The Kind Hearts Project is back.
As you may remember, last year I shared over 400 crocheted hearts with messages of kindness at Vogue Knitting Live. I took the hearts to the streets and handed them out and left them where people might find them. I figured the world could use a little more kindness, and these little hearts did their part. Then, people from all over the world started making their own Kind Hearts and spreading them around. A kind movement was created!
In March, the Kind Hearts had to be put on hold. Everyone was on lockdown, and even when we came outside, handing little hearts to people… Well, with a pandemic going on, let’s say it wasn’t going to work quite as well as it used to. People asked me when the Kind Hearts Project might come back. I didn’t know.
Then I heard about Knit the Rainbow, a nonprofit organization that collects hand-knitted and crocheted garments to give out to homeless LGBTQ+ youth. These kids have a high rate of homelessness—and hopelessness. With the lovingly handmade gifts they distribute, Knit the Rainbow wants to empower them, protect them, and remind them that people care.
As a meditative (read: slow) knitter and crocheter, I knew I wasn’t going to be much help in meeting their 2020 collection deadline of November with a garment. But…! The hearts. The Kind Hearts, with their messages of hope! Cue the music—the hearts were making a comeback, where they could do even more good!
I’m sending Kind Rainbow Hearts to Knit the Rainbow to attach to the garments they receive. KtR has a goal of collecting and distributing 2,020 garments by November 2020. That’s a LOT of hearts. I can make a bunch, but not nearly enough for every garment they get. That’s why I’m calling in the Kind People out there (that means you!) to help. If you can knit or crochet some tiny hearts, you’ll be showing someone who feels lost that there are people out there who care.
Here are the patterns for these tiny hearts:
Crochet: The original tiny heart pattern comes from Ahuyama Crochet, aka Crochet Lovers on YouTube. The tiny heart how-to video is here. Please make the small version for Knit the Rainbow, as they’ll be attached to each garment.
Knitting: Some of you asked about a knitting pattern for hearts. I haven’t tried knitting these yet, but I found a free pattern by Elizabeth Murphy on Ravelry for tiny-size knit hearts.
A few Kind Hearts tips:
- The yarn I’m using is Impeccable by Loops & Threads in Rainbow. Any other rainbow color yarn that will make a tiny heart will work too.
- Don’t snip the ends. Make the ends about 5-6″ long so they can be tied onto the garments.
- Make a bunch of hearts and sew end to end for a heart scarf gift.
- Use them as a meditation, thinking thoughts of love as you make them. Those good vibes do carry forward.
Send your Kind Hearts to Knit the Rainbow at Knit the Rainbow, 701 West 180th Street, Unit 47, New York, NY 10033. I will be sending the tags with handwritten messages.
Thank you for your help in letting homeless LGBTQ+ know that there are kind people who care.