Meet Diane, Making a difference from Russellville, KY!
Volunteer Highlight: Diane Crawley (Russellville, KY)
For years, Diane Crawley spent her evenings knitting for others.
Chemo caps. Lap blankets. Children’s hats. Handmade items created quietly and lovingly for people she would likely never meet.
When someone in her local craft group shared a link to Knitted Knockers, Diane immediately knew she wanted to help.
“I have always made donation knitting,” Diane shared. “If I can help someone by knitting in the evening, all is good.”
Living in Kentucky, Diane began making knitted knockers and donating them wherever she could, first sending them to Bellingham, Washington, and later donating through Knashville Knockers in Tennessee. Along the way, she introduced Knitted Knockers to her local library craft group, Gathering of Yarn at the Logan County Public Library.
At the time, she never imagined that one day she would become a recipient herself.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Years after first becoming a volunteer, Diane was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.
“I knew once I got the diagnosis of triple negative, a DMX was in my future,” she shared.
Facing a double mastectomy was emotional and overwhelming, but Diane approached it with honesty, courage, and humor.
“At 67 I was fine with flat, and I had read the joy from others who were recipients of wearing knitted knockers,” she said. “My daughter and I picked out bright colors for me to make for myself.”
Even during treatment, Diane continued knitting when she could.
“Though I could not knit much during my treatments, I managed to get a few done.”
Making her own knockers brought a completely different perspective.
“It was quite an emotional journey facing knitting my own bright pink knockers,” Diane said. “The first time wearing them was tough. Much harder for me than expected.”
She kept moving forward.
“Like everyone else on this journey, I pushed past it. Felt lucky to be able to make my own.”
Learning What Knitted Knockers Truly Mean
For years, Diane had made knitted knockers while imagining the women who would receive them. Now, she understood the experience personally.
“When I knit a knocker, I always tried to think of the wearer,” she explained. Hoping “that they can feel the care and respect I feel for them.”
“When I became a recipient, that feeling was enhanced. I understood what it means to have these and be a proud wearer. Post DMX life is easier with knockers.”
Like many Knitted Knockers recipients, Diane discovered that the lightweight comfort made a tremendous difference in everyday life.
“The joy is, no one knows I am wearing them,” she shared.
That freedom led to unexpected moments of joy.
“One day, I just jumped into the lake with them on. How fun is that?! They aren’t swimmers, but held up great.”
She now laughs at the realities of life after surgery.
“Now, I just joke about having to ‘go put my boobs on,’” Diane said. “Sometimes I don’t take my time, and they are not even, or one is drooped and another is too high. My wonderful husband just smiles and says I need adjusting.”
Knitting Creates Connection
Throughout her Knitted Knockers journey, Diane has formed meaningful connections with people she would never have met otherwise.
During a family vacation, she worked on knockers while sitting with relatives.
“My daughter’s mother-in-law asked what I was making,” Diane recalled. “After explaining, she got teary-eyed and mentioned a dear friend had just been diagnosed and would I consider making a pair.”
“By the end of our trip, she left with a pair to give to her friend. What a great feeling that was.”
On another vacation, Diane met a woman from England while knitting outside during a tour stop.
“She got on the website immediately and was so happy to learn about this and couldn’t wait to get started.”
Perhaps the most meaningful connection came in the middle of Diane’s own cancer journey.
The Knitted Knocker That Led to Her Oncologist
One day at her library craft group, Diane was knitting a knitted knocker when a young man walked in carrying a beginner knitting kit.
“He asked, ‘Who is going to teach me to knit?’” Diane remembered.
As they talked, he asked what she was making. Diane explained Knitted Knockers, and the young man shared that he had also undergone a double mastectomy as part of his own cancer journey.
Weeks later, shortly after receiving her biopsy results, Diane returned to the craft group.
“That week, he was the only one who joined me,” she shared. “Quietly, I told him that I too, had breast cancer. He was the first person, other than my husband, I had told.”
“It was so hard, and I started to cry. Then he began to cry. I had known him for five weeks, and we were holding hands and crying in the library.”
That conversation would lead Diane to the oncologist who later guided her treatment.
“He told me it’s a rough road, but I would be fine, and shared the name of his oncologist. (She truly is amazing.)
“We were both in the place where we needed each other.”
Giving Back to the Clinic That Helped Her
Today, Diane continues knitting knitted knockers with an even deeper understanding of the women who receive them.
“I now donate to the clinic that treated me,” she shared.
For Diane, Knitted Knockers represents more than a handmade item.
“They are such a gift to have.”
