Moki Stitches Opens in West Duluth, Blending Gaming and Crafting

West Duluth has welcomed a vibrant new addition to its arts and crafts scene with the opening of Moki Stitches at 217 59th Ave. W. The store, which opened its doors in early November 2023, is the brainchild of Brenna del Junco, who has creatively intertwined her passions for video gaming and knitting.

The name “Moki” is not just a title; it reflects del Junco’s childhood nickname and her video game handle. Her enthusiasm for gaming, particularly evident in her fondness for Galaga and Mario Kart, has inspired her business approach. “I wanted to infuse the business with my personality a little bit,” del Junco stated, emphasizing her desire to create a shop that resonates with her interests.

Crafting a Unique Experience

Moki Stitches specializes in regional yarns and natural fibers, offering products that stand out for their unique qualities. Customers can explore a variety of yarns, including 100% Merino wool hand-dyed just outside the Twin Cities. Del Junco held up a vibrant Stardew Valley-themed yarn sourced from Nerdy Knits, showcasing the shop’s commitment to quality and creativity.

“I really prefer working with local suppliers and getting to meet them in person,” del Junco explained. “It bolsters the community. It’s really important to support smaller artists.” Her commitment to local sourcing extends to products from Kimber’s Cozy Creations in Iron River, Wisconsin, and Icelandic sheep wool from Golden Hour Acres Farm.

Del Junco believes that having a physical store enhances the shopping experience. “If you go into a store, the staff are going to be really knowledgeable about what they carry,” she noted. This personal interaction allows customers to find the perfect materials for their projects rather than making random selections online.

Building Community Through Craft

Creating an inclusive knitting and crocheting community is at the heart of Moki Stitches. Del Junco aims to welcome individuals of all skill levels, ages, and genders. “People have been hanging out, which I love,” she remarked about the shop’s atmosphere. The layout is designed to feel like a funky living room, encouraging patrons to spend time and engage with one another.

The shop plans to host various workshops, classes, and gatherings, including queer stitch nights and multi-generational events. Located within the What We Saw Collaborative building, which houses several women-owned small businesses, Moki Stitches hopes to foster a supportive community. Del Junco expressed her enthusiasm for potential new neighbors, hoping they will complement her business.

Before establishing Moki Stitches, del Junco was a part-owner of Yarns Untangled in Toronto, Ontario, for four years. After selling her shares, she relocated to Duluth to be closer to family and worked at Yarn Harbor in Lakeside. “The knitting community here is really active. I’m surprised that there are only two stores,” she stated, recognizing Minnesota’s strong knitting culture.

Del Junco’s passion for fiber arts began in childhood. She recalls a childhood project to create dolls based on the first 150 Pokémon, which taught her valuable design skills. Among her favorite creations are sweaters, and many of her patterns are available on Ravelry.com. Although she has paused commission work, she continues to knit for herself and loved ones.

In her early career, del Junco gained experience volunteering at the former Purple Purl, where she learned essential skills from experts, which shaped her journey into business ownership. “They were really instrumental in teaching me how to read patterns,” she said, acknowledging the impact of her mentors.

At just 18 years old, she took a bold step by becoming the manager of Lettuce Knit in Toronto, a role that provided her with invaluable experience. “If she had not trusted me, I would not be where I am today,” del Junco reflected on her early career.

Beyond her business, del Junco has contributed to significant projects, including crafting a sweater for a Tim Horton’s food truck and working on the “Gay Hair Sweater,” famously worn by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This notable piece now resides in the Museum of Human History in Ottawa, further emphasizing her artistic impact.

As Moki Stitches continues to grow, del Junco’s vision for a community-centered craft store is set to inspire and connect crafters across West Duluth.