There's Still Time to Volunteer for Birmingham's Yarn Bombing Project

It's going to get a lot more colorful this September, as "" prepares to drench Birmingham in yarn this weekend.

The first day for Birmingham in Stitches — — is this Saturday and is scheduled to last through Sept. 30, though the yarn sculptures could stay up as long as Oct. 14 depending on weather conditions.

The project is organized and funded through the city's Public Arts Board and the , Christian Weurth, assistant to the city manager, said. All the colorfully knitted and crocheted pieces have been made by volunteers.

What does "yarn bombing" actually involve? According to a memo sent to the city commission from Weurth, yarn bombing involves placing knitted or crocheted objects onto trees, parking meters, light posts, bicycle racks and sculptures.

Besides giving downtown some color, Birmingham in Stitches is intended to involve the Birmingham community in an interactive art project as well as raise awareness for public art programs throughout the city.

In fact, on Oct. 25, the Birmingham Public Arts Board, the and the will co-sponsor a free public panel discussion about the Birmingham in Stitches project. The program will take place at 7 p.m. at the library.

Where will the yarn-bombing take place? Display locations include:

• The (556 W. Maple Rd.)
• (355 W. Maple Rd.)
• (300 W. Merrill)
• (151 Martin St.)
• Merrill Street between South Old Woodward and Henrietta Street

So far, several Birmingham community groups have gotten in on the yarn bombing action, hosting various stitch-ins throughout the summer. Weurth said more than 100 volunteers have signed up as knitters and crocheters.

There's still time to volunteer for Birmingham in Stitches, whether you're a knitter or not. Volunteers are needed to help install the knitted projects as well help take them down.

According to Weurth, installations are scheduled for Saturday through next Tuesday:

• 9-11 a.m. Sept. 15: Merrill Street from Old Woodward to Pierce; St. James Church
• 2-3 p.m. Sept. 15: Birmingham Historical Museum and Park
• 1-3 p.m. Sept. 16: Merrill Street from Pierce to Henrietta; Baldwin Public Library
• 9-11 a.m. Sept. 17: Shain Park
• 10-11 a.m. Sept. 18: Plaza at southeast corner of Pierce and Merrill

To volunteer, contact Weurth at 248-530-1810 or email cweurth@bhamgov.com.