Morristown's 'Fiber Fairy' Says She Will Be Back

She isn't a Yarn Bomber. 

She is a Fiber Fairy. 

And while the distinction may be slight, both employ the practice of leaving colorful items of yarn in public places anonymously, the lifelong Morristown resident who caused a stir last week by adorning statues around the Green with winter weather gear is surprised, and saddened, by all the attention. 

"It is sort of sad that someone doing something nice like this has become big news," She said. "Wouldn't it be wonderful if someday, stories of people committing random acts of kindness, are no longer seen as out of the ordinary?”

Agreeing to speak to Patch under the condition of anonymity, the Fiber Fairy (named so by a family member) said that not using her name is not about protection for herself, but to not detract from the message. 

"The reason I wish to remain anonymous is because it really isn't about me," She said. "It's about showing others in the community that each and every one of us has the potential to make a difference in the lives of those around us. 

The teenager said the inspiration for leaving the scarves, and hats around the Green with notes came from seeing a news story about a similar act in Canada. 

Last week in Ottawa a series of scarves appeared on statues around town, according to a report in the Ottawa Citizen. 

The Citizen report said 14 scarves were left around various monuments to Canadian heroes with attached notes that read “I am not lost. If you are stuck out in the cold, take this scarf to keep warm.”’

Family members like the Fairy’s younger sister “Yarnia” and aunt Woolly Mammoth" set about the Morristown Green leaving their own hats and scarves each with the attached note: "If you need this to help keep you warm in this cold weather, then it is now yours. Life is good. Pass it on."

“My sister was really into it. She liked dressing up in dark clothes and going out to place them,” She said. “She was into the idea of doing something to help someone in these cold temperatures.”

The Fiber Fairy said she spent her entire life in Morristown and her family was always mindful of those who were disadvantaged.

“My family was always involved and helping organizations around town,” She said. “I have lived in Morristown my whole life and was made aware of the homeless. We pass them every day.”

The good Samaritan said she and her family will continue to leave out items as long as there is a need.

“We thought with all of the organizations and soup kitchens in town who provide they may be getting what they need from other places,” She said. “But got so excited when I drove by and saw they were gone. It shows there is still a need.”

The current college student said that she hopes the day comes when a kind deed isn’t big news. And that people will be inspired to perform other anonymous acts of service.

“I love being anonymous because it shouldn’t be about taking credit,” She said. “I am hoping that my small gesture will show others how easy it is for people to help those in need. It doesn't have to be on a grand scale. Every act of kindness matters. Life is good. Pass it on.”

Editor's note: When this story first broke last week, several Patch readers said Emily’s Hats For Hope was responsible for the warm weather items appearance. The folks at that organization have declined to comment on this story.