Pepeha

(Self-Introduction)

Tihei mauri ora!
Ko Hikurangi te maunga,
Ko Waiapu te awa,
Ko Ngāti Porou te iwi,
Ko Olivier Danoy tōku matua, nō Wiwi ia,
Ko Athena Danoy tōku whaea,
I whānau ahau i te Whenua Moemoeā,
Ko FranƧoise tōku ingoa.

About Me

Welcome to The Practice of Fibre.

Iā€™m FranƧoise, an Indigenous (Māori) and neurodivergent fiber artist living in San Antonio, TX. Through my work, I aim to transform the act of knitting into a deeply mindful practiceā€”one that brings joy, fosters connection, and encourages makers to slow down and savor the process.

Over the past decade, Iā€™ve self-published more than 100 contemporary knitting patterns, contributed to third-party publications, and led workshops for makers around the globe. My designs reflect a philosophy of deliberate practice, honoring the balance between creativity and craftsmanship. I believe that every stitch has the potential to tell a storyā€”of who we are, where weā€™ve been, and what weā€™re creating for the future.

Textiles are my chosen medium for exploring the layered facets of identity and experience. Through knitting and punch needle art, I weave together stories of my diaspora Māori heritage, my journey as a neurodivergent individual, and the universal themes of connection, self-expression, and growth. This creative practice is both personal and communalā€”a way to honor tradition while inspiring new possibilities.

Beyond design, Iā€™m passionate about empowering other makers. Whether through thoughtful patterns, workshops, or creative challenges, my goal is to support you in crafting pieces that are as meaningful as they are beautiful. Here, youā€™ll find tools, inspiration, and resources to elevate your craft and connect with your creativity on a deeper level.

Iā€™m so glad youā€™re hereā€”whether to explore patterns, learn a new technique, or simply slow down and enjoy the act of making. Letā€™s create something meaningful together.

Pepeha Translation:

Tihei mauri ora!
Hikurangi is the mountain,
Waiapu is the river,
Ngāti Porou is the tribe
My father is Olivier Danoy, he is French.
My mother is Athena Reedy.
I was born in Australia.
My name is FranƧoise.

Meet the Team

The Practice of Fibre thrives thanks to the incredible support of my talented team. Over the years, Iā€™ve had the privilege of collaborating with creative administrators, tech editors, and content editors who bring their expertise and passion to every project. Meet some of the amazing individuals currently working behind the scenes to make the magic happen!

Creative Assistant

  • Iā€™m a passionate knitter who fell in love with the craft after starting out with crochet. Once I saw how beautifully knitted garments drape, I couldnā€™t resist picking up needlesā€”and Iā€™ve been hooked ever since!

    These days, Iā€™m embracing the slowness of knitting. While I love a finished project as much as anyone, Iā€™m learning to focus on the joy of the process. Knitting is most rewarding when Iā€™m in the right headspaceā€”rushing only leads to mistakes and frustration. Thatā€™s why Iā€™ve made it a priority to bring good energy to my work, stepping away when I need to reset. This small shift has made a huge difference in how I approach my craft.

    I donā€™t have strict crafting rituals, but I always aim to create from a place of inspiration and curiosity. Nature, objects in my home, garments I admire, vibrant colors, and even conversations and gossip spark my creativity. Anything pretty or interesting can become part of my creative journey!

    A fun fact about me: I went to fashion school, but I didnā€™t study fashion. Now, Iā€™m obsessed with making my own clothes and weaving personal stories into every stitch.

    Want to connect and see what Iā€™m working on? Find me on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok!