BRAIDED TRADITIONS: KNITWEAR DESIGNER - MIA RODNEY
Introducing Knitwear Designer Mia Rodney “Combing Through” by Mia Rodney - @allbitsknit - I encourage the viewer to interact with my yarn bombing through touch and feeling. The focus is on hair in its natural curly state, with nods to straightening hair. I explore these intricate curl patterns in my knits, with large hand knitted panels – crafted using relaxing repetitive movements – just like in hair braiding.
“Combing Through”
Intricate curl patterns and natural curly state.
“Combing Through” by Mia Rodney - @allbitsknit - I encourage the viewer to interact with my yarn bombing through touch and feeling. The focus is on hair in its natural curly state, with nods to straightening hair. I explore these intricate curl patterns in my knits, with large hand knitted panels – crafted using relaxing repetitive movements – just like in hair braiding.
Mia yarn bombed three out of the seven trees in response to the Braided Traditions brief
Introducing Mia Rodney, a knitwear designer who is challenging racism within her life and promoting conversation through her work. She refuses to appease idealised white beauty standards, but because she feels that's simply what makes good art. 'The point is to get people thinking. If I advertised the message loud and clear, people would spend less time looking at my work. I want my creations to speak for themselves and keep people thinking and guessing for as long as possible; it's more fun that way, and as I've often found, resonates with many more people. - Show Studio.
Her final project and degree show on the social & political impacts that “ I feel shaped the way I wore my hair growing up. Breaking down my personal journey with identity through hair into three styles - braided, straight and curly - my concept surrounds the ideas of what could be, what should be and what is” . https://chelseadegreeshow.com/student/2019/ba-textile-design/mia-rodney/
See more of her work here: https://www.instagram.com/allbitsknit/
Photography by: @kings_art
BRAIDED TRADITIONS: KNITWEAR DESIGNER - SHEREE ROBINSON
Introducing Knitwear Designer Sheree Robinson - "Braids For My Girls" by Sheree Robinson - @Shereerarobinson -My yarn bombing features depictions of the dialogue, phrases, symbols, and pictures that make up our familiar hair language; it’s a love letter of joy to the hair of my daughter and sister. The work uses the knitting techniques of Braiding, Faire Isle, Colour Work and Beaded Knitting
“Braids For
My Girls”
Love Letter of Joy
"Braids For My Girls" by Sheree Robinson - @Shereerarobinson -My yarn bombing features depictions of the dialogue, phrases, symbols, and pictures that make up our familiar hair language; it’s a love letter of joy to the hair of my daughter and sister. The work uses the knitting techniques of Braiding, Faire Isle, Colour Work and Beaded Knitting.
Introducing Sheree, a knitwear designer who loves to hand make sparkly, colourful going-out clothes and winter accessories. Where possible using end of line yarns so each piece is limited edition and environmentally friendly. Sheree was born and still lives in London, night life is an ongoing inspiration for new projects and collections.
She completed Textile Design at Central Saint Martin's where I specialised in working with knitted fabrics.
Now mother of two later Sheree is a Lecturer and teach knitting and textile techniques at UAL. as well as a workshop facilitator for Black Girl Knit Club teaching hand knitting classes across London.
See more of her work here: https://www.shereerobinsonknit.co.uk/
Photography by: @kings_art
BRAIDED TRADITIONS: KNITWEAR DESIGNER - PEJU OBASA
Introducing Knitwear Designer Peju Obasa - “Breanna” by Peju Obasa - @pejuobasa, - A yarn bombing homage to Breanna, my first Barbie doll. With Breanna, my fascination with braiding found its playground!
“Breanna”
Homage to my first Barbie Doll
“Breanna” by Peju Obasa - @pejuobasa, - A yarn bombing homage to Breanna, my first Barbie doll. With Breanna, my fascination with braiding found its playground!
Introducing Peju Obasa a womenswear designer based in London. her work is rich in colour and texture, embracing printing /dyeing and tenacious knitting techniques to create innovative pieces. her vibrant Nigerian roots mean that she is continually exploring old traditions and then turning them into the unexpected. starting from a strand of yarn and ending as a beautiful handmade piece. taking inspiration from her curiosity travels and everything from the food she enjoys to cook to the colourful building facades on random streets. Sustainability is at the core of our brand and we aim to design with a conscious mind using eco-friendly materials.
