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Sharing the passion and soul of needlecrafts. |
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FEATURED ARTICLES |
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Sharing the passion and soul of needlecrafts. |
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FEATURED ARTICLES |
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I’m feeling good from my hat
to my shoe, New Attitude, Patti Labelle
"Fearless is actually a good word to describe what we do," says Erika. "We didn’t have formal training that says you can’t put this with that, so we don’t know what to fear." Erika & Monika’s designs are bold and sassy, with no granny squares anywhere to be found. Like many crafters who’ve turned their hobbies into businesses, it all began with gift-giving. In 2002, Erika & Monika decided to make holiday gifts. But, these hats, scarves and accessories had a little something extra – and some had a little something missing – all had attitude. Take their sleeve design for example. Erika pointed out that since they didn’t like wearing sweaters, they simply designed sleeves — just a sleeve. Having had experience as commercial and print models, Erika & Monika were no strangers to creating "buzz." Initially, they wore their creations and "partied with a purpose." They also tested their market by consigning some of their designs in several trendy boutiques. These accessories with attitude gave rise to full collections, which they show and sell. Each item in the collection is special ordered and made to fit. But don’t expect to be measured. These designers go by look and feel to get just the perfect fit. One touch of the shoulders or waist and a buyer can be assured of a perfectly fitting garment. Believe it or not, they’ve never had a sizing issue. This is one of many ways that their talent shines through.
What may have started out as a low-level hum has now developed into a deafening cicada-like buzz. With a marketing company and sales force on their team, their goal is to have their designs in boutiques worldwide. They are now in the process of working with a manufacturer to fulfill that purpose. Through it all, Erika and Monika remain humble. "We love to share our story, because we are honestly still in awe of all of the opportunities that God has constantly given us to express ourselves through so many artful crafts." Journey through their most recent design collections, and you get the sense that Erika and Monika are not just in the business of creating crocheted pieces that look good, but rather of creating crocheted pieces that make you feel good. Journey through their collections, and you get the sense that the crochet hooks dance in their hands; anticipating the stitch; the design; the feeling. "Oooo, oooo, oooo, oooo, oooo I’ve got a new attitude!"
L'Tanya is the
Publisher/Editor of Black Purl Magazine. |
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These days, if crocheted pieces had life,
they’d probably sing these lyrics; that is, if they were the designs of Double Stitch by Erika & Monika Simmons. These twin
crochet designers are fearlessly changing the perception of one of the
oldest needlecraft art forms.
Technically, their designs use very few
stitches – mainly single crochet, and open weave double crochet. Their
niche, however, is with design, shape, fit, color, and unique notions.
Their niche is creating garments that make you feel like "this is your
party." As comedian Eddie Murphy would say, "It’s you girl. Strangé
girl."