Knit The Rainbow
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Knit The Rainbow is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in New York City. At least 40% of the homeless youth in New York City identify as LGBTQ+. Knit the Rainbow works to empower and protect these youth by providing them with handmade knit & crochet winter clothing accessories. Knit the Rainbow (KtR) is the first organization of its kind in the United States, providing thousands of hand-made winter garments a year for homeless LGBTQ+ Youth. Our programs are dedicated to giving these youth a warm and fashionable protective layer of clothing that is imperative to their comfort and survival during harsh winter months.
what are we crafting?
Item Requested | Craft Type | Quantity Requested | Quantity Still Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
Cowls/Scarves/Scoodies | Knit/Crochet | 250 | 224 |
Earwarmers | Knit/Crochet | 250 | 205 |
Gloves/Mittens | Knit/Crochet | 250 | 193 |
Tiny Hearts | Knit/Crochet | 1000 | 327 |
Warm Winter Hats | Knit/Crochet | 250 | 197 |
project must-knows
1) Dark and/or Muted colors only. These kids are living on the streets and trying to blend in. They do not want Rainbows. These kids don't want to stand out and are also not able to wash these items regularly, so they are getting dirty. Light colors will just show the dirt. Knit The Rainbow has asked Crafting Change to only craft items in the following palette of colors: Black, Dark Blue, Dark Brown, Dark Purple, Dark Gray, Dark Green. Dark, neutral colors. Variegated yarns in these colors are fine. Remember we are trying to hide dirt and help kids blend in.
2) They are trying to provide fashionable items for the Homeless Youth. They work with designers to get licenses for patterns and we have sourced some great patterns as well. Let's not deviate from the patterns that we have suggested, these have been given to us by KtR, developed by CC or approved by our partner. These items need to be warm, functional but we do not want to stray from Knit The Rainbow's mission of providing "a warm and fashionable protective layer of clothing". If you have questions about the pattern you want to use fits this project, please ask one of our team members! It is our goal to always provide our charity partners what they ask for. You can email Robyn@craftingchange.org for knit or email melanie@craftingchange.org for crochet if you have any questions about patterns or yarns for Knit The Rainbow, we are here to help!
3) The tiny hearts can be any color as they are added on for decoration and a little keepsake. They do not need to have a string attached, they are added to the garments with a pricing gun and a Knit The Rainbow informational tag.
cowls - scarves - scoodies
Crafting Change Recommended & Tested Yarns
Our recommended and tested yarns for our partner projects!
Lion Brand Homespun Fabia Cowl
This beginner project is worked back and forth in rows, then sewn together to make a ring.
Undulating Cowl
Knit The Rainbow Designer donated pattern! This more challenging pattern is good practice at increasing and decreasing stitches!
Kodiak Hooded Pocket Scarf
This is an easy level crochet pattern and the techniques involved are half double crochet and seaming. It's also super fast to work up!
Straightforward Cowl
Super easy pattern for beginners. Can knit it with your favorite stitch pattern (knit/purl, cables) on the center stitches instead of garter stitch.
Hat & Cowl Set
This set is perfect for beginners AND our partner and provides a warm set for a teen in need!
Amplitude Scarf
Knit the Rainbow designer donated pattern! Vertical stripes on a fun and easy scarf with a thick fringe.
fingerless gloves/mittens - earwarmers/headbands
Crafting Change Recommended & Tested Yarns
Our recommended and tested yarn list for our partner projects.
Super Simple FIngerless Mitts
Crocheted in the round, an easy fingerless mitt pattern.
Suzette Stich Ear Warmer
This beginner friendly pattern uses only single crochet and double crochet stitches. Includes multiple sizing options and video tutorial.
Super Simple Fingerless Gloves
Quick, easy fun to make with endless color combinations.
Topless Mittens
Knit The Rainbow Designer pattern. These fingerless mittens make a quick and low-cost
project.
Gender Neutral Ear Warmer
This easy to make tube is great for men or a nice gender neutral choice!
Crafting Change Wristers
Easy wristers by Melanie Shovelski done in a rectangle and seamed up the side.
Crafting Change Knitted Ear Warmer
An easy, beginner project of a basic ear warmer written by Robyn Peters.
hats and hearts
Crafting Change Recommended & Tested Yarn List
Our recommended and tested yarn list for our partner projects
Basic Crochet Hat
This simple crochet pattern is sure to please any person that receives it!
Skyping All-Purpose Beanie
This gender neutral all purpose beanie is great for knitters of all skill levels!
Classic Ribbed Beanie
This easy pattern for beginners is a classic ribbed beanie for everyone!
Give It A Whirl Beanie
The swirling ridges of this hat will take you just a few hours to complete!
How To Knit A Hat
This is beginning video tutorial teaches anyone how to knit a ribbed hat!
Caron Slouchy Beanie
A slouch beanie is fun and oh so comfortable! Teens love its casual style to stay warm on cold winter days.
shipping guidelines
Knit The Rainbow accepts packages anytime you are ready to ship them. This is a brand new address recently verified on 10/16/21 with their Executive Director. We recommend working on multiple items and collecting enough garments at home and putting together a box or poly bag full prior to shipping so you have a full box, winters are long in NYC, there is time!
Ship to:
Knit the Rainbow, Inc.
456 W 167th St
Unit 1D
New York, Ny 10032