Knitting project bands together community

Yarn bombing the farm bomb is an initiative of Melissa Robins, and close friends, which has been driven by the Gunning Hookers.

The idea to bomb an old car with craft, crochets, and knits, was to promote the Gunning District and build community spirit, Leslie Bush said.

Ms Robins could see first hand the tough conditions that the drought was having on the farming community.

“There has been such enthusiasm for the Yarn Bomb Project it is so heart-warming.”

The project has so far banded together with local businesses and people from over 200 kilometres away.

“People from Canberra, Queanbeyan, Sydney, and all the surrounding local areas.

“Everyone has been busy with the crochet hooks or knitting needles, from mums, aunts, nannas and the kids. It has been a fantastic response.”

The car which has been named Patch has also attracted the attention of celebrated actor Max Cullen.

He and his wife, have allowed the group to use their building to pull all the crocheted and knitted pieces together.  

“We have had people who aren’t crafty chipping in with signs, admin work or just support for the project.

Ms Robins has been busy down at the bomb site, Gunning Motors with community members and her “band of elves stitching away to give Patch a new set of clothes.”

People have contributed in a variety of ways from setting up shade shelters, to buying ice-blocks for the volunteers.

“That is what community spirit is about, pitching in, lending a hand when it’s needed and being enthusiastic about your town.

“This is a community rich in so many ways.”

Businesses and organisations have contributed time and skill – Russell Primmer from Rusty Nuts Towing, Creative Gunning, Gunning Hookers, The Picture House Gallery Bookshop, members of Dalton Craft Group.

Gunning Hookers are hopeful that the yarn bombed car would be ready in time for Carols by Candlelight on Saturday, December 22.