Menlo mystery: Yarn arms hugging telephone poles on Santa Cruz Avenue
We’ve had a number of readers ask about the ever-growing number of yarn arms/hands wrapped around telephone poles along the Fremont Park side of Santa Cruz Avenue. They’re scattered between San Mateo Drive and University Avenue, taking tree hugging to a new level.
Discovering this morning that the hugging had taken a right turn literally — there’s a new installation on a pole on University across from Peet’s, the first, to our knowledge, not on Santa Cruz — we decided to put this mystery out to our readers with the hope of having someone solve the case: Who is performing this wonderful and whimsical artwork — and why?
One reader emailed some context (particularly for those of us who don’t knit and don’t understand its complexity): “Based on knitting styles, yarns and pattern choices, I’d say there are at least two knitters — or maybe a whole knitting club!”
InMenlo contributing photographer Robb Most gave up part of his Sunday to photograph the yarn arms. We present a selection here. It was hard to choose; they are all so bright and cheerful!
Who can we thank???
Photos by Robb Most (c) 2019
Mary Ergas April 29, 2019 at 3:12 pm
I am familiar with this idea. My cousin who lives in Minnesota does what she calls “knit bombing”. She places knitted pieces into iron fences and poles. It’s sort of like a nice surprise to leave for people to make them smile or brighten their day. It’s also known as “yarn bombing” and there’s a wikipedia site that talks about it.. A lovely concept!
Steven Luebkeman April 29, 2019 at 11:59 pm
This was done in Columbia North Carolina all over Main St.
Judy Adams April 30, 2019 at 12:43 am
What a warm and fuzzy street art effort! Thanks for the yarn bombers of MP.
A ShutterBug Explores May 02, 2019 at 4:00 pm
Oh I would to have the pattern for this ~ Does anyone have a link for this pattern?/?? Thanks
Carol