Kelly from Local Honey had a chance to hang out with possibly the most crafty, colorful, creative bunch in Dallas, and being the amazing photographer that she is, she caught it all on film to share with us.

The Dallas Yarn Bombers were busy yarn-bombing the heck out of the brand new Klyde Warren Park's Reading Room area in preparation for it's grand opening last Saturday. I couldn't get enough shots of their adorable garden-themed creation as well as their precious knitted critters and colorful knitting supplies.

They really did an amazing job. Make sure you stop by and see it in person! It'll be up through November. If you're interested in participating in their next installation, they're always needing more crafty yarn-loving volunteers. Check out their Facebook page to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Tree by Modest Ambition

Here’s the surprising thing about yarn bombing a tree: it’s really rough on your hands. As I carefully wrapped the trunk and branches with layers of crocheted and knitted yarn, my fingers and hands were scraped and scratched. I watch tiny ants scurry about as I pulled my oversized needle and thread through the yarn and bound up the branches. I worked back and forth to secure the tops of the tree scarves to withstand drooping from the weight of water from rain and wind.

Yarn bombing has been going strong in Dallas this last year, but this is the biggest project to date. When you visit the Winspear Opera House grounds, you’ll see that it has been transformed by unexpected bright and colorful handworked yarn. There are cozies on every parking bollard arranged in a rainbow spectrum, trees wrapped in full sweaters, and dangling flowers and peace signs overhead along the walkway.

Colorful bollards

This particular installation was requested by the opera house to celebrate the opening of the musical “Hair.” KWitta and the Dallas Yarn Bombers helped coordinate the local knit/crochet community to take on this large-scale project. Over the summer it took shape: taking counts of bollards, measuring trees, and showing off progress to each other.

Using fibers to create public art rather than functional knitwear is still a new idea here, though it’s been done elsewhere. I like to think of it not just as public art, but as social sculpture, working together to build community as we finished off each row. In the end, this whimsical and charming installation is our gift to the public.

Detail, tree by Modest Ambition

For lots more installation shots:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dallas-Yarn-Bombers/227336423947158

http://www.theaterjones.com/stagewhispers/20110916075143/2011-09-16/Friday-Night-is-the-Yarn-Bomb%27

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByMgiy1DKJc&feature=player_profilepage

http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/19075663_rJp9p4#1483962604_NxcZZj9

Story and photos by Modest Ambition.

Scenes from the Klyde Warren Park with the Dallas Yarn Bombers

Keeping Cozy in Dallas