For anyone considering volunteering, her encouragement is simple:
“Most crafters I know are very giving people,” Diane said. “It’s such a worthwhile project and so easy to travel with.”
To recipients, she offers reassurance and humor:
“They have nothing to lose by trying them (except maybe the silicone prosthetics. Hahaha).”
A Proud Wearer
Diane’s story beautifully reflects the heart of Knitted Knockers: compassion shared person to person, stitch by stitch.
What began as volunteer knitting became comfort during her own cancer journey and eventually transformed into an even deeper mission of helping others.
“I understood what it means to have these and be a proud wearer.”
Meet Dale, Making a difference from Tucson, AZ!
Volunteer Highlight: Dale Arriaga (Tucson, AZ)
I have been involved with Knitted Knockers as both a recipient and a volunteer since 2017. I am a 71 year old retired Nurse and Sunday school teacher. I have been fighting tumors since I was in my 20’s, and it seems my journey with tumors and health issues will continue. My three sisters have also all had breast cancer and mastectomies.
In 2008, I had a mastectomy, but discovered that I couldn’t wear silicone prosthetics due to my sensitive skin and the Arizona climate. A lady at church told me about knockers and how much she loved them. I found Knitted Knockers to be lighter, more comfortable, and I can make myself many different designs and have fun with them. After I received my first pair, I knew I wanted to get involved with this organization.
We are Knitted Knockers Tucson, a small group of four, but WOW, what a group! Two of the ladies knit and two crochet. We supply the state of Arizona and help other states when needed. We support four clinics, including the Arizona Oncology offices in town. We have mailed out over 1,800 in Arizona so far, and have never run out of knockers, thanks to these three volunteers. I could not do this without them. They are true angels, helping women they don’t know feel confident, comfortable, and whole.
Knitted Knockers is the greatest organization ever! All the volunteers I have met are simply amazing. They became lifelong friends, even though we live far apart. The Knitted Knocker cruises we have been on together have been some of the highlights of my life.
I do many events to educate others about Knitted Knockers. When I do events, women are constantly telling me what a difference these knockers have made for them. I do a TV interview every year in Tucson, and people come up to me on the street and tell me what an amazing gift it was to receive their knockers. I even had a husband get a pair for his wife. He said she hadn’t been out of the house since her surgery, but after receiving the knockers, she started living again. I have never been so proud and honored to belong to any group.
My fight with cancer continues, but being a Knitted Knockers volunteer helps me to focus on something other than my own issues. It gives me joy and a purpose.
A fun side note from our founder, Barb:
The first time I met Dale in person was on the first Knitted Knockers cruise in 2019. I wore my “googly” eye glasses that are supposed to prevent seasickness. Dale pulled me aside and said, “Oh honey, I am so sorry but you have had too much to drink!” LOL She is such a hoot.
Dale is always ready to share the story about Knitted Knockers. She has always said, “Yes!” when asked to display information at events, share with medical teams and even travel great distances to spread the word. She has impacted more lives than we will ever know with her love and giving heart. She and her hubby, Rudy have made a huge difference in my life, and l truly believe Knitted Knockers would not be where it is today without her.
From all of us at Knitted Knockers…Thank you, Dale! We look forward to celebrating your 10 year anniversary with you and appreciate everything you have done to help Knitted Knockers!
Meet Mee, Making a difference throughout the world from New York City!
My journey with Knitted Knockers started as a birthday gift to myself in 2017. As I looked for the yarn at my LYS in NYC, Knitty City, I learned the founder of Knitted Knockers had recently spoken there. I felt this was Kismet. In the beginning, I brought all the yarn and tools from Knitty City and gave them the knockers until April, 2018 when they asked to me stop delivering them knockers because they had too many.
Hearing this request totally shocked me and it was then I decided to ship them to the Bellingham office. At this time I sent an email to learn what cup sizes were needed – Christel nicely responded A and B cups would be appreciated. These were sent for the next 3 years until November 2021 when the need changed to D, E and F cups. What a surprise it was to see my knocker count at 1,000 on 2/5/22 – 4-1/2 years since the starting date.
Wow! What a group from Connecticut. Check out this update from them!
Hello from Connecticut and Ladies of the Knockers.
Lots of exciting things happening here. Our meetings have moved indoors but group size is limited to 10-12 (social distancing in the shop area available to us.). Folks are really happy to be together again.
And we’re growing!!!!
I did an informational program at our Senior Center and 9 people attended. Turns out all were knitters! They were interested in getting involved so, in light of the space restrictions we are working under in Granby, a second Ladies of the Knockers group was started in the Simsbury Senior Center. No space restrictions there so all the Granby knitters now have another option if we fill up our Granby meeting.
