Those of you who have been reading this blog for a while may remember the post Knitted Knickers and wonder why I’m repeating myself, but this one has an important vowel change. That ‘o’ makes all the difference… this time, I’m talking body parts rather than undergarments!
Towards the end of last year, whilst doing some internet research, I came across the fabulous Knitted Knockers UK*:
…a UK based voluntary group that has been in operation since January 2014. We knit and crochet 100% cotton breast prostheses for women that have undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Ladies that have undergone surgery are provided with silicone breast prosthesis by the NHS, which some ladies have found to be uncomfortable, heavy and may rub against the scars left after surgery, causing rashes and pain.
At Knitted Knockers UK we want women to know that there is an alternative that is lightweight, takes the form of a real breast, is soft against the skin and is breathable.
We want women to know that the alternative is a Knitted Knocker and that they are “Made with love and filled with hope” and we provide them FREE of charge to those ladies who need it.
FREE you say… YES FREE…
How could I resist joining? And, in fact, it turns out the skills that you develop whilst knitting snails, worms and Loch Ness monsters come in very handy when you take up the creation of knitted knockers (now that’s a transferable skill!). So I got out my needles and crochet hook and submitted my first attempt for assessment by the knockerettes… a couple of tries later and I was approved to join the orders group and make my first knocker to send to a lady in need…
A knocker ready to go… with extra stuffing and a little gift of a crochet rose too
The ones I make are a combination of crochet and knitting, but other knockerettes do either just crochet or just knitting according to their particular skill. They are all made in lovely soft cotton so they are gentle on the skin and each knockerette gives their time freely so that every breast cancer sufferer can have receive a single knocker or a pair completely free of charge. We even make replacements and send these out free.
So, if you would like to become a knockerette or need a knitted knocker or two following surgery, please visit the Knitted Knockers UK website*, you can also give a donation here: http://www.knittedknockersuk.com/
-oOo-
* And there are groups in the US, Australia and South Africa for those of you on different continents.
The Snail of Happiness 
Andrea
/ January 16, 2015What a tremendous initiative!
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ January 16, 2015It’s a really great thing to be involved in – something that can make an enormous difference to a woman’s life, but takes only a little effort for those with the skill.
LikeLike
davidprosser
/ January 16, 2015Unbelievable, but because this is such a good cause, the schoolboy humour is at rest in case I make a boob..
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ January 16, 2015😉
LikeLike
randomblog2014
/ January 16, 2015thanks for sharing this, I’m going to look into making these
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ January 21, 2015Excellent!
LikeLike
thecontentedcrafter
/ January 16, 2015What an absolutely splendid alternative to those silicone things! Somehow way more friendly and comforting I feel. I was brought close to tears reading your post – it is the first time I have heard of this initiative and think it is just wonderful! Of course I went looking and found a couple of women who have just started knitting knockers in New Zealand.
Here is a link to the facebook page that started it all, followed by an article that has contact information.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/north-shore-times/9744559/Knitted-knockers-a-purler
When my crazy life slows down a little I shall get the pattern and have a go as well. Thank you for sharing this latest venture – so proud of you!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Snail of Happiness
/ January 16, 2015How brilliant to see NZ there too… I’m sure there are other countries in Europe as well. It does feel like a very special thing to be involved with… something so personal that is the epitome of the kindness I was talking about before ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
claidig
/ January 16, 2015This is brilliant 🙂
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ January 16, 2015It’s something that I’m really happy to be involved with 🙂
LikeLike
nerdinthebrain
/ January 16, 2015This is the most fantastic thing I’ve read all week! I’m so glad you shared…and you are awesome for contributing your time and skill! 😀
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ January 16, 2015Thank you!
LikeLike
Nice piece of work
/ January 16, 2015I hadn’t heard about this before, so I’ve joined the South African facebook group – what a great idea. I’ll share this with my Thursday crochet ladies, as well. 🙂
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ January 16, 2015That’s great… global knockering!
