UPDATE: I have finally stopped getting donations, so I am hoping to have this page updated soon with all the donations that have been received. If I haven’t added yours yet, rest assured I have probably received, photographed, and passed it on by now, I just have a huge backlog of photos to upload! 😀
Those of you who have been around here for a while probably know that my Dad has been battling Lymphoma for the past few months.
It’s the first time someone in our immediate family (of Mum, Dad, Nick (my husband) and I) has had cancer, and it’s been one of those experiences that you know will stay with you forever.
I’m going to take a wild guess that somewhere along the line, someone you love has had cancer, and you have some insight into the struggle that is endless hospital visits and stays – as well as the ravages of chemotherapy.
There are SO many charities out there helping cancer patients, which is just fantastic (in fact, I’m raising money for Lymphoma research, too) but after spending time at hospital with Dad, something small caught my eye.
You see, at the Day Oncology Unit at the Royal Brisbane Hospital here in Brisbane, some kind soul has set up a little box.
Inside this box are beanies, scarves and mittens that the cancer patients can take – for free – to warm themselves up.
Dad has taken a beanie or two from there over the last few months, and let me tell you, he practically lives in the things! Not that he had a lot of hair to start with (sorry Dad) but the chemo process has done strange things to his body temperature, which has left him cold more often than not.
A few weeks back, he complained to me ‘there’s just not much in there for blokes, you know?’.
And that got me thinking.
For women going through chemo, there are a number of programs – like the wonderful ‘Look Good, Feel Better‘ program – but is there anything for the men? Sure, perhaps they don’t care so much about losing their hair when they go through chemo… or maybe, just maybe, they do – but they’re too ‘blokey’ and proud to say anything about it.
I don’t know… but what I DO know is that I want every cancer patient that comes through that room to find something for themselves in that box.
Whether it’s a thick, warm beanie; a long, cozy scarf; or perhaps a pair of toasty mittens for their cold fingers.
My goal is to gather together 100 Beanies during July that I can donate to that box in the Day Oncology Unit. In fact – I’d love to have to buy them a bigger box to fit everything I bring in!! And you know what? Why not shoot for 100 scarves and 100 pairs of mittens, too?
So – here’s what I’m asking you.
I’m asking the wonderfabulous crafty community that I am so proud to be a part of to help me reach this goal!
I’m asking you to knit or crochet one beanie, scarf, or pair of mittens (adult size) to donate to the drive.
I’m asking you to create said beanie, scarf, or pair of mittens in lovely, understated, unisex colours so that man or woman would be happy and comfortable wearing it.
I’m asking you to take one of the buttons below and put it on your blog to spread the word.
I’m asking you to share this post on twitter, facebook, instagram and pinterest to spread the word. {Please use the hashtag #100BeanieDrive so I can find your goodness – especially if you instagram your work-in progress!!}
And hey – I know a lot of you amazing crafty people don’t know how to knit or crochet (I don’t know much past how to knit a scarf, myself). To you, I say – why not make this the excuse you’ve been looking for to give it a go? Or, if you know it’s not your thing – could you dig a beanie, scarf, or pair of mittens out of your closet? Could you find one at your local op shop? No way am I going to turn away something warm and lovely that I could give to warm someone’s head and heart.
Can you help?
I know it’s a small, simple thing. You might think it is such a small thing that it wouldn’t make an impact.
You’d be wrong.
I want you to remember this.
For some of the people who wear your creation, it may be the last lovingly-made thing they receive in their life. It may be the very last gift they receive, full-stop.
It may be the thing that takes away one tiny bit of their pain.
Some of them don’t have families or friends. They don’t have anyone to help them. To care for them.
But by crafting something with love – and really, that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? – you might just help remind them that someone, somewhere, cares.
Can you help?
If you would like to contribute a beanie, scarf, or pair of mittens to the 100 Beanie Drive, please enter your name (and blog if you have one) below.
As each piece comes in, I am going to photograph it and add it to the bottom of this post, with the name and blog link of the person who sent it in.Â
Click on the blue ‘Add your Link’ button below to enter your pledge.
To get you started, here is a gorgeous tutorial that shows you very clearly how to crochet a beanie.
Update: Here are 4 more possibilities for the knitters out there, thanks to the lovely Sally!
Kami Hat from Foxflat (Katie Schumm) | Simple Slouch Hat from she makes hats (Robyn Devine) | Knit Hat for Anyone by Kathy North | Runnin’ Beanie by Woolly Wormhead
And here’s a video showing you how to knit a beanie using a circular knitting needle.
For those of you who want to knit, but don’t have a circular needle, here’s a pattern showing how to make a beanie with just 2 normal needles! {Thanks to Tara for this one!}
Please post your creations/finds to:
Jess Van Den
PO Box 472
Caboolture
QLD 4510
Australia
Further Information
- Please make sure to post your creation asap. We’re already into winter, and I’d like to get these warm goodies to their new owners as fast as possible.
- If you do donate a pre-loved item, please make sure it has been washed and dried carefully before sending it in.
