Sunday, October 4, 2015

Not for the Taking

Obviously someone didn't get that memo.
Over the past two weeks, 4 crochet pieces have been taken from The Secret Garden.  It all started with the big piece on the right going missing.
Parts of it are samples made by local crochet designer Shelby Allaho.
I figured it was a one time thing because someone thought it was just way too pretty to leave behind, but then a second one was taken.
The colorful piece at the bottom was made by me with yarn from my stash.  The founder of the garden thought that maybe it's boys messing around, but boys would just rip stuff down and kick it around. Each piece is tied on in many places so would have to be taken down carefully, not pulled down.
Two more gone today.  Can you spot the differences? 
The last two are older pieces that have been there since June or July and are filled with dust so don't know why anyone would want them.
It is a public space and not everyone gets what we are trying to do out there, but that does not give anyone the right to just take things bit by bit.  My husband says I'm crazy to spend so much time and effort into putting something out just to be stolen
.
Yesterday I installed this piece to replace the first one taken.
It was made using three donated squares and then crocheting with yarn from my stash to get the size I needed.  Loved how all the colors went together so beautifully.
As of today it was still there, but who knows what tomorrow will bring.
Rather disheartening.

32 comments:

Unknown said...

Tammy, I am back. New computer so I am just working to contact all my old blogger buddies. I love this post and so sorry the beautiful pieces were taken. I have heard of this and thinking about starting on where I know folks will appreciate. Hope all is well with you and your family. Please pop over if this comes through to you so I know I am finding my way. Blessings from Ky. USA

hooksandyarns said...

Well that's a shame. I hope no more pieces go missing.

Gracie Saylor said...

I am sorry that some stitches have been stolen, Tammy...and the reason why is puzzling. I noticed the weather app on your sidebar and clicked to see what your weather is. Around here there is a big fuss if our temps creep toward 100 degrees and your temps are predicted to be above that all week! I hope you will be able to have happy days this week, in spite of your challenges. xx

Folkways Note Book said...

Oh My -- it always amazes me how folks can feel so privileged to steal someone's property. I also want to say that your blog's graphics are lovely. -- barbara

Teresa Kasner said...

I'm sorry those thieves are taking your good works. Maybe it would help if you think they admired it so they wanted it for themselves. I hope you don't give up on it. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Createology said...

Society does not have respect for what we hold dear. Our life lessons seem to be lost on younger generations. Some how the messages need to be said and heard loud and clear...It is NOT okay to take things that are not ours. It is NOT okay to shoot humans or animals just because you feel like it. It is NOT okay to disrespect anyone or anything. and on and on I could go. I am truly sorry that your Secret Garden is being tampered with. It is not a waste of your time if it fills your heart and soul with happiness my friend. Blessings to you...

Diane said...

Everyone is not like us. I don't get them or why they do these things but they do. Diane

Pearlin J said...

So sad someone stole it. When Lil B was little, the hat I crocheted for him , that he was wearing,was flicked off his head and he was standing right next to me ,in Bhs . I stood there bemused that someone would steal something a little boy was wearing . And then consoled myself that someone liked my work and wanted it . its really crazy . Maybe they thought it was for taking away.

Laurie said...

I can't stand a thief. I know that's a harsh statement, but it's just down right mean and makes you feel violated. I hope no more goes missing. The crochet sure dresses up the trees. Great job by you and the other ladies.

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Tammy,
No, YOU are not crazy! It cannot be reversed and blaming you for putting things out... but it is EVIL of those that just take it away. What do they want it for? Or just grieving others that painstakingly created it stitch by stitch.
Chin up girl, you have at least the photos of it! It reveals a lot more about the characters of those that take it away.
Sending you blessings.
Mariette

Betsy said...

It always puzzles me why people take things that don't belong to them. I don't understand why they think that's OK to do. I hope you don't give up making your world a more beautiful spot to be in Tammy.
Blessings,
Betsy

Lorrie said...

That's sad. Why would someone take those pieces? How brave of you to continue crocheting and yarn bombing!

Preeti said...

That's a sad thing that the pieces made with so much interest and time go missing. I feel they haven't seen or experienced what yarn bombing is supposed to be. May be you can write a note in English and local language as well mentioning what the yarny decor is.
I feel if they don't understand then you find a place in a club lawn or something where you can see educated people acknowledging the idea.

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

I'm so sorry, Tammy! The pieces were hardly stolen because there were freezing temperatures and a homeless person urgently needed a scarf or something like that. Therefore, there is no excuse for such behavior. When it doesn't stop, it takes away the joy to participate in such missions. Hopefully the thefts have come to an end.
Hugs,
Julia

Mereknits said...

