Coming Spring of 2008 is a fabulous new book by the Double Stitch twins, and crochet fashionistas Erika & Monika Simmons. Entitled Double Stitch: Designs for the Crochet Fashionista, this book is bound to be a must have for any crochet lover...we can't wait! If you missed our interview with the twins, then check it out here. You can also pre-order your copy of the book by clicking here!
Designs for the Crochet Fashionista, by Erika and Monika Simmons: Make a fashion statement with Double Stitch: Designs for the Crochet Fashionista, a collection of stylish, sexy, and modern crochet patterns for the fashion diva. Chicago-based crochet designers and twins Erika and Monika Simmons bring edge to the craft with twenty-five fashion-forward projects inspired by their retail design line using simple crochet techniques mixed with innovative construction, form-fitting designs, playful color combinations, and unique detailing.
Even if you’ve never crocheted before, the simple techniques in Double Stitch—and the flirty, sassy designs—will have you crocheting in no time. Projects are divided into two main sections: “Out and About” features daytime crochet wear perfect for layering over T-shirts or wearing with jeans—taking you from the downtown coffeehouse to the beach with ease. Choose from projects that include a webbed halter dress, hooded poncho with matching leg warmers, a salsa belt, the remix T-shirt using a finished shirt with added crocheted sleeves, a tube-style apron top, plus much more. “Paint the Town” features evening looks with fun detailing, open weave crochet, and glamorous accessories. Projects include a gothic shawl, feather choker with matching cocktail bag, peek-a-boo full-length dress, slinky tailored shrug, corset with satin ribbon tie, shrunken jacket, plus much more. At the back of the book are all of the basic crochet techniques you need to create each project featured. The projects all have a hip, bohemian, urban vibe that can be dressed up or down based on the styling. Whether you live in a big city or just want to look like you do, the young designers behind Double Stitch show how easy it is to make crochet fashionably modern, flirtatious, and fun.
About the authors:Erika and Monika Simmons have been crocheting since they were in fourth grade. The thirty-something twins and Chicago natives started their Double Stitch clothing and accessories line in 2002 after a number of post-college jobs, including modeling and dancing. Their work is carried at the Mai Rees Boutique in Chicago. They were recently awarded the Style Makers and Rule Breakers award by Fashion Group International, and their collection was recently selected by Macy’s on State Street in Chicago as part of their Chicago Indie Designer Shop.
Their work has garnered a lot of press coverage including Women's Wear Daily, New York Times, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Tribune Magazine, Chicago Fashion Magazine, Fashionista.com, Time Out Chicago, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times. They have also done numerous TV appearances on local affiliates in Chicago including WGN-TV, WMAQ-TV NBC 5 Chicago, and WLS-TV ABC 7 Chicago.
