For at least the first 6 months of 2020, I will be donating proceeds from this pattern to Foundation for Regional & Rural Renewal.

These tiny drops of water were inspired by the Flint, Michigan water crisis. They can be used as cat toys, ornaments, or home decor.

In 2014, the city of Flint, against the wishes of elected officials, had their water supply changed from Lake Huron to the Flint River in order to save the city money. However, the water from the Flint River was slightly corrosive, and after opting out of corrosion control to save even more money, the water began leaching lead from old pipes directly into the drinking water. Children in the poverty-stricken city began showing symptoms of lead poisoning. This went public in a huge way, and now affected residents are forced to use bottled water and filters any time they need water in their day to day life. Making coffee, tea, boiling pasta, bathing, and brushing one’s teeth are suddenly dangerous activities.

The proceeds from the sale of this pattern will be donated directly to United Way of Genesee County, a charity that is directly on the front lines of this disaster, who are purchasing water, installing filters, and supplying test kits for Flint residents. I will be donating these proceeds in $10 increments, up to once a week. Find more information on the United Way of Genesee County here.
February 12, 2016 The first donation has been made to the United Way! It was a donation of $80. More will be donated this Friday!
February 19, 2016 The second donation, of $60, has been sent! I’ve upped my goal to $250!
February 26, 2016 Third donation of $140.
March 11, 2016 Donation of $25.
March 25, 2016 Donation of $30.
April 24, 2016 Donation of $10

Special thank you to Brian for assisting in the fact checking of the pattern description.