Á: Why did you choose to study architecture? 

R: Initially I wanted to design and create art but after speaking with my parents, I felt that I could do something that was a mixture of art and science. That’s how I decided on architecture.

Á: How has being a woman of colour affected your experience as an aspiring architect? 

R: It’s been interesting. In both my undergraduate and postgraduate classes, I have been one of very few women of colour. There has been very little representation when it comes to Black women, so it was quite hard at first. I began having doubts about whether I would be able to progress within this field. Then I joined a network called Black Females in Architecture (BFA), who work to increase the visibility of Black women in the profession. I met the founder and she really inspired me to go on and do my master’s degree. It’s been so refreshing to network with and meet architects that look like me.

Á: Who are the architects that you look up to the most?

R: David Adjaye and Yinka Ilori.

Á: How did you get into knitting?

R: I started knitting at the end of lockdown in 2020 after someone showed me some of the pieces they had made. I always thought it looked really complicated until I tried it myself. I was on a self-imposed shopping ban at the time and wanted to make clothes myself instead of buying them. Making my first jumper was such a satisfying experience, I just had to keep going after that!

Á: Talk us through the process of creating a pattern, from idea to the finished product.

R: I usually come across something that I see online or in real life that inspires me, then I draw out a sketch of what I think the piece will look like once I’m done. I buy a bunch of yarn and jump straight into knitting it. I have a go and see if I can make the idea come to life. It’s very much trial and error and I make loads of mistakes, but I make sure to take lots of notes as I’m creating. Once I’ve created the piece, I usually see if anyone wants to test knit it for me. Test knitting is where a range of people of differing sizes knit the pattern and tell me if I’ve made any mistakes, or if it’s not going to fit their size. Once I receive the feedback, I make any changes that I need to and then the pattern is ready to go.

Á: When did you decide to start selling your patterns online?

R: To be honest, when people started asking me to. I was reluctant to at first because I was nervous but then I just went for it. I sell on Etsy and Ravelry.

Á: How long have you been making your own clothes for?

R: Since I was about 12. My mum used to make all of her clothes, so she taught me how to sew. Then I had textiles classes at school. I’ve always enjoyed making my own clothes because I just love curating my personal style. If I don’t have something, I can go and make it. Once the idea is in my head, that’s it. I’ve even designed and hand-sewn my own leather bag before.

Á: How long does it usually take you to produce a piece of clothing?

R: It could take a day if I’m sewing something. I can be quite quick because it’s just about getting the pieces ready and putting them together. If I’m knitting something on the other hand, it could take me weeks or months.

Á: How do you find the time to make the clothes?

R: I make time to do it. Sometimes I knit on the train on my commute. Sometimes I knit a little before bed. There are other times I dedicate a large chunk of time to it. I’m usually listening to podcasts or watching TV at the same time as sewing or knitting so it can be incorporated into my leisure time.

Á: What has your experience been like sharing your pieces on Instagram?

R: It’s been very positive. It’s amazing to see people being so supportive and enthusiastic about the patterns.

Á: Would you ever make clothes to order?

R: I think one day I wouldn’t mind making clothes to order, but for now I like making new things rather than making things over and over again. You only have to make a pattern once, so for now this works for me. Designing new patterns gives me space to be more creative.

Á: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from your work so far?

R: Not to give up if the design doesn’t work out. There is a lot of trial and error and you have to push through it to find the solution. I’m also learning how to be happy where I am now. I’ve developed a lot of skills along the way since starting, so I’m trying to not look back and scrutinise my past work. I was happy with the piece at the time and I’m happy with where I am now.

Á: What would you consider to be the biggest influence on your work?

R: I’m dedicated to making things that are my personal style. The things that inspire my fashion are the things that inspire my work. If there is something that I could see myself wearing, I begin to think about how I could make it in a style that suits me. So with knits, I’ll start thinking about how I could make the particular texture into the shape I want. That’s why I’ve made quite a few sweater vests, they’re just very me.  

Á: What tips would you give to someone who wants to get into knitting and sewing? 

R: Just give it a go. You’ll make lots of mistakes but you just need to keep trying. Keep experimenting. I would recommend YouTube and TikTok for tutorial videos.

Á: What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?

R: I wasn’t very confident back then, so I would say to believe in yourself and believe that you’re making good things.

Á: What do you like to do for fun?

R: Watch movies, knit, listen to music and go to concerts.

Á: What’s your favourite place to travel to?

R: New York. I love it there.

Á: What do you hope to achieve in the future?

R: I want to continue creating and designing cool things that I enjoy wearing.

Á: Any final words for our audience?

R: Trial and error is a big part of designing and things are rarely perfect on the first go, so just keep trying!