What ways have meeting other crafters touched your life?

[Oeufman]

Today was a tough day blessed with a couple of knitting angels.

Mammogram booked for my annoying right breast that insists on testing my mental stability by regularly developing lumps.... Mum died many moons ago from breast cancer, and (unreasonably or not) it is my biggest fear - I despise going into the hospital (so many sad associations) and just get so very worked up!

Checked into the clinic which was lovely and quiet - 2 other worried women sat with me waiting to be called. I dig into my bag and produce my needles, with a very easy, no thought needed child's jumper in progress... Both ladies then smiled and produced their projects (including a pair of socks). Immediately the atmosphere changed. No longer were we three women sharing a sense of fear for what was going to happen -we were 3 knitters... Confessing the extent of our stash (and sharing stories of where we hide our wool from our DHs), sharing tips to overcome 2nd sock syndrome and comparing wool, wool shops and websites etc....

All too soon the radiologist appeared to call us in.... she wanted to know which of us was the patient and would the 2 friends like to come through also!

That is so lovely, really hoping all ok and so delighted the shared love of knitting helped you today. I don't have a touching story but wanted to know that your story warmed my heart

Hi RCT - it just struck me the difference the knitting made.

If i had a book no one would have talked as i would have being disturbed - and in my many years of going for these mammograms no one ever speaks as we are all too scared.

Perhaps they ought to set up crafts/jigsaws etc in waiting rooms to break the ice and get patients talking. I know i will always bring my knittin now :)

Oh oeufman that's lovely especially under those circumstances.
I hope all is ok. 2nd sock syndrome sounds quite amusing but totally understandable!

Oh that's such a lovely story, thank you so much for sharing it! I hope your results come back favourably :)

(PS I am another sufferer of 2nd sock syndrome!)

That's a lovely story Ouefman. I began a knit and natter at work. I work in an enormous and quite hierarchical institution (university) and it's lovely that the knit and natter has brought all sorts of different women* together. It is a great opportunity for senior professors to be told what to do by junior staff!

*We are still waiting for our first male knitter to join...

What a lovely story. Glad crafting has helped you feel better. I don't really have anything similar, but I do go to a very lovely and inspiring knitting group. I went as a very poor knitter and the woman who runs it taught me to crochet and I am now a pretty decent crocheter and have never looked back!

How lovely. I had similar experience when in hospital just before dd2 born. Didn't knit much, but just having it around made me feel at home and broke the ice with crafting staff and patients.

Makes me want to set up a waiting room craft group when three dc are grown up and I have time!

Thanks for you lovely words ladies..... Got a call from the breast nurse and all good :)

Am up next week for another appointment with the consultant, so will be bringing my hubbies socks to finish - just the toe to go.

That's great!