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Urbanknit
No more plastic bags- get a Tommy tote
From today the 5th of October, 2015, you will have to pay 5p for the use of a plastic bag to put your shopping in within the UK. This new law applies to all shops and stores with more than 250 employees. Apparently, over 7 billion plastic bags a year are handed out in stores across the UK.
Plastic bags are not biodegradable and alarmingly can take up to a 1000 years to break down. Yes, that does sound bad. This new charge is the government’s bid to reduce its usage and the negative effects it has on the environment and wildlife.
So quite simply, we think you should get yourself a handy and fun Tommy tote! Yes you can be eco-friendly and stylish at the same time. This multi-purpose bag is spacious, durable and folds into a neat little rectangle for storage. Even apart from the fact that this will save you money and looks cool, it is also much more comfortable to carry on the shoulder due to its wide straps. Where you would have had 3 or 4 shopping bags, you now only have to carry one.
It also doubles up as a beach bag, a weekend bag or anything you want it to be really! It is handmade from a thick woven textile from Nigeria known as Aso-oke. Check out our collection here: www.urbanknit.com/tommy+tote and see which colour combination best suits your personality. You too can say no more plastic bags!
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Urbanknit
Just In: Etu Aso-oke Minisnap clutches
The Etu Minisnap Aso-oke clutch was so popular we decide to bring it back. This Aso-oke fabric is a true vintage and I am told it well over 50 years old at the very least. Probably closer to a century! Personally, I think blue is the new black. It still easily complements other colours without being as predictable as black.
In addition to that, I have introduced the Etu and Lace which is a variation of this mini blue clutch purse. This newer version is in a slightly lighter shade of blue (an even rarer type of the Etu fabric). It also incorporates a hint of Guipure lace for that added touch of elegance. I think it would make a great purse for a wedding or for a cocktail party.
A converation started- if you are all dressed up and can’t think of how to make the conversation flow with your fellow party goes, tell them about how your purse is probably over a 100 years old!
What do you think? Is your flavour more stark and simple, or a little more playful with the lace? Lets know your thoughts.
in Our Products -
Urbanknit
Just in: Vintage and Gold Aso-oke Clutch
I created the Megasnap clutch to be a huge statement piece. That one accessory that will always be a talking point no matter what you wear. Whether it is to finish off your formal outfit or LBD or to add glamour to a casual ensemble, this is definitely the piece for you.
It is made in a Nigerian fabric known as ‘Aso-oke’ which is a loom woven textile similar in texture and weight to denim or canvas. This particular version is an old-school vintage which is partly woven with lurex which incorporates a glittering metallic gold thread. This version is also quite special as the style is perforated and beyond the visible perforations is a layer of deep aubergine satin fabric. Satin, Aso-oke, Cotton; many layers one clutch!
It is lined internally with a green and black Ankara print cotton fabric for that little bit of extra fun. It has several layers of padding to give it stability and to protect its contents. It is quite spacious and will fit a phone, money, keys, make-up, camera and a lot more. It has a handy strap making it easy to carry and has a small internal pocket.
Check it out here: www.urbanknit.com/shop/vintage-and-gold-aso-oke-megasnap-clutch/
in Our Products -
Urbanknit
Introducing Aso-Oke fabric
One of my favourite fabrics to work with here at Urbanknit is the wonderful Aso-oke fabric. The history, the colours and even the ‘format’ it comes in are all very interesting. Most of all I love the story and this is my own way of capturing some of it. My aim is to look at the history, manufacturing techniques, fabric care etc of Aso-oke and I will update this post with any additional information as it is found. Please join in the discussion by asking questions, offering your own insights and opinions about it. Here goes!
Aso-Òkè
Aso-Oke (pronounced ah-SHOW-kay) is short for Aso Ilu Oke which means clothes from the up-country. It is also sometimes refereed to as Aso-Ofi. It is a hand woven cloth made mostly by the Yoruba tribe of south west Nigeria. The woven strips are sewn together to make clothing.
