Erika Elyn

I believe attention to detail is the mark of all handmade artists.  I take pride in my scrupulous design and the functionality of my work.  Only highly durable fabrics are used on each item. They are ONLY ever constructed with a heavy upholstery fabric or canvas. I adore adding small, unique, finishing touches to each item.  I have several different Collections, each with their own distinguishing look. As a result of my love for the Steel City, I've named each collection after a Pittsburgh neighborhood. Read a little about these collections and their namesakes below!


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The Bluff neighborhood (also referred to as Soho or Uptown) is situated next to the Monongahela River.  The area was first developed by James Tustin, an eccentric English émigré who built an estate in the area in the late eighteenth or early nineteenth century. His home featured an English taste in architecture and a fruit orchard, and was acknowledged at the time to have been "the most beautiful place in Pittsburgh," according to a 1915 article in the Pittsburgh Gazette–Times.  Tustin named his estate "Soho" after his previous residence in Britain, and the name came to be generally applied to the neighborhood.

The Bluff Collection includes all my patterned fabrics as well as my repurposed and upcycled materials.  I usually only do Bluff items in short runs.  Meaning, I only buy a small amount of the fabric and once the fabric is gone...It's gone for good.  Then, I move to the next fabric.


In this upcoming year you can look forward to the Bluff Collection featuring more repurposed and vintage fabrics.  And you will also see fabric of my own design that will be found no where else, unique to Erika Elyn!!!






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Shadyside is located in the East End of Pittsburgh.  Shadyside's name was drawn from the 19th century Pennsylvania Railroad station in the area, named for its shady lanes.
  
This collection is marked by a pull snap centered in the front of each item and comes in a variety of different colored canvas.  The Shadyside Collection is available in solid colors or split two tone as shown below. 




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HAZELWOOD COLLECTION:
Hazelwood takes its name from the hazelnut trees which once flourished along the Monongahela river. The first settlers were of Scottish descent.  Hazelwood and Glen Hazel are family-oriented neighborhoods, with many community activities focusing on youth programs. The neighborhoods are noted for their numerous churches and the active roles they play in building community spirit and pride in their residents.

This collection is one of my favorites.  Silver snaps and "X" marked seams or handles represent this collection.  You can choose any of my available canvas colors.  



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Oakland is the academic, cultural, and healthcare center of Pittsburgh.  South Oakland was the childhood home of Andy Warhol and had his first art show while living in Oakland. NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback Dan Marino was also born in Oakland, not far from Warhol's home. Warhol and Marino actually grew up on the same block and their former houses are merely a few doors down from each other.

In the Oakland Collection, each item displays a unique fabric burst centered in the front.  This burst gives the item texture and allows for eye catching color combos.  The Oakland Collection includes the Oakland Messenger.


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LAWRENCEVILLE COLLECTION:
Lawrenceville is located northeast of downtown, and like many of Pittsburgh's riverfront neighborhoods, it has an industrial past. Lawrenceville is bordered by the Allegheny River and is one of Pittsburgh's largest neighborhoods.Lawrenceville was founded in 1814 by William Foster, father of composer Stephen Foster, who was born there in 1826. It is named for Captain James Lawrence, hero of the War of 1812.  Today, Lawrenceville is undergoing a revitalization, and has been noted by The New York Times as a "go-to destination".

This collection keeps me form getting bored!  The collection is marked by the embroidery or applique on each item.  All embroidery is done by hand NOT machine.  Each piece is carefully and lovingly constructed.  Most items are one of a kind.  The Lawrenceville Collection includes the Lawrenceville Sleeve.

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Please contact me at erikaelyn@gmail.com for wholesale information.  Thanks!