By Jody Kerzman

Arlyce Malarkey has always been a crafty lady. Knitting, sewing, painting. You name it, she’s made it.

She has a college degree in textiles and design, spent 30 years working at Hancock Fabrics, and a few more years in the sewing department at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center. Now, even in retirement, sewing and knitting occupy most of Arlyce’s spare time.

For the past 10 months, Arlyce has been focused on knitting. It started when a co-worker at Missouri Slope asked her about knitting a prosthesis for another co-worker.

“I had never done anything like that before. It didn’t work the first time,” she laughs.

Her failed attempt led her to the Knitted Knockers website, where she found step by step instructions on how to knit a prosthesis. This time, she succeeded. She’s been knitting ever since.

The handmade breast prostheses called Knitted Knockers are given free to women who have undergone mastectomies or other procedures to the breast. Knitted Knockers are soft, comfortable, and when placed in a regular bra, take the shape and feel of a real breast. Arlyce uses 100% cotton yarn, which means they are hand washable. Knitted Knockers are filled with fiberfill and can be adjusted to fill the gap for breasts that are uneven and easily adapted for those going through reconstruction by simply removing some of the stuffing.

“We overstuff them and we don’t tie them shut. That way the women can adjust them the way they like when they get them,” explains Arlyce. “All they have to do is pull the string to close the prosthesis.”

They are a far cry from traditional breast prosthetics.

“My mom had breast cancer when I was in college,” remembers Arlyce. “She wore a silicone prosthetic and she was always so uncomfortable.”

Traditional breast prosthetics are usually expensive, heavy, sweaty, and uncomfortable. They typically require special bras or camisoles with pockets and can’t be worn until weeks after surgery.

Arlyce’s mom fought cancer for 28 years; it spread beyond her breast and eventually took her life. It’s one reason Arlyce is so passionate about helping cancer victims with her knitting.

“Breast cancer is very much on my mind at all times,” says Arlyce. “My sister and I have both been vigilant in our checkups, and we have both had lumps removed, but thankfully they have all been benign. “

She knows not everyone is so lucky, and if she can bring a smile to someone’s face simply by using her knitting skills, Arlyce is happy to do so. She works closely with the Bismarck Cancer Center, making sure they have enough Knitted Knockers on hand in a variety of sizes. Arlyce knitted her first pair in December 2015. Since then, she has received  $250 seed money through a Thrivent Action Team from Thrivent Financial to purchase yarn and needles, and has recruited two other knitters to help: longtime friend Davonna Browning and her daughter-in-law, Brandi Malarkey. Together, the three of them have knitted 98 sets of Knitted Knockers for breast cancer survivors.

“Brandi lives in Fargo, so we have been donating to the Roger Maris Cancer Center as well,” says Arlyce. “Brandi  is a much better knitter than I am. She knits socks with five needles and knits very fast.”

Brandi is equally motivated to help others, because her life has also been touched by cancer.

“Brandi’s dad died of cancer,” says Arlyce. “She would take her knitting with her and knit while she sat at her dad’s treatments.

“Knitted Knockers are very much a labor of love for all of us,” explains Arlyce. “I’ve always sewed and knitted. I like helping people and this is something I can do in memory of my mom. I hear through the cancer center how thankful people are. That makes it worth it for me.”

Arlyce has added her own, special, crafty touch to each set of Knitted Knockers she makes. She sews what she calls a “Knocker Locker” for each set. It’s a fabric bag with a ribbon closure. It’s Arlyce’s special touch, and a part of the project that even her husband helps with.

“I am in charge of putting the ribbons in the Knocker Lockers,” says Mike with a smile. “She does good work. And she knits all the time. Even when we’re driving. I drive, and she knits. And she can still hold a conversation,” he laughs. “I know when she’s counting her stitches not to ask her a question though. I learned that the hard way!”

But Arlyce does love talking about and answering questions about Knitted Knockers. If you’ve got questions, email her at ammalarkey@gmail.com. Click here to learn more about Knitted Knockers. And to see more photos of Arlyce, Mike, and all Arlene’s knitting projects, click here for a gallery by Photos by Jacy.