Showing posts with label trees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trees. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Yarnbombing: Sweater-Trees and More...

There is nothing about that title which you should immediately understand...well, except the word 'more.'

So, what is yarnbombing? Probably not what you think...

...but maybe kind of what you think.

I don't know...here:

this...

this...
...is a yarnbombing in process. It's a lot slower than regular bombing, and unlike a regular bombing, it's kind of awesome.

Wikipedia, the fount of all modern day (mis)information defines it as this:
Yarn bombing, yarnbombing, graffiti knitting or yarnstorming is a type of graffiti or street art that employs colorful displays of knitted or crocheted cloth rather than paint or chalk. While yarn installations – called yarn bombs or knit bombs – may last for years, they are considered non-permanent, and, unlike graffiti, can be easily removed if necessary. The practice is believed to have originated in the U.S. with Texas knitters trying to find a creative way to use their leftover and unfinished knitting projects, but it has since spread worldwide.[1]

Trees are often the chosen target of the yarnbombers...

Impact Lab

However, yarnbombers do not limit their restless needles and hooks to shivering flora. Anything's game in their eyes:

Take THAT, Partridge family! I bet you're not so smug about your multicolored bus now, are you?

Thread Bear's Picnic

^This is my personal favorite. It's a really interesting dichotomy of images and ideas.

Yarnbombing.com
Mustashe amazingness by Sara Mcguyer

Yarnbombing.com
Image copyright of Theresa Honeywell


Things like this are whimsical. They allow us to break from the mundane, and, if only for a moment, tilt our heads, and smile. I mean, every once in a while, who wouldn't like to step into a world where Dr. Seuss had some creative input?

Truffula Trees

Of course, as with all art, yarnbombing has sparked controversy. Naysayers decry it as wasteful, a squandering of resources which could be put to better use: make sweaters for the homeless! knit gloves for the aged! crochet hats for children with cancer! Should those things be done? Yes, of course! But, they should be done out of the goodness of one's spirit, not because to do otherwise is somehow 'wrong.'

However, the problem with the argument as far as I'm concerned is that art, does not function as a commodity...yes, it is a commodity, but that is not its function. Art's primary function is expression...and its result is response. A painting, a sculpture, or a drawing is rarely 'beneficial' outside of what reaction it ignites. However, I do not think that anyone would condemn Michelangelo's use of marble for the Pietà simply because it could have gone towards a more civic purpose.

Some things are food for the soul and that is the only defense they need.

(I'm going to go ahead and put my art degree back in my pocket now...because...whoa.)

So here's Mothra:

Yarnbombing.com
Knit The City: The Knit the City Yarn Corps

MOOOOO-SUUUUU-RAAAAAAAA!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Sweater Ornaments will keep your tree toasty!



So, Christmas is over and it's been a while since I've written. There's just been a lot going on, hosting family Chirstmas, hanging out with friends, various shenanigans. However, that doesn't mean the sweater fun has to end. I've still got a few posts in mind...and while you may think "How do you do a blog about sweaters all year long?" Surely there will still be a wealth of ugly knit wear to post about. Hilariously bad fashion knows no season...and I may branch out a bit on my "yarns of disaster." For tonight though, let's have a little interactive fun eh?


This Chirstmas Season, I decided that my tree was sorely lacking in sweater related decor. Well, my friend Mel did send me one (check out it's badicalness right uptop there!) Still, I think sweater ornaments are kind of like potato chips, you can't stop at just one. Today, we're going to learn how to do our own "semi-homemade" Christmas tree ornament.

First of all, let's start with some pre-knitted materials. I found these lovely...er..."things" at the thrift store and thought they'd make an excellent starting point. However, an actual Christmas sweater would also prove a great starter source...if you could stand to destroy a work of art that is.


Next, I cut two of the knitted...things...in half to form the sleeves. If you're using a regular sweater or knitted material, just cut a piece of material about 4 inches long and about 2 1/2 inches wide, or just cut out 2 classic sweater shapes and stitch them together.

I cut my material in half since it was double the length I needed. See where I'm going with this?


I then stitched together the undersides of the material to form a tube...so now, I have...you guessed it, sleeves! Oh joy!

Now those weird looking tubes with the white collars make the perfect sweater body. Just stitch the sleeves onto the side.



Next is the fun part, adding your own personal "pizzaz" to your sweater! I chose to cut a Christmas tree out of felt, but let your own style be your guide. I'm probably going to add some other guady elements to it eventually, but you know...you get busy, you get behind on your sweatercraft. *sigh!* Anyway, be creative! I mean, you've seen the stuff I've posted here, you really can't go wrong. Christmas tree...awesome, reindeer head...great, freakface alien santa and child...go for it!
Happy New Year!