Each month, we feature a different charity that is reaching out to those in need with the help of knitters and crocheters. This month's charity is Knots-of-Love.

"I have seen the tears of joy when patients are handed a cap made by Knots-of-Love. It puts a smile on my face and wind in my sails," says founder Christine Shively. Knots-of-Love began in 2007 she re-discovered her love of crocheting after a long hiatus. Her friend, a cancer survivor, told her how fantastic a soft hat would have been after a long day of wearing a wig. Shively was drawn to the idea of bringing volunteers, patients, and families together to create joy and inspiration. Other than providing comfort, chemo caps bring joy and self-esteem to both the recipients and the crafters.

Over the past 2 years, Knots-of-Love has donated over 23,000 hats to cancer patients across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Shively’s efforts have drawn the attention of newspapers and magazines. The organization has grown so much that Shively was recently honored by former President Bill Clinton at the 2009 All-Stars Among Us program.

Each chemo cap is handmade with love. Knots-of-Love requests that hats be made out of Cotton-Ease, Microspun, or other soft, washable yarns. Caps should be seamless for maximum comfort. Because many cancer patients have sensitive skin, hats should only be washed using fragrance-free detergent. Patterns for knitted or crocheted hats can be found on our Pattern Finder or on the Knot-of-Love website. Completed hats can be dropped off at specific sites in the United States (click here to see the list of locations) or sent to the following address:
Knots-of-Love
Christine Shively
445 Seville Ave.
Newport Beach, CA 92661

Be sure to include the donation form. For more information on the program and donations, please visit the Knots-of-Love website.