LikeLike
katechiconi
/ January 16, 2015Why did I only find out about this (from a user’s perspective) when it was already too late? They look so much more comfortable than the silicone or foam ones. And who do the prosthesis manufacturers think they’re kidding when they claim one of their models is ‘suitable for the tropics’? I have thankfully found a good home for my unwanted boobage; Pacific Island communities have no access to prostheses and some lovely ladies have got together to form the Uplift Project, to supply them with donated pre-(un)loved silicone jobbies. Wish I could crochet worth a damn, I’d make some, but I don’t think anyone would be grateful for my efforts…
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ January 16, 2015But do spread the word… especially to those who might need one (or a pair).
LikeLike
katechiconi
/ January 16, 2015I shall; I have a new acquaintance who is not happy with what she’s been given and doesn’t want a reconstruction yet. I’ll pass on the details.
LikeLike
Stitch Boom Bang
/ January 16, 2015I love this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nanette
/ January 16, 2015A knit for charity I belong to regularly has the knitting of these for the Breast Cancer Support Group…… we call them Titbits or Bosom Buddies. Kate, I can send you a pattern for both knit and crocheted if you want to have a go. We knit soft, seamless chemo hats as well for various cancer support and oncology units around Australia.
LikeLike
arlingwoman
/ January 17, 2015Wow. So great. Sending links to two people.
LikeLike
gentlestitches
/ January 17, 2015What a great idea. I am so glad you told me. I am bookmarking the aussie one. ❤
LikeLike
Anne Phillips
/ January 17, 2015Well done Mrs Snail I love being part of Knitted Knockers UK too, the more awareness raised the better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Snail of Happiness
/ January 17, 2015I’m loving the fact that there are ladies knitting and receiving knockers all around the world.
LikeLike
narf77
/ January 17, 2015I am going to have to hone my skills and make some Ms Snail. A more worthy cause I can’t think of. Thank you for sharing this post, and the web page in Australia 🙂
LikeLike
jem arrowsmith
/ January 17, 2015What a wonderful initiative to get involved in. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
thegrangerange.wordpress.com
/ January 18, 2015What a wonderful project and a great way to use your crafting skills.
LikeLiked by 1 person
katythenightowl
/ January 19, 2015Thanks for putting this info up, Jan – it’s a what a wonderful idea, and I was so glad to see they did a crochet pattern, too.~
I have applied for membership straight away 🙂
Having had family and friends in this position, I can’t think of anything nicer to contribute to 🙂
LikeLike
insearchofitall
/ February 1, 2015I had to find out what you were talking about. Had never heard the term nor any idea of what it was. Today was educational. Thank you. 🙂
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ February 1, 2015a truly great cause to contribute to!
LikeLiked by 1 person
plainandsimplepress
/ May 5, 2015LOL! Just wore mine for one of the first times yesterday. Love them — they’re amazingly comfortable and the effect is…well…va-va-voom! The foobs look better than the real things did.
Knitted Knockers are also all over the US — if you’re in the US or Canada, Google your city, state, or province plus Knitted Knockers. Also there’s a Canadian artisan named Beryl Tsang who makes foobs called “TitBits” — apparently KK knocked off her design, from what I can tell. If you knit, you can find a pattern on Knitty.com or buy direct from her.
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ May 18, 2015So glad to hear of your positive experience. Currently we are trialling swimming knockers as an addition to the range on offer!
LikeLike
quercuscommunity
/ August 6, 2015Speechless! Just amazed at what you can learn by blogging and how many great people are out there helping others.
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ August 6, 2015There are now about 100 of us in the UK who do this… Mr Snail has got used to the sight of knitted boobs around the living room!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
quercuscommunity
/ August 6, 2015Us married men are very adaptable. Mr Snail sounds like a paragon of manly virtues.
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ August 6, 2015Oh he is!
LikeLiked by 1 person