Truly, works of art.

Macomb, MI -- Julie Maci grew up in Tirana, the Capital of Albania. In 1997, Maci graduated from SIPAM AB, an Athen-based fashion school -- a first in Albania. Shortly after, she started her own tailoring business with ‘made to order’ garments. Her customers praised her for the very expressive techniques and became known as a “Master of Colors.”

Maci moved to the United States in 2001, together with her husband and daughter. After working a few years as a Seamstress at Deborah’s Stage Door, a Dancing Academy, she decided to go back to school. In 2005, she began the pursuit of a BA in Fashion Design from the International Academy of Design and Technology in Troy, Michigan.

Unfortunately, in the Summer of 2006, Maci was diagnosed with cancer and had to drop out of college. This marked the beginning of very lengthy treatments and long hospital stays -- which started out as days to weeks to months. During this time, Maci picked up hand knitting from her Mother-in-Law sitting at her bedside, and she found it very comforting.

Maci began sketching her ideas on paper and bringing them to life in knit. This embarked a new path in her fashion career where she learned to combine pain, fear, and hope -- all interwoven together with colorful yarns -- to create amazing hand-knitted garments. Truly, works of art. Maci’s creations range from unique, upscale dresses and scarves for women to sweaters, hats and booties for children.

Please “like us” on Facebook via https://www.facebook.com/Macis... Maci’s Designs will also be part of the Rochester High School Holiday Bazaar on November 2, 2019. Tickets and information on Eventbrite (for early bird shoppers) and Facebook via https://www.facebook.com/Rochester-High-School-Holiday-Bazaar-163238884299975/.

**(Photo courtesy: ShutterTy Photography; Volunteer Model: Tara Lemieux)