SHE'S THE (YARN) BOMB
California artist uses crochet techniques to create large-scale public-art installations
London Kaye is a Los Angelesbased street artist whose yarn creations have been part of a crochet revolution. She launched her own product line with Lion, featuring yarn that is made for indoor/outdoor use.
On International Women's Day, a crocheted mural of U.S. Vice-president Kamala Harris and the words “I'm Speaking ” was installed at the Wharf in Washington, D.C., a project masterminded by Kaye.
Kaye joined The Washington Post's Home Front online chat. Here is an edited excerpt: Q What's the difference between knitting and crocheting? A Crocheting uses one hook and knitting uses two needles. Crocheting can be a lot more freeform, whereas knitting is more structured and traditionally used to make garments.
Q What kind of planning went into the mural of Kamala Harris? And what was it like to meet Doug Emhoff ?
A The Kamala Harris mural took a lot of planning. It started with a sketch and breaking it down into pattern pieces. There were over 150 crocheters involved and each person was in charge of one square. Depending on their skill and the yarn colours they had at home, I paired them up with the appropriate pattern piece. From start to finish, It took about a month and a half to complete and I would say that is an accomplishment. It is the first mural of Love Across the USA I led, and the community is growing. Currently there are over 600 crocheters and counting. Meeting (Harris's husband, Doug Emhoff ) was too cool. We went to the same high school, so I feel like we are pals.
Q How did you begin making statements via crochet in public places?
A I started “yarn bombing ” for fun. I was working at the Apple Store and wanted to add some creativity into my life. In 2013 I wrapped a tree outside of my house and I couldn't believe it stayed up and the people in the neighbourhood loved it. I gave myself a 30-day challenge where I would put something outside and leave it there for people to enjoy every day. I loved it so much, I ended up doing it for 50 days straight. Next to each piece I would leave a tag so people could find me. After a few years I was able to turn it into my job. Nothing makes me happier than being able to add unexpected joy into peoples' day.
Q How does a beginner get started yarn bombing? What are your inspirations for patterns?
A Check out my website (londonkaye.com). I have a ton of free beginner patterns there.
Q What can I crochet for my home that won't look old fashioned?
A I'm sitting in a yarn-bombed chair. You could yarn bomb a vase and put flowers inside. There are so many fun projects for the home. Find yarn bombing projects for the home in my book, Crochet with London Kaye (Harry N. Abrams, 2019)
Q Is crochet easier than knitting?
A Everyone has a preference. I think crocheting is easier, but with practice, both are just muscle memory. I may be biased, but start with crocheting. Q What's your favourite yarn bomb? A One I made of a dragon on a fence in New York City. The crochet fire coming from its mouth stretched almost the whole block. When someone took it down (after about two weeks) people came back with ribbons that said, “Who took my dragon? Where is my dragon?” It was the first time I saw how much a piece of public art affects the community it is in.
Q How long does it take to make a yarn bomb?
A I like to make them quick. You never know how long they will stay up. I would say on average I spend between one day and two weeks on one.
Q My grandmother was born in 1884. She crocheted all her adult life and we have a treasure trove of her work. It's traditional crochet. What do we do with it? The original use for dining tables and side tables isn't in fashion. I remember her with the basket of thread next to her, watching TV or sitting on the porch.
A I think it is so special to have handmade items from loved ones. The nostalgia bursting from each thread is something to hold onto. I have a tablecloth and blanket from two of my great-grandmothers. I never met them, but their crochet goodness is in my home today.
Q Has anyone been upset with yarn bombing?
A I've been stopped a few times. No one has been absolutely upset. I have had to take a couple down. But that's what I love about yarn bombing. I always have scissors with me and am happy to take it down if the art is not wanted. Also, getting permission is easier than expected. Generally, I ask once the piece is already done, so people understand what the heck I am talking about.
Q How can we teach children to crochet?
A You can teach children to crochet as young as kindergarten. It is one basic stitch, so as long as they can sit in one place for a long enough time, give them a hook and some yarn. I would start by teaching them a chain stitch to get the motion down.
Q What's your favourite tip?
A That you can do it. Stay positive and trust yourself … you are only presented with opportunities in life that you can handle. If you put your mind to it, you can do it.
Q I love your crochet hooks. Where can I get your 3D printed hooks?
A I 3D print my own crochet hooks and got a patent for the design. It's a lighter hook with a pointed tip and a twist, to make it more ergonomic. I created the hook because when people started helping me crochet with larger and larger projects, I noticed there wasn't a great large crochet hook on the market. You can get them on my website.
Q Where's the craziest place you've installed a yarn bomb?
A I installed one in Havana. It was a flamingo, and people went nuts. I also installed one on the side of a cliff in Italy. That probably wasn't the more brilliant idea.
Q How do I keep a crocheted throw from looking granny?
A Make the blanket in the shape of a heart.
Q If I love doing needlepoint, do you think I will like crocheting?
A I think you will love crocheting. Like needlepoint, crocheting takes time and patience. But the beautiful finished products you create are worth each and every minute.
Q What is happening with the dance show you did the set design for? I saw it and it was great.
A The dance show is coming back. I designed an immersive world of crochet sets. It is called Beyond Babel and you can see it off-broadway in New York starting again in the fall.
Q How can crocheters get involved with Love Across the USA?
A Go to the website and add your email to the community page. More projects are coming soon.
Q Can you make a living from yarn bombing? How do you split your time between yarn art and social media?
A I make a living from making large art installations made of yarn for all sorts of crazy and wonderful jobs. One of my favourites was yarn bombing the entire set of Kelly Clarkson's talk show. Splitting my time between running the day-to-day business of crochet, actually crocheting and sharing that crochet with the world can be a lot. But being able to do this as my job is something I am so grateful for and I love it more every day.