New Arts and Crafts Store Moki Stitches Opens in Duluth

Moki Stitches, an arts and crafts store, opened its doors in West Duluth on November 1, 2023, located at 217 59th Ave. W.. Owner Brenna del Junco draws inspiration from her childhood nickname, “Moki,” and her passion for video games, such as Galaga and Mario Kart. This unique blend of interests sets the tone for a store designed to celebrate creativity and community.

Crafting a Unique Experience

Moki Stitches specializes in regional yarns and natural fibers, offering products that reflect local artistry. Del Junco emphasizes a personalized shopping experience, stating, “If you go into a store, the staff are going to be really knowledgeable about what they carry, and they’re going to be able to help you fine-tune your search.” This approach aims to ensure customers select the perfect yarn for their projects.

Among the store’s highlights is a vibrant Stardew Valley-themed yarn sourced from Nerdy Knits, as well as hand-dyed options from Kimber’s Cozy Creations in Iron River, Wisconsin, and Icelandic sheep wool from Golden Hour Acres Farm. “I really prefer working with local suppliers,” del Junco remarked. “It bolsters the community. It’s really important to support smaller artists.”

The physical store provides a sensory experience that online shopping cannot replicate. Customers can feel the textures and see the colors up close, which is essential for making informed choices in their crafting endeavors.

Building a Community of Crafters

Del Junco is dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment for knitters and crocheters of all skill levels. “People have been hanging out, which I love,” she said, describing the shop’s layout as reminiscent of a “funky living room.” This intentional design encourages creativity and social interaction among visitors.

Moki Stitches plans to host various workshops, classes, and community gatherings, including queer stitch nights and multi-generational events. Located within the What We Saw Collaborative building, the store shares space with other women-owned businesses, including a photography studio. Del Junco is optimistic about collaborating with potential neighbors and enhancing the collective community spirit.

Before launching Moki Stitches, del Junco gained valuable experience as part-owner of Yarns Untangled in Toronto for four years. After selling her shares, she relocated to Duluth to be closer to family and worked at Yarn Harbor in Lakeside prior to starting her own venture. “The knitting community here is really active,” she noted. “Minnesota is one of the most active states for knitting and crochet, which makes sense because it’s cold.”

Del Junco’s passion for fiber arts began early in life. Her first major project in high school aimed to create dolls of the first 150 Pokémon, which taught her valuable skills in design and technique. Today, she enjoys crafting sweaters and plans to share her patterns on platforms like Ravelry.com.

Although del Junco has put commission work on hold, she continues to create projects for herself, family, and pets. She reflects on the challenges of pricing her work, noting, “People generally are not willing to pay for anything unless it’s knit with really thick yarn.”

Her journey into the knitting world started as a volunteer at the former Purple Purl, where she not only earned money for yarn but also learned critical skills from experienced crafters. “I just got so much information from them,” del Junco said, crediting her mentors with shaping her expertise.

At just 18, she became the manager of Lettuce Knit in Toronto, a role she describes as transformative. “If she had not trusted me, I would not be where I am today,” del Junco remarked, highlighting the importance of mentorship in her career.

Beyond her business, del Junco has participated in notable projects, including crafting a sweater for a Tim Horton’s food truck and contributing to the Gay Hair Sweater, famously worn by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This sweater now resides in the Museum of Human History in Ottawa, representing a significant milestone in del Junco’s artistic journey.

Moki Stitches stands as a testament to del Junco’s commitment to community, creativity, and the craft of knitting. With plans for diverse programming and a strong focus on local goods, the store is poised to become a vibrant hub for crafters in West Duluth.