We all know there are much more important things happening in the world right now than yarn.

We also know it’s so important to continue to support independent makers – especially BIPOC – during this time.

So, while we did postpone the Knit Stars Season 5 yarn sale by a week, it’s happening – starting today, Sunday, June 7.

(In case you’ve missed it…Knit Stars is an annual learning adventure, all taught online by the world’s most amazing designers, dyers and thought leaders. It’s 100% owned and operated by Loops, and it’s my lifelong passion project )

Even if you’re not a part of Knit Stars Season 5, we thought you might enjoy learning about some Stars and yarn dyers that might be new to you, like Chastity of @kittypridefibers and Morgan of @knitcraftandknittery …

So we’ve made this Knit Stars Blog entry public. Click here to check it out!

Thanks to Tina Tse’s post (@tina.say.knits), we became aware of Chastity Dunlap’s (@kittypridefibers) Go Fund Me campaign for her Build a Community Dye Studio, and made a donation. Then we thought, why not share the love?

So Loops/Knit Stars invites you to join us in supporting each of these Black-owned businesses and causes, as chosen by the following Season 5 Knit Stars and dyers. If you’ve been looking for a great way to donate and support – beyond purchasing the special yarns – we would love for you to donate, as they are all excellent causes.

Chastity Dunlap (@dyehardyarns_op and @kittypridefibers)
Support for: Campaign to build a Community Dye Studio
Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/dye-hard-yarns-needs-a-new-home

“Did you know that Indie Dyers utilize their own kitchens, garages, and basements to bring you the masterfully crafted yarns you love? By opening our studio in the Arts District of Oak Park, we can provide studio space and professional tools to those who create beautiful yarns for us! This is our chance to provide the space we all deserve to make a living, invest in a hobby, or develop a creative outlet… But this cannot happen without community support. A community is built by many people, and it will take all of us to make this dream come true. Donate whatever you can, and take the time to share us on social media!”

Tian Connaughton (@knitdesignsbytian)
Support for: Black/BIPOC access to Tian’s business courses, books and coaching.
Donate here: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=T9U46S4JWPYV2&source=url

Funds will be pooled to create scholarships for black/BIPOC. These funds will go directly to designers, tech editors, makers, and creative women business owners that have a need to work with me through my courses, books, and coaching, but do not have the necessary means. A rising tide lifts all boats.

Adella Colvin @lolabeanyarnco
Support for: Treeedconsulting.com
Donate here: https://www.treeedconsulting.com/donate (and just LOOK at all the amazing things they are doing!)

Adella of LolaBean Yarn Co. writes: “Chrysanthius Lanthan [pictured above] is an educator in the Portland area who I’ve had the privilege to know for many years. She’s an educator in the Portland area who I’ve had the privilege to know for many years. She’s a woman of color doing heavy work in a very racist area/school system. She not only teaches children but she also teaches non-black teachers how to properly teach and guide black children. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve seen her come out of her own pocket or fundraise to get money to provide the children she teaches educational opportunities they ordinarily wouldn’t get because of systemic racism and poverty.

Terra Mitchell @mitchellscfiberarts
Support for: Studio expansion
Donate here: https://ko-fi.com/mitchellscfiberarts

Terra writes: “We have outgrown our current area/space where we dye yarn. We’re looking to get A portable being building (Grace Building) that can help us work more efficiently in the dyeing process as well as house undyed stock and inventory. A place where everything can be done in one place and out of the weather and elements.”

Karida Collins, Neighborhood Fiber Company (@neighborhoodfiberco)
Suggest donating to: NFC Momentum Fund
Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/nfc-momentum-fund

Neighborhood Fiber Co. is raising money to start a permanent fund to support organizations working for justice, equality, and empowerment.

Gaye “GG” Glasspie (@ggmadeit)
Support for: BlackLivesMatter.com
Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019

Help further the #WhatMatters2020 mission. WhatMatters2020 will focus on issues concerning racial injustice, police brutality, criminal justice reform, Black immigration, economic injustice, LGBTQIA+ and human rights, environmental injustice, access to healthcare, access to quality education, and voting rights and suppression.⁠⠀

If you haven’t purchased Knit Stars Season 5, no worries. You will have another chance to support the Season 5 Stars and order the exclusive yarns, just prior to the event in the fall. You can join the waitlist here.

Let’s keep knitting the world together
– Shelley and the Loops Troops

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