Your cart
Close Alternative Icon

Meet the Maker: Loopy Mango

We were so excited to get a chance to focus on Loopy Mango, the self-described brainchild of Oejong and Anna for latest Meet the Maker blog! Not only do we want to bury ourselves in their incredible fiber selection, the design style and aesthetic of Loopy Mango is absolutely unmatched. We were incredibly lucky to have a chance to catch up with Oejong, who generously answered questions and provided us with these gorgeous photos. 

Woman and dog
Photo Credit: Loopy Mango

1. How did you two meet? What was your background, and how did you get involved in fiber art?

We met at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC) where we took a two day fabric painting workshop in the spring of 2004.

I studied Japanese linguistics at a college in Japan and worked as an interpreter and translator. After leaving the corporate housing company, I met Anna and founded Loopy Mango in a tiny store front on Avenue B in the East Village. When I was studying at a college, I fell in love with Japanese traditions, especially handicrafts. I learned how to knit from my Mom as a child, but hadn’t done it in many years. When I came to New York, I found a crochet hook in my suitcase -- I still don’t know how it got there -- and I taught myself how to crochet from a book (this was in the old days before Youtube). Anna learned how to knit from her grandma and how to crochet from her Mom in Russia, but she also hadn’t done it since then. She saw me crocheting one day and asked me to show it to her again. She was also hooked, and so Loopy Mango was born.

Pink knitting kit
Photo Credit: Loopy Mango

2. How would you describe Is your design aesthetic?

Simple and modern.

Woman with mannequin
Photo Credit: Loopy Mango

3. Tell us a little bit about the process of sourcing your fiber. What do you look for in a base fiber?

For our Big Loop yarn we source 100% US merino wool. All of our other yarns are made at a small mill in Italy and we work only with suppliers that source fiber that is ethically produced. For example, our merino is guaranteed non-mulesing. We work with only natural fibers because we are focused on making yarn that is biodegradable.

Woman in sweater
Photo Credit: Loopy Mango

4. Are there any special eco-friendly practices built into your business?

In recent days we are thinking more and more about our business practice in responsible, eco-friendly ways. We have always been thinking about sustainability, which is why all of our yarn fibers are all from natural fiber. We also try to reduce unnecessary packages and plastic, etc. and are now redesigning our packaging for knitting needles.

Hardcover knitting book
Photo Credit: Loopy Mango

5. What does a typical workday look like for you?

I start my day to take care of my dog and two cats. Then have a cup of coffee to clear my mind and prioritize things I need to do that day. Depending upon that priority, I knit, design new patterns, meet people, take photos, or create contacts for videos.

Woman with dog
Photo Credit: Loopy Mango

6. Where do you draw your inspiration for your designs?


It comes from various sources. It can be a movie I saw, art, color, people, nature, or even a mood. Sometimes it's simply a sweater I want to wear.

Woman in sweater and scarf



7. What is your favorite movie/TV show to watch while you work?


News, documentaries, Nowness.

To keep up with the latest from Loopy Mango, be sure to follow them on Instagram and check out their website!

Comments on this post (3)

  • Feb 08, 2022

    Hi Sylma & Dee! It looks like you can find the pattern in the Loopy Mango Knitting book that’s featured in this post & on Ravelry under the name Recluse Sweater (this is the multicolor version). Loopy Mango also has kits or fully finished versions of this available on their site! Please let us know if you have any other questions!

    — Danielle

  • Feb 08, 2022

    Hi,

    Where can I find the pattern for the multi coloured jacket please? Is it in the book?

    — DEE Bonner

  • Jan 27, 2021

    How do I get the pattern for the multicolored sweater?

    — Sylma

Leave a comment