We are beyond excited to announce our latest collaboration with with London-based designer Peju Obasa. Peju has designed an exclusive pattern, the “Tie After Tie” bag, just for us. And the best bit? We’re selling this pattern solo (no kit!) with 100% of proceeds going to Black Girl Ventures.
The “Tie After Tie” bag features Peju’s signature vibrant city-chic style, with a rounded front, rectangular body and removable strap. Makers can stitch this up in contrasting colours, as well as wear it either across their shoulders or around their waist (long live the bumbag!). The pattern uses single crochet, two rolls of our Ra Ra Raffia yarn, and a 4.5mm hook. It’s an intermediate level, so it’s ideal for people with a little bit of crochet know-how, but if you’re a beginner, don’t fear! You can quickly get yourself up to speed with our handy YouTube tutorials.
As a black, female-owned business Peju really resonated with the mission of Black Girl Ventures. And as Wool and the Gang is a female founded brand, together we felt this was the perfect opportunity to go back to our roots and support a cause close to all of our hearts. Black Girl Ventures is an ecosystem of Black and Brown woman-identifying founders creating access to social and financial capital together with the support of allies. They are dedicated to providing our founders with access to community, education, and leadership development in order to meet business milestones that lead to achieving economic security through entrepreneurship.
We caught up with Peju to talk crochet, crafting and changing the world…..
Where are you from and where do you live now?
Born and raised in London and still here.
How and why did you start your brand?
I was looking for design jobs for many years after a lot of no’s I decided to say yes to my dream of wanting my own brand. It happened very organically, over the span of a couple years I started small with accessories with the vision of expanding into womenswear.
How is sustainability woven into your brand?
From a young age I’ve always had an ethically conscious attitude toward preserving and repurposing my clothes. Sustainability is at the core of my brand; I believe in enhancing personal style as opposed to keeping up with the latest trends. To me the former allows you to collect, appreciate, treasure pieces, the latter is transient and encourages a disposable lifestyle.
Why did you choose to support Black Girl Ventures?
BGV ensure the development and growth of small businesses, this is so very important to me because I believe this will have a huge and long-lasting impact that will help build up communities for the better.
What’s your favourite fibre to work with?
Usually cotton but all I’m using right now is Ra-Ra Raffia!
How do you think craft can change the world?
Crafting is already changing the world; teaching people life-long skills that can never be unlearnt. Creating jobs all around the world from rural villages to online shops, its therapeutic nature relaxes the mind, crafting celebrated cultures and traditions.
What inspires you?
My Nigerian heritage, black culture, colours/ texture from nature, architecture and human interactions/attitudes.
Knit or crochet?
Both!
What’s your favourite thing about being part of the crafting Gang?
Finding different ways of crafting, everyone has their own unique ways of doing certain things.
Animal or vegan fibres?
Both serve their purposes, I can’t possibly pick one.
Who is your crafting crush?
