MM#2 Joseph Cole

Yarn Bomb Hits Oxford

by: J.B. Cole

Three light poles that line South 13th Street experienced a yarn storm that add colorful cheer to the Square this spring. The once black bases of three light posts across the street from Knit 1 Oxford are now a scramble of yarn shining in the spring sun. As passing cars and dog walkers stumbled upon the street art many were dumb-founded and instantly curious.

This is not the first yarn bomb to go off in Oxford. Knit 1 Oxford bombed a bike in the fall that sits outside of the store on the corner of Jackson Ave. and 13th St. everyday. “I started to see the movement pop up and I thought it was a great way to use leftover yarn to make art everyone can enjoy,” said Patsy Englehard, owner of Knit 1 Oxford. Englehard and several other local knitters have started a movement that startles and shocks most pedestrians and drivers going about their day.

Yarn bombing is a form of street art that is not permanent and can be easily removed. Participants stitch together or crochet designs onto buses, park benches, fences, and an array of other public areas. The following links will show yarn bombings across the world: http://sketch42blog.com/2010/02/yarn-bombing/. The craft was started in Texas as a thrifty and creative way to use leftover yarn and knitting materials.

The next yarn bombing will take place at the Boys and Girls Club of Oxford on April 11th. AspectOriginal Advertising and Design is directing the yarn storm for over 100 kids and has more projects in the works. Volunteers and kids will be decorating fences, trees, and poles around the property throughout the day that will remind everyone of their handiwork and create an enjoyable environment.

AspectO is behind another yarn bombing slated for April 28th in the Student Union Plaza. The Elements of Oxford Mini Fest will showcase musicians and artists that are raising awareness for yarn bombing. There will be vendors with displays, drinks, and art, including Main Squeeze, Gone Fishing, Knit 1 Oxford, and Oxford Ballet School. More details on the Mini Fest will be posted as times and bookings are intact.

The buzz about yarn bombing is starting to get louder. “We have created a fun and free way for anyone to enjoy the weather and make Oxford beautifully weird,” said James Hall, founder of AOAD and a current University senior. The following link will direct you to the AspectOriginal blog for updates on yarn bombings and other sightings: http://aspectoriginal.blogspot.com/. Yarn and supplies used for the yarn bomb were donated by Knit 1 Oxford.