Flowerpower Yarnbomb Blooms in Cambridge

Flowerpower Yarnbomb, Jesus Green Tennis Courts, Cambridge

Recently on a trip to Cambridge, I came across this wonderful yarnbomb on Jesus Green.  Those of you who follow my blog will know that I love a good yarnstorm and this was very inspiring.  It was designed and organised by Clare Collier, yarnbomber, and Sarah Clark from The Sheep Shop, Cambridge with pattern assistance from Liz Marley and Just Add Crochet and made by members of the local community and those further afield.

Knitted and crocheted Rhapsody clematis flowers and leaves

You will see a thousand knitted and crocheted Rhapsody clematis flowers and leaves extend across 9 metres of the Jesus Green tennis courts' fence.  Most of the flowers are purple, but 1 in 5 are blue.  This is to highlight the fact that 1 in 5 women will suffer sexual abuse or rape during their lifetime.  It also promotes the work of the Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre, a specialist sexual violence charity who provide support to survivors of sexual violence in Cambridgeshire.

Most flowers are purple but 1:5 are blue

The use of flowers was inspired by Naomi Lawrence, a former Cambridge yarnbomber and street artist now living across the pond in New York, who uses flowers in her work.

The display will be up till the end of October after which the flowers will be taken down, made into brooches and sold to fundraise for the Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre or you can donate now, here.

At least for a time you can listen to Leigh Chambers from Cambridge 105 Drive radio interview Sarah Clark and Clare Collier here.  Although a difficult & distressing subject, this is a great way to raise awareness, involve the community, fundraise and to let survivors know they are not alone.  Do go see it if you're in Cambridge.