Sew Pink This October
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this one is close to home for me.
My Nana had breast cancer. She survived, but she lost both breasts along the way. All those years ago, I was aware of how much a person goes through physically as well as emotionally, and how much the small comforts matter. More recently, three of my Quilty friends have undergone breast cancer treatment. It's made me even more aware of how much our stitching community has to offer when someone we love is going through something hard.
If you're looking for a way to show that you care, handmade comfort items can mean a great deal to someone in treatment or recovery. Here are some of my favourite ideas, most of them quick enough to finish in an afternoon.
Heart Pillows
These small heart-shaped cushions are tucked under the arm after breast surgery to ease pressure and soreness while healing. Many people also find them comforting during radiotherapy, or hold one at appointments.
They're a lovely scrap-busting project. Choose soft, washable cotton in a colour or print that will make someone smile. Sachiko of Tea Rose Home shares her story and a free pattern HERE, and Riley Blake has a video tutorial to walk you through how to make it.
Shannon Fabrics also offer a one-click free downloadable pattern for a slightly different shaped mastectomy pillow, which you can find HERE
Seat Belt Covers
After surgery, a seat belt can press uncomfortably across the chest. A padded cover spreads the pressure and makes car trips easier. By Annie has a free Bosom Buddy pattern with video tutorials.
Post-Surgery Camisoles
A camisole that fastens at the front, so the wearer doesn't need to lift her arms, is a real kindness during recovery. Melissa of Melly Sews has a free pattern and video. Readers of the post that inspired this one also suggested soft robes or tops with inside pockets to hold surgical drains, a clever idea if you want something a bit different to make.
Pink Ribbon Blocks, Hearts and Quilts
If you’d rather piece than sew garments, a ribbon block is a simple way to show your support.
Sewfinity and Fat Quarter Shop both offer free foundation paper pieced awareness ribbon patterns, and A Bright Corner has a free heart block tutorial and a heart quilt pattern. A heart quilt in soft low volume prints as the background would make a beautiful gift to snuggle under during treatment. Check out Low Volume fabrics at Sublime Stitchery.
If foundation paper piecing isn't your sewing style, you could check out these traditionally pieced quilts.
Fat Quarter Shop have a fun Support Group quilt and cross-stitch pattern designed by Lori Holt back in 2022. It's still a popular make and would be fun to sew as a group or bee-quilt.
Missouri Star also have a traditionally pieced Ribbon Quilt and Tutorial.
other FPP ribbon blocks to check out...
And Sew I has a free FPP pattern HERE
Amy Friend of During Quiet Time also has this free FPP pink ribbon HERE
Where to Donate
Before you sew in bulk, check what's wanted locally. Contact the breast care nurses or oncology department at your nearest hospital and ask whether they accept handmade items, and whether they have requirements around fabric, filling or washing. Also check with your local sewing group, they might already have something up and running.
Please Get Screened
In New Zealand, BreastScreen Aotearoa offers free mammograms every two years. At the moment, that covers women aged 45 to 69, and the age range is being extended in stages up to 74 by the end of 2029. You can enrol on 0800 270 200. And if you ever notice anything unusual about your breasts, at any age, please see your GP rather than waiting for a screening appointment.
My Nana and my friends taught me that you don't need to say the perfect thing, or do something big, to show that you care. Sometimes it's a soft heart pillow, a padded seat belt cover, or a quilt to wrap up in on a hard day. Whatever you decide to make this October, I hope it brings a little comfort to someone who needs it.
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