Welcome to the first in a series of interviews with crafters across the globe! Today’s Craft Chat features a lady out of London who knits and crochets up a whole slew of chunky neckwear and stitches together bright batiks into all sorts of interesting shapes.

The general consensus that I’m hearing from crafters is that Etsy is the still site to beat. But newcomers on the scene like Folksy and Dawanda (look for a write-up on this site soon) have certain advantages, especially for international users. Folksy gives UK artists a forum that accepts their country’s currency, while everything in Dawanda shops is priced in Euros. Also, not having as many sellers means a chance for more recognition. I’ve been taking advantage of the manageable size of makers and makings on Folksy and have spied some sellers that might have otherwise gotten lost in the shuffle.

Urbanknit is one of those Folksy Finds. The shop, run by London resident Dolapo James, is chocked full of chunky knits and brightly colored bags. It was the great big knits that first caught my eye…neck warmers and scarves of unusually large proportion that just looked like London to me. And they seem every bit as soft and sumptuous as they do warm and woolen. The perfect accessory for braving the chilly climes of the British Isles. Stitched in a creative color palate that is as interesting as the designs themselves, I dream of having one of Urbanknit’s cowls to cuddle my nook on cold morning walks.

But she doesn’t stop there, she also sews together an array of zips, clutches and totes out of prints that she hand-picks from Nigeria, West Africa. She pairs the brilliant batiks with solids which brings out their beauty and makes for an interesting contrast between materials.

Dolapo was kind enough to answer a few questions for us.  Read on to learn more!

>> Please tell us about your business!

What kinds of things do you make?

I run Urbanknit where I make mainly bags and scarves. I handknit and sometimes crochet scarves, neck warmers and scarflettes. I also make clutches, totes, purses and handbags from bright and bold African prints and batiks.

How did you get started?

I learned to knit when I was little and have always enjoyed making things since then. I like the whole process of dreaming something up and working through to making it. I used to make things for family and friends who fortunately indulged me even though some of the things were pretty strange! I started to take more time and care to make things I think are beautiful, fun and functional and decided to set up more formally as a business a few years ago.

Is there an interesting story behind the name of your business?

I went through so many combinations before I came up with the name. I still have the sketchbook where I doodled until I decided on this one. I wanted something that contrasted ideas. I love living in a city and visiting various big cities around the world as they are fascinating and work so differently. The idea of knitting seems in a way far removed from this. At the same time, I started just making scarves so it seemed a cool combination the idea that something warm and homely like knitting can exist in an urban context. Also I think everything is in some way connected and knitted together. Ha ha, it makes sense to me not sure it would to anyone else!

>> Tell us a bit about your town!

Where in the world are you?

Does your location have an influence on what you make?  Please explain.

I currently live in London, England. I think living here does influence what I make to an extent. Of course when it is cold, which is a lot of the time, I get to make scarves and so on. In the big cities here like London and Manchester, people can be quite quirky and experimental in their dressing and with fashion in general so it gives me an excuse to be experimental and try some crazy colour or pattern combinations.

Where do you find inspiration?

This is always a tricky one because it comes from so many things. Music (I listen to almost anything),
cartoons, graffiti, people watching, architecture, art, pattern, print, colours. I love bright colours, bold and intricate prints. I also like the Modernist era in architecture and artists like Roy Lichtenstein, Donald Judd, Mark Rothko. I am fascinated by how colours, scale, textures are layered in modern cities and the sheer variety that is possible and available. It’s just a crazy mix of the things that bombard my senses everyday and what I enjoy most is working on how various things contrast.

Are there any crafters out there whose work you admire?  Or, do you have a favorite type of craft?

I have too many designers and makers and crafters that I admire that if I list some, I’d forget others I am sure. I don’t have any favourite craft as I enjoy seeing things that I can’t make and will never try as well as work of other people who do similar things to what I do.  I enjoy looking at photography, metal jewellery, handwoven fabric and for some reason buttons. It seems you can never have too many buttons! I also love handmade leather bags and accessories and love love love handmade paper and stationery.

What is the best part of what you do?  The most challenging?

Again, it is the whole process, being able to think/dream something up and being able to take it all the way through to something that is fun and functional. The sketching, pattern-making, website building, product photography, marketing, meeting new creative and interesting people, posting things all over the world, everything! I even enjoy packaging things before they get posted. The two most challenging things are firstly, finding the time to do everything. The other is getting the word out so that people know about Urbanknit and that it may be just the thing they were looking for.

You have listings on Etsy and Folksy.  Can you compare the two hosting sites?  What are the advantages/disadvantages of the sites?

I have only just started using Folksy. Out of many that have come up on this side of the world, it looks the most professional and promising. It is still new and therefore has not yet had the time to grow and improve as Etsy has. I think it will get there though. What I like most about Etsy is the in-built community and viewers. Not only do you get people looking at your work as soon as you list it, there are so many other ways it could pop up, be it in the Treasuries, Gift Guides, people’s favourites and so on. The level and quality of work is also very high because the set-up is ‘self-policing’ for the want of a better phrase. In order for people to be successful they constantly have to improve the quality of the products, images and service.

What I like about Folksy is that it still feels small and cozy, in a way, so there aren’t yet hundreds and hundreds of items to look through before you find what you are looking for.

And, for fun, please name three places in the world that you’d like to visit and why.

I want to go to Rio for the carnival because it looks like mad fun that cannot be replicated quite the same anywhere else! I’d also like to go to New York even though I have been a few times. I like big cities and I think NY is probably the ultimate for me. I’d like to go to Japan because the culture looks so unique and interesting from the buildings to the clothes and the food. I’ll cheat and add one more, I’d like to go to quite a few cities in Italy to see the architecture, fountains and eat fantastic ice cream!

Urbanknit currently keeps shops on Etsy and Folksy.  You can also learn more about Dolapo and her craft by reading her blog.

You can also see more of her work on her Photo blog.