Knit the Trail Tour

Knit the Trail is displayed over 1.72 trail miles in Newark, DE. It was knit (and crocheted) by over 35 women. 47, 550 yards of yarn were used... that's almost 27 miles! 32 trees along the trail were yarnbombed.

Follow along, starting at the Delaware Technology Park, for a more in depth look at the installation.

NFL Yarnivores Tree

Knit and crocheted by: Deborah Ryszka, Maggie Adams, Donna Dantinne, Heike Clouse, Elizabeth Wickersham, Morgan Wiebke, Michele Faucett, Varina Eisenhower Caton, Tami Ring-Kuchenbeiser, Theresa Hill, Megan Conklin Ridgely, Maria LeClair, Barbora Simacek, Megan Cobb

One of the first groups we approached about getting involved in the project was the Newark Free Library yarn group. Last winter they warmed up The Student statue outside the library, so we were excited when they eagerly agreed to be part of our yarnbombing display. We gave them the yarn they would need and told them to do whatever they wanted with this fantastic tree! It has been a pleasure to get to know these ladies. They do everything with enthusiasm, and I'm sure this won't be the last work of yarnbombing Newark sees from them!

From the Yarnivores:

Each person who participated in this project created their own unique piece of knitting or crocheting. There are large pieces and small pieces. Some did very simple stitches in one color while others used multiple colors and complex stitch patterns. These pieces were created by educators and scientists, stay at home moms and actors, administrators and retail workers, high school students and retirees. This piece reflects our love of yarn for all the possibilities and potential it holds. We are the NFL Yarnivores and we meet each Tuesday, 7 pm at the Newark Free Library- come join us sometime!

Trees at Pomeroy-James F. Hall

Knit and crocheted by: Carol Maurer, Kathleen Robinson, Laura Mackey, Linda Henker, Khea Bright, Paula Jennings, Marta Weber, Angie Bramble, Victoria Blansfield, Kim Givens, Mel Johnson, Hannah Brilliant, Jalisa Anderson, Amy Coleman, Lacey Koczera, Aevyn Koczera, Elisabeth McDowell, West Park Elementary students

These skinny trees were our first design for this project. We thought that coming toward an area and seeing little pops of color would be surprising and fun. We love that they can be viewed from different paths of the trail, and hope they add a touch of whimsy to your walk.

This was a great way for individuals to contribute to the project. With over 22 completed trees, we had women who speedily whipped 2 or 3 off the needles in no time, and friends who worked together to create one. We took knitting looms to West Park Elementary School's Art Night and taught students (and parents) how to use them. They did several inches of two trees that were then finished by other knitters. Several ladies from the Newark Arts Alliance Loose Threads group accepted 'the tree challenge' to knit or crochet for this display. These trees are a perfect example of coming together with others to create something bigger than you could do alone!

Trees at Kells Park

Knit by: Kate Groop, Lacey Koczera, Verna Ayers, Marta Weber

We wanted something big to stand out as the central point of the trail walk. These trees are each 50 to 74 inches around, and each blanket we knit is 7.5 to 8 feet tall.

There are 3 organized striping patterns, and 2 more random arrangements between them. Each one took 60 to 80 hours of knitting. We are all faster knitters after doing these, and they kept us cozy while working this winter... So much to the point that we may have also taken a few naps under the blankets as they grew bigger and bigger.

Fun fact: The middle tree has 182 knit stitches per row and 34 rows per color block. With 14 color blocks, there are 86,632 total stitches!

Gradient Colored Trees near Newark History Museum

Knit by: Lacey Koczera and Marta Weber

When we were first working on designs for the trail, we made this small card with all the colors arranged in this ombre pattern. After looking at if for so long we decided to take it to a larger scale.

From far away these colors are seen as they smoothly flow from dark to lighter to bright again. As you get closer though, the striping can be appreciated as a more detailed transition.

These trees add a powerful solidarity of color that is visible from the trail and the train tracks.

Phillips Park trees

Knit by: Kate Groop, Marta Weber, Lacey Koczera, Sharon Quinney, Tori Pennington, Bethany Crecenzo, Jalisa Anderson

These were the last design added to the trail. But really, it's like these branch-y trees were just begging for it! They are fun and spirited, and add a random pop of color at the end of the walk. Hopefully you get to view the bright colors while the soft pink blossom are in bloom.

We'd like to add a special thanks to the City of Newark Parks and Rec. They have been a fantastic team to work with. We appreciate their passion for making our city a wonderful place to live and play!

Much thanks to the Delaware Running Co. for sponsoring part of the project. They joined with us as a business supporter, but were also a huge encouragement as we brought something new to Newark. They have planned a specific running course to pass through and view the work, and we love their commitment to supporting the local community!

Thank you to Jessica Geiger of Plum Speckled Photography, for spending a lovely morning with us and for capturing these images!

Thank you for taking the time to enjoy our installation along the James F. Hall Trail. We hope it's brought a smile to your day! Use #knitthetrail to share your experiences with us all!

Lacey Koczera & Kate Groop