CLOTHING
A Yoruba woman’s complete outfit would consist of the following;
- Iro– a large piece tied like a wrap-around skirt
- Buba– a loose fit blouse
- Gele– a headtie
- Pele– a shawl that goes around the waist
- Iborun– a scarf
A Yoruba man’s complete outfit would consist of the following;
- Buba– a loose fit top/shirt
- Shokoto– trousers
- Agbada– a large robe worn over the Buba
Men’s Agbada- Photo courtesy of ZODML http://www.zodml.org
Aso-oke is usually worn on special occasions like coronations, festivals, weddings, funerals, engagement parties, naming ceremonies and other important events. It serves traditionally as formal wear. Aso-Oke is often also worn as Aso-Ebi (ebi meaning friends, and/or family) where similar colours are worn by all to a particular event to symbolise unity.
There are several fabrics that are similar in nature to Aso-oke, i.e. fabrics that are handwoven in strips. There is Kente from Ghana, Akwete also from Nigeria just to name a few.
PRODUCTION:
The cloth is produced mainly in Iseyin (Oyo state), Ede (Osun state) and Okene (Kogi state) all in Southern Nigeria.
TYPES OF ASO-OKE:
Originally there were three main types of traditional Aso-oke based on their colours. The original versions of these cloths are now quite rare and are fast becoming vintage finds.
Etu
Etu is a deep blue, almost black, indigo dyed cloth often with very thin light blue stripes. Etu means guinea fowl, and the cloth is said to resemble the bird’s plumage.
Sanyan
Sanyan is woven from the beige silk obtained locally from the cocoons of the Anaphe moth, forming a pale brown/beige cloth. This was commonly worn during weddings and funerals.
Alaari
Alaari is woven from magenta waste silk.
CARE OF ASO-OKE:
Aso-oke garments can be carefully handwashed or drycleaned. We would recommend that you spot-clean your Aso-oke accessories from Urbanknit. This will elongate the life of the fabric and your accessory.
Below are a few of our accessories which have been made out of this versatile, beautiful textile.
Dark Magenta Aso Oke Pico Pouch
Olympics Tote Bag in Aso Oke
Radiant Orchid iPad Sleeve in Aso Oke
Navy Blue and Turquoise Aso-Oke Cushion
Etu and Pink Aso-Oke Listra Clutch
Vintage Aso Oke clutch
If you are looking to purchase Aso-oke fabric for your own creations then www.urbanstax.com have a great selection.
in Knowledge -
Urbanknit
Olympic Bee Bag
I am quite excited about the start of the Olympics. I have to admit I am completely enthralled by everything from opening ceremonies to the athletics to the basketball games. At Urbanknit HQ we thought we’d do a little something to show our support and love of the games, especially as it holding in our beloved London this time around.
The most prominent symbol of the games are the 5 interlocking rings in blue, yellow, black, green, and red and usually against a white background. It was designed in 1912 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games. The rings represent the five continents of the world and it is suggested that at least one of the colours appears on all the national flags of the world. Let us know if you have spotted an exception!
We have a made a special Olympic Bee Bag (our bestselling pleated tote bag) which incorporates each of these colours in strips of Aso-Òkè. The Olympic colours with an African twist!
Check out the full schedule of the games to make sure you don’t miss something exciting. So what particular event are you looking forward to seeing? Please leave a comment and let us know!
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Urbanknit
Item of the week: Pink Zebra Gadget Sleeve
Its a brand new month, here’s to a great start.
Our item of the week is this cool little gadget sleeve which gives you a funky way to store and transport you Netbook, iPad or any other gadget of a similar size. The Pink Zebra laptop sleeve has several layers of padding so your gadget is protected from bumps and scratches. It also closes with a funky chunky zipper keeping everything in place.
This Africa-inspired piece is made in a fabric from Nigeria known as ‘Aso-oke’ which is a a fabric that is handwoven on a loom and is usually worn during special occasions and festivals. The sleeve is also lined internally with bright pink African print fabric, with a blue butterfly motif.
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Urbanknit
The Afro Jubilee Shopper Tote
This summer marks 60 years of The Queen’s reign in the United Kingdom and beyond. As the Diamond Jubilee celebrations kick off this weekend, we thought we’d give an African twist to the Jubilee celebrations and here it is.
The Jubilee shopper is made using ‘Aso-oke’ which is a loom-woven textile from Nigeria in West Africa. It is hand woven and the finished strips are usually sewn together to make clothing. The textile is worn during special occasions like weddings, festivals, coronations and so on making it just the perfect material to use!
This large shopper is roomy and perfect for a day out in the park as it’ll fit your blanket and everything else. It would also make a great alternative to plastic bags for your grocery shopping.
Check it out here
