Yarnbombing is a new form of public art that has spread to San Diego from its start in Texas in 2005. Knitters and crocheters create colorful yarn pieces and attach them to railings, poles, posts, statues, racks and other outdoor things.
You may have seen an example here in Clairemont – in January, a few stop signs throughout our community were yarnbombed into flowers. By covering the pole with a green scarf, and adding knitted leaves, the red sign becomes an enchanting flower that both pedestrians and drivers can enjoy (you are supposed to come to a complete stop!)
The anonymous knitter behind them started www.stopsignflower.com and is spearheading a project to transform 100 signs across Clairemont. With crowd-funding site www.kickstarter.com, they are raising money and awareness to get this done. The funding period ends on August 5th, so there is still time to add your support. You can sponsor a pole, or even get the sign on your street done!
“Is it legal?” is the question most people ask. Probably not. “Graffiti” or “vandalism” are words you could technically use to describe yarnbombing. But the nondestructive nature of the pieces, and the ease with which they can be removed, usually results in them being tolerated by the authorities. Anyone with a pair of scissors can clean a bombed railing or pole in a couple of minutes.
Clairemont is a wonderful place to live, but it can often feel sterile and bland. Public art is a great way to enhance a community and brighten everyone’s day. Yarnbombing is a fun way for knitters to be artistic with their craft, and personalize the neighborhood.
If you haven’t seen them in person, want more information, or would like to be a part of the 100 Flower Stop Sign project, either as a knitter or a sponsor, be sure and check out www.stopsignflower.com.
“Kevin Gauge” is a pseudonym for a computer programmer who learned to knit 4 years ago so he could teach his daughters. He has lived in Clairemont since 1978
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