B Amazed: Yarn Bombing

A new trend has evolved led by stories of The Phantom Knitter. In a Banksy inspired style, numerous knitted displays have popped up around the country and have now been recognised enough to gain their own day, with the title of ‘International Yarn Bombing Day’. The North East has seen it before, with a Phantom Knitter sharing their creations in Saltburn, Teesside in the form of knitted teddy bears picnics, a selection of knitted buns and a library appropriate knitted book collection in honour of the Queen’s recent Jubilee. There was even knitted bunting, a knitted tea set and the personalised touch of the Queen with her corgies.

The mystery has recently continued with another patriotic display heralding this years Olympic Games, set to begin in London later this year. Including the majority of sports that will be on display, the creation shows off the bike circuit, swimmers, gymnasts, ice skaters and runners –  all made completely of yarn.

It’s not just the North East that has this trend, the artist Olek has taken it to another level with crochet knit, boasting full room installations and the covering of some iconic landmarks such as a bull sculpture and a car in New York. Ranging through landmarks, to bicycles, even to people – Olek has crocheted everything in what he calls a crochet madness. Olek claims: “I crochet everything that enters or leaves my space.”

The installations from both Olek and the Saltburn Yarn Bombers have brightened up the days of those that have managed to track them down, so whether anonymous or not we’ve got to appreciate their artistic talents.

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