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