Last week, we looked at the term ‘meme‘.

This week, we will unravel ‘yarn bombing’ (pun intended!)

What is yarn bombing?

A Very Modern Dictionary  defines yarn bombing as:

A form of street art that uses knitted or crocheted yarn to decorate public spaces (rather than paint for instance). A distinctly hipster phenomenon that started to gain popularity in the mid-to-late 2000s. The practice has since lost its underground edge and has been co-opted by knitting clubs, with local governments commissioning works to be displayed at various locations such as public libraries.

Do we yarn bomb in Australia?

I fist came across ‘dressed’ trees in Canberra and then more recently in Melbourne which is recognised for its street art.

Photo of the week: Yarn bombing in Melbourne

Is there a social aspect to yarn bombing?

Then, at the beginning of July,  I spotted a recent news article in the Gold Coast Bulletin and felt so proud to be Australian. Local crafters yarn-bombed trees in a local park where homeless people tend to congregate. They hung warm and cuddly beanies and scarves in the trees to help people survive cold Winter nights.

The knitters attached cards, saying “Just because you matter,” and “Everyone needs help sometimes. Please take a scarf or beanie to help you get through the night. Lots of love.”

How special is that!?