Anthropologie

Short but very very exciting news. It's official! Urbanknit Super Snap clutches are now available in Anthropologie UK.

Anthropologie
158 Regent Street,
London, UK
W1B 5SW
Tel: 020 7529 9800

XL Cowl Giveaway

Very orange cowl, originally uploaded by Urbanknit.

I am feeling a bit generous and with all this gloomy weather, here is something bright (literally) to hopefully keep you warm and keep the winter blues at bay.

I am giving away this very orange chunky wool cowl/neckwarmer/snood. It is handknitted in 100% merino wool and usually retails at £30 or $55.

HOW TO WIN:

Browse around Urbanknit and let us know your favourite items by leaving a comment here. That’s it!

www.urbanknit.etsy.com
www.urbanknit.bigcartel.com

For additional entries:

* Blog about the giveaway and link to this post or Urbanknit

* Submit to any social network (StumbleUpon, Facebook, etc) – Click on the “Share This” at the bottom left of this post. Leave a comment here to let me know.

* Twitter this giveaway

* Become an Urbanknit Facebook fan if you like.

* Join our mailing list

It is important to leave a separate comment for each of the entries to count as this increases your chances of winning.

WHO CAN WIN:
Anyone can enter and you can do so as many times as you like.
The giveaway will run for a week and will end at midnight GMT on Saturday the 11th of December when a winner will be picked at random and announced, then I'll bug them for their address so I can post it!

Good luck and please spread the word!

Have a good weekend everyone!

----------------------------------------------------------

Thank you all for taking the time to participate and spread the word.

We have a winner and it is the person who made the 55th comment.

Rebecca, you are now the owner of a bright orange cowl. Please send me an email at contact[at]urbanknit.com and I will send it off. Hope you all had a great weekend! Some exciting news coming up this week.

Weekend Sales

Berry Button Scarflette, originally uploaded by Urbanknit.

Its been a while! So many exciting new things happening at Urbanknit so watch this space. In the mean time, have you had your eye on something in the shop? Have you seen all the new goodies that have been added to the site recently? Well this is your chance to get it for less.

Get a 10% discount on all purchases this weekend, starting from Friday the 26th of November till Monday the 29th.

Simple enter 'Weekend10' at check out and voila!

www.urbanknit.etsy.com
www.urbanknit.bigcartel.com

Le Petit Marche- Oct 2010

Thanks to all the lovely and interesting people that stopped to have a look, chat and also buy. A big thank you to friends and family that came to support as well. I had a lot of fun. See you all soon with more goodies.

Lemi Ghariokwu- Fela album covers

This is the work of the artist behind the iconic Fela Kuti album artwork- Lemi Ghariokwu. The album covers where and still are as distinct and recognisable as the phenomenal Afrobeat music they 'clothed'.

So colourful, vibrant, unapologetic. Masters at work indeed! If you can, go and see the Fela! broadway show, showing in London at the National Theatre from next month.

Chistmas Super Snap Collection

Urbanknit's super snap clutch Christmas collection.Will be available at The Shop Floor Project in November. Be sure to check it out!

Le Petite Marche- Sunday, 31st October

Yes! Urbanknit will be at this month's Le Petite Marche with a super collection of clutches in adire, ankara and aso-oke.

When:

Sunday 31st October: 12pm-7pm

Where:

The GET Arena

Opposite Oriental Hotel , Oniru Estate

Lagos, Nigeria

What is it:

A piece of Portobello in Lagos...

For those who enjoy a stroll down the busy Portobello road, the energy and noise from customers haggling in the market stalls and the aroma of hot dogs and corn-on-a cob and shopping ...you would love Le petit Marche.
This is a new age market with goods varying from vintage clothing and Bric à Brac, to Art, retail clothing and brand name clothing and accessories.

So.........Come on by and say hello!

Janelle Monae- Neon Valley Street

Was completely mesmerised when I listened to this for the first time......

Find out more about Janelle Monae

Pico Pouches

New vintage Aso-oke Pico pouches available at My Asho

Peacock Guitar Band- Eddie Quansa

Nigerian highlife music.... No idea what they are talking about but I love it all the same.

The Winged Victory of Samothrace

I came across this statue of the Greek goddess Nike at the top of the Daru staircase in the Louvre museum a few years ago and I was utterly enchanted. I do not know why.... maybe it is because I don't know what she looks like and can only imagine, maybe its the flowing drapery of her skirts that causes you to imagine a windy sea or the graceful poise, or the apparent ability to fly. I really don't know but I think it is beautiful. Simple enchanting.....

