But first let me repost Yasmin Jumao-as’s invitation last year to give you a history of how Cebu Crochet Group started contributing handmade knockers.
“This will probably be my longest post in our group. Not solely crochet, but still fiber art-related.
Seven years ago, my mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She had a number of procedures before she finally had a total mastectomy. She still has annual check-ups – thank God she is cancer-free. For a number years after her surgery, she used a silicone prosthesis, as she opted not to undergo breast reconstruction. This was uncomfortable for her as the prosthesis was heavy, would abrade her scar and was very warm to the skin.
Early last year, I learned about the knitted knockers movement in the US. I downloaded both the knit and crochet patterns for the knockers and was able to make a few for my Mum and very good highschool friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy last year. They say the handmade knockers are definitely more comfortable than the silicone prosthesis.
Last October, I made a few knockers and donated them to the ICanserve foundation. This year, I hope to make more so that somehow, in my own little way, I am able to help these courageous women and let them know that they are not alone in their fight against breast cancer.
Please let me know if you are interested in making and donating knockers, too. I’ll be sharing the crochet and knit patterns for the knockers in the comments below.”
Yasmin Jumao-as
This year, we received an overwhelming support from the crocheters / knitters, and also support from outside the crochet group.
Special thanks to sponsors of knockers through Judith Saturos. Proceeds will go to purchasing knocker materials so more yarns, more happy crafting time, and more knockers for our survivor friends. So thank you again to the kind sponsors.
Big thanks also to those who donated yarns and fiberfill. Wishing you more blessings and good health! =) You know who you are. =)
Thank you also to the iCanServe, survivors, clinics, and recipients of the knockers. Thanks for the happiness we got from making these knockers for you.
Group photo =)
Big shoutout to all the friends who shared their time and skills to make the knockers! You made it all more fun!
I never heard about handmade knitted or crocheted breast prosthetics, or called as knockers, until Yasmin / @sugbo_sinulid shared to us her annual tradition of creating them. She would then gave the prosthetics to the survivors. Some members of Cebu Crochet Group joined in her tradition last year, and I guess we are now making it our own annual tradition.
To know more about the history of handmade knockers, you can read up about it at www.knittedknockers.org.
If you feel like trying to make knockers, here are some references.
We receive a few inquiries about wanting to learn to crochet, or learn new tricks, or how to make certain projects. So we thought of having a regular once-a-month meetup session to tackle crochet-related stuff with fellow crocheters. Please note that this is open to public, non-members of the group are very welcome. We are lonely creatures stuck with hook and yarn so we do welcome new type company. =)
But, reall, don’t get intimidated, we just want to “chismis.” Think of it as a good excuse to take a break, sit down, and just betch. =)
First of all, we would like to thank friends who shared crochet-related stuff to us, which made the party more funner: Grace of Your Handmade Happiness, Knitwerks and Crafts, Pretty Crafts, Yarnia, Hirayah Crafts, Tomato Fire Crochets, and many more from individuals (yes, we brought prizes for ourselves because we’re self-sufficient like that! sorry, i did not take notes of the names.)
Thank you @5chubbyfingers for this yummy #yarncake! Every yarn addict’s dream cake! 😂
Now to the photos:
We games like queens!
The hooks and yarns are part of games, and life!
…and food!Special thanks to Shakey’s Robinson’s Cybergate for accommodating us! 🙂
And #WIPS, and finished crochet items!…and we live by the saying, “just 1 more row…”
To 1 more ROW-RRRR, Cebu Crochet Group!
S/O to Sarah @tomatofire_crochets & Berns @5cbubbyfingers for putting this up!!! 😘😘😘
Photos: Sarah Palmares, Bernadette Dy, Sharol Valdez
“A hat is like an extension of the warmth of a mother’s love.” – Hija Mangapis
This February 2019, Cebu Crochet Group turns 1-year old. This tiny “young” group thought of celebrating it by creating preemie hats for the tiny young babies.
Premature babies (preemies) may be isolated from the mother for awhile as they’re needed to be incubated. They can be deprived from the mother’s touch and warmth until they’re able to catch up with their missed growth and development.
Photo from Venus Uy
As such we thought of creating preemie hats, which may serve like an extension of the warmth of mother’s love. Hopefully, the babies can feel additional warmth from our hands and hearts when we created their tiny hats. When they feel warm, it can make them stronger faster.
After a month, 5 weekend sessions, we gathered 314 preemie hats, and more are coming. (If you’re still having preemie hats as WIPs (work-in-progress) feel free to continue making and sharing them with us. We’re happy to receive them, and deliver it to the hospitals once we have gathered enough.)
Photos from: Sarah Palmares, Yasmin Jumao-as, Hija Mangapis, Leigh Castillano, Brey Uy, Liza Selda
Photo from Venus
This is probably not my role to be saying THANK YOU! But anyhow, THANK YOU, for everyone in the Cebu Crochet Group for the preemie hats and time you shared.
Personally, I thank each and everyone in the Cebu Crochet Group. You are like my preemie hats. I totally feel the love. I hope that you too feel that our tiny community is your “preemie hat;” the preemie hat that may not “grow” your crochet skill into some Picasso-level, but at least it can make you feel the warmth of support (So feel free to share your projects and adventures and crazy ideas; we always have the “thumbs-up” button for that.).
