A VILLAGE bus shelter near Tenby has been looking cheerful since December 1 thanks to the efforts of Penally’s new yarn bomb group.
Upon moving to the Pembrokeshire village in September, Penally Yarn Bombers founder Josie Hundson discovered there wasn’t a yarn bomb group in the area, and worse, some people didn't even know what one was!
Yarn bombing started in America. Initially it was about reclaiming ugly public spaces with yarn graffiti, perhaps a bit of a female rebellion. It quickly spread all over the world and now mailboxes, bus shelters, bollards and other street furniture all over the UK are adorned with jolly woolly creations, simply for the pleasure of the town.
In October at the Penally Village hall 40th Anniversary, noting some crocheted robins in a ‘Christmases Past’ scrapbook, Josie commented to neighbour and creator Lynne and explained she intended to put a wreath up in the bus shelter over Christmas. Without a moment’s hesitation Lynne was on board, brimming with ideas.
Somehow, by the beginning of November the pair had drummed up a small team of enthusiastic knitters and crocheters and all set to work, with a very short deadline of December 1.
Penally Yarn Bombers hope their creations spread a bit of joy and happiness in the community, encouraging people to walk more often. They’re currently exploring options for funding future plans, including possibly teaching others new skills, a borrowing equipment/pattern library and regular crafty get togethers.
Crochet and knitting are great ways to keep your mind active and stop the ’phone scrolling habit so many have developed. There is a QR code attached to the work if people would like to donate to the Paul Sartori foundation.
Any knitters or crocheters who fancy getting involved can email [email protected], all skill levels welcome.