About

A study in vintage and secondhand style.

Founded in 2015 by Heather Sheppard, the name Knots and Pipes pays homage to both the design process and Sheppard’s roots in South Western Ontario.

“Knots” represents the sewing, crocheting and leather knotting involved in many of the original designs; skills gained from her mother and grandmother.

“Pipes” is a nod to her extended family’s roots in Norfolk County, Ontario. Furniture, small mechanics, millwrights and farmers; during her childhood she was surrounded by an array of tools, raw metals and people who adhered to the mantra, “necessity is the mother of invention.”

The studio is now located in a converted garage, in the historic "lower city" of Hamilton, ON. Living wages are paid to staff and female entrepreneurs are employed for production, fulfillment and marketing support.