Over the weekend I finished up the last of the singles for my rainbow gradient! I took rather a lot of photos, but I’ve picked out just three for you to admire their colorfulness in their little turtle shapes.
I enjoy how, when I flip them over, I can get glimpses of the additional colors in the progression from one to the next. I almost hesitated to start plying* because it would mean disturbing my little balls of color. But I got over it, and pulled out my bottom whorl spindle which can hold a lot more yarn for plying.
I’m already done the first blue, which would be more impressive if it didn’t mean I was actually just 1/18th of the way done. 9 colors, and the blue at each end is only half the amount of any other color. It does mean I have a start though, and it’s sitting on my desk for me to grab and work on bit by bit.
*or maybe it’s just because plying isn’t my favorite thing…
Rainbow Time of the Year
Today marks the first day of Pride Month in the United States and elsewhere in the world. LGBTQ+ organizations need our support year round, but it’s natural for people to think more about this community during Pride Month. There are many organizations out there, but one I support is Casa Ruby, which helps homeless and vulnerable youth. Teenagers, and young adults who are LGBTQ+ are at higher risk of homelessness when their families kick them out or they feel they have to leave for their own safety.
Pride Month also heralds in an explosion of businesses promoting and selling various Pride-themed products.
So here’s my consumer PSA for you:
Buying rainbow yarn, pins, and other swag can be fun and feel like a great way to show support. Be thoughtful though and ask yourself some questions before you hit the “check out” button such as: “does this company support LGBTQ+ throughout the year? Are they LGBTQ+ run or do they commit to hiring LGBTQ+ staff? Will any of the proceeds go to LGBTQ+ organizations?” In short, ask yourself “Who is benefiting from my purchase?”
This is important because while many businesses are supporting Pride Month because they support the people it’s for, others are just jumping on the merchandise bandwagon and the love many knitters and crocheters have for fun, bright colors. If you’re buying rainbow yarn just because you love rainbow yarn, go for it. But if you’re buying in it part to support Pride Month, stop and check if you’re actually supporting the LGBTQ+ community, or just making yourself feel like you are. And if you don’t actually want rainbow yarn? Donate that money straight to a non-profit for LGBTQ+ instead. It will do far more good than yarn sitting untouched in your stash.