"KNIT-A-BOOB" FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS EVENT

MAY 6^th IN BROOKLYN

Oak Knit Studio Teams with the Textile Arts Center, Breastcancer.org and Jade Sapphire Exotic Fibers to Host Unprecedented Gathering Benefitting Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors

100 Participants to Gather To Raise Awareness and Craft Cashmere Prosthetic Breasts

New York, April 20, 2011 -- Oak Knit Studio (OKS), a learning and making space devoted to textile arts in Brooklyn, NY, announces the first-ever "Knit-a-Boob" special event in partnership with Breastcancer.org. Knitters of all levels from novice to expert will gather on Friday, May 6th, to knit actual, wearable prosthetic breasts for patients and survivors of breast cancer, who have lost their breasts to the disease.

Breastcancer.org, the world's leading online resource for breast health and breast cancer information, will lead live information sessions throughout the day, briefing participants on the latest in breast cancer treatment and prevention.  The organization will also be accepting the knitted prostheses, and will distribute the handcrafted boobs to those in need.

The knitted boobs will be on display in the Oat Knit Studio Gallery following the day of crafting and creating for the cause.

"All of us are affected by the brutality of breast cancer in some way," said Jordana Martin, founder of Oak Knit Studio.  "Knit-A-Boob is an opportunity for all of us -- even those who have never knitted before -- to join together and hand craft works of art that will immediately bring comfort to those struggling with this disease."

The knitted pattern was inspired by Beryl Tsang, a knitter who developed the pattern for herself while undergoing her own treatment. Beryl found her knitted prosthesis to be a much more comforting, and light-hearted alternative to other prostheses that she was offered, and it later inspired her to start the website www.titbits.ca, which offers custom knitted breasts.

Joining Oak Knit Studios is Jade Sapphire Exotic Fibers, one of the leading suppliers of artisanal, hand-dyed cashmere for the hand-knitting world, who will supply all of the yarn for the event, ensuring only the most comforting and best quality materials for each prosthesis.

Participants will learn the pattern and knit together in both Oak Knit Studio and also the Textile Arts Center in Gowanus, Brooklyn.  Experts will be on hand to teach and assist knitters at all levels.

This is a public event.  Those interested in participating should email jordana@oakknitstudio.com, or rsvp on the Textile Arts Center website at this link.

Space in the program is limited, and participants will be notified by email no later than 5/1/2011.

About Oak Knit Studio

Oak Knit Studio is a learning and making space devoted to the Textile Arts.

Part of the mission of OKS is to build community through craft, and to further the conversation and the concept of Craftivism.

About BREASTCANCER.ORG

Breastcancer.org was founded by Dr. Marisa Weiss in 2000, and is now the world's leading online resource for breast health and breast cancer information and support.

About Textile Arts Center

The main goal of the Textile Arts Center is to provide support to fiber artists, and every day people interested in working with fiber, by acting as a resource facility and creative meeting place.

About Jade Sapphire Exotic Fibers

Jade Sapphire Exotic Fibers, the leading supplier of artisanal, hand-dyed cashmere for the hand-knitting world, will supply all of the yarn for the event, ensuring only the most comforting and best quality materials for each prosthesis.