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Knitting project to cover Clitheroe Castle

2:00pm Saturday 7th January 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By Nafeesa Shan , Reporter

CLITHEROE Castle could be ‘knitted out’ in woolly gear as part of a new global craze that is about to hit East Lancashire.

The historical landmark will be ‘yarn bombed’ if enough volunteers come forward to stitch a colourful handmade coat for the building.

The global phenomenon yarn bombing is a form of graffiti that covers objects in public places with colourful knitted or crocheted designs instead of using paint or chalk.

Bicycles, army tanks, buses, cars, phone boxes, statues and trees are just a handful of objects across the world that have been turned into knitted street art.

Lancashire County Council bosses said the Yarn Bomb the Castle project is also running as part of the Campaign for Wool. The campaign was founded in 2008 by the Prince of Wales, who was conscious that the wool industry was facing enormous challenges following a sharp decline in the price of sheep fleeces.

Stewart Parsons, Lancashire County Council's cultural youth project officer, said: "The aim of Yarn Bomb the Castle is to get young people involved in a programme of knitting workshops to be held at Clitheroe Castle Museum and the local library.

"We are inviting schools and young people from the age of 11 upwards to get involved and help create a truly eye-catching spectacle that can be seen for miles around.

"As well as being a great opportunity to mix fashion, history and fun, the project will engage young people in a traditional craft, help them to develop new skills and hopefully open up some future career opportunities.

"We would also be grateful for donations of wool and knitting needles, and any local people who love knitting are very welcome to join in and share their skills and enthusiasm."

Yarn Bomb the Castle is part of Lancashire County Council's arts development programme for young people, which aims to connect them with libraries and museums.

The project will run from March to August, when it will be celebrated at the Clitheroe Torchlight Procession on August 25.

Comments(5)

The Craft Studio of Clitheroe says...
8:10pm Sat 7 Jan 12

I own the Craft Studio on Taylor Street, Clitheroe where we knit for worthy causes only. We donate the items to worthy charities such as Africa and other poor countries. If you have time and are willing to knit with us, then we will donate all your yarn to you. We have patterns too but you must knit items to be donated to charity NOT for the Castle. Needy children come first. Call in to see us and support needy children with your free yarn and give your time for worthy causes. Thank you. Beryl Taylor

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Amelia Segreta says...
2:57pm Sun 8 Jan 12

What a sad lack of imagination you all show. Do you object to all forms of public art or is there something specific about this one?
By your posts, any activity is a waste of time if it isn't for charity. In this case, children are being engaged if using wool for a project that may be more exciting to them than knitting a scarf for someone else. Once they have the skills, they are more likely to take up knitting for a charitable cause. but the chances of getting them engaged to do that straight off are slim.

As someone who has been a "yarn bomber" longer than it's been called that, I use fibers that wouldn't work for needy children anyway- bad acrylics, recycled yarns, etc.

This project can teach children a lot in a way that is new and exciting.

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goodbye-blackburn says...
6:42pm Sun 8 Jan 12

Amelia Segreta: I certainly don't lack imagination, but I certainly can't imagine anything more ludicrous. Public Arts often sail close to the wind when it comes to what can be considered 'for the common good'. Yes, I've worked in the Arts (for nearly 20 years) and yes, I've seen literally tens of thousands of pounds wasted on trivial nonsense like this. It's just not appropriate or acceptable in a time when most libraries and museums can't afford the staff to provide the public with a decent service, or even look after the material they've already got.

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The Craft Studio of Clitheroe says...
9:19pm Sun 8 Jan 12

. It is a consideration that those organising this project need to be made to see sense. It has been described as an intended ’eye-catching spectacle’. If they are serious about this idea of a technicolour dreamcoat , I think they would definitely create a ‘spectacle’ and they should be told to ‘Keep’ it!
Beryl Taylor

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Arty Marty says...
8:14pm Thu 12 Jan 12

I believe it's a great idea and will be a big thing, ill be there as it's great way to help trend knitting again! And whats all your problems with us teaching youngsters to knitt out of unused wool that would probably be chucked if it wasn't used!

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