Customer Reviews

Yarn Bombing: The Art of Crochet and Knit Graffiti

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you knit or crochet, you have to see this book! It's full of photos of "yarn bombing", which is adding knit and crochet touches and accents to public places, sort of like graffiti with yarn (my words). It also has photos of some amazing knit and crochet public art projects. There are also a few patterns to get you started doing your own part to beautify the world with knit and crochet. Even if that's not your thing, this book is still fun to look at.

Yarn Bombing--the art of crochet and knit graffiti by Mandy Moore and Leanne Prain
Genre: craft/art
Rating: 4/5

Yarn Bombing is an extremely inspirational and creative book. It got my knitting juices flowing and made my hands itch for the needles when I saw pictures of colorful yarn knit into... beautiful graffiti?

Yes, yarn graffiti. Yarn Bombing is a rather large thing in big cities and even other countries where knitting is prominent, especially Sweden (see links below).

Yarn Bombing has many fantastic pictures, ideas for bombing, some basics for getting started, points and tips, advice on what to say if you get caught in the act (either by passer-bys or police), interviews with yarn bombers, and some patterns.

Here is my favorite pattern:
this pattern is for chain-link fence weave:
1. Cast On 12.
2. Open a bottle of wine.
3. Knit every row until sober.
4. Bind off
5. Repeat 1-4 seven more times...

I find this hilarious, though some people who aren't knitters may not. By the way, the real pattern for the chain link fence weave is written in the book right under that ;)

There are patterns in the book for knitting items for yourself, such as arm warmers, hoods that cover your whole face except your eyes (so you can be a ninja-yarn-bomber!) sweaters, and some other stuff. Some of the bombing patterns include treesweaters, knit tulips and mushrooms, Knit sneakers to hang over wires, Bolo balls, Elf Stockings, and more.

I give it a 4/5 because, considering that graffiti is illegal and I'm perusing Criminology... let's just say that I'm being gracious(and I'm actually considering giving this a try... I'll keep you posted on that one ;). Also, it was laid out a little odd and it was a bit hard to find some things. Lastly it didn't have quite as many patterns as I expected. But, all in all, it was an awesome craft book!

Recommendation: knitters and Crocheters of any age, anyone interested in graffiti or contemporary art.

I bought this book for my super hip mom for Mother's Day and she and I both LOVE it! Living in Houston I was able to watch first hand as local knitting group Knitta exploded onto the street art scene quickly spreading across the country and globe spreading their positive (and non-destructive) knitted vibes. Mom, being an avid knitter on her own, has always loved the idea of using knitting in more unconventional and creative ways and as a result has always loved when I share with her the expanding world of knitted street art. This book provides tons of great images and tips for fun projects small to large that one can do, or if you're like me, you can just admire the playful ways in which people all over the world have adapted their knitting skills. After thumbing through the book the first time my mom was already telling me about the ways she was excited to get creative herself, and pull away from the typical knitted hats and scarves!

Most of the ideas in this book are totally practical!! However the ones that aren't (like covering a school bus)are still quite enjoyable to ponder. Yarn Bombing will definately hang out on my coffee table for at least a little while for other people to enjoy as well. It's so fun to flip through and I've already started my first project! It's a must for those fiber artists who like to live a little on the edge!!

Taking the world by storm, yarn bombing has become a great way to express yourself without the rules that traditional knitting ties you to. Authors Moore and Prain have created a great full colour introduction to DIY graffiti knitting for anyone interested in learning the ins and outs.

This is a beautiful book exploring the many ways modern knitters and crocheters are speaking out in public with their work. The photos are gorgeous and the contect is fun and thought-provoking. There are how-to sections as well as stories on the crafters' motivations and history.

I first read an article about yarn bombing about three years ago in Vogues Knit1 magazine and enjoyed the idea that yet another fun trend in the world of fiber arts had been discovered. What I didn't know until now was just how pervasive it is. This fantastic little book illustrates it's scope by featuring yarn-bombers around the world. It also includes the prerequisite patterns to help inspire design in "tagging" but for me I was riveted by the artists/bombers themselves as well as the photos which are a laugh and a surprise in their detail as well as innovation in "tag" placement.

On a social scale I was mesmerized, from a creative aspect I am blown away and can't wait go to work with my own yarn stash leftovers.

It is so cool seeing all the nicely knit yarn bombs left all over the place! I'm inspired to do it myself!!

From the novice knit/crocheter to the most experienced of fiber-fiends, Yarn-bombing: The Art of Knit and Crochet Graffiti is an excellent addition to any fiber-oriented library, and indeed perhaps even a street art oriented library. Part history and introduction to yarn-bombing the authors trace the movement back to the originators as well as other influential groups that have spread the art across the world. The book gives an in depth look at how yarn-bombing began.

Part philosophical essay, the book also discusses the reasoning behind yarn-bombing for various people, from the silliest that want to make the world a little more surreal, to the most political which include war and environmental protests. It explores how one interested in yarn-bombing can develop their own views on the subject and its purpose and place in the world.

At its core, however, the book is an outstanding how-to guide and resource manual for getting started. From finding a crew, to methods and tagging suggestions, and even how to go global, it offers advice on sites, books, and tutorials. Even patterns from simple to complex, from tags to clothing for concealment, are included in this volume. I will note that most of the included patterns are knit, though there are a few crochet patterns and several that feature a knit and crochet version such as the monster feet pattern, a personal favorite.

This book also offers inspiration to any yarn-bomber. Filled with dozens of beautiful full-color photographs of yarn-bombing it wouldn't look out of place as a display on a coffee table and provides ideas for dozens of projects and that's not even including the fascinating interviews with world famous yarn-bombers like Knitta and Incogknito, who share their own philosophies, techniques, and inspirations with the reader.

One of my favorite features of this book is the equal attention and respect shown to both knit and crochet, often using both skills in a single example. All too often it seems like knit and crochet belong to two separate camps that constantly fight one another. This book encourages diversity, collaboration, and equality in crafting techniques and even yarn!

This book can be your first step in making the world a softer, more whimsical, warmer (in a good way) place.

this a fun, inspiring book that makes me want to get out there and cover all manner trees, poles and parking meters.I wanted even more pictures