The Yarn Bombing Project will see a range of community groups come together to produce the ‘Yarn Bombs’ and wrap public objects in key locations around the North West Region, contributing to culturally vibrant communities.
The concept of Yarn Bombing has been used worldwide by artists and community groups to brighten parks and streets, bringing a sense of fun to public spaces. The Yarn bombing project not only beautifies the region, but it also encourages community connections and provides opportunities for tourist trails between towns and villages.
Bank Art Museum Moree (BAMM) established the Yarn Bombing Project in 2022 to beautify the town, connect the local community, and attract tourism to the region. The project was led by BAMM’s Education Coordinator and now Arts North West’s Project Officer, Jules Minors. From the success of the project in the Moree Plains Shire, BAMM and Arts North West have collaborated to expand the project to the surrounding 10 LGA’s in the North West region.
Arts North West plans to adapt and expand the project to ensure it is accessible to the villages, schools, and community groups in the North West Region. Accompanying programs, events, and partner projects will be held to engage and encourage community involvement, creating a sense shared sense of identity across the Region.
The project will improve the liveability of the region by encouraging youth to participate in group activities and enhance experiences had by visitors.
Knitting and crocheting produce happiness, increase self-confidence and help create a sense of well-being. They can also help change your mood. Like all creative activities, they feed your imagination and artistic side. They also have a practical side and foment the concept of a ‘job well done’. That’s why you can get hooked on knitting and crocheting!
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The yarn bombing project has four key stages to ensure project is sustainable in a community setting. The phases include creating, collecting, arranging and installing. People can be as much or little involved in these four stages throughout the Yarn Bombing Project. Some people may find themselves interested in one aspect of the project as there are so many ways you can get involved.
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Create granny squares of all shapes and sizes to contribute to the yarn bombing project. Feel free to experiment with new patterns and colours! The knitted and crocheted items can be dropped to your local community donation station.
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The community donation stations are public spaces that give people the opportunity to drop off donations of knitted and crocheted items, unwanted yarn, unfinished/attempted projects with ease. The donation stations may request certain themes/colours or arrange pre-existing miscellaneous donations for special events and occasions. The donation stations collect the squares and once they have enough for their target they can pass them on to the assembly team.
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Anyone who likes sewing and Tetris will love assembling yarn bombs! There are so many ways the squares can be arranged, so feel free to get creative. Once you have laid out your design it is time to sew the squares together and in to a yarn bombing blanket.
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Become a seamstress of public art with the Yarn Bombing Project!
Once the yarn bombing blanket is assembled it will be ready for install. All you need now is a spray of fabric protector, needle and thread, and you’re off!
Calling for community Donation Stations across the New England North West!
Would you like to to get your area involved? Arts North West is currently aiming for at least three community donation stations in each LGA and would love to hear from you! Before launching the project in your area we want to ensure the project is accessible to the whole community.
The community donation stations are public spaces that give people the opportunity to drop off donations of knitted and crocheted items, unwanted yarn, unfinished/attempted projects with ease. The donation stations may host workshops, give away materials, request certain themes, colours or arrange pre-existing donations for special events and occasions.
Yarning in Commemoration of ANZAC DAY
Take a look at the bright and inspired Anzac Day installation by Doreen Davis!
Doreen has crocheted two wonderful poppy covers for the concrete spheres infront of Moree Town Hall. The covers are removable and will be donated to the Moree Anzac Day ceremony.
YARN BOMBING THE NARRABRI CROSSING THEATRE PILLARS
In the early hours of the Friday before the CREATE Festival Narrabri the community has come together and yarn-bombed the Narrabri Crossing Theatre Pillars!
CREATE Festival 2024 is a heartfelt tribute to our rural roots, inviting everyone to delve into the beauty that defines our landscape. CREATE Festival 2024 is a celebration of innovation and creativity. The festival offers a unique experience, showcasing creativity within the community. More than just an event, it encourages attendees to actively engage in workshops and witness live performances. The festival is an opportunity to discover hidden talents, appreciate local creativity, and witness all that unfolds when a community comes together to create.
We installed a collection of knitted, crocheted, and weaved works to yarn bomb the pillars of the theatre, the Narrabri Visitor Information Centre, and a Cotton picker!
Narrabri has three donation stations where people can drop off granny squares, knitted items, attempted projects or unwanted yarn. The donation stations are also a space you can pick up yarn to get your yarning journey started! All shapes and sizes accepted!
The Yarn Bombing Project Narrabri has been launched in collaboration with the Narrabri Council, Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre, Narrabri Art & Craft Society, and the Namoi Women's Shed for Create Narrabri.
NARRABRI YARN BOMBING PROJECT LAUNCH
The Narrabri community joined us for a cuppa and a yarn at the Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre! We enjoyed a pop-up workshop and afternoon tea where we had a chat while learning how to knit or crochet! People brought along projects they already started and also started something new on the day! All skill levels were welcome!
The Yarn Bombing Project Narrabri has been launched in collaboration with the Narrabri Art & Craft Society, and the Namoi Women's Shed for Create Narrabri.
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT WITH GLOW-IN-THE-DARK YARN TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
On Thursday, January 25 from 5 - 8 PM Arts North West held a Yarn Bombing collective in Bicentennial Park as part of Country Fringe during the Tamworth Country Music Festival!
Pioneer Parade came alive with a Silent Disco dance party, light-up angel wings, and a visit from the Empress Stilt Dance Walkers and Fairy Eyes Face Painting.
DIABETES AWARENESS TREE
BAMM and the Diabetes Alliance program (DAP+) have brought art and health together by partnering to create the Diabetes Awareness Tree. The tree is a tribute to all those in our community who suffer from diabetes, as well as those who care for them. to raise awareness and understand more about the prevention and treatment of diabetes.
The tree was strategically chosen to be on hospital grounds and accessible to patients. The Diabetes Awareness is on the Moree Hospital grounds to provide a peaceful and beautiful space where the community can enjoy disconnecting whilst sitting beneath the tree.
It was wonderful to see all the knitted and crocheted items that traveled hundreds of kilometres to support the DAP+ tree.
We have some exciting things underway for the Yarn Bombing Project and we would love you to be involved!
The Diabetes Alliance Plus Program reached out to BAMM and the Yarn Bombing Project to create a yarn bomb to raise awareness for Diabetes. It was very exciting to see that the project reached as far as Newcastle!
Prior to the yarn bomb installation a pop up yarning session was hosted in the BAMM Garden to raise awareness and understand more about the prevention and treatment of diabetes. During the event participants shared and learnt new stitches, techniques and patterns, enjoyed a picnic in the garden, met people with a shared interest and of course had a yarn about raising Diabetes awareness!
It was great to see such a diverse range of people contribute to this yarn bomb and create a positive impact for Moree.