- If you would like to, it would be AMAZING if you could safety-pin a little note to your garment saying ‘Made by …. of ….(your blog or shop) for the 100 Beanie Drive’. Not mandatory, but would be lovely for the recipient to know who you are.
- If you would like to donate more than one item, you are MORE than welcome!
- All items received will be donated to the Royal Brisbane Hospital Day Oncology Unit within approximately 1 week of receipt. As stated above, I will be photographing each piece that comes in to keep a visual track of donations.
- This is absolutely open to anyone, world-wide! Those of you in the Northern Hemisphere, enjoying your summer – it’s cold down here!
- If you know of an awesome knitting pattern, please do let me know about it so I can share it here!
- For those of you on Ravelry – I have created a #100BeanieDrive Group here!
- Please ensure to use nice soft yarn.
- Here are some guidelines  for making chemo-appropriate beanies. Thanks Christine  for sharing this!
Thank you!!!Â
Here are some buttons you can take and use wherever you’d like.
The logo design is courtesy of the amazing Felicity Case-Mejia. Thank you, Flick!
Please link to: http://EpheriellDesigns.com/100-Beanie-Drive – that will bring people right to this post.
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{Mouse over the image to see who the contribution is from!}
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Love.
Thank you xx
I’d love to take part. 🙂
Awesome, thanks so much, Louise!
What a lovely idea. My mum knitted, gifted and wore beanies all through her chemo; they helped keep her warm, helped her feel less self-conscious and helped give her focus. Now that she’s better, she never wants to wear one again; I hope your dad gets to that stage soon. x
Sarah – I can TOTALLY understand that… and I hope my dad does, too. Just 2 more rounds of chemo to go! xx
This is a beautiful idea. Starting a scarf (or 2) for this tomorrow!
<3
Hooray!! Thank you, Catt!
Hi Jess,
This is a brilliant project. I don’t have a crafty bone in my body but I am going to knit a scarve.
I hope lots of readers get on board
Best wishes,
Caylie
Go Caylie!! Thanks for hopping on board 🙂 x
Count me in!! I’m currently making a Chemo beanie for a little girl and I’ve been researching beanies ie using soft cotton, etc. I’ve got a blog post about this scheduled for release tomorrow which has some tips. In the past I’ve made crocheted gestational appropriate clothing for SIDs and Kids, which is lovely but I would be keen to make mens wear for the living and I find the SIDs and Kids work rewarding but a little depressing (does that make sense?).
Christine – please do come back and leave a link to your post tomorrow! And I understand what you mean xx
PS: I like the button but would love it if there as a crochet hook option 😉
I totally should have thought of that!
Haha! There’s just no pleasing some hookers 😉
Jess – here is my blog post which has some guidelines to making Chemo Beanies. Now I’m off to make mine! http://cpercydesigns.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/paying-it-forward.html
Ok, will do – great idea! I have a HUGE bandage on my finger but I’ll find a way to crochet around it!!
THANK you Rie!!
Ooh, I just had an idea…. what about starting a Ravelry page for this as well?
Rie, I have no idea how to go about that – could you please let me know?
Ravelry groups.. first off you have to be a member (it’s free) then click the groups tab at the top of the screen, then on the righthand side of the groups page, there is a link saying Start a Group now – click this and then follow the instructions from there – it looks pretty easy from there.
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/new
Thanks Rie!!!
Jess, do let us know if you create a Ravelry group. I think it’s a great idea.
Done!! http://www.ravelry.com/groups/100beaniedrive
I’m totes in as soon as I get home!!
Because you are awesome 🙂
Wool/Alpaca blend beanie on it’s way to you tomorrow. Will try to do a few more for you 😉
That sounds so lovely! Thank you!
Sent it to you this afternoon – keep an eye out for it! 🙂
Awesome, ta Ash!
Great idea! I have been needing an excuse to teach myself to crochet again!
Excellent! Thanks for hopping aboard the beanie ship, Leanne!
I am not sure I will be able to knit and get hats to you this month as it is my busiest time of year for my business, BUT I have shared your charity with my “knitting community” on Ravelry, my facebook page, and twitter. Best wishes for your dad!
Thank you so much, Tracey!
This is great 🙂
My mom and I will each make one 🙂
I’ll talk to her in the morning
Ps you should make a facebook page for this 🙂
GREAT idea – and done!
https://www.facebook.com/events/439374662752358/
Hey Jess,
Just thought I’d come back and let you know I’ve posted about the challenge. Glad you’re up to 34 commitments. Let’s keep the momentum rolling.
Cheers,
Caylie
Thank you SO much, Caylie!!
My sister died of leukemia in ’98, after a long courageous struggle. I don’t knit or crochet, but I posted on my facebook page and twitter. Prayers…
Thank you Lin. So sorry to hear about your loss xx
I’m in! love this. Shared on Twitter & Facebook already, as soon a I’m at the computer I’ll link on my blog and as a button, too 🙂
Hurrah!! Thanks Kylie!
