Knitters wanted . . to make jumpers for trees

THEY'RE not so much gorillas in the mist but rather guerillas with a twist.

In what may seem an unlikely yarn, scores of knitters are hoping to weave their magic and clothe up to a dozen trees with colourful woolly jumpers in the run-up to a summer bash in Leith Links.

Organisers of the annual Leith Festival are sowing the seeds for the so-called guerilla knitting project aiming to "dress" the woodland in time for the June 11 gala day.

The concept - often considered the world's most inoffensive graffiti - has been an internet sensation, seeing street furniture, buses and even buildings across the world clad in bright, woollen garb to the delight of passers by.

Aficionados of the knitting needle are invited to submit a six inch by six inch square creation to Leith Festival chiefs who will add the design to a patchwork of other squares, creating a large scarf or blanket which will be wrapped around the trees.

Adele Conn, manager of the Leith Festival who hit upon the idea, said she hoped it would attract knitters from all generations and create a stunning centrepiece for the summer bash.

"Initially we thought about piecing together a large knitted picnic blanket that we would use on gala day but then someone sugested it would be fantastic if we tried the guerilla knitting idea, making woolly jumpers for the trees," she said.

"It's one of those mad ideas that only started on Sunday night. I sent out an e-mail on Facebook and before I knew, it's gone a bit mental. I have already had a care home saying they wanted to get involved and more than 50 people have e-mailed me expressing an interest.

"It's really nice that it's taken on a life of its own by growing so organically and I want to see how far we get."

Ms Conn is hoping to get the go-ahead to attempt her madcap plan but said even if it was turned down the woollen squares would not go to waste.

"I hope we get permission to do the trees because it will look fantastic but if not we can create a huge blanket to use at the festival or find another big landmark in Leith and wrap it.

"It would be a focal point to the gala day. It's all about colour, having fun and trying to bring the community together.

"It's also about the human spirit - if you ask people to do something they will usually respond."

The ultimate outcome of the project will only be determined towards the end of March, depending on public response and permission from the council to wrap the trees.

Ms Conn said the names of everyone who picks up a knitting needle and adds to the tree jumper will be published online as a mark of gratitude.

If you are interested in taking part contact Adele Conn on [email protected]