CraftSanity Episode 89: Erika Simmons Tells The Story of How She And Her Twin Sister, Monika, Took the Crochet World By Storm
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Forget those frumpy crochet patterns of old, and let twin fashion designers Erika & Monika Simmons help you sass up your stitching.
On this episode of CraftSanity, Erika shares the story of how she and her sister built a custom crochet apparel design business from their Chicago home. We also chat about the fun designs in their book “DoubleStitch Designs For The Crochet Fashionista” (Interweave 2008), that includes several patterns guaranteed to stop traffic and several others that are just plan fun. (I made the “tube apron top” on p. 18 and LOVE it.)
Thanks to Erika and Monika the crochet world will never be the same. Awesome.
Win the Book! Listen to my chat with Monika, then post a comment below to enter the random drawing for a copy of “DoubleStitch.” The deadline to enter is November in Nov. 29.
A special thanks to episode sponsor Michele Young of Extremely Crafty, an online e-zine and blog. Sign up for the Extremely Crafty club at www.extremelycrafty.co.uk and receive free instructions to make a teddy bear toy and bag. Become a member and receive free special members only cool stuff.

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Taking Names: Who do you want to hear from next? Send me your comments, guest and show topic suggestions.
Posted: November 17th, 2008 under Aprons, Crochet, Podcasts.
Comments: 20
Comments
Comment from Natalija Skomare
Time: November 18, 2008, 2:42 am
They are so talanted and designs seem very interesting. For me it’s something of new. Very nice :)
Comment from Turtle
Time: November 18, 2008, 7:40 am
Very interesting interview (k, can i please develop some of their DNA and get some ab’s like that? smile please??) I love how designers are keeping just one step ahead of trends and looking back at revamping a few classics!
Comment from Kristyn
Time: November 18, 2008, 2:18 pm
Another great interview. I don’t crochet but these patterns may change my mind on that.
Comment from Mindy
Time: November 19, 2008, 6:18 am
Wow! Have been enjoying your podcasts for some time now but really enjoyed this one. Erika & Monika are just adorable and I have never been inspired to crochet…until now. The book looks awesome and I’m going to have to get it. Thanks for always doing such great interviews!
Comment from Terri
Time: November 19, 2008, 2:36 pm
I have this podcast linked to my ipod. LOVE it! Mixing new styles with old within the world of crochet makes “Çrochet hip”. The book is going to be exciting to review! What joy it is to go into a book store and find the customers searching for crochet and craft books are made up of all ages! Granny was cool back then, and she still is!
Comment from joyce
Time: November 20, 2008, 1:03 pm
Wow, these sisters are so inspiring. They are into so many different things and I love that they are still doing all these things. They haven’t felt a need to specialize and cut out their other interests….I love that, because I have trouble narrowing my interests down.
Comment from elizabeth
Time: November 20, 2008, 5:28 pm
Thanks for another great show. I got into crocheting a few years back and was lucky enough to get to spend some time crocheting with my Oma before she passed away – she was an incredible crocheter – even at 83. So I love hearing about ways it is being kept alive and well. Every time I pick up a hook and yarn, I always think of my Oma and it brings a smile to my face. Keep up the great work. Cheers.
Comment from Cassie
Time: November 21, 2008, 5:37 am
I really appreciate all the time you spend on the podcasts. They really make my drive to work! I get to work and I am so inspired. (Which is a good thing since I work with many little hands.)
Comment from mimi k
Time: November 21, 2008, 8:02 am
I loved this interview! And, the designs are amazing- it is fantastic to see exciting crochet designs. I used to do a ton of crochet years ago… maybe someday I’ll find some photos and post them on my blog!
Comment from Jennie C.
Time: November 21, 2008, 8:22 am
I love these sisters work. Haven’t made any of their designs yet, but it’s on my to-do list!
Comment from Vicky O.
Time: November 22, 2008, 4:58 pm
Funny I was just checking this book out online a couple of days ago to see if I might want it. After listening to your chat with Erica I know I want this book. I love that they being young ladies are here helping to keep crochet alive.
Comment from Emily
Time: November 22, 2008, 10:45 pm
I have been thinking about learning to crochet, and this fun podcast interview clinches it! I’ll do it, many thanks to you, Jen, and to the Double Stitch Twins. What creative, energetic women you all are!!!
Comment from Michelle
Time: November 23, 2008, 4:42 pm
Those girls are amazing, and so inspiring! I really enjoyed the podcast – thanks Jennifer for putting it all together.
Comment from Deb
Time: November 26, 2008, 2:06 am
Wow! I never realised crochet could be so cool and fashionable! Thanks for the heads up.
Comment from Kathy
Time: November 26, 2008, 4:45 pm
So nice to see crochet like this! Thanks so much for the podcasts. Enjoy every one of them.
Comment from Joan
Time: November 28, 2008, 7:53 pm
I just heard your podcast for the first time today and listened to the interview with Ms. Simmons. I tend to view crochet as difficult, since I taught myself how to crochet when I was about 18 – about 7 years after I learned to knit (back in the olden days).
It is so encouraging to see two beautiful, talented and very creative women making their living with their talents – and their work is just beautiful. Thank you!
Take care,
Joan in Ellicott City, “Merlin”
Comment from Marce
Time: November 29, 2008, 1:37 pm
Wow – clearly all that talent and drive (and beauty!) had to be split between 2 people, it’s only right.
I loved the flow of this episode – Erika had me feeling very inspired and totally proud of the things we all create. I like her philosophy in general to just make creativity part of who you are and what you do all the time.
I started out with crochet and I’m constantly finding ways to use it to enhance, fix, and finish my knitting projects.
You’re a pro at these interviews Jennifer – keep them coming please!
Comment from Juliann
Time: November 30, 2008, 7:57 pm
To late for the drawing I am sure but I just wanted to say how inspiring this podcast is. I’ve been really motivated to get back to designing and already have two new ideas brewing! So thanks very much to you and to Erika!!
Comment from Alavisi
Time: February 4, 2010, 7:27 pm
You two are equally beautiful and talented. It’s amazing to see how God works through you within your craft. I am just waiting to find out when you are going to do a line for kids!!!!
Comment from jen
Time: May 1, 2012, 5:44 am
I love your work, but both your links send to a generic sales site





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