Yarn Bomb at Highland Square Branch Library

Akron Empire would like to welcome guest bloggers Mary Oliver Bethel and Catherine Pyle-Raffle.   Both women are members of the local Akron Stitch n' Bitch group.  Have you seen the handsome mustache on the giant frog sculpture in front of the Highland Square library yet?  Here's how that happened:

Radical Stitching in Highland Square!
Words by Mary Oliver Bethel
Photos by Catherine Pyle-Raffle


On Saturday June 16, the Akron Stitch ‘n Bitch yarn bombed the Highland Square Branch Library. Yarn bombing, or knitted graffiti, is street art made up of colorful displays of knitted or crocheted yarn and fiber.

Unlike other forms of graffiti, yarn bombs can be easily removed without damage to the structures they embellish.

The Highland Square library was an ideal location for our group to tag. The numerous trees, light posts, pillars, and curvy bike rack all lend themselves to wooly cozies, but by far the most impressive structure is the giant frog sculpture. Yarn bombing that amphibian was on my life bucket list, and I’m so glad the library staff was so accommodating.

The Akron Stitch ‘n Bitch (Akron SnB) is a group for radical crafters in the Northeast Ohio area, to meet and share our enthusiasm for our craft, as well as inspire and educate each other. All needlecrafts welcome: knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, etc. If you can do it sitting in a chair, bring it and come hang out.

Some of the group preparing for the yarn bombing on Saturday morning

Our meetings* are held each Wednesday 7-9 pm at:
Craft Akron
1478 N. Portage Path, Parkwood Plaza
Akron, OH 44313

Note we do have a special summer schedule, June-Aug, check the calendar for meeting dates and locations.
And occasional* Saturdays from 10am-12pm at:
Caribou Coffee
1 N Hawkins Ave
Akron, Oh 44313
(intersection of Market and Hawkins)
Please email (snb-akron@yahoo.com) if you plan on attending a Saturday meeting to ensure others are able to meet also.

Please find us online at: groups.yahoo.com/group/snb-akron

Or better yet, on Facebook group: Akron SnB

The yarn bomb will be on display until July 16, so go check it out!

Mary Oliver Bethel is the co leader of the Akron Stitch ‘n Bitch. Check out her blog: Knit2mylou.

Catherine Pyle-Raffle is an Akron Stitch ‘n Bitch member who also blogs: The Spark of Brilliance.