Also, thank you to the babies of CENTCOM Station Hospital and tiny babies of Sotto Hospital for letting us share our love with them. Thank you to the hospital staff we coordinated with.
Thank you also to our families / relatives / friends, organizations and other individuals who collaborate with us, appreciate our work and existence, for letting us be, for being supportive despite that they can sometimes be weirded out by us.
Who would have thought that this group who started with humble granny square has produced 314 preemie hats, and more in between?
“>ull” src=”https://craftynanay.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_1797-1.jpg” alt=”” width=”935″ height=”701″ /> February 2018[/caption]
We, hookers of Cebu Crochet Group, rock!
Photo from Venus
Preemie Hats Mommies:
Adrianha Dayne Dess
Ai Yen
Ana Lo
Archie Iligan-Francisco
Bernadette Dy
Brey Üy
Emily Abastas Abais
Endres Margie
Enriqueta L. Enriquez
Fe Cañas
Fe Palmares
Ferm Suralta
Flor Hirayah
Floredith Papa Pragados
Grace Lopez-Gingoyon
Hija Mangapis
Jo A Nne
Judith Entica Saturos
Judy Desamparado Cimafranca
Karen Lepon
Leigh Castillano
Liza Selda
MaChina Su
Rachel Po
Raquel Canedo
Rose Buen
Sarah A. Palmares
Sharol Valdez
Tanya Lee
Trisha Mae Veliganio
Venus Caralde Uy
Yasmin Jumao-as
For the upcoming anniversary of Cebu Crochet Group, we’re doing the “Little Hats Big Hearts Project.” The project is about making hats for preemie babies to be given to NICU department of hospital.
When I made my first preemie beanie, it was a struggle to get the right size of it especially that I’m only used to making beanies for adults, in which I basically have the estimated number of stitches in my mind.
After a few trials, here’s how I got the beanie / hat sizing right using whatever yarn weight and hook size that are available:
Start with any number of DCs or SCs. Then increase the number of stitches in the succeeding rounds until you get to the desired “DIAMETER” of the hat (not circumference as diameter is easier to measure). Once you reach the right diameter, you maintain the number of stitches or you stop increasing your stitches. Continue crocheting in rounds until you get the right hat length measurement.
This applies to “Basic Top-Down in a Round” crochet hat patterns. Top Down in a Round hats is when you start at the top of the crown, and then in circles (I hope this definition makes sense.)
Materials: Yarn, Hook, Tape Measure / Ruler, Hat Size Chart (see below)
Here’s a more detailed steps. Hopefully, this helps than confuse you. =)
1. Start with a Magic Ring. You may start with chains and slip stitch to make a circle. But it’s also great to learn Magic Ring. Once you learn magic ring, you don’t want to go back. =)
2. How many count of single crochet or double crochet should I start with? When you’re used to following a pattern when creating beanie, you’re used to being given a number of DCs or SCs to start with.
But since we’re kind of winging it, you make as many DCs until you get a flat round after a slip-stitch. For me, I’m lucky starting with 8 or 10 DCs.
10 DCs in this photo
3. In the next round, increase the number of stitches until you get the DIAMETER size (not the circumference) of the preemie hat you want to make.
For this example, I’m doing the smallest preemie hat size.
When increasing the size of a hat, the rule I follow is: multiply the beginning number of stitches with the number of row. For example, I began with 10 DCs so I will multiply it with 2 in the 2nd row, meaning you’ll have 20 DCs in 2nd row. If you had made coasters or any thing round pattern, you’re familiar on how to add the stitches for the increase like 1-2 then 1-1-2, etc.
For those who are not familiar, you can do it by grouping your stitches by the number of row you are in. For example, in Row 3, I group the stitch by 3. So 1 DC in first stitch then 2 DCs in the next stitch. And, when in Row 4, it would be a group of “1DC 1DC 2DC” repeat until the end.
4. Measure the DIAMETER of the circle every now and then. Once you reached the desired diameter size, you can now stop increasing the number of stitches in the following rows. You just then maintain crocheting the number of stitches in the following rows.
In this example, the desired diameter size was met in my 4th row which has 40 DCs. The following rows will then have 40 DCs or stitches.
5. Continue adding rows until you reached the right length size.
The finished product:
OTHER TIPS:
1. If you find your hat stiff, try a bigger hook size to make it stretchier.
2. To add designs to your hat, add different stitch patterns. It’s easier to do different stitch patterns once you’re done increasing. In my example, I add a different stitch pattern on the 6th row. You can check different stitch patterns from mypicot.com. But no pressure, the best thing is that we’re making something to give warm to the tiny babies.
Thank you @5chubbyfingers for this yummy #yarncake! Every yarn addict’s dream cake! 😂
…and food!
Special thanks to Shakey’s Robinson’s Cybergate for accommodating us! 🙂
And #WIPS, and finished crochet items!
…and we live by the saying, “just 1 more row…”
![[Cebu Crochet Group] Little Hats Big Hearts: Thank you for Being That Preemie Hat](https://i0.wp.com/craftynanay.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/49756102_2085973514774490_5285339423917998080_o.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
