: The patterns featured in these books are for personal use only. Selling or reproducing the digital or printed pattern design, finished projects or instructions, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.