If you get a chance you must go and see for yourself.

Created- 190 BC
Discovered- 1863 AD
Found in- Samothrace (a Greek Island)
Material- Parian marble

Cool Tees Thursday- My Asho

Nzuri Top by Johari

- Made from light cotton jersey
- Intricate hand printed Masaai face drawing
- 100% cotton
- Individually handmade in Kenya

Available on www.myasho.com

I am Literati- Movie Director

Dedicated to the Dreamweaver’s, the auteur? Those able to vividly retell history or even better: craft reality out of what the rest of the world perceives as fantasy

I Am Literati.... are you?

www.iamliterati.com

Winter Collection

Grey XL cowl, originally uploaded by Urbanknit.

They are baccckkkk..... chunky, soft and warm. New scarves, cowls and scarflettes.

www.urbanknit.com
www.urbanknit.etsy.com

Jen Stark- Paper Sculpture

Can you believe that these are made out of paper?!

Feast your eyes and prepare for sensory delight.

www.jenstark.com

P.S. You MUST go an 'play' with the objects on the homepage, check it out! Its fun.

Urbanknit Super Snap Clutches- Autumn/Fall 2010

The Autumn/Fall collection of Super Snap Ankara clutches.

Available at The Shop Floor Project, My Asho and Urbanknit

Daily Candy: Out of Africa

Out of Africa


This is the reason for my recent excitement. Urbanknit was featured on Daily Candy, Uk edition!!!

The Super Snap clutch collection for The Shop Floor Project was on display in all it glory.

Do have a look and let us know what you think.

Thanks

Etu Mega Snap Clutch

Etu Mega Snap Clutch, originally uploaded by Urbanknit.

The return of the Mega Snap clutch. Its huge!

This is made out of a handwoven fabric called 'Aso-oke' from Southern Nigeria. This one is now a vintage as this type of aso-oke is no longer made sadly. The type is know as 'Etu' which identifies it as a blue Aso-oke.

It has a lovely interesting texture, which is sort of like soft denim.

Happy browsing.

Urbanknit Pico Pouch Giveaway

To Launch the start of a new line of purses we are having a giveaway! This is the first Pico Pouch which will now be available in different fabrics and colour combinations. This is the 'sample' as it is the first one made so an experiment of sorts. Not perfect but cute all the same. It is made out of a dark blue handwoven fabric known as 'Aso-oke' from Southern Nigeria. It is lined in a red cotton fabric and complimented with a cute red button. Great for holding your coins, lip gloss, etc. The purse retails at $25 and it could be yours for free!

HOW TO WIN: Browse around Urbanknit and let us know your favourite items by leaving a comment here. That’s it!

For additional entries:

• Blog about the giveaway and link to this post or Urbanknit
• Submit to any social network (StumbleUpon, Facebook, etc) – Click on the “Share This” at the bottom left of this post. Leave a comment here to let us know.
• Twitter this giveaway
• Become an Urbanknit Facebook fan if you like.

It is important to leave a separate comment for each of the entries to count as this increases your chances of winning.

WHO CAN WIN:

Anyone can enter and you can do so as many times as you like.

The giveaway will run for 14 days so will end at midnight GMT on the 11th of July when a winner will be picked at random and announced, then I'll bug them for their address so I can post it to them!

Good luck and please spread the word!

WE HAVE A WINNER:

Thank you all so much for taking, it has been a lot of fun and I hope to do this more often, maybe even once a month. The winner (chosen by random.org) with lucky number 76 is username daer0n. Please email me with you full postal address to get you Pico Pouch.

Next month, I'll be giving away a Super Snap clutch!

The Shop Floor Project

Urbanknit in collaboration with The Shop Floor Project has launched a collection of six Super Snap clutches. I am really really really excited about this project. Did I say really already?

Here is a bit more about it. The UK based online shop is best described as a hybrid of department store and museum. It was launched in 2006 by mother and daughter, artists, Denise and Samantha Allan.

The clever website design has a broad appeal and has been voted in ELLE Magazine's top 25 websites, featured in Vogue, Grand Designs, Grazia, Marie Claire, Look, Word of Interiors, The Independent and the Times amongst many others

The shop sells a range of items from jewellery to wallpaper by hard to find independent designers from New York to Scotland - see the inventory below for a full list of the designers on display and in the Photo gallery for examples. Prices vary from £10 to £200.

