Knitta Installation


{NewNew} team knitters by Jonathan Hokklo

On Wednesday evening, the parking meters on Montague Street, in Brooklyn Heights, were transformed from stark grey poles to colorful coziness. The Knitta Please public art project, known as "69 meters" and commissioned by the Montague Street Business Improvement, was installed.

Running late, I rushed to a first floor meeting location in a building adjacent to St. Ann's Church. People's attention and cameras were directed toward the front of the room where Head Knitta in Charge, Magda Sayeg demonstrated how to attach the sleeves to the meters.


Installed with Bike attached

Fellow {NewNew} team members, Kimm of KimmChi, Nguyen of KnitKnit and Lydia of L'elephant Rose were in attendance to install their pieces. Each installer received a clear numbered bag containing their sleeve that corresponded to a numbered parking meter. Kimm headed toward the Promenade in search of hers. Nguyen and I paired up since our numbers were close together. As luck would have it, our meters were across the street from the church. Although one of her meters had a parked blue bike locked to it, Nguyen installed her cozy which features her signature power cord pattern. I installed three, including one created by a friend who could not attend.

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Photo by Nguyen Le
Knitta Please: 69 Meters Installation
Originally uploaded by nguyen le

Through out the entire installation process, it was evident that passersby were curious about what we were doing. There were a lot of looks. New Yorkers stopped to talk, to inquire, to ask "What's the significance of this?" These fleeting moments with neighbors, fellow Brooklynites, strangers, and visitors alike, may just be the best part of this project.

The project is expected to stay up for at least 3 weeks. So if you're in the Heights anytime soon, make sure to stop by Montague Street.

Click here for more photos.



Red Bridge Studio

Knitta Project: A work in progress

On a summer-like day in April, I headed to open craft night at the Etsy Labs. I came with a project in mind: a parking meter cozy. That's right. Even parking meters need love as they collect your quarters. The meter sleeve is one of 69 for the the Knitta Please project commissioned by the Montague Street Business Improvement District. For more info read Knitting for the Streets.

I'm an occasional knitter with more projects started than completed. With an impending deadline for the project installation and a strong desire to participate, I decided to see this through. Craft night would be the perfect opportunity to get things started.

On my list of things to bring were needles and yarn. Although initially missing in action, I managed to find the biggest needles I own, size 17. The yarn would come from a scarf, the first knitting project I ever completed. I spent my time on the train unraveling 2 skeins worth of yarn. Shortly after arriving at the Labs, my project was underway.


Scarf yet to be unraveled


Unraveled yarn from scarf yields 2 skeins

Several {NewNew} members are participating in the project, including KnitKnit and Kimmchi. They were both in attendance on Monday, making for a lively craft night. KnitKnit graciously provided some scrumptious chocolate pear bread. YUM! Most of the knitters participating are from the New York area. However, word has arrived that member May Luk has secured 4 sleeves all the way from from San Franciso.



Since craft night, I've been knitting on the train. Bigs needles require ample elbow room. So I have to be careful not to elbow someone or take an eye out with my needles. I'm more than halfway done and look forward to submitting it. Stay tuned for an update on the installation on Montague Street.


Knitting Stash on the train


- Red Bridge Studio