All too often, knitting—and fiber arts in general—is diminished to a mere hobby in the face of other art forms with more perceived value. Why knit a sweater, after all, when you can just buy one? Why make your fabric when you can get it from the store ready-made instead?
What many fail to realize about knitting is that it is subversive in its very nature, especially in this day and age. In a world of fast fashion and convenience, knitting forces us to slow down, take our time, and create in the name of form and function. It’s a craft built on a level of precision, skill, and mindfulness that is sorely missing from many of our lives today. It is also an act of resistance in times of crisis.
The Melt the ICE Hat phenomenon is a perfect example of knitting as resistance. In the face of turmoil, a mere knitting pattern has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars (more than $650,000 at the time of writing this) to help provide aid in areas impacted by ICE raids. It is simultaneously a symbol of resistance, a reminder of a history all too similar to our current circumstances, and a call to action for fiber artists everywhere to show the world where they stand against fascism and white supremacy. The hat serves as a reminder of a movement by Norwegians in the ’40s, who wore red hats with tassels to protest Nazi occupation of their land.
Red hats are not the only knitter-led movement that has arisen out of a desire to help those impacted by ICE in the US. Other knitwear designers, myself included, have donated all or part of our sales to anti-ICE organizations working directly in Minnesota. I donated 100% of my gross pattern sales from January through Valentine’s Day to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. Similarly, designers like CM Knits, Midsummer Knits, Pacific Knit Co, and others have contributed to relief funds in and around Minneapolis, all in the hopes of providing aid and showing support for those affected by ICE’s unjust occupation of the area.
Thanks to the support of fellow knitters, I raised a total of $1,829.97 for the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. With donation matching, that number increased to $3,659.94!
These fundraisers show that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you live when it comes to caring for your fellow humans. Anyone anywhere can do something as simple as purchase a knitting pattern—and the numbers don’t lie. When we come together for a common goal, no matter where we are in the world, we gain the power to make a difference and improve outcomes for those directly affected by crises.
Fox & Fleece 