Katherine came back to Jamaica from that trip telling about the Knitted Knockers she discovered in Maine and quietly knitted breasts to give away to anyone who needed them. Another in our knitting circle asked her to make one for a friend, and when she saw Katherine spending her gift certificate money on yarn for the friend’s breast, suggested we do a fund raiser to cover the cost of the yarn so we can all knit them to give away. A small press release was sent out, and Eric Pero of the Brattleboro Reformer called to say he wanted to do a story.

From there it grew in this area. Calls have been coming in from all over, including Columbus, Ohio. “How can I get one for my friend in Arizona?” “I want to learn to make them so I can take it to my church group / knitting group” “I had a mastectomy last year and have been wearing big baggy sweatshirts since then – may I have one?” “I want to make a donation for yarn and fiber fill”. Laura came up with the name “Bosom Buddy”. We’ve given several away, and have a growing collection available for more in need. We’ve been finding a cotton soy blend particularly soft, breathable, easy to knit, and washable. One ball ($6.50) makes two breasts. Other lovely fibers we’ve been using are bamboo and silk. You can pick anything that you can imagine having next to your skin. Keep breathability and washability in mind. Feel free to call or email if you have questions about which yarns might work best.

<http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall05/PATTbits.html>
The above link shows the pattern with more photos and information.

TitBits at : <http://www.titbits.ca/> is a good resource for women with breast cancer where one can also purchase a knitted breast.

Call if you’d like to make a donation to cover the cost of the materials, or make a donation via PayPal by making a deposit on the order page. Mail checks to Margie’s Muse, P.O. Box 274, Jamaica, VT 05343, or, best yet, stop into the shop on Main Street in Jamaica Village.

Feel free to call (802) 874-7201 or email margaret@margiesmuse.com to request a breast – indicate color and material preference and cup size.

Join us at Margie’s Muse on Thursdays from 5-7 pm to help knit breasts. All welcome!

One recipient responded: “Dear Margie and Bosom Buddies, Thank you all so very much for my prosthetic breast. I tried it out first chance I got. Not only was it soft to the touch, less cumbersome, but felt and looked natural. Within a day I had forgotten I was even wearing it. Thank you all for thinking of this great idea so that others like me can resume our lives in appearance. I will pass it on to others.”