Knitting for breast cancer awareness
Did you know that one in eight women will develop breast cancer over her lifetime? Today, breast cancer survival rates have increased due to early detection and improved technology and treatments. I found this out recently when breast cancer touched my life as well.
My sister and I were talking on the phone one day about getting our yearly physicals and mammograms, so we both made appointments to get our checkups done for the year before the busy holidays kicked in. My sister was able to get her mammogram within a few days of our telephone conversation. She called me up and said, "I have breast cancer." I thought she was joking, but she wasn't.
It was a small area that could not be felt from the surface of the skin, and was a stage "0," but she still had to have surgery right away. Her surgery was followed by radiation treatments for several months. She stayed at our house while she recovered, and I thank God every day for our impromptu phone conversation that led to the early detection of my sister's cancer.
This month is breast cancer awareness month, so I encourage all of you to look for ways to help lift the spirits of our loved ones who may be fighting cancer in one way or another. Maybe you can knit them a cute pink hat? If you are more advanced, have fun with colorwork by adding a breast cancer awareness logo on it. As winter approaches, you can knit or crochet them a nice soft alpaca scarf to keep their neck warm. What about donating hats for those who have lost their hair during chemotherapy treatments?
Whatever you decide to do, creating a handmade hat or scarf will make a positive impact on someone's life at a time when they really need it. If you are looking for ideas, come by the store for a free pattern of a cute chemo cap, and see a sample we have knit up to get you going.
Whether you want to learn how to knit or crochet, or it has been a while and you want to get a refresher, we're here to help. We offer beginning and intermediate knitting and crochet classes every month. You'll get to spend time with other knitters and create special gifts for the holidays, all while keeping your spirits high.
In case you have not heard about us, Alpaca Direct is a direct merchant of high-quality yarn, apparel, gifts and socks. We carry a full line of fiber art accessories, including hundreds of needles and thousands of yarns. Our unique selection of products also includes Peruvian alpaca sweaters, hand-loomed lace scarves, performance alpaca socks, cuddly alpaca teddy bears & unique international jewelry.
Our building is handicap accessible and easy to find, with ample parking. You can find us at 1016 W. Hayden Ave., just two blocks west of Highway 95 in Hayden. Our Alpaca fiber experts are on call 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Visit us at 1016 W. Hayden Ave. or online at www.AlpacaDirect.com - your local destination for luxury yarn, apparel and gifts. "Like" us on Facebook and Yelp for exclusive coupons, product spotlights and news!
Kelley Hobart is the owner of Alpaca Direct.