Penguin Times December 2012 | Page 2

Yarn Bombing

A new bomb hits the streets, nothing to be alarmed about; this bomb is made out of yarn. Yarn bombing (or Yarn storming) is a relatively new type of street art. Knitters, crocheters and yarn enthusiasts all around the world cover the streets with their artistic creations. These groups or individuals go during the night to cover statues, signs, and even buses. The displayed artwork has many reasons for being displayed. The yarn bombers display the creations to show problems they feel is needed to be told, much like graffiti.

This idea was first credited to be founded by Magda Sayag in Texas. It was said that she covered door handles with knitted covers. Soon after many people began liking her idea and she and her followers took up bigger projects like buses and stop signs. All around the globe people started forming groups and clubs and started filling the streets with their embellishments.

The big problem with the yarn bombing is that it’s considered vandalism. Putting a crocheted hat on a statue is considered doing the same thing as painting the statue’s head and could get somebody in serious trouble. Some yarn bombers have already been arrested a few times and because of this yarn bombers have to be secretive and do this at night so they won’t get caught. Overall this is liked by many but is also very opposed to.