Breast cancer survivors who’ve undergone mastectomies have a new, crafty option in artificial breasts. A local yarn store in Rapid City is helping fill the need through a national program called Knitted Knockers. Volunteers craft breasts and give them to survivors.
There are buckets of expertly stitched breasts laying around the Slip Knits yarn store. They come in different shades of nude, fun shades of purple and pink and even special yarns for swimming. Kim Oslund is the owner.
“It is a program where knitters and crocheters knit and crochet with approved yarns boobs for ladies who need them.”
Donors supply yarn that’s gentle on skin and scars. After the breast shape is made, it’s filled with a silky stuffing. Oslund says any survivor who wants these can pick them up for free at different locations in Rapid City.
“We have them at Dr. Raymond’s office and we have them available in our store. They’re also at the Cancer Care Center and we’re working on getting them into any places that would like to have them to get to women who need them. That’s the whole goal.”
Oslund says the goal is to make 500 pairs in a year, and they’re halfway there. She says this project is important to the volunteer crafters.
“My mom died of breast cancer. Many a women around our table have had breast cancer. Had sisters, moms, husbands. It’s everywhere so we’re all affected.”
The breasts come in any size. Jo Benn helps knit and organize Knitted Knockers.
“They’re adjustable. Women, when they get them can add or subtract stuffing or push it around to make it fit them personally.”
Benn says this is a great option for women who don’t like the feel of breast prosthesis.