Hello London, thank you so much for taking the time for this interview. The Crochet Foundry Community loves your art and we are all looking forward to getting to know you better.
First, for those who may not know, please share a bit about who you are and what you do.
Hi there! I’m London Kaye, a crochet artist and yarn bomber with a passion for spreading unexpected joy through my whimsical, colorful creations. I use bright colors, chunky yarn, and a big crochet hook to bring my playful art to life. I’ve also written a book, “Crochet with London Kaye,” packed with projects and patterns to help you yarn bomb your own world!
Now how about some more background: when and how did you learn to crochet?
I learned to crochet when I was 13 years old, thanks to a friend’s mom who taught me how to make a scarf one afternoon. I was instantly hooked! From that day on, I couldn’t stop crocheting scarves for friends, family, and even local shops. I sold so many scarves by time I was 16 I bought myself a car. It’s been a love affair with yarn ever since!
How did you become a yarn street artist?
In 2013, while working at the Apple Store after college, I had a life-changing encounter with the artist Olek. She walked in wearing the most incredible crochet outfit, and I was inspired to do something bold with yarn. After a bit of Googling, I discovered the world of yarn bombing. The very next day, I wrapped a scarf around a tree outside my apartment in Brooklyn. I loved it so much that I challenged myself to create and hang a piece of crochet art every day for 30 days. That experience helped me develop my unique style and gain confidence in creating public art. After a few years of yarn bombing in NYC I was able to quit my job at Apple and work full time crocheting for different brands and companies creating large scale art installations around the world. I have done a billboard for Miller Lite Beer in Times Square, a collection of window displays for Red Valentino stores, an entire marketing campaign for the Hallmark Channel where I even wrapped a double-decker bus in crochet, and so much more!
Can you tell us about Love Across the USA?
Love Across The USA is a public art project I lead, involving a wonderful community of over 1,200 crocheters from around the world. We create large, impactful crochet art installations that celebrate the voices and visions of influential women. Originally founded by Olek, she passed the project to me in 2020. The first mural I led was a 20-foot by 40-foot depiction of Kamala Harris, which was hung in Washington DC on International Women’s Day 2021. It is such an empowering experience to be a part of something larger than any one person can do on their own. If you would like to join, beginner through advanced crocheters are welcome. Go to www.LoveAcrosstheUSA.org to get notified when we do our next project!
Where do you get your inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere! From bright colors and current events to specific locations, I’m always on the lookout for anything that sparks my curiosity. Keeping my eyes and heart open helps me find new ideas all the time.
Do you have a favorite piece you’ve made?
One of my favorites pieces is a large crochet dragon I hung on 6th Ave. and 14th St. in NYC. It stayed up for two weeks, which is a great run for a yarn bomb in such a busy area! When it eventually came down, people in the neighborhood hung ribbons on the fence with messages like “Who took my Dragon?” and “Where is my Dragon?” It was so touching to see how much the art meant to the community. It brought tears of joy to my eyes.
What advice would you give to aspiring yarn street artists out there?
Embrace the beauty of being a beginner and don’t worry about being perfect. Just get out there and start creating! We can all be our own worst critics, so try to quiet that inner perfectionist and let your creativity flow. Have fun with it!
You’re about to have a baby, congratulations! I know I love being my own boss in a parent-friendly industry. It’s been so wonderful to be able to be there for my kids. What are some of the things you’re most looking forward to about being a parent, and about being a parent in the crochet and art worlds?
Thank you so much! I’m so excited for this new chapter of my life. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me and how it will influence my art. I’m looking forward to cherishing every moment and embracing the unknown with an open heart. I’m sure there will still be plenty of crocheting in my future!
Where can our readers find you and all your amazing art and products online, and maybe even offline?
You can find my artwork and products online at www.LondonKaye.com and on Instagram @madebylondon. Come say hi and check out my latest creations!