Hi Jess, what a wonderful idea! I have just taught myself to crochet using youtube tutorials. I will start making a beanie this week to send to you. Best wishes to your Dad, the photos of you both in your beanies are really lovely pictures 🙂
Thank you so much, Courtney – well done teaching yourself, it can be super-tricky!
I shared on Facebook, then I pinned it, and within about two minutes I had two people repin it, lol.
I will do a knitted one, so I know I’ll get one done at least, then I’ll try and do a crochet one, as I’m very much a beginner with that.
Yay for re-pins, and thank you so much!
I can’t knit or crochet but I most definitely can op shop!
Will see what I can find Jess. 🙂
I know how good you are at that!! 😀
What a great idea. I knitted beanies last year for my cousin and she took them with her to oncology when she was having Chemo. What a great idea Jess. Looking forward to following the success and seeing all of the creations.
Thanks so much, Kylie!
Bald would be better than any beanie I could knit…I think the patients need something lovelier than that to warm the spirit (and head/hands). 🙂 I have posted a button for you at http://creativityunmasked.blogspot.com.au/ along with tweeting, and will hit the shops to support your effort.
Keep on smiling and enjoy every minute you have together – my father-in-law has been battling the big C and it is a family fight we know all too well. *hugs*
Thank you SO much for spreading the word, Laura!
Big hugs for your family, too. x
My pleasure. Here is your beanie post. 🙂 http://creativityunmasked.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/wooly-and-wonderful.html
Hi Jess
I love what you are doing…I lost my mom to cancer many years ago, and I have great empathy for you as you support your dad! He looks amazing and the photos of you two are priceless. It would take me until next July to actually knit anything, but I will support you and mention it much as I can to help spread the word! I see that you are almost at 100 already!! Way to go!
Thank you so much, Bonnie! I’m sorry to hear about your mom xx
And I adore these photos so much, realised it had been far too long since he and I took photos together!
I can’t knit, I would hate for someone in need to be left with some scraps that I put together. So I will be sharing this on my blog and bribing my Mum to get her knitting needles clicking (I am sure she will).
Considering the 100 well and truly met – but the more the better!
beautiful project.
Haha, thank you, Claire!! And definitely the more the better!
Wonderful idea, I’ve cast on and I’m using the “Turn a Square” pattern which is free!
http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com.au/2008/07/turn-square-pattern-now-available.html
Hi! I am going to make my beanie tomorrow and get it in the post asap! I have a slight problem though…I live in England! I don’t know how long airmail takes to the UK so is it ok for you to still pass it on if it arrives a little late? I REALLY REALLY want to be involved! Also, I probably won’t be allowed to post a safety pin via email but I would love to send a little note so is it possible for you to pin it on on your end?
Thank you!
Hannah x
Hannah, I’d love you to be involved to! Of course I’ll take it in whenever it arrives, but it usually only takes 1-2 weeks for airmail to get here from the UK, so chances are it will get here before the end of July 🙂 And for sure, I can safety-pin the note on for you xx
Haha it takes Royal Mail less time to get a parcel to Australia from the UK than it does to get one to my house from elsewhere in the UK! I shouldn’t be surprised :’) Thank you so much! xx
Hi Jess, I finally came and checked about the beanie drive.I am so sorry for your dad.I hope things are going ok and I will be sending you some warmers soon 🙂 I will also put a link on the blog for you. Take care! Sandrine x
I have finished my first one and will mail it tomorrow
Great idea Jess… I have put a message up on my facebook page too… hope you need a very big box for all the warm things that arrive… <3
https://www.facebook.com/bethel.stephensen
Hi
Spotted this on Hannah’s blog. I will make you a hat- it won’t be there till after the deadline- post times etc. My husband had throat cancer, from which he has made a full recovery. He was devastated when his hair fell out. It was summer time here and his scalp was so painful. We have three sons and a bagful of beanies. He had always said he wouldn’t ever wear such a hat, but how grateful he was to have them to wear. This is just such a nice idea. His hair has now grown completely back- his scalp is still susceptible to sunburn, and he’s taken to wearing nifty straw boaters! Best of luck to you and your Dad.
Hi, Just to let you know it’s on its way now, please can you pin the enclosed note onto it for me on arrival as it’s coming from sunny North Yorkshire, England.
I don’t knit, but I’ll send you one a friend made for me that is too big for my head. I’m sure there will be someone out there who it will fit perfectly.
Hi
I just wanted to make sure you received the parcel of 8 beanies I sent late week. It was a large overnight aust post bag.
My mum knitted them for you as she saw my post on fb and has since knitted more and I have told her to send them to the RBH oncology ward. They are for men and some for young boys.
Thanks for bringing this very needy cause to our attention.
Love
Sam
Hey Sam, I did! They should be up on the blog within a day or two. Thank you!
I asked my Mum to knit a beanie on my behalf, she got excited, I have about 20 beanies, some scarves and a pair of gloves to get to you this week – or would you prefer I send them direct to the hospital?
That’s awesome Claire! If you don’t mind sending them direct to the hospital, that would be amazing, I’m quite swamped with parcels, and that way they’ll get where they’re needed faster 🙂