Washington, D.C. — In a vibrant celebration of craft, community, and political symbolism, Vice President Kamala Harris has woven her way into the capital’s crochet scene—in more ways than one.
A Surprise Visit to a Women-Owned Yarn Shop
Earlier this year, Harris made a meaningful stop at Fibre Space, a women-owned yarn boutique in Old Town Alexandria. Amid displays of colorful skeins, she revealed her own crocheting roots: “I’ve crocheted more afghans than I can tell you,” she shared, adding with a laugh, “And our daughter is a knitter!” (WJLA, washingtonian.com)
At the shop, she discovered a hand-dyed yarn named in her honor—“Observatory Circle,” a nod to the Vice President’s residence—crafted by Neighborhood Fiber Co., a Baltimore-based, women-led business. (WJLA, washingtonian.com)
“I’m Speaking”: A 40-Foot Crochet Tribute at The Wharf
Shortly after, the capital’s arts and fiber communities turned heads with a 40-foot-wide and 20-foot-tall crochet mural of Harris at The Wharf. Titled “I’m Speaking”, the piece captures the iconic moment from the vice-presidential debate, immortalized in yarn. The mural was created by L.A.-based yarn-bombing street artist London Kaye, as part of her Love Across the USA initiative. Over 150 volunteers from across the nation contributed individual squares, stitched together into the massive public artwork. (Secret DC, Feminist Majority Foundation, wharfdc.com, washingtonian.com)
Displayed outside Officina restaurant on Maine Avenue beginning on International Women’s Day, the mural remained on view through Memorial Day before being moved to a permanent location. During its display, Officina featured special menu items with proceeds benefiting the National Center for Children and Families. (washingtonian.com, wharfdc.com, FOX 5 DC)
Why It Matters
This creative confluence of textile art and political symbolism offers several powerful highlights:
- Humanizing leadership: Highlighting that the Vice President crochets gives the art form—and Harris—a relatable, community-focused authenticity, especially for fiber artists who now affectionately say, “I’m doing what Kamala Harris does.” (washingtonian.com, WJLA)
- Uniting through art: The mural stands as a testament to women’s voices and resilience, literally stitched together across state lines in celebration of Harris’s historic role and influence. (Feminist Majority Foundation, wharfdc.com)
- Illuminating craft’s cultural comeback: Crochet, long stereotyped as old-fashioned, has skyrocketed in popularity—its revival amplified by Harris’s visible connection to the craft. (washingtonian.com, WJLA)
In crochet stitches and shared creative energy, Harris has made more than a political statement—she’s left a colorful, community-driven imprint across the city’s cultural tapestry.
