October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we think there is no better time to remind you about an organization we are proud to sponsor, Knitted Knockers of Canada. It is likely that we all have a mother, sister, aunt, friend or other loved one who has been affected by breast cancer which is why we know that this cause is just as important to you as it is to all of us at Estelle Yarns.
Knitted knockers are special handmade breast prostheses that are available for free to women who have undergone mastectomies or other procedures to the breast. Traditional prostheses are expensive, uncomfortable and heavy, and often can’t be worn for weeks after surgery. Made with Cascade Ultra Pima, knitted knockers are soft and gentle on the skin, sculpt easily and truly take on the look and feel of a real breast.
Estelle Yarns has worked with Knitted Knockers of Canada since its inception in March, 2015. In 2017, over five thousand pairs of knockers were sent out to each and every province in Canada, and it looks like there will be even more than that sent out this year.
We asked Nancy at Knitted Knockers of Canada if she felt that teaming up with Estelle has been beneficial and here’s what she had to say, “Estelle has helped us in so many ways…….spreading the word to local yarn stores, providing patterns pads with the crochet and knitted patterns right across the country to local yarn shops. You guys have also picked up completed knitted knockers from local yarn stores and sent them to us, and you have provided skeins of Cascade Ultra Pima that we use as prizes at different events……..so I would say that we are definitely a TEAM……we could not do what we do without you guys!”
And Estelle couldn’t do it without you and local yarn shops! We can’t thank you enough for helping spread the word. Featuring the free patterns in yarn shops for customers to see helps bring awareness. When your LYS accepts completed knockers dropped off by you and other customers and forwards them on, this provides donations. It’s because of this amazing team work that Knitted Knockers of Canada has been able to provide so many knockers from coast to coast. Feel proud Knitters and Crocheters, you are making a difference!
Knitted Knockers of Canada suggest using Cascade Ultra Pima, but any soft cotton or baby weight yarn can also be used provided it is washable and contains no wool. Remember, these are going to be up against delicate skin so the key word is SOFT! While all efforts are very much appreciated, coarse acrylics and crafting cottons should be avoided as they are just a bit too rough on sensitive skin.
Knitted Knockers of Canada is not exclusive to knitting, there are also patterns for crocheted knockers. Because crochet produces a stiffer fabric, these are used as Aqua knockers for swimming. A soft acrylic yarn like Cascade North Shore is recommended as it dries quickly and is machine washable.
We would like to encourage you to continue your support of Knitted Knockers of Canada by hosting a Knitted Knocker Night this month. Whether you organize something with your knitting group, attend an event at your LYS, or just hang out with some pals at a coffee shop and work on knockers, every little effort counts. There are free knit and crochet patterns available on our website, as well as video tutorials on the Knitted Knockers of Canada website. Be sure to take pictures and send them to us, or tag Estelle Yarns in your social media posts. The more we share the more we spread the word about this fabulous organization.
This weekend, dig your out needles and hooks, dear Knitters and Crocheters.
Let’s show the country that with our sticks and strings we will make a difference!
“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” — Mother Teresa