Winter warmed with woolly wonder

CALLING the community to crocheting action in Autumn, the Bridge Mall Business Association has been thrilled by the response to their Yarn-Bombing Extravaganza.

Forty-three cosy pieces, from granny squares to knitted blankets, have been attached to trees, public furniture and lamp posts throughout the shopping centre, hand-made by Ballarat residents and local grassroots groups.

Wild and woolly wintery activities and entertainment in the Mall, including a dog fashion parade, Bubbly Funky Duo Stilt Walkers, the Martini Set band, and Western Bull-Doggie-Do drew attention to the pops of yarn-bomb colour in the Mall last weekend.

The Bridge’s general manager Germaine Davey said the installations are “exquisite” and Ballarat’s enthusiasm for the overall Extravaganza has been “phenomenal.”

“We had 15 super-cute entries for the Woolly Waggers fashion parade, featuring dogs in knitted outfits,” she said.

“That was a really fun project to work on. We really love our dogs down at The Bridge Mall because it’s a perfect space for our furry friends, especially at our farmers’ market.

“We also had a friends and family trader fashion parade which was special. People volunteered to be part of it, and it was a positive community event, engaging the young people that visit our Mall.”

Ms Davey said the yarn-bombing festivities have brought an “enormous” amount of vibrant colour to the space during a cold and dark time of the year.

“We’ve received so much positive feedback from people coming down. This project has refreshed the landscape.

“The Bridge is an important historical location for Ballarat. We’re excited about its future, and initiatives like this are a way of engaging the community as we move forward,” she said.

Ms Davey encourages people who have yarn-bombed a site in the Mall to add to their pieces as the chilly season continues.