Knitch Magazine

Paige wears a cap created by a Knots of Love supporter. These caps keep chemo patients warm and fashionable.When I approached the Laurel Hill booth at the recent TNNA show in Long Beach, CA, Rick Brown didn’t only want to introduce me to his wonderful line of wooden hooks and needles. He wanted me to meet Christine Fabiani Shively, a lady who sat beside him, busily crocheting what would turn out to be her 3,000^th cap for Knots of Love.

Christine’s fingers moved quickly, hooking the light blue yarn as we were introduced. While she continued to work, Rick told me about what she was doing.

“Christine founded Knots of Love,” he said as he handed me a brochure. There was little doubt that Rick wasn’t only supporting the charity with a contribution of his needles, but also with a big piece of his heart.

“I think it’s a great charity and I’m encouraging everyone to help.”

“I asked him if he’d donate crochet hooks,” Christine added, her hands continuing to work quickly, “and he not only said yes – without even pausing – he sent me more hooks than I’d requested!”

Rick appeared almost embarrassed by her account of his generosity and kindness.

Knots of Love has encouraged knitters and crocheters to donate over 71,000 caps for distribution to men, women and children experiencing the effects of cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Patients not only receive donated caps that help keep them warm after they’ve suffered hair loss, they sometimes feel inspired to join the effort themselves, creating caps for others to wear. As we all know, there are few things more healing to the heart than the selfless act of helping others.

While chemotherapy is one of the most effective treatments available, it can have devastating effects on those who receive it to battle their cancer. One of the most traumatic is the loss of hair. Even worse, the chemicals often leave skin so tender that wigs aren’t a viable option. Cozy, soft caps can be a welcome alternative that not only provide warmth but offer a little fashion to help cover lost or thinning hair.

Founded by Christine in 2007, Knots of Love is a non-profit, public charity based in Newport Beach, California. Knitters and crocheters from throughout the United States have joined the organization to create caps from free patterns using materials recommended by the charity. It’s important that the fibers are soft enough for delicate skin.

Christine’s efforts to encourage others to give their time and talents to a good cause have been so successful that she was one of five people selected for recognition by President Bill Clinton, President George W. Bush, President H.W. Bush, President Jimmy Carter and President Obama.

If you’d like to help a very worthy cause, you can find information on the Knots of Love website. There you’ll also find a selection of patterns, a list of recommended yarns, and details about where to mail your contributions.

We hope you’ll consider using Laurel Hill Needles or hooks for your project. Rick has been such a strong supporter of Knots of Love that it would be nice for knitters and crocheters to support him.