AN ARMY of young yarn bombers were out in force in Stawell on Monday blanketing Sloane Street with colourful knitted creations.

The mission to brighten up the streetscape came in preparation for this weekend’s Stawell Winter Woollies Festival at the Powerhouse.

The festival provides locals and visitors alike the chance to buy handmade woollen garments of the highest quality.

“We receive entries from all over Australia and it is absolutely beautiful work,” event organiser Cherelle Nicholson said.

This week’s yarn bombing blitz was conducted by Central Grampians LLEN’s Sarah Garton and a group of teenage volunteers. 

“Knitted by volunteers, using recycled and scrap wool, the knitted lengths make a bright sight and help us to advertise the Stawell Winter Woollies Festival,” Ms Nicholson said.

One of the festival’s highlights will be the opportunity for people to participate in workshops to learn two techniques used to make many of the items – crochet and felting.

The festival opens on Friday from 4pm to 6pm, then continues on Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm.

For more information, go to http://stawellwinterwoollies.weebly.com, or call Stawell Neighbourhood House on 5358 3500.