It has been hailed as 'one of the most beautiful websites ever' by Marie Claire magazine and as 'Dover Street Market without the tourists' by Daily Candy. A comment from a customer last december wrote ‘ I have done almost all of my Christmas shopping from your site and it looks like I’ve been to lots of independent shops’.

In 2009 the website was featured in the publication iCatching: shopping design online which chose just 40 sites from around the world.

Come and visit! www.theshopfloorproject.com

A Beautiful Idea

I came across this website whilst reading various blogs. I am definitely going to participate and thought I should help spread the word.

HOW IT WORKS
Artists partner with A Beautiful Idea and create a product(s). They sell it and donate the money to the current charity via A Beautiful Idea’s donation center. It is really that simple.

You can support as an artist by creating and donating the proceeds of the sale of your work or by simply buying any of the work that is part of the project or even by spreading the word.

A Beautiful idea indeed.

The Diary Project 2011

This is a really cool project that I took part in a few years ago. The idea is simply yet brilliant. Artisits, designers, graphic designers, illustrators, musicians, anyone with an interest, designs a single page in the diary.

All the pages are then put together to form a rather unique diary. Imagine having a diary where each page is completely different from the last and is a small piece of art in its self.

As one of the page designers you can chose a date that is special to you and go for it. I will definitely be taking part and have already reserved a date. Yes you get to promote yourself but I think it is more than that.

For all the details, go to www.fantazya.ca/diary2011.html

Cool Tees Thursday Darkcycleclothing

What a combo, I like bicycles and cycling and love tee shirts too.

So this for me is a match made in heaven. Our cool tee for today is from Darkcycleclothing and is called 'Biking is for Lovers'

Bombus

This is a 'Re-designed' vintage 1950's cafe chair hand decoupaged in the comic cover of your choice by Bombus. This example is a Superman version but you can chose another comic, maps, magazines and so on. Now isn' t this such a cool way to re-use and repurpose!

This would make such a unique piece of furniture as it would have something that was really meaningful to you as part of its 'fabric'. I have seen one in real life and it really is as cool as you can imagine.

You can also find cards, notebooks, mirrors, envelopes and other interesting items at the Bombus etsy store.

www.etsy.com/shop/Bombus

Urbanknit on Etsy Storque

So this Super Snap Clutch in Ankara got a wee mention in today's Etsy Storque article. The article is all about prints and quite frankly, I'd have been very annoyed if Urbanknit hadn't gotten a mention. Haha.

Hope your week is off to a good start.

Cool Tees Thursday- Zulu Rose

I know I have featured Zulu Rose before but I really can't get enough. Not only is this such a cool tee, the imagery used on the website, the graphics, everything is bold and colourful and lively. Needless to say, I love it!

This v-neck is called Juju Sparks! Cool or what.

Check out more t-shirts at: www.zulurose.com

Working 5 to 9

So I am featured in this great book Working 5 to 9 by Emma Jones. Are you thinking of starting a business in your spare time? Have you dreamt of being your own boss even if its for part of the day? I'd obviously say go for it!

This is a great guide to starting and moving ahead with an existing idea or to embark on a brand new one.

The Enterprise Nation website is also a great resource where you can find useful information and network with other budding entreprenuers.

I have to admit I haven't read it yet but I am just about to get my own copy! Looking forward to getting in the post.

Have a great weekend.

Urbanknit available at Zebra

For those of you that are based in Lagos and would like some Urbanknit goodies, we have a new stockist! The fab Zebra boutique in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Zebra Living
33, Sinari Daranijo Street
off Younis Bashorun Street
off Ajose Adeogun Street,
Victoria Island
Lagos
Nigeria

This is the last Super snap clutch with the Poppy print and it is available in Zebra, as an extra bonus there is a sale on there on the 1st of May. Go check it out!

Something New

I have got something new up my sleeved, I am very excited about it and think this really is going to be it. This is why I am taking my time with it. Sorry I am not giving away that many clues but it'll be worth the wait. I promise!

Zuribelle Design Suite

Zuribelle, hosts their first Design Suite in Ikoyi, Lagos. This is your chance to get personal attention of the fashion experts in putting together your wedding, evening or prom ensemble.

