Episode 4 is here! In this episode, I’m speaking with Austin Rivers, the founder of the nonprofit Knit the Rainbow! Knit the Rainbow was founded in June 2020 and collects garments for homeless LGBTQ+ youth in New York City. In this interview, you can hear more about why Austin created tKnit the Rainbow, the directions in which they organization hopes to grow, how you can help them and more!
We also talk about starting a nonprofit during a pandemic, why LGBTQ+ youth of New York City need your handmade items, the growing problem of homeless LGBTQ+ youth and why handmade goods can feel like a hug when someone made them.
Whether you knit, sew or crochet, there’s space for you to volunteer with Knit the Rainbow. You can also help if you’re a yarn shop owner, a pattern designer, a knitting/crochet/sewing teacher or have money to share!
If you’d like to find out more about Knit the Rainbow and how to help their mission or if you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ youth community in New York City, you can find out more about the organization here: https://www.knittherainbow.org/
Also, this episode includes a big reminder of why if you have an idea for a project, you should share it on the internet.
I loved getting to know more about Austin and his nonprofit and how he has helped LGBTQ+ youth in NYC and connected with the fiber arts community all over with what he’s doing and where he’s going!
How to listen: You can find this episode as well as previous episodes on your favorite podcast platform, including Spotify, Stitcher, Anchor, Apple podcasts and more!
Connect with Knit the Rainbow on social media: Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Show notes (links to things we discuss in the interview):
- Austin talks about Knit the Rainbow’s partnerships throughout the podcast, you can read more about them here: https://www.knittherainbow.org/patterns
- @Craftivistgram on Instagram
All photos in the carousel below, as well as the header image above, were provided by Austin. (Thanks, Austin!)
