With fall sports in full swing, and the St. Michael-Albertville Knights showing signs of successful seasons across the board, it’s time for fans of the blue and gold to gear up.

One local woman is ready to help get everyone geared up with a little STMA Spirit.

Lori Haakenson has launched Knight Armour, a source of school-related clothing for “the rest of us,” who can’t get the t-shirts and shorts available at the high school.

“I started after hearing from many sports moms that they wanted cute shirts and sweatshirts to wear to their kids' games.  I officially started the business in February 2011,” Haakenson said.

The line addressed another issue: size and fit. Most t-shirts and sweatshirts available at other outlets were generic–tailored for men or women.

Moms were looking for something “a bit more flattering.”

“My designs are meant to be fashionable, comfortable, and affordable.  I'm extremely picky when I'm choosing the garments to use for printing.  I order a sample, measure it, wash it, measure it again to check for shrinkage excessive wrinkling...and I've rejected many items.  The items that do make the cut should be flattering and high quality.”

With Knight Armour, STMA fans have a whole line of shirts, sweats and even, ahem, sports bras?

It’s all in good fun, but it’s for a good cause, too, said Haakenson, who is a former interior designer. She’s made the “seamless” transition to clothing (though she still does interior design work) and is looking to help local schools with the money she can raise from selling her clothing.

“I've partnered with the St. Michael Elementary PTO to raise money for their group.  I'm looking to team up with more organizations to do fundraising for them.,” she said.

For more, visit Knight Armour’s site on Facebook, where you can leave design ideas, or contact Haakenson for more information.