Enjoy exquisite sample selections from the 2010 collections of world acclaimed designers such as La Sposa by Pronovias, Winnie Couture's Diamond Label, Priscilla of Boston, Allure, Jovani & More. This luxurious event will also feature gorgeous shoes, accessories, and decadent sample treats and cake consultations by the lovely Tayo of Buttercups.

Please call/text 08033341358, email inquiry@zuribelle.com, or write to our facebook page (zuriBelle) for an appointment and to register on our guest list. Walk - Ins are welcome and will be seen as time permits.

You'll Be Sure To Say Yes! To A zuriBelle Dres ::)

PS. There are some Urbanknit bridal clutches on display so go have a look if you can!

Makers Online- Best photo competition

I was shortlised for this competition and very pleased. I should put up the before and after. You'd be surprised with what gets cropped out of my pictures! Have a look at the competition page to see all the entries that were short-listed and of course the winner. There are some really great shots there and you can pick your favourite. Have a great weekend!

Trying out Dawanda

Thought I would try out another selling venue which is more oriented towards the European market. Its good to see Etsy's efforts to be more international. They have opened up an office in Berlin and it will be interesting to see how the development of a more international Etsy is receieved. The opening of the office is being celebrated with a Euro Week on Etsy (which is starting tomorrow which also happens to be my birthday!) check it out.

Tolomeo

The Tolomeo lamp in the Artemide collection is a beautiful light. Originally designed by Giancarlo Fassina and Michele De Lucchi. It is such a simple and classic design. The photographs do it no justice you have to see one in real life.

This is the floor mounted 'Tolomeo Mega' . It comes in various forms, wall-mounted, floor-mounted, different sizes and so on. It is polished aluminium and the shade can either be parchment paper or silk satin fabric.

There are quite 'popular' so next time you are in a nice hotel or restaurant have a look around, you just might spot one. Architects love them!

Super Snap Ankara

Super Snap Ankara, originally uploaded by Urbanknit.

I am on a roll, this now here listed on etsy. More and more to come!

A. Olaku

I guess I was born an artist, because looking back in time, drawing had always been
one of the things i could do intuitively and effortlessly...
In my effort to leave my own creative prints in the sands of time, i have drawn
and painted innocently and unpretentiously.

Abiodun Olaku

My dad bought a few pieces of artwork quite a number of years ago and I became a fan of a Nigerian artist called Abiodun Olaku. There is a certain 'silence' which I like about the work. I know that may not make much sense but to me it does.

A lot of the pieces capture so much about certain aspects of life in Nigeria you can almost hear and smell the reality. One of my favourites is one of a street scene just after it has rained, twinkling light reflected off the rain puddles. Beautiful!

Have a look at his online gallery www.abiodunolaku.com

TAFA: The Textile and Fiber Art List

TAFA: The Textile and Fiber Art List

Yesterday Urbanknit joined TAFTA which is a worldwide collection of artists and makers who work with textiles and fibre in a vast number of ways and techniques. It will be interesting to see how other people work in this medium and should be a chance to maybe learn new things.

Urbanknit Facebook Fanpage

I started this Fanpage a long time ago when I realised it is a more fun way to interact with people on faceboook than my Urbanknit group. Thats still there but feel free to join the Urbanknit fanpage if you want to keep up to date with all thats going on.

Thanks in advance!

Zipperthon

Decided to make use of all my bits and pieces of leftover fabric. These little zipper pouches are a great way to keep all those items running wild in those huge handbags we all seem to carry around these days. I've got two in my bag. One for everyday make-up and the other has got my ipod snuggly wrapped up.

I set a target of hundred and have made 20 so far. Might revist that target number!

Peace?

Been out 'playing' with my camera as I've recently been travelling quite a bit for work. It has all been very exciting and very interesting with the only downside being that I am NOT actually on holiday on these trips and therefore my pictures would bore you to death.

This one I do like though because of the contrast in textures and colours.

Its just a way of saying I have been away from blogging for a short while but I am back and will be updating you on everything thats been going on and whats to come this year! I promise, its going to be interesting!

Handbag Deisgner 101

Urbanknit was featured as the designer of the day on Handbag Designer 101 this month. It was a very pleasant surprise and I hope lots of people have been clicking through and having a look. If you want to take a look at the feature, here is the link Designer of the day

Happy New Year

Happy New Year! Here is to a fantastic 2010 for Urbanknit and you!