Monday, January 23, 2017

Yarn Bombing: Making the World Brighter

      Take a second and think about what you can make with a pair of knitting needles and a skein of yarn. A hat, a scarf, a pair of socks, and a sweater are a few medial items that come to mind. However, when you think outside of the box, there is a plethora of possibilities - including products that don't conform to the category of homemade garments. Outside of the clothing spectrum lies a whole new level of yarn creativity: yarn bombing.
       By definition, yarn bombing is a type of graffiti or street art that employs colorful displays of knitted or crocheted yarn or fiber rather than paint or chalk. From its humble beginnings as a creative way for knitters and crocheters to put their leftover yarn to good use, yarn bombing has transformed into a massive craze in urban areas around the world. Since this art form is neither permanent nor destructive, it has become a fun and creative way to beautify and brighten up otherwise unappealing and sterile public environments. 
       Many yarn bomb creations have taken the web by storm. There have been artists as old as 104 that have taken to the streets to spread their joy and passion of the craft.  Some companies, such as Target, have even hired yarn bombers to draw attention to their stores.  
    Conan O'Brien, a talk-show host/celebrity, has hired professional yarn bombers as well to create items to advertise for his show.
         Because of social media, the love of yarn bombing has spread across the world.  Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and many more social sites have enabled crafty people everywhere to spread their art and inspire others.  There are numerous accounts dedicated to yarn bombing.  For many, this craft spreads happiness and joy in places that are lacking it.  Every part of the world can now be a brighter, more colorful, place. 

1 comment:

  1. I have seen this in action! For smaller brands (unlike Target), do you think this would be a good way to help their visibility? Is there anyway there could be a call to action with this form of marketing? It would be cool if someone could knit a hashtag so others could post on social media about this neat endeavor.

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