Welcome back to my stop on this year’s #SewPINK Blog Hop!

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and every year the #SewPINK initiative gives us a lovely opportunity to come together through something we all understand so well — making.

The #SewPINK initiative is all about raising awareness, encouraging regular screenings, fostering community and supporting cancer research throughout the year. October brings the annual blog hop, but the important work and conversations around breast cancer continue all year.

This year, I’m honoured to be taking part again, and I’ve created something especially close to my heart. Meet the Survivors Pouch.

 

 

For this year’s project, I decided to make a Survivors Pouch called the Snappy Sleeve Pouch, with some very special little stitcheries on one side.

 

 

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege — and the heartbreak — of watching people I care about go through breast cancer treatment. It's incredibly powerful watching someone face such a difficult time and still find the strength to keep going.

I’ve watched friends and loved ones walk through some very dark days. I’ve seen them worried, exhausted and uncertain, but I’ve also seen courage, humour, kindness and an incredible strength that often doesn’t make a great deal of noise. That quiet strength has stayed with me.

So, when I was thinking about this year’s Sew PINK project, I wanted to create something that could be a little reminder of that strength. That’s how the Survivors Pouch came about. But the name is more than the word survivor.

For me, it is for the women who have come through treatment and are enjoying life today. It is for those who are right in the middle of treatment and simply putting one foot in front of the other. And it is for those we have sadly lost, whose lives, love and memories continue to be such an important part of their families’ stories.

Breast cancer touches so many people, in so many ways, and this little pouch is my way of honouring all of them.

What is more special about stitching?

 

I believe making has always been connected with healing. Over the years, I’ve made many healing quilts for people going through treatment. There is something special about sitting down with fabric and thread and making something with another person in your heart.

The stitching gives your hands something to do while your mind is busy. You can think. You can worry. You can hope. You can pray. You can remember. And somehow, all those thoughts and feelings become part of the stitches.

And I truly believe that there is a lovely, tangible power in making something for someone who needs a little extra love. For instance, when I make a healing quilt, I always hope the person receiving it feels as though they are being physically wrapped in the love of their friends and family. Every stitch carries a little bit of that love.

Indeed, a quilt can wrap you up when you're resting at home, but this time, I wanted the Survivors Pouch to be something you could actually carry with you. The Snappy Sleeve Pouch is perfect for keeping those everyday things together — perhaps your medication, a few personal treasures, sewing essentials or whatever you need close at hand.

And on the side, those little stitcheries are there as a reminder that you are loved, that you are not alone, and that there are people walking beside you, even when they can't physically be there.

 

Now, it's time for you to make your own

 

I went ahead and made all three of the sizes included in the pattern and if you love them we've put together some fabric packs including three 1/2m pieces of coordinating fabrics from Bunny Hill designs (same or similar to pictured) along with the linen and thread used in mine.

The Snappy Sleeve Pouch pattern is available from the Hugs ’n Kisses website, along with the snaps needed to make your pouch. You can purchase the pattern and snaps separately or pick them up together as part of your Survivors Pouch project. The stitchery designs have been created especially for this project too.

The stitchery designs are FREE when you purchase the Snappy Sleeve Pouch pattern.

If you would prefer a ready-to-use iron-on transfer, that is available for just $2, and we can post the transfer to you with your order.

Get it here.

 

And here's a little giveaway!

 

I thought it would be lovely to spread a little more Sew PINK love, so we’re also going to have a Survivors Pouch giveaway.

One lucky winner will receive: The Snappy Sleeve Pouch Pattern + Snaps + Survivors Pouch Iron-On Transfer

And there are a couple of ways you can join in.

Perhaps you have made a healing quilt for someone going through cancer treatment. Maybe you've stitched something small to remind someone that they were being thought of and supported. Take a photo and share your story on social media, and tag @helen_stubbings so I can see it. Or perhaps you have your own story to share.

You might have been through breast cancer yourself, or supported a friend, mum, sister, daughter or someone special through their journey. You are also welcome to email your personal story to us. It could be your own experience with cancer or the story behind a healing project you made for someone else.

There is no pressure to share anything you're not comfortable sharing. Sometimes a little story about a quilt, a stitch or a special gift can mean more than we realise. We will choose one story that touches us at the end of October.

 

Let's keep stitching and sharing

 

I think that's one of the beautiful things about our sewing community. We make things with our hands, but there is always so much more behind what we make.

There are stories. Memories. Friendships. Love. And sometimes, a whole lot of hope stitched into something as simple as a little piece of fabric.

So, to everyone who has been touched by breast cancer in some way, this project is for you. To those celebrating survivorship, I celebrate with you. To those currently going through treatment, I’m sending you strength and love. And to those remembering someone they have lost, I hope this little project reminds you that their story and their love continue to matter.

Thank you for joining me for another Sew PINK initiative this year.

Let’s keep talking, keep supporting one another, keep encouraging those important screenings, and keep using our creative hands to wrap a little more love around the people who need it.

 

Happy stitching,

Helen x

 

 

About #SewPINK

 

The #SewPINK Initiative’s mission is to raise awareness, promote screenings, foster community, and support cancer research throughout the year.

Efforts culminate in an annual blog hop during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but our commitment to cancer awareness and support continues year-round.

To learn more and see the calendar of events, visit: https://www.ByAnnie.com/SewPINK