Granby meets 1st Saturday of the month, 3:00-4:30.
Simsbury meets 2nd Tuesday of the month, 2:30-4:00.
We’re about to send 118 Knockers to NJ, for further shipment to the Philippines. This will be our 3rd shipment to Bayanihan Knitted Knockers and we’ll continue to send unstuffed A’s and B’s every few months.
We are also collecting unstuffed Knockers to send to you ladies. Our inventory stays at a level where we can restock 2-3 of our clinics, then we look to supply the Philippines and you.
Our newest knitters had never heard about Knitted Knockers and are thrilled to be involved, as are all us older members. Thank you for all you do and for giving us a wonderful purpose.
With much love,
Linda
PS Some pictures are pre covid meetings .
Meet Knitted Knockers Wichita Kansas!
Knitted Knockers in Wichita started in April 2017. Pictured is Tina Heston who started with us 2 yrs ago and now supplies clinics in KC. Next is Kathy Chaney and Carla Williams who have been with me from day one. Then Beverly Kirk my sister who nominated us for a $500 award which kept us in yarn for a year. She helps stuff them. Then me Sharon Williams. I’m a 2x breast cancer survivor. When I was diagnosed I discovered knitted knockers but there wasn’t a group near me so I started this group. We supply 8 clinics here in Wichita. We also have Laurie Marceau and Diana Fowler who were unable to be with us for the photo.
So wonderful going strong after all these years! Supplying knockers for the women of Kansas. You are rock stars supporting 8 medical clinics!!!!
Meet Knitted Knockers France and a very special member of their team. Wow! Real men can knit!
Back in August 2020, Knitted Knockers France put together 21 wonderful volunteer women from 10 different regions in France, who have been knitting, crocheting and helping in all possible ways to get to those Amazones who need us. I have felt lucky to have an active and sensitive group of women who are always ready not only to knit but to help in any way possible. I’ve never thought a man could possibly join us although I have read how much husbands of fighter women support them to go through their battle like my own hubby has done. Well about a month ago, Jayne Mannion our colleague from Charentes in France forwarded me an email from Thomas who was requesting to join our KKF team. I have to be honest I was very surprised and I must say than when I called Thomas to interview him before having him to join our group my surprise and admiration was even greater.
Thomas is French/German. He learnt how to knit when he was 12 years old at the school he was attending in Germany where all skills were to be learnt by boys and girls without any difference. When he sent me some pics about his knitting I just went WOW!!!! he does delicate and detailed knitting hardly made even by experienced knitter women. Not only he is a great knitter but a lovely man with a huge heart. After 25 years as Marketing Director for international festivals and theaters he had enough of show time and became a Shiatsu therapist. He helps people fighting against cancer alleviate the side effects of their treatments, so as soon as he heard about us he didn’t hesitate to join us. He has been fighting himself against an illness for 30 years so he knows how much people, no matter if they’re men or women, need support and comfort when going through fighting for life. When I asked Thomas why he wanted to join us, his answer was simple: ” being a man does not put you aside when talking about breast cancer. We owe our existence to mothers, we have sisters, cousins, wives and friends so we can not just ignore it. All the way around, I call men to join KK because only by knitting and receiving a big smile from an Amazone warrior you will feel like a hero”
Thomas who speaks four languages also helped us to translate the Bottom Up version into French making it easier for those who would like to join us to begin knitting in an easy way, men or women. He added a message to future knitter men: “don’t be shy, how many women have joined “men’s jobs”?! it’s time for us to join their world and show women we might also be capable to do what they do”.
As KKF leader I’m very proud to have Thomas in our team!
Mila
Meet Kathy and The Knockers A Way Group Serving the Women of Oregon
Meet Kathy Bell a member of Knockers A Way providing knockers to the women of Oregon. “We currently have 25 knitters that contribute. Since starting knitting in 2016 we have sent 4400+ knockers to their new, forever home. 🥰. Way to go Kathy, Sue and team! Such a long faithful service helping so many women in the beautiful state of Oregon! That is one huge box of stuffing there!!!
Meet the “Great Knockers Again” Group serving the women of Colorado and beyond!