See more of her work here: https://www.pejuobasa.com/
Photography by: @kings_art
BRAIDED TRADITIONS: ARTIST - FATIMA DUKE-PRATT
Introducing Multidisciplary Artist Fatima Duke-Pratt “Country Plant” by Fatima Duke-Pratt - @unduku_luku - My yarn bombing is an exploration of the colourful traditional hairstyles and hair accessories I wore in my childhood. In Krio, the most widely spoken language in Sierra Leone, ‘country plant’ describes a type of cornrow/braid that I have featured in my work.
“Country Plant ”
An exploration of colourful traditional hairstyles and hair accessories.
“Country Plant” by Fatima Duke-Pratt - @unduku_luku - My yarn bombing is an exploration of the colourful traditional hairstyles and hair accessories I wore in my childhood. In Krio, the most widely spoken language in Sierra Leone, ‘Country Plant’ describes a type of cornrow/braid that I have featured in my work.
Introducing Fatima Duke-Pratt, a multidisciplinary artist born and based in London of Sierra Leonean and Malian heritage, who is currently focusing on figurative oil painting and printmaking.
Her artwork stems from her own life experiences and perspective of the world. Above all, Fatima’s overarching objective remains constant: to create art that contributes towards her process of emotional healing and restoration.
See more of her work here: https://www.instagram.com/unduku_luku/
Photography by: @kings_art
BRAIDED TRADITIONS: KNITWEAR DESIGNER - FADZAYI SANGO
Intorducing Knitwear designer Fadzayi Sango “Gara ndiruke” (sit and let me braid) by Fadzayi Sango -My yarn bombing is inspired by the transformative joy of being able to explore fluctuating identity through my hair after my mother and nanny taught me. I wore many masks
“Gara ndiruke”
Sit and let me braid
“Gara ndiruke” (sit and let me braid) by Fadzi Sango - @ sinoia_. -My yarn bombing is inspired by the transformative joy of being able to explore fluctuating identity through my hair after my mother and nanny taught me. I wore many masks.
Introducing Fadzayi Sango is a resident knitwear designer and product developer. Fadzayi is adaptable and versatile textile designer specializing in knitted textiles. She also has an expansive skill set in technical knitwear design and creative construction that has proven successful in the craft industry as well as the fashion industry with a focus on product and bespoke markets. Exploring the application of handknit, flatbed knitwear, and industrial knitting to create innovative products and fabrics for the various consumer markets.
See more of her work here: https://sangoknitwear.squarespace.com
Photography by: @kings_art
BRAIDED TRADITIONS: PHASE 2 TREE BOMBING
A second set of BGKC yarn bomb tree designs is to be launched at Endeavour Square, in collaboration with five individual knitwear designers. Seven tree trunks will be yarn bombed by five BGKC knitwear designer members. Each designer has responded to the brief of “ Braided Traditions: Common Threads.” Exploring various yarn textures and techniques to showcase their individual relationship with the subject of “hair” through knitting.
Yarn bombing tree designs crafted by:
“Breanna” by Peju Obasa - @pejuobasa, - A yarn bombing homage to Breanna, my first Barbie doll. With Breanna, my fascination with braiding found its playground!
"Braids For My Girls" by Sheree Robinson - @Shereerarobinson -My yarn bombing features depictions of the dialogue, phrases, symbols, and pictures that make up our familiar hair language; it’s a love letter of joy to the hair of my daughter and sister. The work uses the knitting techniques of Braiding, Faire Isle, Colour Work and Beaded Knitting.
“Combing Through” by Mia Rodney - @allbitsknit - I encourage the viewer to interact with my yarn bombing through touch and feeling. The focus is on hair in its natural curly state, with nods to straightening hair. I explore these intricate curl patterns in my knits, with large hand knitted panels – crafted using relaxing repetitive movements – just like in hair braiding.
