Arts & Entertainment

Knit Happens: Royal Oak has String of Yarn Bombings

A new art form is popping up around town.

Have you noticed the vibrant crocheted park bench, bus stop or tree stumps in Royal Oak near 14 Mile Road and Coolidge? Or what about the parking meter, tree or door handle on Fourth Street?

“Guerrila crocheting” or “yarn bombing” is a new form of art popping up in Royal Oak. There's a bit of mystery about who is behind the creations in north Royal Oak, but the works on Fourth Street belong to Jennifer Xerri of Starlily Creations.

If you haven't heard of yarn bombing, a quick Google search will reveal photos of everything from cars and natural spaces to the Wall Street Charging Bull in Manhattan covered in colorful yarn creations.

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“There is even an International Yarn Bombing Day on June 11,” said Amy Goller, owner of in downtown Royal Oak.

Knitters use 100 percent acrylic yarn, which can handle exposure to the elements, doesn’t shrink and is relatively inexpensive, Goller said.

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“To do it you have to be a decent knitter and have a significant amount of time on your hand,” Goller said. “It’s not destructive and is easily removed.”

Xerri found it's easy to remove the hard way. She yarn bombed a parking meter in Royal Oak only to have it taken down within hours.

“I spent a lot of time on it so I was disappointed,” she said.

To avoid further disappointment, Xerri said she’s sticking to private property. To that end, she’ll be outside in Ferndale on Sunday, weather permitting, to "yarn bomb" and help promote an upcoming Meet the Artisans event at the floral and gift shop.

Meet the Artisans is scheduled for 6:30-10 p.m. April 27 at Blumz, where 21 local artists will offer their handmade work for sale while guests enjoy food, drinks and a silent auction. Proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan.

If you’re interested in yarn bombing, Xerri said a group meets every Sunday at 4 p.m. at in Royal Oak to share ideas.

“I would like to yarn bomb the trees at the ," Xerri said. "I look at them and think it would be a good project, but it is awfully close to the police station, and I don’t want to get into trouble!” 

Read about yarn bombing in and .


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