Donna grew up in the hines creek area and learned how to crochet at the age of 7 from her grandmother on her moms side.

“It was until I could no longer work that I started crocheting full time. Since moving to the Edmonton area in 2017 my work has been heavily inspired by the local art and fashion scene which has allowed me to work with some amazing creatives on custom pieces. “ - Donna

Donna’s son Coda Girvan (he/they) is a self taught queer Métis artist currently based on treaty 6 territory AmiskwaciyWaskahikan or as we all know “Edmonton”.

“I grew up in a small town up north throughout the late 90s and early 2000’s where there wasn’t much culture being embraced. Art has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember and was necessary tool for me to use in a place where I felt like I didn’t belong.” - Coda

Sweater designed by Coda and crochet by Donna

“As a Métis person I have used art as a way of healing and to help tie me back to my culture. In 2017 I moved to “Edmonton” to focus on my craft full time along with my mom. It only felt natural to collaborate with her on creating original patterns which recently inspired me to learn the art of crocheting itself.”

THE PROCESS

STB wanted to create a piece that was warm for the winters but still had our flare. Our first collection we released was wool tartan ties and we wanted to incorporate that piece but even bigger! We thought “what is functional in the winter but still gives off that business-look of tie?”

We started sketching immediately and handed it off to Donna

Our first sample that Donna created

We decided to go with a 100% vegan baby blue yarn and the lava shapes in a vibrant red in 100% mohair

Once we had the shape and size locked down we sent this photo on how we envision the shapes on the tie.

Then Coda helped draw out gloop lava shapes for Donna!

5 months of designing and production and now we introduce you to the….

HOT LAVA SCARF TIE

GET 2 KNOW DONNA & CODA!

D O N N A

Favorite snack?

Unbaked cookies and homemade fudge

What is your favorite colour?

Any shade of green!

What is your favorite memory of Coda?

One Mother’s Day morning when Coda was about 5 years old. Code made me breakfast that consist of a bowl of cornflakes with milk, orange juice, and a couple of chemical cleaners from under the sink and stuff that I am not sure of, lol. Yes, I did take a couple of bites and told him it was good, haha.

Your favorite winter accessory?

Home made mittens not gloves.

Documentary or drama?

Drama

C O D A

Favorite snack?

Tortilla chips and hot sauce. Oatmeal cookies are a close second

What is your favorite colour?

Lilac purples makes me feel so happy

What is your favorite memory of Donna?

Road trips to papas farm

Your favorite winter accessory?

Home made beanies are a must

Documentary or drama?

Documentaries are a daily part of my life

Barbie or Bratz?

Bratz!!!

Favorite slang?

My internal dialogue always says “dude” so I think I’m stuck with that one

Tamagotchi or neopet?

Tamagotchi always and forever

Thank you Donna & Coda for making this product come to LyF3, we are forever thankful! Each tie is MADE 2 ORDER & you can shop it HERE

-Small Town Boys