At DeafBlind Ontario Services, we believe that awareness can be built in the most creative and colorful ways—and one of our favorite examples is yarn bombing.
Yarn bombing – done during the month of June to celebrate National Deafblind Awareness Month – involves wrapping public spaces with knitted or crocheted yarn creations. These installations are not only visually striking but also serve as a metaphor for connection—between individuals, communities, and the broader world.
Last year, we reached out to Bay Used Books in Sudbury with a simple letter: would they be interested in helping us raise awareness for National Deafblind Awareness Month through a yarn bombing display? They said yes—and decided to get their whole community involved!
The team at Bay Used Books quickly realized that for their yarn bombing display to be a success, yarn donations would be essential. Through social media and in-store conversations, they invited customers and followers to contribute yarn or knitted pieces. “The response was incredible. People were excited to be part of something meaningful and hands-on” says Julie, Assistant Manager at Bay Used Books.
The first year they participated, they chose a garden theme. Flowers, vines, and butterflies made of yarn transformed the storefront into a vibrant, tactile display that caught the attention of everyone passing by. People stopped to admire the work, ask questions, and learn more about the experiences of people who are deafblind.
Now in their second year of participation, Bay Used Books has made yarn bombing a community tradition. This year, they have chosen an Under the Sea theme and invited everyone to get involved. Local yarn store Sweet Yarns even joined in, offering a gift basket draw to those who donate—a beautiful example of how local businesses can support each other while making a difference.
Yarn bombing has become more than just a display. It’s a conversation starter. It brightens the neighborhood. And most importantly, it raises awareness in a way that’s inclusive, creative, and community-driven.
“If you’re thinking about joining in, we encourage you to do it! Whether you knit, crochet, or simply want to donate yarn, there’s a place for you in this movement. It just feels good to be part of something that brings people together” says Julie.
Let’s keep stitching awareness together—one loop, one thread, one story at a time.
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