Opunake ready for a yarn bomb Knitters are brightening up the town
Opunake residents are busy knitting and crocheting up a storm.
All manner of projects are underway throughout the town to prepare for this year’s Great Opunake Yarn Bomb.
Run for the first time last year, the Opunake Lakeside Lions Club organised the event, which dressed the town up in a range of bright and wonderful yarn creations last year. Crotcheted bunting was hung down the street, 3D creations were hung outside shops and bikes, lawnmowers and shopping trolleys were wrapped in wool to become pieces of art.
Event co-coordinator Monique Sinclair says the yarn bombing was a hit, with locals and visitors commenting how the street art slowed people down.
“The whole vibe was great — everybody was smiling .”
The project needs support from locals to make it work and community crafting sessions have been held at the library as well as felting workshops to encourage people to get creating. Once everything has been gathered together, Lions Club members stitch the items together and plan where they will go. Monique says last year’s yarn projects were taken down, washed and will be used again with new creations.
“Many sectors of the community have been involved including local church members, the Alzheimers group, preschools as well as schools .
“We have received funding from the South Taranaki District Council and local businesses to support this project.”
The event coincides with the Taranaki Fringe Garden Festival, PowerCo Garden Spectacular and the Taranaki National Art Awards as well as the Everybody’s Theatre Film Festival and the Opunake Business Association Market day which is on October 27.
Monique says it’s a great way to promote the little town.
“The Great Opunake Yarn Bomb really makes our little town a vibrant happy place to be.”
■ Stratford knitters and crocheters are welcome to get in on the action and knit and crochet projects for the yarn bomb. Creations can be dropped off at Sinclair Electrical by October 16 and can include anything. The Great Opunake Yarn Bomb is between October 26 and November 10.