Saturday, April 25, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Our First Covers!
The first covers have rolled into my mail box in the past two weeks. This is thrilling, exciting, and amazing to me all rolled into one. I will be packaging these up this week and be sending them to Jenn's center, as I think that is the best place possible I could start this project.
Aren't they beautiful? I took them outside for the picture because we are having a rare GORGEOUS Spring day here in Western Oregon.
I apologize for not posting recently. I went through a period of fairly blue days in the last month. Still recovering from Jenn, then my Grandmother passed away at the beginning of March, then a long weekend vacation to San Francisco, and the next thing I know I have not posted in forever.
I did have a question asked what should the finished dimensions of a crocheted PICC cover should be. They should be able to STRETCH to about 9 inches in diameter, so around 5-6 relaxed, and around 8-10 inches in length. Basically it is creating a sweater sleeve that is about the size of an upper arm, but able to stretch to accommodate tubing and bandages. Most CF people are underweight and very skinny, so keep that in mind.
Aren't they beautiful? I took them outside for the picture because we are having a rare GORGEOUS Spring day here in Western Oregon.
I apologize for not posting recently. I went through a period of fairly blue days in the last month. Still recovering from Jenn, then my Grandmother passed away at the beginning of March, then a long weekend vacation to San Francisco, and the next thing I know I have not posted in forever.
I did have a question asked what should the finished dimensions of a crocheted PICC cover should be. They should be able to STRETCH to about 9 inches in diameter, so around 5-6 relaxed, and around 8-10 inches in length. Basically it is creating a sweater sleeve that is about the size of an upper arm, but able to stretch to accommodate tubing and bandages. Most CF people are underweight and very skinny, so keep that in mind.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Requests and Notes
So far it looks like we have plenty of crafty people working towards the project which makes me so very happy. Remember to send me an email if you send any off, where you sent them, how many, and if you can pictures for me to share!
I also received a special request for a PICC cover for a male, in black. First commenter that can make this has the honor! I will send you my mailing address to get it to them.
I'm working on 2 variations on the PICC pattern, and also picked up some dense foam this weekend to start on making the port pillows. Hopefully I will be able to get them up by the end of the week, but I have a very busy week full of medical appointments ahead.
Happy knitting!
Talana
I also received a special request for a PICC cover for a male, in black. First commenter that can make this has the honor! I will send you my mailing address to get it to them.
I'm working on 2 variations on the PICC pattern, and also picked up some dense foam this weekend to start on making the port pillows. Hopefully I will be able to get them up by the end of the week, but I have a very busy week full of medical appointments ahead.
Happy knitting!
Talana
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
We Have a Crochet Pattern
Thanks to the AMAZING people over at Ravelry.com we now have a pattern for crocheters :) I am forever in debt to Laurie who came up with this pattern, as all I know how to do in crochet is single chain, and at that I only learned how to make rows of that tonight.
Child size
Hook 3.5 mm / US E or 4 / UK or canada 9
Gauge : 4 stitches per inch approximately
Chain 30 plus one for turning.
Starting in the second chain from the hook, single crochet into each loop.
Chain 1, turn. Single crochet into the back loop of each stitch.
Repeat until you have a piece that unstretched is 6 inches long.
Note to beginning crocheters - sometimes it pays to count the stitches as you go so you don’t lose any and end up with a triangle :)
Cut yarn leaving about a 10 inch tail. Sew closed lengthways carefully, being sure to not make bumps. Weave in ends.
Adult size:
Chain 36 plus 1 for turning. Make as child size except make the piece 8 to 9 inches long unstretched.
Again, thank you so much to Laurie!
On another note, I should be posting more about good fibers, special instructions for people with CF that want to knit covers, and plans for a second project geared towards CF people with a port for IV access. I also am working on different variations for the PICC cover.
Child size
Hook 3.5 mm / US E or 4 / UK or canada 9
Gauge : 4 stitches per inch approximately
Chain 30 plus one for turning.
Starting in the second chain from the hook, single crochet into each loop.
Chain 1, turn. Single crochet into the back loop of each stitch.
Repeat until you have a piece that unstretched is 6 inches long.
Note to beginning crocheters - sometimes it pays to count the stitches as you go so you don’t lose any and end up with a triangle :)
Cut yarn leaving about a 10 inch tail. Sew closed lengthways carefully, being sure to not make bumps. Weave in ends.
Adult size:
Chain 36 plus 1 for turning. Make as child size except make the piece 8 to 9 inches long unstretched.
Again, thank you so much to Laurie!
On another note, I should be posting more about good fibers, special instructions for people with CF that want to knit covers, and plans for a second project geared towards CF people with a port for IV access. I also am working on different variations for the PICC cover.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Questions?
