So, I just designed, knitted and wrote up the pattern for this COVID-19 virus hat. The backstory is that I saw several people trying to use their craft to benefit those around them in these trying times- for example a designer offering patterns for free with the stipulation that you should use that money to support your local yarn store, or a dyer donating half the proceeds from some yarn to local food banks. The yarn made my mum think of COVID themed projects, and then the idea of a virus hat just leaped out at me. I made it because I thought it would be a way to inject a little levity into current events, because I was curious to figure out how to make the little stalks actually stand up, and because I thought that maybe the pattern would be something positive I could offer, particularly through encouraging people to donate to COVID related support efforts.
I debated how publicly to share it, because sometimes the internet can be less than kind. I have no desire to minimize the direness of the situation, and I am highly aware that many are dying, and the death toll will continue to climb. The situation is not something to take lightly. That said, I do not see how a virus hat hurts the situation. Through this pattern I hope to spark amusement, as well as encourage donations to charities working to help the people hardest hit. I’ve decided to post the pattern (link), even though I know it will make some upset with me, in part because I think we do need to have hope and humor in these times.
On a lighter note, you’ll see that I had to rope in my teddy bears as models. I have not figured out how to do a good selfie of myself that shows off the hat pattern, nor have I figured out the correct facial expression! Socks are much easier to photograph. Next update will be more socks-stay tuned!