Yarn bombing in Mechelen, Belgium

Of the whole craft/diy movement, this has to be my favorite part: yarn bombing. Basically, it’s knitted/crocheted temporary street art. I don’t love all of it—some’s a little too “I wrapped a blanket around this”—but I do love the idea of adding something bright and fun to an otherwise drab landscape, of reminding people not to take things so seriously; stop and smell the roses and all that crap. Maybe making someone smile. Almost makes a girl want to learn to knit. Almost.

These are some pieces we ran across yesterday in Mechelen.

On the way home, somewhere between Mechelen and Lier I drove over a bridge completely yarn bombed. Bright knitted patterns against dark green railing, the river and flower boxes overflowing with purple and fuchsia peonies. Absolutely stunning. At least from my car window.

I may try to find and go back to it. I have to go to Belgium next week to pick up some Rodenbach Caractère Rouge (yea!). It’s not exactly on the way, but who cares. It’s the detours and wrong turns that make life interesting. And they just may lead you over yarn-bombed bridges.

Some more yarn bomb photos on Street Art Utopia here. My favorites are the stripes on the trees, bike rack, lamp post, etc.