This post is dedicated to questions that you may have. Check back to the blog or comments for your answer. If you would like to email pleas email me at findingjennproject@gmail.com
Original PICC Cover
The following project is the basic pattern that I use to make a PICC pattern. I developed it through trial and error to find out what worked best.
What is a PICC? PICC stands for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter. It is a long IV line that is inserted in the arm, then stretches from the arm, through the veins, were the line ends near the heart. It allows for large dose antibiotics to be administered in either a hospital or home environment.
This is me with a PICC line. Notice the white netting near my elbow? This is what is provided for patients to cover up the exposed part of the line when not in use. They are uncomfortable and have to be frequently changed because they are not durable at all, so I took to knitting my own.
Okay, so how do I do this? The original PICC line only takes 2 skills to be able to complete - the ability to knit in the round, and knit a 2x2 rib.
Materials
Worsted Weight Yarn - Preferably something that is durable and stretchy. I usually make mine out of washable wool, but as long as the finished project is able to hold it's shape over multiple stretchings, it will work. It also would be appropriate to use a lighter fiber, as some patients complain about being too warm under covers, other prefer about being too cool. By multiple knitters participating, it is my hope that everyone gets something that makes them happy.
Size 5 or 6 Circular needle (or 2) or DPN's - Really doesn't matter which technique you use, so use what is comfortable to you. If you don't know what I'm talking about, the Internet is a GREAT resource to learn knitting in the round techniques.
Gauge - Since this is a ribbed project, it is far more important to worry about being sure they stretch to accommodate the bulk of a PICC.
How to Make - For an adult size, cast on 44(48,52,56) stitches. Most CF patients struggle with weight, so their arms are usually smaller in diameter than most. However, the project needs to be able to stretch around the bandages and tubing of a PICC.
Join stitches in the round, being careful not to twist. K2, p2* repeating around the entire band, until it measures about 8 to 9 inches long. Bind off loosely.
To the left is a 44 stitch PICC Cover, 8 inches long. When relaxed it is about 6 inches in diameter, but it easily stretches to 9 inches, then will relax back to the original size.
Finishing - Finishing can be as simple as weaving in the ends. If desired, a long string can be woven near the top and bottom of the band, allowing the patient to tie tighter as the band stretches.
Special Notes While this pattern focuses on adult sizes, young CF patients also commonly use PICC lines. The diameter should be brought down for this, but the length should be no shorter than 7 inches. This is because the dressing and exposed tubing does not go down in size with the patient. Also, you are welcome to modify the pattern, as long as it remains very stretchy and durable. I will be coming up with variations in the coming months.
What Do I Do Now? Please make a tag or card for each work. On it include:
The Finding Jenn Project http://findingjennproject.blogspot.com
Your Name:
Fiber Used:
Care Instructions:
Any Contact Information You Would Like to Provide: (Loneliness is a constant in the hospital, and being able to send a thank you would be awesome)
The Finding Jenn Project was founded in memory of Jenn W. Jenn was a talented knitter who tried to reach out to the CF community in any way possible. The enclosed PICC cover is made in her memory. Please let us know if you have received one by visiting the site or emailing findingherproject@gmail.com
(A sample card template will soon be available!)
How Do I Get These to Patients? - This can happen in one of two ways. In the coming days I will be acquiring a PO Box for PICC covers to be sent to me to distribute. If they are sent to me, I request that each are individually packed in a Ziploc bag, as people with CF each harbor bacteria that can be harmful to other CF patients, and I do not want to be responsible for getting another person sick :)
You can also send them to a local CF center. Address them in care of the Cystic Fibrosis Nurse, and find the address at the following links:
Listing of US based Care Centers
Listing of Canada based centres
Listing of United Kingdom based centres
Listing of Australia based centres
(If I did not hit your area, usually Google will point you the right direction if you search: (Country) Cystic Fibrosis Centers
Also please send an email to findingherproject@gmail.com
with how many you sent and where you sent them, so I can track if some centers are getting fewer than they need and can fix that with projects that come to me. I also invite pictures of projects.
What is a PICC? PICC stands for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter. It is a long IV line that is inserted in the arm, then stretches from the arm, through the veins, were the line ends near the heart. It allows for large dose antibiotics to be administered in either a hospital or home environment.
This is me with a PICC line. Notice the white netting near my elbow? This is what is provided for patients to cover up the exposed part of the line when not in use. They are uncomfortable and have to be frequently changed because they are not durable at all, so I took to knitting my own.Okay, so how do I do this? The original PICC line only takes 2 skills to be able to complete - the ability to knit in the round, and knit a 2x2 rib.
