During the wee hours of Friday morning, a group of knitting and crochet fanatics roamed the streets of Leicester, bombing landmark buildings and statues...with glorious yarn! All in the name of kick-starting Dave’s Leicester comedy festival and bringing a smile to people’s faces, which it absolutely achieved. If you’re on Twitter, search #cheekyknitting if you fancy reading people's reactions and seeing loads more photos.
Sadly, because of work on Friday morning I was
Luckily, other people put a tremendous amount of effort into it and their beautiful creations seriously helped to brighten up some of Leicester’s city centre landmarks.
Buildings targeted included the Leicester City Council, the Leicester Mercury’s HQ and the Highcross shopping centre
And some of Leicester's well-known statues got a makeover too
Sporting Success statue (photo by Neil Goodall)
Now, I'm aware this next bit may sound totally biased of me, but I think that some of the best pieces out there were made by two of my very talented friends.
Bollard covers - the red & blue one was made by A Krafty Kat, Cedric and the other green & pink one were made by Amy Goodall
Amy also made this vine with flowers which adorned The Leicester Seamstress statue
(photos by Amy Goodall)
If you haven’t, I strongly recommend jumping at the opportunity to join in. Yes, it is precious time away from working on projects for yourself, but it’s so exciting knitting on the sly and being involved in something bigger! And it’s totally worth it for the colourful outcome and to see people taking time out of their busy lives to stop, take a closer look and have a giggle!
I love the yarn bombing idea and I think those statues look amazing!
ReplyDeleteI saw this yesterday!! I haven't been to the city centre for a while so didn't know how recent it was. I loved the sports statue but the city council building could really do with some kind of knitted burkha to hide its ugliness from view! Going in again this morning so will look out for yours!
ReplyDeleteHaha, yes the city council building can do with a permanent yarn bomb. It's so ugly! Did you see any of it this morning...apparently not much was left :o(
DeleteLOVE this! Those statues are fantastic and must bring a smile to everyone's face!!
ReplyDeleteThis is sooo cool!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing this lovely account of the storm. I was the person who knitted Mr Cooks accessories which, I hear, have now been stolen. I also installed your work to the signage shown in the first picture which I happen to think looks fabulous!
ReplyDeleteYes it has sadly :( Such a shame, they really suited him!
DeleteAaah, thank you for getting up so early and helping this happen! Shame to hear about your stolen knitting, such a shame, but to be expected sadly!
DeleteI don't mind that someone liked Mr Cooks accessories that they needed to have them for themselves but it is a shame that they could not have been left a little longer for others to enjoy. Storming again on Monday but at a more quieter location.
DeleteI couldn't agree more...would have been great to have everything left in place for at least a few days! How exciting about Monday! Is it Leicester again...are you allowed to say where so I can go and admire it?
DeleteGreat pictures Marie, thanks for the link :) Sadly much of it has now been stolen/moved although Cedric is still going strong (I think the nice security men at the Leicester Mercury took them inside overnight for protection!)
ReplyDeleteYep, I heard that too! How cool that they were taken in by security!
DeleteSo cool!
ReplyDeletehow cool!! it certainly brightens the place up and gives everyone something to talk about.
ReplyDeleteOur town library entrance was yarn bombed last year with book themed knitting - it's still intact, I should post some pics.
ReplyDeleteWow, it's so impressive that it's still intact a year later! Most of Leicester's stuff was stolen / removed last night apparently :o(
DeleteI'd love to think yarn bombing started in Austin, Texas because I remember seeing it done there back in 2006. But I imagine it's been around before then, maybe? I'd love for someone to make a documentary on this. I would totally love to see how this fun, cheery movement has grown.
ReplyDeleteHmm, interesting! You've made me want to look into this now...I'll get back to you with my findings ;o)
DeleteThat looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteI walked past the sports statue yesterday and only the rugby player's legwarmers were left :-( - but the clocktower area had quite a significant police presence so don't know if anyone would have dared nick those!
ReplyDeleteTotally love this!! How amazing people can be!! All of these pictures bring such a smile!
ReplyDeleteFabulous! Great start to the Comedy Festival.
ReplyDeleteThe School of Law at the University of Leicester has a bust of Gandhi in our Harry Peach Library. He has been given a custom made hat and scarf to wear and a little label too. :-)
ReplyDeleteIve only discovered this one
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/13462353@N05/6856490399/in/photostream/
Posted them on my flickr webpage.
I didnt realise there was a lot more.
Kiran