Lorna Miser - Knit Pink: 25 Patterns to Knit for Comfort, Gratitude, and Charity

25 Patterns to Knit for Comfort,
Gratitude, and Charity

LORNA MISER

Dedication

In honor the memory of my dear friend Michele Wyman. Breast cancer took her from us, but her talent and memory live on. Michele was a prolific knitwear designer and a friend who helped me grow. Ironically, Michele was not fond of the color pink and she didnt want to live in the shadow of the cause it represents. She was concerned that she would be seen as part of a big pink stereotype and lose her personal identity. She didnt want to be identified as Michele with breast cancer, but rather as Michele the mom, designer, businesswoman, and teacher. I learned much from Michele and was blessed to have her in my life.

Knit Pink: 25 Patterns to Knit for Comfort, Gratitude, and Charity

2013 by Lorna Miser

Martingale

19021 120th Ave. NE, Ste. 102

Bothell, WA 98011-9511 USA

ShopMartingale.com

eBook Edition: 2013

No part of this product may be reproduced in any form, unless otherwise stated, in which case reproduction is limited to the use of the purchaser. The written instructions, photographs, designs, projects, and patterns are intended for the personal, noncommercial use of the retail purchaser and are under federal copyright laws; they are not to be reproduced by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, including informational storage or retrieval systems, for commercial use. Permission is granted to photocopy patterns for the personal use of the retail purchaser. Attention teachers: Martingale encourages you to use this book for teaching, subject to the restrictions stated above.

The information in this book is presented in good faith, but no warranty is given nor results guaranteed. Since Martingale has no control over choice of materials or procedures, the company assumes no responsibility for the use of this information.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available upon request.

eISBN: 978-1-60468-338-7

Original Source ISBN: 978-1-60468-337-0

Pink is the assigned color for breast-cancer awareness. We all know of the pink ribbons and pink fundraisers for the cause. Im guessing that pink was chosen because its the traditional color for girls in the United States, as well as being a very feminine color. Pink is also associated with a stylish fashion doll, a popular makeup company, a couple of movies, bands and songs, a line of lingerie, and a famous cartoon panther. Pink is meant to be a symbol of supportbut not to stereotype women, especially women with breast cancer.

This book is not intended to pigeonhole anyone. Its meant to acknowledge the color pink as the color of hope for breast-cancer awareness and for finding a cure. Its a pretty color with infinite shades and hues that look even prettier when gathered together in one book. There are many organizations that accept donations for breast-cancer research and also many ways to donate ones time or knitting skills. Rather than choosing for you, I recommend you seek out local placesgive in your own way and to the organization of your choice.

Knitters are doers. We like to plan projects and touch yarn. We transform yarn into something to use or to wear. While were enjoying the feel of the fibers through our hands and watching the fabric we create from a piece of string, were thinking about the people who will use or wear this item. We hope that they love it! We may be nervous about whether theyll like the colors or pattern weve chosen or whether theyll take the time to hand wash the item. But at the end of the day or month we have something tangible to show for our time. Weve used our time to make beautiful and thoughtful gifts for others. We can teach others how to knit, we can pray or send healing thoughts while we knit, we can build friendships while we knit, we can knit for charities, and we can knit for ourselves. Our knitting can make a long wait seem short, and can even open conversations with strangers.

A pink ribbon signifies the fight against breast cancer. Breast cancer is an ugly, frightening enemy. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Someone you know has most likely battled it. Its the most common cancer in women worldwide and the second leading cause of death in women. The ribbon reminds us that we are fighting breast cancergiving a part of ourselves to help win the battle. We walk and run for the cause. We wear the pink ribbon for the cause. We donate money to the cause.

What else can we do? We can learn about breast health, including self examinations and mammograms. For a few years, my girlfriend and I scheduled our mammos on Valentines Day, then went to lunch afterward. It held us accountable each year, helped us remember the date, and made the day enjoyable too.

for information on substituting fibers). For other cancer-awareness colors of hope, see the chart at right.

As you look through the pages of this book, think about the recipient of your knitting: a friend, a family member, yourself, or maybe a charity? I recommend knitting locally just as I like to shop locally. Ask your local yarn shop about charity knitting clubs. Contact your local hospitals cancer or chemo center about knitting for patients. Consider offering knitting lessons to someone going through chemo. Find your nearest branch of the American Cancer Society; they offer classes and free gifts to cancer patients and could use your help or donations.