In uncertain and scary times, our handmade creations can provide powerful warmth and connection. This post is a celebration of that warmth, as seen through recently completed projects Ravelers have made using rich reds, oranges, and yellows. These cozy and warm colors can carry meaning, too... after all, warmth melts ice. Several of the projects featured here are made from or inspired by the viral Melt the Ice hat pattern, created by the Minnesota LYS Needle and Skein as a visible protest of ICE actions in the United States and raising funds for immigrant aid agencies.

Knitting and crocheting can be deeply personal forms of self-care, and in overwhelming times, that care becomes its own kind of resistance. Choosing to make something beautiful and warm when the world feels cold is a powerful act.

Fiber arts have also been used as a public form of protest and solidarity across generations. The Melt the Ice hat, which has gained attention on national news networks and is definitely a dominant force among our recently finished projects, is based on hat Norwegian knitters made to protest Nazi occupation of their country. (More details can be found on the pattern page.) Today, many of us, particularly in the USA, are spending our time calling and writing our government representatives, donating money and contributing to mutual aid organizations, and protesting in the streets. Of course, we're knitting and crocheting too; otherwise we'd probably combust. Using our crafting time to make projects in protest and connection with other crafters around the world helps us remember we're not alone.

Making things with yarn has always given us the ability to warm bodies and spark change. The Ravelry community has a long tradition of speaking up and out, and we love you for that. 💗🧶