Colorado’s Great Knockers Again group just fulfilled their 1,000th request via the Knitted Knockers website! Gathering at Piney Creek Yarn in Centennial, CO, the team serves the metro Denver area from south of Parker, north to Longmont and Brighton, and west to Lakewood! Our group of dedicated crafters began hosting monthly meetings in October 2017, gathering monthly in camaraderie to create Knitted Knockers. At each subsequent month’s meeting Knockers were collected, then stuffed, packaged and mailed — 6 sets by the end of that first year. We built relationships with medical clinics and recruited new members – helping to fulfill requests and distribute 975 Knockers by the end of 2018. By the end of 2019, we had supplied a total of 1,597 knitted and crocheted Knockers to Colorado breast cancer survivors! At the start of 2020, our Great Knockers Again crew totaled 30 members and we were stocking 16 Denver-area medical clinics and participating in a wide range of breast cancer awareness events to help spread the word about Knitted Knockers.
In pre-Covid times, we held two annual Knit-a-Thon events — hosting 85 attendees the first year and 110 crafters at our second event. It was heartwarming to see so many sharing an enthusiasm for knitting and crocheting mobilized to help stock us with Knockers! New friendships formed at our Knit-a-Thons soon led to the launch of a second monthly meeting gathering one evening per month at our local library, or as they like to say: “We Knit Our Knockers at Night.”
If the safer-at-home Covid-19 restrictions have shown us anything, it is the generosity and thoughtfulness of our crafters. With a “What else do I have to do?” mentality, Great Knockers Again members have dedicated their pandemic time to “stay home and craft on.” When we were able to safely collect their creations, more than 200 Knockers were delivered to a socially distanced table outside our usual meeting place, Piney Creek Yarn! After gathering so many completed Knockers, our next month’s project was a “Grab and Go” stuffing event – providing volunteers all the pieces needed to stuff and package 455 Knockers for distribution.
With our Knitted Knockers supplies well-stocked, we are dedicating the 2020 holiday season to creating chemo hats for clinics serving men and women fighting cancer, as well as providing acrylic/wool blend hats, scarves, and gloves that won’t freeze when they get wet for the “Hats for the Homeless” project. Since shifting to creating hats our volunteers have already supplied 34 chemo hats to clinics and are working on a variety of warm items which will be delivered directly to Denver area homeless camps.
Thanks to the dedication, enthusiasm, generosity, and flexibility of all of our crafters, we have continually shifted focus to respond to our community during these unpredictable times. We thank Knitted Knockers Support Foundation for their tireless support and advice.
Thank you Great Knockers Again for providing comfort and dignity to those in need!
Meet the “Northern Nevada Knotty Knitters/Crocheters” serving the women of the great state of Nevada and beyond!
Northern Nevada Knotty Knitters/Crocheters started as a call from a colleague who saw the 2016 Dear Abby article. She mentioned a friend of hers would really love to try them. After a tour of the Knitted Knocker site, it was evident this was a very worthwhile donation of time and energy. Those first Knockers started our eventual amazing group.
From one knitter to two friends knitting and crocheting to three who secured our meeting place, Copper Cat Studio, to twelve and growing. We meet every first Tuesday (or will again) to stuff, sort and share, not only Knockers but cards and emails from recipients that lift us all and keep our hearts full. We are breast cancer survivors, family members, friends and artists who want to provide a little comfort for women.
Our member Leslie speaks for all of us and says, “I love that I can use one of my favorite activities, knitting, to make a positive difference in another woman’s life!”
We send orders to the whole state of Nevada, keep a local hospital cancer resource boutique stocked, and provide three clinics with baskets of literature and samples. A highlight of Spring and Fall is to bring Knitted Knockers to fundraisers in Reno by sponsoring tables at local events.
Knitted Knockers brings comfort to those who need them and joy to those who make them. We are grateful to be a part of this amazing organization.
In Recognition of National Military Family Month meet super veteran volunteer and survivor Kerrie. Thank you for her service!
My name is Kerrie Collings. I am a disabled/retired veteran. I served in the US Navy as a cryptology technician operator/maintenance – CTO/M. After the military, I worked for the Veterans Affairs as a National Service Officer/Rating Specialist before taking my disability retirement from the military. I have been knitting knockers for a little over a year now. I learned about Knitted Knockers after being diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2018. I have since had a bilateral mastectomy and, although I am still unable to wear any myself, I love making knockers for others. Having breasts makes your clothes fit better, you feel more confident when your clothes fit right. So I completely enjoy being able to contribute to those positive feelings for others. I have knit orders from the website as a provider/volunteer as well as answering individual requests from Facebook. I haven’t tried crocheting knockers yet. Maybe that will be next! My favorite yarns to work with are natural fiber blends. My favorite knockers were a turquoise blue I did in a merino blend as a special request for a lady in the United Kingdom. She later confessed her new puppy got ahold of one and made it her new snuggle. Thank goodness she only needed one knocker!