Over the last two years, local artist Knitteapolis has wrapped more than 1,000 stop sign posts, bike racks, statues and other fixed objects around the Twin Cities with yarn.
This week, she put her creative stamp, known as a “yarn bomb,” on something a little less static – a Metro Transit bus.
Christened the “Yarn Bus,” handrails are wrapped in green yarn and dotted with a colorful array of knitted leaves, flowers, mushrooms and vines that give the bus a forested feel.
“I’m thinking this will really allow people to check out during their commute, to transport not just their bodies but their brains,” said Knitteapolis, who keeps her identity a secret. “I think a lot of people are going to miss their stops.”
Knitteapolis provided the spark, contacting Metro Transit to see if her idea could become a reality. With the agency’s support, the project expanded beyond a solo effort.
The Minnesota Machine Knitters Guild made the green base that serves as the foundation and the Minnesota Knitters Guild contributed several of the trimmings.
Much of the work happened off of the bus, with thousands of yards of yard woven together in preparation for installation.
The final stitching was done the day before the Yarn Bus debuted, Tuesday, Oct. 4. The bus will be in service for the next two months, rotating through several routes (advance announcements will be made on select dates).
Knitteapolis said she’s eager to see how people react to her latest project. “This is what I’d call a random act of fun,” she said. “I hope it brings people unexpected joy and a smile.”
Customers who board the bus are encouraged to take photos and share them on social media using the hashtag #yarnbus.
> Star Tribune: Metro Transit bus gets 'yarn bombed'