Every Stitch Tells A Story
How can a simple ball of yarn & a couple of knitting needles make such a big impact, and ultimately ease someone’s cancer experience?
It just takes one person with a vision, and Desiree Slabbert Lotter was our game-changer. A keen crafter working in a radiology department. She put out the call to collect squares and blankets, and they came flooding in!
The response was so overwhelming! We realised that many people care deeply about supporting cancer warriors. Avid knitters very seldom create items for themselves. They are driven by compassion for others. Utilising their skill set can truly make a difference.
As a charity, in our volunteer roles, we often step into patient’s most vulnerable and challenging times. With a gift of knitted blanket in our hands, we open the door to a connection. And every recipient understands that a very kind individual – a complete stranger to them – has taken the time, effort and costs to create a tactile token of their best wishes and prayers.
These blankets are used as comfort during chemo sessions, hospital visits and even radiation treatment.
As a charity, in our volunteer roles, we often step into patient’s most vulnerable and challenging times. With a gift of knitted blanket in our hands, we open the door to a connection. And every recipient understands that a very kind individual – a complete stranger to them – has taken the time, effort and costs to create a tactile token of their best wishes and prayers.
These blankets are used as comfort during chemo sessions, hospital visits and even radiation treatment.
Our F[oo]bies Project was launched to meet an urgent need. Our visits with breast cancer patients show us that many ladies cannot afford silicone breast prostheses.
We did not invent the wheel. Knitted breast prothesis patterns are readily available online. We simply created a pattern that suited our needs. When we say ‘We’ we actually mean Wendy King did the hard work to formulate the pattern with many fails until she found the exactly the right path.
We call them F[oo]bies to bring a little light into an awkward subject. Fabulous Fake Boobies! We challenged the knitting community once again, and activated a series of in-person workshops to learn this complicated 4-needle pattern. Our knitting teams in East London keep us in consistent supply, with Stacia Isaacs Schroeder leading the way of knitting and endless stuffing. All done with so much heart.
Saprotex International got on board with their Cotton On range of soft, pure yarns and we now courier these F[oo]bies, as a gift, to breast cancer patients around South Africa.
Meet our knitters / crocheters
Featured Q&A from some of our most dedicated ladies
Desiree Lotter
Are you a knitter or crocheter?
I can do both, but prefer crochet
How long have you been knitting/crocheting?
I started knitting in primary school, Standard 5. We had to knit a bear ~ mine wasn’t very good! I started crocheting in my late teens, but I really got into it when I became a granny in 2018
What connects you to The Cancer Connection?
Sam drew me in. She is the most inspiring person I have ever had the privilege of meeting. A ray of sunshine!
What is your favourite project that you have completed?
It is really hard to pick a favourite! I have had many that I have loved. One of the most recent was a blanket I made with Charity Arabian Nights, for a special little princess
Are you crushing on any particular colour/fiber/at the moment?
I am crushing on too many! I have run out of space to stash my stash, but I really enjoy working with Charity Double Knit range. I have used many of the different Saprotex Yarns and I love them all. I also love using their hooks, especially the hooks with the blue grip. Absolutely the best!
Are you a mulit-tasking crafter?
Yes, I am. I watch TV shows while crocheting, even while watching the Bokke play! I also usually have more than one project on the go at a time
Stacia Isaacs Schroeder
Are you a knitter or crocheter?
I do both
How long have you been knitting/crocheting?
I was taught to knit at age 10, in Standard 2, as it was part of the curriculum. After a few failed attempts at crochet by myself, my mom taught me the finer details
What connects you to The Cancer Connection?
My Auntie Fien passed away a few years ago from cancer. I have always been surrounded by family members who were avid knitters and have been inspired by them to be of service to others. Soon after my auntie passed I discovered the F[oo]bies Project by The Cancer Connection and I got hooked. It is something she would have been involved in, and I know she would be so proud of me. I also work in the cancer field and see patients visit us with socks stuffed into their bras to hide their mastectomy
What is your favourite project that you have completed?
One of my most favourite projects was the crochet blanket I made for my son’s baptism. I have also recently discovered fidget toys and worry worms. So when I have scraps of wool left over that is my go to item to make. I gift them to moms with anxious children and even to some anxious adult patients
Are you crushing on any particular colour/fiber/brand at the moment?
I am loving the Cotton On Double Knit colour blends. Carnival, Carnation or Saltwater… I can never choose just one shade or colour!
Wendy King
Are you a knitter or crocheter?
Both
How long have you been knitting/crocheting?
Probably around 50 years
What connects you to The Cancer Connection?
I can’t help but not be involved as my daughter is the found of this NPO
What is your favourite project that you have completed?
I spend most of my time knitting F[oo]bies so they have become my favourite project
Are you crushing on any particular colour/fiber/brand at the moment?
It depends on the project. I like to use the Charity range for blankets, and the Cotton On range for the F[oo]bies
Are you a mulit-tasking crafter?
I like to watch TV or listen to music at home while knitting. I also enjoy the social aspect of chatting, while we craft, with my knitting group in my retirement home
Carmen Marguerite Potter
How long have you been knitting/crocheting?
I have been crocheting for 11 years. My husband and I are sheep and wool farmers so it is only natural that I love crafting with wool
What connects you to The Cancer Connection?
I am a cancer survivor. My domestic was in Frere Hospital for months. She was from the Northern Cape, so she didn’t know anyone in East London. Sam, from The Cancer Connection, was very kind to her. She organised people to visit her and they supplied her with airtime, fruit, and toiletries. I was so grateful as I live 1.5 hours away. And so I am very passionate about helping cancer-related charities
What is your favourite project that you have completed?
I love making toys and baby mobiles. I use a lot of white, grey and beige yarn for the toys
Are you crushing on any particular colour/fiber/brand at the moment?
One of my favourite yarns is Elle Pure Gold. It crochets up beautifully. I have made myself 3 different cardigans in this range
Are you a mulit-tasking crafter?
I do multi-task. If I am crocheting a blanket, I often start another project then go back to the blanket
Saprotex International is a spinner of high quality, hand-knititng yarns. Over time, they have become the largest spinner in Africa, and one of the largest in the world. Their brands include Elle, Charity, Mirage and Fiesta, and offer a wide variety of options, from top end fancy yarns to budget-friendly acrylic yarns.
Whether you are looking for 100% wool, 100% cotton, mohair or a selection of acrylic, viscose or draylon blends, Saprotex has something for every type of crafter.
www.elleyarns.com
https://www.facebook.com/elleyarnsint
Mdantsane, East London 043 708 4200
