Craft Focus - August/September 2025 (Issue 1110)

10 Knitted Knockers UK celebrates 10 years Knitted Knockers UK, a registered charity in England & Wales which offers bespoke knitted and crocheted knockers to women who have had surgery following a breast cancer diagnosis, proudly announces its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of confidence boosting, sometimes life changing assistance to women in the UK. The charity is committed to providing free of charge, knitted and crocheted breast prostheses for women in the UK who have undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Women who have undergone surgery are provided with silicone breast prosthesis by the NHS, which some have found to be uncomfortable, heavy and may rub against the scars left after surgery, causing rashes and pain. Key highlights of the past decade: • Over 40,000 individual knitted knockers made. • Over 100 dedicated and highly skilled volunteer knitters and crocheters. • Supported by King Cole, leading brand of knitting patterns and high quality wool and yarns since 1935. • Attendance at hundreds of events spreading awareness “We’re extremely grateful for the dedicated support of our knitters, volunteers, donors and community partners who have made the past 10 years possible,” said Deb Wright, Charity Chair. “This milestone shows what we can achieve when we work together.” Women can order knockers through the website and they can choose bra size, knitted/crocheted/aqua, colour, nipple or no nipple. The charity also provides display packs of knockers in different sizes, styles and colours, together with information leaflets, posters and business cards for breast cancer clinics, GPs and stores that sell mastectomy bras. Anniversary mementos and support All Knitted Knockers are provided free of charge. The charity relies on donations to help it do that and is solely run by volunteers, who make the knockers, attend events and give talks around the country. In celebration of this 10th anniversary milestone, there are commemorative branded tote bags and keyrings now on sale as well as various hand-made mini knocker keyrings and notecards through the website shop which help raise funds: www.knittedknockersuk.com/shop If you’d like to support the charity by fundraising or spreading the word then register your interest by sending an email or simply make a donation, all information is on the website – www.knittedknockersuk.com ‘The Bouquet in a Book’ Blooms with Double Award Win David and Charles is thrilled to announce that its spring 2025 release, The Bouquet in a Book, (ISBN 9781446314289, £19.99), has been recognised with two accolades at the prestigious Gift of the Year Awards. The innovative papercraft title not only won the Affordable Gift category but was also crowned the overall winner by the panel of expert judges. Congratulations! The Bouquet in a Book is a beautifully designed papercraft kit that enables users to create a lasting floral arrangement, no cutting required. Every element of the bouquet, stems, flowers and foliage is ready to press out from the pages and can be shaped and glued into a stunning display. The finished bouquet makes a perfect year-round gift ideal or simply as an elegant addition to any home. Making the bouquet itself is calming and creative, offering a mindful crafting experience with a rewarding result. The Gift of the Year Awards are the most highly respected industry accolades aimed at celebrating excellence and recognising the best new products and inspiration across the giftware and homeware sectors. They span categories from jewellery and games to sustainable products and stationery. The Affordable Gift category highlights high quality, budget friendly options, making The Bouquet in a Book a standout among strong competition. This award success builds on a strong period of growth for David and Charles, which celebrated the fifth anniversary of its 2019 management buyout last year. With consecutive years of revenue growth, the company has firmly established itself as a global leader in niche and hobby publishing, particularly in practical crafts. Many David and Charles authors are recognised experts in their fields, and the company continues to expand its licensing portfolio with high profile partnerships including The Pokemon Company International, Penguin Ventures, Hasbro and more.

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