Pittsburgh's Knit the Bridge

Image via Knit the Bridge

I can see the Bay Bridge from my closest Muni stop, and it's a pretty sight. However, there's nothing like the collection of bridges in my hometown of Pittsburgh. I think my favorite of the 30 within the city is the Birmingham with its muted majesty. Oh, and there's the Hot Metal hanging low and heavy over the Mon just downstream. Oh, and the walks across the 10th Street Bridge and the Smithfield Street Bridge that bring back memories. The drastic arches of the 16th Street Bridge. And the terrifying height of the Westinghouse. The traffic of the Homestead Greys Bridge. The welcoming blue hue of the 31st Street Bridge. Oh, and the exhilerating stunts one must pull on the Fort Pitt, and then when you miss your chance to cross over to Crafton and end up on the West End Bridge...

I didn't mention the three golden sisters, the 6th, 7th, and 9th Street bridges, other wise known as the Clemente, the Warhol, and the Carson. Currently, a major community art project, the large yarn bombing in the country, is in development. The Andy Warhol Bridge, which leads commuters from downtown to the artist's home museum, will be covered in hand-knit squares! Knit the Bridge! 

It's part of Fiber Arts International, an annual exhibition going on right now. It's unclear from Knit the Bridge's site when this will launch, but the organization just got clearance from the city in order to even do it. 

If you love any or all of these things, community art, yarn, knitting, bridges, Pittsburgh, consider donating to Knit the Bridge here.

With the amount I donated, I will be receiving a hand-dyed skein of yarn in the official "bridge color." Being able to knit up a scarf with that and wear it here in San Francisco will mean a lot to me as a born-Burgher.

Can't wait to see the finished project, perhaps even in person.