Crochet Foundry is proud to be a sponsor for Stitch Factor Fashion Competition. Thomas Hamilton, AKA Gregory Stitch, is the founder of Stitch Factor, and he loves to see fashion the is made out of crochet. At Crochet Foundry we love when a crochet creation is seen as a great piece of fashion that happens to be crochet, so Thomas and Stitch Factor are a great pairing for us!
What is Stitch Factor
The Stitch Factor Fashion Competition is set to revolutionize the fashion landscape for emerging crochet and knitwear designers. With a mission to uplift and grant visibility to these talented creators, Stitch Factor is changing the narrative that has long seen crochet and knitwear overlooked in the mainstream fashion world. What better way to make a statement than through a spirited competition?
On September 29th, seven visionary designers from across the U.S. will converge in Atlanta, GA, to compete for the title of the 2024 Stitch Factor Champion. Each designer will unveil an eight-look collection inspired by this year’s theme: **Ethereal Eden**. The collections will be evaluated on cohesion, stitch craftsmanship, innovation, and the unique interpretation of the theme.
The event will feature an exciting format. After showcasing their collections, a panel of esteemed judges will narrow the field, sending three finalists into an intense question-and-answer round. Here, each finalist will respond to probing questions, with their answers impacting their final scores. The designer with the highest score will emerge victorious, claiming the prestigious title and a platform to further their career.
Stitch Factor is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of creativity, skill, and the artistry of crochet and knitwear. Join us in Atlanta as we spotlight these incredible designers and reshape the perception of knit and crochet fashion for the future.
A Look At The Designers
Ariane of Ari Yarn
My name is Ariane, a 27-year-old Filipino-American crochet designer. Originally from New Jersey, I have been living in Phoenix for the past two years. I stumbled upon crochet fashion while learning to make blankets, and it quickly became a source of stress relief and a way to express my love for art and fashion. Creating beautiful things with my hands is a passion of mine. When I’m not crocheting, you can find me at local thrift shops, engrossed in a good book, or napping with my calico cats.
Aaron Wiggins of Crochet By Aaron
Aaron Wiggins is a professional ballet dancer and crocheter based in New Orleans. Originally from Houston, he began his dance training at the age of four and never stopped dancing! At the age of 8 he learned the art of crochet and continued exploring the craft into adulthood. He’s currently a company member of New Orleans Ballet Theatre. When he’s not dancing, Aaron spends all of his free time discovering new ways to crochet and creating dazzling garments, afghans, and crochet pieces! His crochet works tend to be bright and colorful (often pink), and he hopes his creations bring a smile to the face of anyone who sees them.
KamLazhe’ of Hooked by Kam
It started with a need for a new sweater 7yrs ago. That sweater bloomed into what is now known as Hooked by Kam. Owned by Kambreal an Indiana native that has adapted to Southern life in South Carolina. Been in business for 6 years and on the runway for 18 months the small brand has gained steam with runway features at CFW and New York Fashion & Music Conf. at New York Fashion Week 2024. With continual developing knowledge and technique runway has now become a way of life. One stitch at a time Hooked by Kam’s goal is to make the wearer of the garment stride with confidence.
Crystal Stephens of Mawu Fashion
My name is Crystal Stephens, I’m the owner of Mawu Fashion. I learned how to crochet as a child, but I found my love for crocheting again in 2019 when I was a stay at home mom to a newborn. Through crocheting I found my confidence, not only from being able to create something from nothing but also from how my designs inspire others. In 2022 I was late off from my recruiting job and decided to take my passion seriously and crochet full-time. My passion is making wearables people don’t even realize are crochet, and showing that crochet is more that sweaters and festival fashion. I am so excited and honored that my work was recognized as being worthy of this competition and I cannot wait to see all that will come.
D’jeanane Ternier of Aesthete Artwear
D’jeanane Ternier is a crochet fashion designer of Haitian descent. Born and raised in the Bronx, she has been crocheting off and on from a very young age. D’jeanane has a unique way of blending yarns of different colors and textures that sets her apart from other designers. She initially launched her first company Ethnic Expressions in the early “90s, offering customized crochet tams, beaded jewelry, and bridal accessories. Despite her instant success, life changes brought about an end to her endeavors.
After 20+ years of pursuing other interests, D’jeanane decided to pick up her needles again in “an attempt to bring JOY back into her life”. She began experimenting with handbags, sweaters, etc. However, it wasn’t until she started creating designs for the 1st ever Stitch Factor Competition that she found her niche: high fashion, one of a kind, red carpet ready crochet gowns.
Lexus Dean of Crocheted Couture
Crocheted Couture is 100% handmade apparel by Lexus Dean. Founded in 2012, Crocheted Couture is a brand that thrives on self-love, empowerment, and acceptance of all people. We encourage the promotion of individuality and not conforming to thoughts and beliefs of those around you. Embrace the things that make you different. Every piece is made to order to ensure that each customer receives something that represents them best. Each collection produced is a personal representation of who and what Crocheted Couture represents.
Brittnie Lanee Johnson of Amorous By Lanee
Brittnie Lanee Johnson was born and raised in San Diego, California. She is an Entrepreneur with the titles of Fashion Runway Model, Fashion Designer, Artist, Poet and Mother of Twins. Brittnie participates in fashion events nationwide, always looking for the opportunity to broaden her horizons and progress in her crafts. She is passionate in all her skills and looks forward to taking her entrepreneurial endeavors international.
Learn all about the winner in a special interview in the December Edition of Crochet Foundry Magazine!
