Yarn Bombing Pros and Cons

With International Yarn Bombing Day right around the corner (June 11) I wonder if I’m the only one on the fence about this “sport”.  From everything I’ve read people either love it or think it’s ridiculous, so I’ve decided to put together a list.  (just remember these are my opinions, and you are entitled to a different opinion, but please be nice with your comments if you don’t agree)

Pros of Yarnbombing
  • You pass on your love of crocheting/knitting
  • You may inspire someone else to pick up the art
  • You brighten your environment
  • You give others the joy they may not otherwise appreciate

 

Cons of Yarnbombing
  • I can think of a lot of other things to do with my yarn
  • There may be town/city ordinances for graffitti (you may want to check and make sure you won’t get in trouble
  • Others may think you’re crazy :)
  • Are you ok with doing it if it’s not appreciated?

There’s been a lot of buzz going around the web this week that “guerrilla yarn bombers” have gone too far by yarn bombing this turtle.    I think he’s cute, and my guess is maybe he was someones pet and they just did it for effect?  If not, and someone is really upset why didn’t they just take it off?  Again, just my opinion.  What do you think?

I’d love to hear what you think about the whole “yarnbombing” thing.  Please be nice, we all have our own opinions. Thanks :)

Happy Crocheting!



14 thoughts on “Yarn Bombing Pros and Cons”

  • >Good question, but I don't have an answer. I assume if it's taken down by the town/city they just discard it. And if it's taken down by someone who uses yarn, they would probably just reuse it. Totally a guess, but I'd love to hear if anyone knows for sure.

  • >I would think that if it is left to just deteriorate (which I don't think it is) that that could be bad for the environment. You know, fish getting tangled in discarded yarn or something. I personally can think of a lot better things to do with my yarn, like making and selling things to support my family!

  • >Okay, Kristine, you asked for it. And, it is my own opinion so I take full ownership of it.I think it's stupid. Seriously, what a waste of yarn, time and talent. I doubt any of it gets reused because it sits out in the elements and gets either sun bleached, wet or whatever. I think if people want to do the "cons" on your list then they should put together a show of knitting and crocheting items and put it in a gallery or public library or do a cool display at one of the schools. Not just a bunch of acrylic yarn (I mean, would you use something at $32 a skein for this) hugging a bunch of trees and parking meters? I don't think that's showing off our talents at all. I think it's just dorky.Opps! It turned into a rant. Sorry.

  • >My thoughts on yarn bombing go both ways. If you have left over or extra yarn, it could be fun..yes, it can get get dirty and needs to be removed. Be respnsible and go back and get it.And on the other hand it does sound silly. I think the turtle is cute. But I think every animal should wear a sweater. :O)

  • >I jut don't know what to think..Made me smile though..My husband has a fear that I am going to thread bomb the house with doilies..

  • >I'm ok with yarn bombing although I take the "better things to do with my yarn" to heart. I'm considering a good yarn bombing here (obviously, I can't tell you what), but it involves more than just wrapping some yarn on a pole. It will be fun and funny, but the items will most likely be taken by people who need them – so it's a win-win… I do something fun, I brighten others' days, and help someone else in the end.

  • >Great topic that's gotten a lot of attention this week!I'm a fan of yarnbombing as an art form but then I'm also supportive of traditional graffiti as a legitimate art form and I think yarnbombing is much less invasive than that. I think it's important to remember that people crochet for different reasons and that it's purposes as art / craft/ hobby/ living can be very different. So, although I haven't done any yarmbombing, I support it.Nevertheless, I've been intrigued by many of the posts that give some great legitimate arguments against yarnbombing. To those who don't like it I'd highly recommend reading the Yarnbombing book … it may not change your mind, which is fine, but it will provide some great insight into the entire movement and its reasons for existing. Plus you can see some terrific photos of crochet and knit art that you'll love even if you don't like yarnbombing! :)

  • >I did not realize that yarn bombing was such a hot topic until I posted my blog post yesterday. Most of it is done without permission, which makes it a criminal offense.

  • >(Sorry, i'm french and i use a translator onligne so i hope you'll understand me)i think the question is not to say if you would do it or not, of course you're not for the most, it's more an artistic inventive step, a form of artistic expression (which you liked it or not) than an usual step to create socks or shawl… you cannot compare it with your own crochet or knit work.At first, it's an urban art rather poetic, so it's necessarily useless, even irrational, immoderate, it cannot be summed up in a question of waste of yarn !! and teresa, i don't think this topic is hot, what is hot is to reduce yarnbombing in something criminal

  • >I can answer what happens to some of the yarnbombing when it's taken down. We recycle it, well what can be saved. We wash it, and then use the other side of it and incorporate it into other yarnbombing or projects (like our storybox that traveled around the world for the storytelling project with kevin Cordie).Much of the yarn we get is donated odds and ends from locals who LOVE our yarnbombing. Our village is very supportive of it as it's become a great attraction. I do get rather astonished at those who decide how I should spend my time. Yarnbombing is a tiny part of my life as a professional artist, but it certainly has NOT been a waste of time. Bringing joy to people and involving a community in a fun activity is never a waste of time. Are there better things to do with yarn? That question could apply to any material we use as artists, crafters ;)just my humble thoughts on it.

    • Thank you for that info. I had wondered what happened to the yarn afterwards, if it just stayed until it deteriorated and maybe created problems in the environment. I’m glad to know it is retrieved. I was not concerned about what the knitters did with their time as that is their business. I think it is fun to see and certainly more beautiful than many things we must view that people leave around. :)

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