Thanks to Tel Aviv based blog, Oh So Arty, we recently learned of a new decorating trend hitting the sometimes dirty and dreary streets of Tel Aviv. Urban knitting.
If the term “urban knitting” makes you think of old ladies sitting in the middle of Rothschild Boulevard with needles and yarn in tow, think again. And if it makes you think of large gatherings of women getting together in some city apartment to knit scarves and socks for their loved ones – a la 2 Knitting Needles Studio based in Haifa – then you’re a little closer but not quite there yet.
The urban knitting we’re talking about is executed by a group called Savta Connection (or, Grandma Connection) that wishes to add beauty and softness to the city by integrating knitted pieces into the urban landscape. Knitted pieces are attached to benches, adding warmth and color to people’s days. On an environmental level, the presence of local, handmade (and therefore low-energy) decorations are a far greener alternative to the omnipresent billboard ads and flyers that usually decorate the streets.
In Savta Connection’s own words: “We, the people of Savta Connection, wish to give something back to the city we love, and the way we see it, there is no better way than Urban Knitting. Urban Knitting is a soft, inoffesive form of Street Art that finds its inspiration in the old feminine practice of knitting. Like other forms of handcraft, knitting is a great way to create unique, one of a kind pieces of art which present an appealing and heart-warming alternative to our consumerism washed society and city.”
So far their knitted street art has included a love sign, oranges, and a hannukiah during the holiday.
Savta Connection extends a warm invitation to whomever wants to join their cause!
Read more about urban eco-friendly art::
Recycling Bins Take the Form of Art in Tel Aviv
ReUse: An Evening of Eco-Art in Central Jerusalem
Abu Yoyo: Closing the Loop in Banner Advertising
Author: Karen Chernick
Much to the disappointment of her Moroccan grandmother, Karen became a vegetarian at the age of seven because of a heartfelt respect for other forms of life. She also began her journey to understand her surroundings and her impact on the environment. She even starting an elementary school Ecology Club and an environmental newsletter in the 3rd grade. (The proceeds of the newsletter went to non-profit environmental organizations, of course.) She now studies in New York. Karen can be reached at karen (at) greenprophet (dot) com.
There have also been some “Savta Connection” type knitting on the streets of Jerusalem. Saw a bench near Bibi’s house decorated with crochet. One problem is when it rains. The knitted fabric will still be holding the water long after the bench has dried. Maybe urban knitters could knit with plastic bags instead? Or would that be less cosy for the benches and trees wearing the knitting?
http://greenprophet.com/2008/05/09/423/recycling-plastic-bags-handbags/