If you stroll through Dallas’ Bishop Arts neighborhood, you will notice trees, bicycle racks, and benches covered in yarn.
These stylish accessories are the work of the Dallas Yarn Bombers, a group of local artists committed to adding color and art throughout the city to evoke positive feelings.
“For me, it brings joy,” Sally Ackerman, the self-proclaimed head ‘knit-wit’ of Dallas Yarn Bombers, said. “People walk up to it; they hug a tree if for no other reason than it’s wearing a sweater.”
Ackerman formed the group in 2011 with her friend Ronda Van Dyk, who owned The Shabby Sheep yarn shop.
The group has since grown in members and has worked on several projects throughout DFW. Notable projects include Klyde Warren Park’s grand opening and events with the Dallas Heritage Village, Dallas Theater Center, and historic downtown Plano.
Ackerman has been knitting and crocheting most of her life, winning a blue ribbon from the State Fair. Ackerman said her family did not need more handmade sweaters, so she started yarn bombing years ago.
“I started doing these random acts of art,” Ackerman explained. “The first time I went out, I made 10 yarn bombs, and my husband said, ‘Let me drive you, honey, in case you get arrested!'”
Ackerman did not get arrested. Her yarn bomb installations are temporary and reusable. She said there’s nothing she cannot cover in yarn.
“We did an entire village one time,” Ackerman said, referring to Heritage Village in Dallas. “We did a golf cart.” That was for the State Fair.
While going about everyday adult life can be challenging and draining, creating works of art has proved to be a form of self-care for Ackerman. She insists that making others smile is the best way to create joyous feelings within oneself.
“It is fiber. It is yarn. But it is joy,” Ackerman said. “As long as I’m creating, I’m happy.”
While many works of street art have some underlying political message, none is attached to the Yarn Bombers’ projects. Ackerman has made it a point to create works that people of all backgrounds and ages can enjoy.
“Well, I want them to smile. I want to bring just a pop of joy into their day,” Ackerman said of those who see the yarn bombing. “It’s more important than ever to express joy and share joy in the world, and have people just having a bad day just look up and go, wow!”
To see more of Dallas Yarn Bombers’ installations or help with installations, visit the group’s Facebook or Instagram.