Husbands never quite understand. I think it is amazing that you are trying to bring beauty to that space with crochet. It must be so frustrating to see the pieces removed after all that hard work. You are not crazy at all.
Hugs,
Meredith

Linda said...

Dear Tammy,

I'm so sorry that happened. You know that I worried about that happening. I just know how the town where I live is, and if something like crocheted pieces were put out around trees, I just know someone would take them. A sad reflection of the times in all parts of the world, I'm afraid.

Kind regards,
Linda

homemade@myplace said...

so sorry, Tammy….
I hope, soon, your message will be understood!
xxxxx Ale

Susan said...

Oh Tammy, that IS disheartening.I think thieves are so selfish. They don't give a twit about making the world a better place, just themselves. So discouraging. Your new piece is lovely, though. Susan p.s. Whenever I've been ripped off in the past, I always hope the thief enjoys what has been taken. Then it's not a total loss.Susan

Amy at love made my home said...

It is so sad that these items are being taken, I don't know why anyone would take something like that - I don't know why they would take anything, but that is a whole different question! I do hope that the new pieces will remain and will be safe. Have you made sure to sew up the pieces so that they would have to be cut off and could not just be pulled away? I hope that everything else will be alright after all your hard work, what you had done looked great! xx

Jennifer Hays said...

Well, that is really a bummer. I hope they get the hint and stop plundering the crochet! Yarn-bombing is so much fun and it's a shame that people aren't in the right spirit with it. I'm glad that you're such a good ambassador of crochet. :)

Caterina Giglio said...

oh, any time you do something new, people have a hard time understanding, art is so subjective, perhaps they just wanted a piece of it.. hope your last piece lasts!! xo

linda said...

I'm so sorry to hear this Tammy, how very frustrating for you after all the work you have put into it. I can't understand why anyone would do such a thing but I know for a fact that it would happen in my town too, it would either be taken or defaced. I think it's great that you are continuing to fill in the gaps with your lovely crochet, lets hope that they leave it alone this time. :) xxx

Tanya said...

I will be back to read more tomorrow, but just had to comment tonight on this (no sooner did I get back from summer traveling, than I had two separate visitors, with no time for myself - fun but exhausting). How VERY sad that someone would actually steal those happy pieces that are there for EVERYONE to enjoy. Do you think if there were more pieces attached together, making it harder to remove the smaller pieces, that it would possibly deter them? Probably not. I had to smile when I got to the top of Guanella Pass at the bottom of Mt. Bierstadt in CO, and saw a lone pole in the parking lot that someone had attached a piece of crochet work in Denver Broncos colors to. I thought of you and your Secret Garden immediately. Back tomorrow to read more - Happy Wednesday, for this evening. XOXO

Londoneya said...

How sad! If we had put those up on trees in London I'm pretty sure they'd be stolen over time too.

I'd think about putting up a sign in Arabic & English with the warning "cameras are installed here!" Maybe they'll think before they take something that isn't theirs.

podso said...

That is sad. I wonder what they are doing with what they steal. The trees are so charming and inviting all dressed up. Your work is lovely. I hope it stays there.

September Violets said...

My husband would tell me the exact same thing, but I try not to let the comments discourage me from doing things I like to do! I think what you are doing with that dusty little corner is really special. It adds a bit of colour and charm to the trees making it a bit more pleasant for those who visit. It's a shame that someone is hampering your efforts and taking the pieces off. When things like this happen, it makes you hope that their need was greater. Let's hope the pieces they removed are bringing them some cheer. Tammy if you give a shout out to help out with replacement pieces, that your doorstep will be piled high with contributions of fellow crocheters & knitters. Let me know if you want some help as I know that sending a small envelope of knitted squares wouldn't be that pricey.
Wendy

Patty Antle said...

What a neat idea to put such beauty on trees. Sorry about those who don't appreciate it.

Jen Kershner said...

What a shame! A couple of years ago our village was yarn bombed and I found it so charming and it always made me smile!

Helen Philipps said...

It is sad that those pieces of crochet were stolen...they looked so lovely and colourful there. I am glad you are continuing though to add your colourful and crafty touch to that little corner. Wishing you a happy weekend, Tammy.
Helen xox

A Colorful World said...

I dislike theft of any kind, and destruction of property (or art)! But, I have to say, maybe a homeless person needed the warmth for the coming winter. Perhaps someone is putting the pieces to good use.

handmade by amalia said...

Oh, no, this is awful. Some people.
Amalia
xo

Serena Lewis said...

Sorry to hear some of the crochet pieces were taken. They looked so lovely!

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