The Controversy that is Yarn Bombing

I have to admit that I have mixed feelings about yarn bombing.  On one hand, I appreciate the need for artistic expression.  Seeing a hotel decorated in yarn, as recently described by the Yarn Harlot, has to be quite a sight.  On the other hand, I’m not sure I find a lot of value in using scraps of yarn to cover random objects simply because it can be done.

http://bit.ly/t9MldO 

http://bit.ly/OM1aaH

There have been some great examples of yarn bombing used to decorate utilitarian objects.  For example, the AKG has a member who “yarn bombed” an old chair, giving it new character and life:

In another instance of decorative yarn bombing, a group of senior citizens from the West Flamingo Active Adult Center in Las Vegas and the local Boy Scout Troup 238 decided to “yarn bomb” a utilitarian pedestrian bridge over a local parkway. http://bit.ly/OGfLWi  The group created a sun motif designed to complement the work of nearby Sunrise Hospital. 

http://bit.ly/PDwlWf

http://bit.ly/OGfLWi 

Anyone who knows me also knows that I can’t resist good social or political commentary.  So imagine my delight when I found this juicy piece of yarn bombing:

http://bit.ly/OEkxUM

You guessed it!  That would be a naked Prince Harry (or nekked, for those true Southerners) guarding the family jewels that were otherwise publically displayed recently in Las Vegas.  What makes this yarn bombing especially delicious is that this irreverent display sits near the very proper the Royal crown and other decorations that were crafted for the recent Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. 

So let the controversy begin:  Yarn Bombing – creative expression or a poor use for perfectly good yarn.  Please be sure to leave your comments below.  And all posters are encouraged to use the term “family jewels” in their posts.  I look forward to reading your thoughts on this pressing topic.

More Crochet and Knitting Art

You've seen some of these before, but this time there's a lace piano, too.
Follow this link to Woman's Day.

SEFAA Yarn Bombing

Because our membership year runs from May to May and World Wide Knit in Public Day falls in June, Atlanta Knitting Guild rarely does a coordinated Knit in Public Day. In addition to the many local shops offering festivities, there are a couple options.

The first is that AKG encourages our members to Knit in Public on Saturday 11 June. If you can, take a picture and send it here to blog@atlantaknittingguild.org. We'd love to see where you were and hear about your experiences!

Secondly, our friends at Southeast Fiber Arts Alliance are hosting a yarn bombing in Freedom Park (near the Carter Center) from noon to 3 PM also on 11 June. The information:

Bring small pre-made creations in any fiber technique and/or work on-the-spot.  We'll combine, stir, and stitch together all contributions into a semi-permanent (one month) fiber art installation.  For your comfort, plan on bringing snacks and drinks and chairs/blankets to sit on, sunscreen and bug spray. The spot has shade but no air conditioning.

Meet on the multiuse path near the intersection of Highland Ave and Albion Ave. You can park at the Carter Center. If you come from the Connector and take the Freedom Parkway exit, keep right at the exit for Carter Center/Moreland Ave and exit left for the Center.

If you have any leftover acrylic yarn, this is a great opportunity to use a hardy fiber outdoors!

Come back to the blog on Friday to see a list of the shops participating this year in WWKIP Day.

Subversive Stitches?

The Vancouver Sun has this article on yarn graffiti. If you haven't heard of this already, an example of knitted graffiti would be a tree cozy or a pole cozy. This is part of an ongoing movement to reclassify craft as something hip, young, and activist.

You can also check out this website for more information. This is a very interesting blog for those who want their work to be more public. And the examples come from all over the world, reminding us that there is a wide and wonderful knitting community and it is global.

(Kudos to Ephram the zimbalist for the link.)