News – TEST

Hi, I’m Patti DeFreeuw!

My husband Mike and I have been married for 45 years, and have three wonderful children and five amazing grandchildren. I am a lifelong crafter and avid knitter.

I became involved with Knitted Knockers in 2017, prior to retiring from my career as a pharmaceutical representative. A colleague and I were discussing various charity knitting opportunities, and she saw a video about Knitted Knockers on Facebook and immediately tagged me. Since both my mother and mother-in-law were breast cancer survivors, it felt like the perfect way for me to give back.

We quickly formed a group of knitters in northeast Indiana, and shortly after signing up, we were asked to become State suppliers and then collaborated with six local medical clinics. When I learned that Knitted Knockers needed someone to help with emails, I volunteered to assist. I soon realized there was an increasing need to connect medical clinics with local knitters, so I took on that role as well. The rest is history! 

When asked last year if I would consider taking over Barb’s role as President and CEO of Knitted Knockers, I was initially stunned. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized it was a wonderful chance to use my skills and passions to help Knitted Knockers into its exciting next chapter.

I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us!

Vogue Knitting LIVE! 2026 in New York City was a beautiful and energizing weekend for Knitted Knockers. Vogue Knitting LIVE! is the ultimate experience for knitters, crocheters, and fiber lovers, bringing the pages of Vogue Knitting magazine to life. Knitted Knockers has attended the event for the past two years.  This year, we hosted a booth where attendees could learn about our mission and see our knockers in action. Barb, Patti and Christel shared the joy of connecting with thousands of knitters, crocheters, designers, yarn companies, medical professionals, and breast cancer survivors.

The Joy and Amazement Was Priceless

A big surprise of the weekend was how many attendees had never heard of Knitted Knockers and how quickly their curiosity turned into enthusiasm.

The joy and amazement on people’s faces, when they saw this very practical way to use their craft to make a difference in women’s lives, was priceless.

• Men stopped to share stories about mothers and sisters facing breast cancer. 
• Recipients shared what it meant to receive these gifts of comfort and dignity. 
• Makers proudly told us how many knockers they have made and how meaningful it feels to use their craft for good.

One of the most unforgettable reactions was the look of surprise when attendees learned that over one million women have received free knitted knockers. Even more surprising to many was that we are an all-volunteer organization, equipping and inspiring makers around the world to provide these gifts at no cost to women who have had a mastectomy or lumpectomy.

Those conversations never get old.

A New Generation of Makers

We were especially struck by the shift in demographics compared to pre-Covid shows. Christel noted how many younger makers attended and how eager they were to learn that knitted and crocheted knockers are made by volunteers just like them.

Hearing people say:

• “I’m going to make these.”
• “I’ll bring this to my knitting club.”
• “Our guild needs to get involved.”

… truly made our hearts happy.

The marketplace was busy, but so many paused their shopping to learn more, ask questions, order knockers for someone they love, or commit to becoming a maker themselves.

Connecting With Partners

The event was wonderful for us on so many other levels.

A highlight was interviewing Shira Blumenthal, a fifth-generation member of the Blumenthal family of Lion Brand Yarn. Shira carries the BRCA1 gene for breast cancer, which made the conversation about the inspiration behind creating CoBoo yarn for Knitted Knockers especially personal and powerful.

Katia Yarn also approached us to test one of their cotton yarns, opening the door to future collaboration.

We also enjoyed the opportunity to be on stage as participants in the Craftivism panel, sharing how fiber arts can serve as a vehicle for compassion and practical support.

Expanding the Vision to Medical Professionals

We were encouraged by the number of medical professionals who stopped by our display and shared their desire to join the more than 2450 medical clinics already distributing knitted knockers. A physician from Johns Hopkins in New York stood out because he immediately caught the vision and wanted to ensure that knockers would be available for his patients as soon as possible.

We all agreed that trade shows are exhausting, but they are worth every minute. Each conversation expands awareness, inspires new makers, and connects more women with comfort and dignity.

Vogue Knitting LIVE! 2026 was a powerful reminder of what happens when craft meets compassion and when volunteers say yes to making a difference.

If you ever have the opportunity to represent Knitted Knockers at a trade show or medical event, we would love to equip you with the materials and support you need.  Please reach out and join us in sharing the mission of Knitted Knockers!

With sincere gratitude,

Sincerely,
Patti, Barb, and Christel

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!

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.

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.

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  .

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!!!!

