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The phenomenal story of Knitted Knockers has so many interesting chapters that there would be enough to create a book. Today, we’d like to share the story of what happened when the head of a major yarn company caught the vision of Knitted Knockers and committed to do whatever it would take to develop an approved yarn for our use.

In 2017, Knitted Knockers attended the National Needlework Association (TNNA) conference in Columbus, OH. We wanted to reach out to leaders in the yarn industry and introduce them to Knitted Knockers and our mission to bring comfort and dignity to women having a mastectomy by providing free knitted knockers made by caring volunteers. We were able to showcase the creativity of the crafters by having an eye-catching wall display of knockers made of yarn from many different companies. These creations were meant to be conversation starters, and the display proved to be a huge hit!

Jack Blumenthal, head of Lion Brand Yarn, visited our display and expressed interest in supporting our efforts by supplying a yarn that met our requirements. Unfortunately, none that they had available at that time could be used in the making of knockers. Jack was undeterred, though, and insisted they develop one. He invited Barb, the founder of Knitted Knockers, to visit the Yarn Studio if she was ever in the NYC area, and was thrilled when she took him up on the offer. He gave her a tour of the Lion Brand Yarn Studio and the Design department, where the team showed Barb several new yarns in the development queue. The most promising sample was then knit and crocheted, and tested beautifully; however, at first, we were told it had less than a 10% chance of being developed and marketed.

It took two years of development, but now we have Coboo yarn, a cotton/bamboo blend that is both very soft to the skin and washable. It proved to be a huge hit with users and initially was one of the few approved yarns available in “big box” stores such as JoAnn’s and Walmart. Now it is easily available online to our many volunteer knitters.

“At Lion Brand, we’ve always believed that yarn is more than just a material — it’s a way to connect, comfort, and care. That’s why supporting Knitted Knockers with Coboo has been so meaningful. Coboo’s soft, breathable bamboo-cotton blend makes it the perfect yarn for creating Knockers that feel good to wear, and we’ve been inspired by the generosity of makers who’ve embraced this cause. Partnering with Knitted Knockers reminds us that every skein of yarn has the power to make a difference in someone’s life,” said Richard Ezra, Chief Marketing Officer for Lion Brand Yarns.

Today, thousands of women are wearing knitted knockers made from Coboo. Jack was right when he said that this was going to be “big”.  Jack and Lion Brand Yarns will always be known for their giving and caring spirit. Thank you, Jack, for catching the vision and Lion Brand for carrying it on.