Yarn bombers target knitting revival

A new form of graffiti could soon be hitting the streets of Tauranga.

But the medium does not come in a spray can.

The materials required are a ball of wool and a pair of knitting needles.

A bicycle has been "knit-bombed" at the Cargo Shed and its instigators hope the trend will catch on across the city.

The colourful, cosy street-art, also known as yarnbombing, is popular overseas, where trees, lampposts, telephone boxes and even buses have been covered in knitting and crochet.

The bicycle was the inspiration of Colleen Killeen, one of eight Tauranga Spinners and Weavers members who have the Elegance stall at the Cargo Shed, selling handmade knitted, woven and felted products.

Margaret Pringle, who was manning the stall yesterday, said the craft had been popular with cruise ship visitors who had been keen to contribute, using the knitting needles and wool provided.

"We had an American couple and she sat down and taught her husband how to knit while they were here. Then she bought wool to knit on holiday," Mrs Pringle said.

"It's inspiring people to start knitting again. People who haven't knitted for years will sit down and do a few rows. We've even had children sitting and knitting."

A self-confessed "knit-a-holic", Mrs Pringle also hoped to "knit-bomb" the trees outside the Cargo Shed.

Knitting was experiencing a revival, with more young people learning the craft, she said.