Wikipedia defines yarn bombing as,"... a type of graffiti or street art that employs colorful displays of knitted or crocheted cloth rather than paint or chalk."
Essentially, knitting cozies for sign posts, lamp poles, statues, and even tree limbs.
Beginnings
Yarn bombing, or graffiti knitting, is said to have originated in Texas, in 2005, by a group of urban knitters known as the Knitta group. Wearing disguises, the Knittas took their knitting to the streets. Over the years other yarn bombing groups started throughout world. In 2009, a book was written chronicling the graffiti knitting exploits of various groups. The book was entitled Yarnbombing: The Art of Crochet and Knitting Graffiti, by Mandy Moore and Leanne Prain.
Local Yarn Bombers
The SubZERO Festival brought yarn bombing to the SoFA district in downtown San Jose. Graffiti knitters cozied the streets in vibrant color. This year's SubZERO Festival promises the same. Phantom Galleries' S.J. Yarnbombers are recruiting knitters and crocheters to participate in their June 4th yarnstorm.
Yarnbombing is an artistic, unique and colorful form of expression. So if you are a knit enthusiast with the desire to try your needles at urban art, the San Jose Yarnbombing Crew wants you. Come check out the wilder side of knitting.
For more information about yarn bombing the SubZERO Festival this year send a message to, knittybitty@hotmail.com or contact the San Jose Knitting Examiner
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