Knitted Knockers members Pam Davies, Therese Waller, Marie Foster, Yvonne Ingham and Pam Mason.
Martin Kennealey d450348
Camera IconKnitted Knockers members Pam Davies, Therese Waller, Marie Foster, Yvonne Ingham and Pam Mason. Martin Kennealey d450348 Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey d450348

Close-knit group busy

Laura PondWanneroo Times

A GROUP of knitters are putting their skills to use creating handmade prostheses for breast cancer survivors.

Kinross resident Therese Waller started the Perth branch of Knitted Knockers after reading about the work of eastern states-based groups.

She had already been involved in making quilts for organisations such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“I enjoy knitting so I just thought I might do something different,” she said.

She said she was surprised by how quickly the group took off, with more than 60 knitters now making the prostheses.

“There are so many ladies that really want to help,” she said.

Knitted Knockers originated in the USA as an alternative to silicon breast prostheses, which can be expensive, heavy, uncomfortable and usually require a special bra.

All knitters are volunteers and the prostheses are provided free to women who have undergone a mastectomy.

The group relies on donations to buy the cotton, stuffing and for postage.

Ms Waller said she had received positive feedback from the more than 200 women they had helped so far.

“It’s amazing, some of the stories they tell you (and) how many women are out there who want and need them,” she said.

The group meets every six weeks in Joondalup and donations and volunteers are always wanted.

For more information, visit knittedknockersaustralia.com.