As many of you already know I knit breasts… yes, that’s not a spelling mistake (although I do also knit beasts)… breasts.
A gift from one woman to another
The wonderful charity Knitted Knockers UK offers free knitted and crochet prostheses to ladies who have had a mastectomy. The group was formed in January 2014 and recently gained the status of a charity (Registered charity number 1161125). Over recent months a steady stream of requests has appeared on the ‘orders board’ (only accessible to those of us approved to make knockers to the required standard) and they are always snapped up promptly by willing volunteers.
And then, last Friday, we were featured on the BBC:
and the floodgates were opened: hundreds of e-mails arrived.
Current knocker in progress
There are about 100 of us able to make knockers and we all do it voluntarily. So, our needles are flying in order that all the ladies who need help from us will receive it. Normally, we only take on one order at a time, but that rule has been relaxed and we are agreeing to fulfill multiple orders (I have three to do currently). We pack them up prettily so that the recipient feels like they really are getting a gift and usually we include a little extra something – I usually crochet a rose to include in the package.
Whilst I’m getting a warm fuzzy feeling being able to make such a special gift for another lady, it is tinged with sadness. What a shame that all the ladies requesting knockers now didn’t know about us sooner, and how sad that there is such a high demand. I know that many women find the silicone prostheses supplied (free of charge) by the NHS uncomfortable and impossible to wear for extended periods. Our soft cotton versions are gentle on the skin and don’t weigh a ton. They can be worn very soon after surgery, because the backs are concave, so don’t press against scars.
So, dragons and socks are on the sidelines for a bit while I crochet nipples and knit boobs… I’m sure you’ll understand the lack of posts about any other sort of crafting!
The Snail of Happiness 
Wild Daffodil
/ May 25, 2015What a wonderful service to offer – I have been meaning to find out more about this since seeing your earlier post – you have just given me the nudge I need – thank you. ❤
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nanacathy2
/ May 25, 2015What a marvellous enterprise. Good for you and good luck fulfilling the orders.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ May 25, 2015Great to have some national publicity!
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davidprosser
/ May 25, 2015It’s a wonderful thing you’re doing Jan. More power to your fingers and elbows as you get down to it.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
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insearchofitall
/ May 25, 2015You make me wish I could knit too. What a wonderfully kind way to spend your extra moments in an already full day. It’s nice that the public is finally aware of the needs and that a few have answered the call to serve. You have a good heart and we will wait as long as you need to fill those orders. I’m just sad there are so many. Why????? I know you can’t answer that but I still find it odd there are so many needing them. 😦
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arlingwoman
/ May 25, 2015This is such a great thing. I hope that, as the one lady in the video mentioned, you get some more volunteers as well as requests.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ May 25, 2015It seems like offers of help are coming in as well as requests… plus lots of lovely messages of thanks and support 🙂
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katechiconi
/ May 25, 2015They do sound a lot more comfortable and nice to live with than silicone, I must say. Good luck keeping up with the demand, and gaining more knitting recruits.
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thecontentedcrafter
/ May 25, 2015It’s a good thing you are doing there, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Dragons are necessary too 🙂
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The Snail of Happiness
/ May 25, 2015I did finish the latest pair of socks for Mr Snail before getting going on the knockers… and there’s a nearly-finished dragon scarf peaking out of my work basket that will surely demand some attention later this week!
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narf77
/ May 25, 2015A most noble reason to shuffle the dragons to the side Ms Snail. I salute you and your valiant crew of 100 🙂
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The Snail of Happiness
/ May 25, 2015I’m sure, once the 1000 e-mails in the charity’s in box have been dealt with, things will calm down considerably 😉
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Born To Organize
/ May 25, 2015You are a wonderful soul. I too had not heard of this, but I’m so glad you’ve shared and that the word is out. What a lovely, lovely thing to do. It sounds as though a lot of thought went into designing these surrogate breasts as well.
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claidig
/ May 25, 2015I’m guessing volunteer sign-ups are through the roof, too? 🙂
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The Snail of Happiness
/ May 26, 2015They are – although it takes a little time to get approved as there is a quality assurance process to go through for each volunteer. This means that it’s the existing knitters who are madly fulfilling the latest deluge of requests… but all the time with smiles on our faces.
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Jenny From the Garden
/ May 26, 2015I too have never hear of this. I think it’s a wonderful organization. Knit on!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ May 26, 2015I only came across them because I was looking for alternatives to the silicone prostheses… and I thought ‘I could make those’… and I could!
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gentlestitches
/ May 26, 2015I am so moved by the generosity and impressed by you wonderful women.
A great video. ❤
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crawcraftsbeasties
/ May 27, 2015What a thoughtful and personal way to get involved with a charity! It must really feel like you’re making a difference. Good luck tackling those extra orders, it’s great to see the response that the TV feature got 🙂
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The Snail of Happiness
/ May 27, 2015I know that what charities often need is money but you are right – actually doing something that makes a difference to an individual is very special. There have been some very sad e-mails coming in describing the effects of mastectomy on self-confidence and general happiness and it is truly moving to feel that it is possible to make a real difference to another woman’s life for the sake of a few hours effort.
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KerryCan
/ May 27, 2015I get chills, reading about this fine thing you’re doing. I’m glad you’re all getting recognition for it, even though that means more work. I hope you get enough volunteers so that every woman who needs them can have knitted knockers!
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Brenna
/ May 27, 2015Reblogged this on brennaryan.
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sandidureice
/ May 27, 2015A wonderful story and a wonderful thing you are doing xxx
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The Snail of Happiness
/ May 28, 2015Three knitted so far this week
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mrsknitandpurl
/ May 29, 2015Never heard of this until now – what a brilliant idea! You are an amazing woman.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ May 29, 2015Thank you… there are lots of us contributing… an amazing community to be part of 🙂
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