100 Beanie Drive

I feel privileged to be able to contribute to the 100 Beanie Drive which Jess Van Den from Epheriell Designs is running this month. The drive aims to donate items of warm clothing like beanies, scarves and mittens to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Not only do their lose hair from all over their bodies, their body temperature regulation often goes awry because of the chemotherapy, resulting in these folks being colder than usual! Not the best in winter.

Jess’ own father is currently undergoing chemotherapy for lymphoma. My grandfather Harry suffered from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in his later years, and seeing him turn from a healthy, active man into a frail walking skeleton was heartbreaking. Thankfully he was surrounded by family during his two bouts of cancer and he retained his cheeky sense of humour. He was endlessly generous with his time and savings, a great teacher and a keen golfer. The hundreds of people at his funeral were a testament to his spark.

It pleases me greatly to be able to contribute to this cause. You don’t need to be a crafter to donate; visit your local op shop or donate some yarn to a friend. Or even pick up the hook or needles yourself and use this as an incentive to learn.

The donation drive finishes at the end of July, but I’m sure there are many chemotherapy centres around the country that would be grateful to receive donations at any time.

Below are the two beanies I’ve sent along to Jess, created with 100% wool given to me by Mum.I hope they’re enjoyed!