“Country Plant” by Fatima Duke-Pratt - @unduku_luku - My yarn bombing is an exploration of the colourful traditional hairstyles and hair accessories I wore in my childhood. In Krio, the most widely spoken language in Sierra Leone, ‘country plant’ describes a type of cornrow/braid that I have featured in my work.
“Gara ndiruke” (sit and let me braid) by Fadzi Sango - @ sinoia_. -My yarn bombing is inspired by the transformative joy of being able to explore fluctuating identity through my hair after my mother and nanny taught me. I wore many masks.
A second set of BGKC yarn bomb tree designs is to be launched at Endeavour Square, in collaboration with five individual knitwear designers. Seven tree trunks will be yarn bombed by five BGKC knitwear designer members. Each designer has responded to the brief of “ Braided Traditions: Common Threads.” Exploring various yarn textures and techniques to showcase their individual relationship with the subject of “hair” through knitting.
Yarn bombing tree designs crafted by:
“Breanna” by Peju Obasa - @pejuobasa, - A yarn bombing homage to Breanna, my first Barbie doll. With Breanna, my fascination with braiding found its playground!
"Braids For My Girls" by Sheree Robinson - @Shereerarobinson -My yarn bombing features depictions of the dialogue, phrases, symbols, and pictures that make up our familiar hair language; it’s a love letter of joy to the hair of my daughter and sister. The work uses the knitting techniques of Braiding, Faire Isle, Colour Work and Beaded Knitting.
“Combing Through” by Mia Rodney - @allbitsknit - I encourage the viewer to interact with my yarn bombing through touch and feeling. The focus is on hair in its natural curly state, with nods to straightening hair. I explore these intricate curl patterns in my knits, with large hand knitted panels – crafted using relaxing repetitive movements – just like in hair braiding.
“Country Plant” by Fatima Duke-Pratt - @unduku_luku - My yarn bombing is an exploration of the colourful traditional hairstyles and hair accessories I wore in my childhood. In Krio, the most widely spoken language in Sierra Leone, ‘country plant’ describes a type of cornrow/braid that I have featured in my work.
“Gara ndiruke” (sit and let me braid) by Fadzi Sango - @ sinoia_. -My yarn bombing is inspired by the transformative joy of being able to explore fluctuating identity through my hair after my mother and nanny taught me. I wore many masks.
We would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the knitwear designers who have made this installation what it is by adding your story, it is important for us to spotlight your designs in such a public way. We loved seeing your interpretations and creative direction of this yarn bombing! Please see the gallery below:
All photography by @kings_art
BRAIDED TRADITIONS: ARM KNITTING WORKSHOPS
Black Girl Knit Club (BGKC) invites participants to take part in creating a public knit yarn bombing installation in the heart of East London.
Black Girl Knit Club (BGKC) invites participants to take part in creating a public knit yarn bombing installation in the heart of East London. Exploring arm knitting techniques (no needles) to create pieces that will decorate Endeavour Square Pavilion public viewing platform, steps, and railings.
The large-scale arm knits incorporate upcycled industrial scaffolding material, ribbon, netting, rope textures and other repurposed textiles some sourced locally from East London based textile reuse hubs such as the Childrens Scrap Project and Yodomo, a Hackney Wick based business that identifies waste materials that can be reused by the maker community.
This series of 5 workshops will allow participants to explore arm knitting and braiding techniques, inspired by various hair textures during the workshops. The workshops will be led in collaboration with a facilitator and will involve reflecting on the historical and cultural significance of hair within the Black community and references to the Hair: Untold Stories exhibition and the hair shop installation curated by Korantema Anyimadu at the Horniman Museum.
Take a look at our gallery below - We can’t wait to announce the final project on Monday 8th Jan!
Plese use hashtag: #StratfordCrossxBGKC
A second set of BGKC yarn bomb tree designs is to be launched on 16th January 2024 at Endeavour Square, in collaboration with five individual knitwear designers. Seven tree trunks will be yarn bombed by five BGKC knitwear designer members. Each designer has responded to the brief of “ Braided Traditions: Common Threads.” Exploring various yarn textures and techniques to showcase their individual relationship with the subject of “hair” through knitting.