Materials
Worsted Weight Yarn - Preferably something that is durable and stretchy. I usually make mine out of washable wool, but as long as the finished project is able to hold it's shape over multiple stretchings, it will work. It also would be appropriate to use a lighter fiber, as some patients complain about being too warm under covers, other prefer about being too cool. By multiple knitters participating, it is my hope that everyone gets something that makes them happy.
Size 5 or 6 Circular needle (or 2) or DPN's - Really doesn't matter which technique you use, so use what is comfortable to you. If you don't know what I'm talking about, the Internet is a GREAT resource to learn knitting in the round techniques.
Gauge - Since this is a ribbed project, it is far more important to worry about being sure they stretch to accommodate the bulk of a PICC.
How to Make - For an adult size, cast on 44(48,52,56) stitches. Most CF patients struggle with weight, so their arms are usually smaller in diameter than most. However, the project needs to be able to stretch around the bandages and tubing of a PICC.
Join stitches in the round, being careful not to twist. K2, p2* repeating around the entire band, until it measures about 8 to 9 inches long. Bind off loosely.
To the left is a 44 stitch PICC Cover, 8 inches long. When relaxed it is about 6 inches in diameter, but it easily stretches to 9 inches, then will relax back to the original size.Finishing - Finishing can be as simple as weaving in the ends. If desired, a long string can be woven near the top and bottom of the band, allowing the patient to tie tighter as the band stretches.
Special Notes While this pattern focuses on adult sizes, young CF patients also commonly use PICC lines. The diameter should be brought down for this, but the length should be no shorter than 7 inches. This is because the dressing and exposed tubing does not go down in size with the patient. Also, you are welcome to modify the pattern, as long as it remains very stretchy and durable. I will be coming up with variations in the coming months.
What Do I Do Now? Please make a tag or card for each work. On it include:
The Finding Jenn Project http://findingjennproject.blogspot.com
Your Name:
Fiber Used:
Care Instructions:
Any Contact Information You Would Like to Provide: (Loneliness is a constant in the hospital, and being able to send a thank you would be awesome)
The Finding Jenn Project was founded in memory of Jenn W. Jenn was a talented knitter who tried to reach out to the CF community in any way possible. The enclosed PICC cover is made in her memory. Please let us know if you have received one by visiting the site or emailing findingherproject@gmail.com
(A sample card template will soon be available!)
How Do I Get These to Patients? - This can happen in one of two ways. In the coming days I will be acquiring a PO Box for PICC covers to be sent to me to distribute. If they are sent to me, I request that each are individually packed in a Ziploc bag, as people with CF each harbor bacteria that can be harmful to other CF patients, and I do not want to be responsible for getting another person sick :)
You can also send them to a local CF center. Address them in care of the Cystic Fibrosis Nurse, and find the address at the following links:
Listing of US based Care Centers
Listing of Canada based centres
Listing of United Kingdom based centres
Listing of Australia based centres
(If I did not hit your area, usually Google will point you the right direction if you search: (Country) Cystic Fibrosis Centers
Also please send an email to findingherproject@gmail.com
with how many you sent and where you sent them, so I can track if some centers are getting fewer than they need and can fix that with projects that come to me. I also invite pictures of projects.
What is Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic diesease, that primaraly effects the lungs and digestive system. 1 in 25 caucasion people are non-symptomatic carriers, but when a person carries two copies of the bad gene, CF happens, sometimes without family history. Average life expectancy for a baby born today with CF is only 37 years old. More information about Cystic Fibrosis can be found at The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Web Site.
The following information is copied from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation:
What You Need to Know
What Is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that:
clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and
obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.
In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.
Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis
People with CF can have a variety of symptoms, including:
very salty-tasting skin;
persistent coughing, at times with phlegm;
frequent lung infections;
wheezing or shortness of breath;
poor growth/weight gain in spite of a good appetite; and
frequent greasy, bulky stools or difficulty in bowel movements.
Statistics
About 1,000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year.
More than 70% of patients are diagnosed by age two.
More than 40% of the CF patient population is age 18 or older.
The predicted median age of survival for a person with CF is more than 37 years.
The following information is copied from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation:
What You Need to Know
What Is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that:
clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and
obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.
In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.
Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis
People with CF can have a variety of symptoms, including:
very salty-tasting skin;
persistent coughing, at times with phlegm;
frequent lung infections;
wheezing or shortness of breath;
poor growth/weight gain in spite of a good appetite; and
frequent greasy, bulky stools or difficulty in bowel movements.
Statistics
About 1,000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year.
More than 70% of patients are diagnosed by age two.
More than 40% of the CF patient population is age 18 or older.
The predicted median age of survival for a person with CF is more than 37 years.
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