Double Stitch Crochet Book Review
Trendy, Youthful & Sexy Crocheted Designs by the Simmons Sisters
Jun 14, 2008
Double Stitch includes 23 fashion-forward patterns inspired by Erika and Monika Simmons’ retail clothing line. This is not the “typical” crochet pattern book, and these are not “typical” crochet patterns. Double Stitch is a treat for the crocheter as well as the designer.
The book is divided into two sections—“Out and About” and “Paint the Town.” “Out and About” features daytime crochet wear, taking crafters from coffeehouses to beachfronts. The projects in this section include a webbed halter dress, a hooded poncho with matching covers (legwarmers are making a huge comeback), a salsa belt, a remix T-shirt combining a store purchased shirt with added crocheted sleeves, and a tube-style apron.
“Paint the Town” highlights evening wear with unexpected details like vivid feathers, exotic shells, and sleek sating ribbon. The projects in this section include a gothic shawl, a feather choker with matching cocktail bag, a floor-length dress, a slinky fitted shrug, a corset with satin ribbon lace, and a shrunken jacket.
The Authors: Erika and Monika Simmons
Erika and Monika Simmons, 30-something twins and Chicago natives, began crocheting in the fourth grade. They started their Double Stitch clothing and accessories line in 2002.
The Simmons sisters are well-known Chicago designers who have their own crocheted clothing line carried at Mai Rees Boutique. Their work has garnered much press coverage and has been featured in Women’s Wear Daily, New York Times, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Fashion Magazine, Fashionista.com, Time Out Chicago, Chicago Sun Times, WGN-TV, WMAQ-TV NBC 5, and WLS-TV ABC 7.
The Double Stitch Book Review
The word “innovative” is used a lot by reviewers, but this book can make that claim without a doubt. Wear an item made from a pattern in this book, and truly be prepared to stop traffic. The projects are modern, flirtatious, and fun.
Nothing in this book is what one would call “traditional,” and it’s possible to think that if it was called that, it would be a disservice to the Simmons sisters. What is contained is deceptively simple, shapely, sexy and feminine. Each design is adjustable through lacing.
The authors are committed to flattering the female body and accentuating feminine silhouettes of all shapes and sizes. Fit is featured, as is airy, open structure. Details like fringe, ruffles, and loops along with unique color combinations make the projects hit the authors’ mark.
The book is daring and the patterns are bold. The younger crowd and the young at heart will simply love it.
Double Stitch: Designs for the Crochet Fashionista, Interweave Press, May 2008
Softcover, 128 pages, 70 photographs, 50 illustrations
ISBN: 978-1-59668-063-0
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