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 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!!!

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!

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.

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!

These knitters and crocheters began to meet several years ago to use their talents for good while enjoying each other’s company. Initially, they made requested items for two senior living facilities and a family violence shelter. In 2016 knitted knockers entered the project list, along with giving afghans to victims of fires and tornadoes. This small group of women in a rural community began to have a big impact on their local area, and beyond. How small a group, and how small a community? Maybe ten members on a good day, in a town of 16,000.

2017 was a banner year for Made With Love. In November, they became state providers for Knitted Knockers. The following month they delivered 117 afghans to victims of Hurricane Harvey in Port Aransas, Texas. No one wondered what these women were doing in their spare time!

Since becoming state providers, the Made With Love group has provided knockers for more than one thousand women, primarily in Texas. Currently, they are helping Ohio as well. They have served the Hispanic community in Texas in Spanish and created the first translation of the care sheets into Spanish used by knittedknockers.org.  What of their other projects? Those are ongoing. “Disaster afghans”, stuffed animals for the family violence shelter, hats, mittens, washcloths for the homeless facility…whatever is needed, wherever it’s needed, these women meet the challenge.

How has Covid changed this? The full group can now meet only on Zoom. Groups of two or three at a time can meet at the shop to work and visit. They have had to forego birthday meals and holiday gatherings. Instead of making meals for members who are ill, phone calls, Facetime, and Zoom have to suffice. Members who aren’t able, or aren’t comfortable to leave home are now making knockers and sending them to the shop. There are also half a dozen knitters in distant communities who make knockers and mail them in.

Texans are proud of being “good neighbors”. To the women of Made With Love, anyone in need is a neighbor.

It’s just retired me knitting away here in Pahoa, HI. I call my “group” Lava You Knitters for the lava river that flowed through my subdivision two years ago. My mother, who also knits, says it has kept her sane over the years. I understand that. I started working for this charity on August 25, 2016. My total orders filled to date is 874.

ELLAS is a proud partner of Knitted Knockers, supporting low-income breast cancer survivors with free Knitted Knockers.

ELLAS is an initiative of The Resurrection Project which raises awareness and educates Latinas on breast cancer and supports women diagnosed with accessing health and resources. ELLAS was established in 2012 as a response to the lack of support and health services for undocumented and uninsured women. The group is made up of breast cancer survivors and volunteers, that are not only a support group but raise money to provide education and resources to women diagnosed.

For more information on ELLAS please reach out to Araceli Lucio, alucio@resurrectionproject.org or call (312) 880-1888!

Hi! I’m Jane Bailey, a State Supplier for Alabama! I appreciate being part of this group. I am a retired Librarian for the city of Columbiana, a small town south of Birmingham. I love making Knitted Knockers! If I can make a difference in a woman’s confidence, then I am more than happy to do it. I don’t belong to a group, I’m just one person trying to make a difference for others. This group is a blessing to me!

“This is me and my kids dropping off at a medical center in Lexington, KY. Thanks to some fabulous knitters in Louisville.”

Thank you Laura for “adopting” one of the over 1,500 medical clinics providing free knitted knockers to their patients!

Sadly Lenore sent me this message today:

“It is with a broken heart that I say my beloved mom passed last night at age 95. She was a big fan of knitted knockers . Last year she filled 525 for me❤️. Her comment always was ‘I like this’. Plus, she had to fill them just right. I just can’t imagine life without her💔. She is being sent off with a picture of her filling the KNOCKERS. My aunt min, her sister, who was blind was an avid knitter. She filled 50 as well.”

Thank you Lenore for all you and your mom and aunt have done making a difference in women’s lives. You are a beautiful example of love in action.

We are knitted Knockers Tucson. We supply the State of Arizona and help other States when they need it. We also supply Arizona Oncology offices in Town. 2 ladies crochet and 2 knit. We were at lunch at a wonderful restaurant. It is so fun to get together once a year. 2 of our members are snow birds and travel a lot. One of our ladies makes beautiful pine baskets and has taught 2 classes at my house. Another of our members puts a heart on the back of every knocker she makes. 2 of us are nurses one retired one still works full time and finds the time to help. I am D.J/ Dale the state provider and do many events to educate others about Knitted Knockers. I was on a local news station one year. I have never been so proud and honored to belong to any other group as much as this one. I am so thankful for these 3 volunteers I could not do it without them. True angels helping women they don’t know to feel confident, comfortable and whole.