Brazieres For A Cure

Presentation of Donation Checks

2010-05-04T06:18:00.000-07:00

In Feb 2010 we presented The American Cancer Society and Encore Plus (Binghamton YWCA) each with a check for $2,900! Thank you to everyone who was involved with the project! Accepting the check in behalf of the American Cancer Society is Joan Ticknor. Crystal Lown, Encore Plus program coordinator and her issistant Kathleen Haggerty accepted for Encore Plus.

Picture with all four of us (left to right): Kathleen, Crystal, Louise and Joan.

#105 "The Flowers Left Behind"

2010-05-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

#105 Venessa Budetti of Newburgh, NY

“The Flowers Left Behind”

Embellishments & Technique: Painted inside of bra and outside covered with fabric.

Artist’s Statement: This is created in memory of my cousin, Karen Mitchell. She was an avid gardener and quilter. She died at age 52 of breast cancer. I went through her fabric stash and found these little yo-yo’s that she had completed. There weren’t many, but I have saved them for several years. They remind me of the flowers she grew and loved. They are now the flowers Karen left behind.

#104 "Time for Reflection"

2009-11-03T04:49:00.000-08:00

#104 Anne Ainslie of Ithaca, NY

“Time for Reflection”

WINNER – Judges Choice (Gina Chapman)

Embellishments & Technique: Ribbon, round mirrors, glass heart, and watch faces.

Artist’s Statement: The watch faces came from friends and family members that have had breast cancer. I can’t begin to understand how they must have felt when they learned they had breast cancer. My Braziere For a Cure is in honor of their courage, and for all those that came before them and for all that will come after.

#102 "Training Bra Making Tracks For A Cure"

2009-11-03T04:47:00.000-08:00

#102 Cindy Dunlap of Endicott, NY

“Training Bra Making Tracks For A Cure”

Embellishments & Techniques: Hand sewing.

Artist’s Statement: All Aboard! Punch your ticket and ride the rails of life! When you encounter steep hills, dark tunnels and station delays, remember the lesson from “the Little Engine that could”, “I think I can, I think I can”. Life is about the journey, not just the destination.

#100 "Brick-a-Brack Bra"

2009-11-03T04:46:00.000-08:00

#100 Louise A. Tiemann of Vestal, NY

“Brick-a-Brack Bra”

Embellishments & Techniques: Made in loving memory of “Etta” J. Kania (1934 – 2000) and Ann E. Dinoff (1932 – 2001). Hand sewn and beaded, made with scraps of fabric given to me by my friends Therese Cingranelli and Nancy Michael – and my stash. A batik fabric with star motifs was the inspiration for the center medallion. Much of the braided trim was given to me by my aunt Lydia Lynn. Other trims, beaded fringe, beads and butterflies were purchased from JoAnn Fabrics, where I work part-time.

Artist’s Statement: Thank you for supporting Brazieres For A Cure, A Breast Cancer Awareness Project. This project was done to honor two very special women, mothers of my dear friends Kathy Kania, Annette (Kania) Rotthoff and Adrianne (Dinoff) Storti: “Etta” J. Kania and Ann Dinoff.

Etta was a very vibrant woman who always had a smile. She was an avid skier and was well known for her cooking. One of my fondest memories is making gnocchi at her house with her daughters Kathy and Annette. After a courageous battle with cancer, she passed away at her home on October 1, 2000. She was only 66.

Ann was a special lady. She was the mother of co-worker, office mate and friend Adrianne. Ann worked at IBM for many years. She was the one I called when they found a lump in my left breast in 1996. She helped me through a very difficult waiting period. Luckily for me, it was not cancer. Ann loved to collect antiques and her house was filled to the brim with her finds – it was like stepping into a museum every time I went there. After a 10 year battle with cancer, Ann passed away in her home on June 10, 2001. She was only 69.

Both of these women were friends, wives, mothers, and sisters, and are greatly missed by those they left behind.

#99 "What's in a word?"

2009-11-03T04:43:00.000-08:00

#99 Lori Mai Shapley of Lexington, KY

“What’s in a word?”

Embellishments & Techniques: Spectra Art bleeding tissue paper, silk flowers, embroidery thread & needles, Sharpie markers, oval and round wooden wafers, decoupage medium and brushes, dremel, colored computer paper and printer, gold jump rings and pliers, and breast cancer ribbon fabric.

I applied various pieces of the tissue paper to the bra, wet them, and waited. The process is amazing and fun to watch! As the colors mix, I reminisce about the many beautiful rainbows, sunrises and sunsets I have seen. I let it dry and worked on the words. I used wooden wafers to decoupage the words onto. First I printed out my personally chosen words (with the help of my “southern sister”) on the computer. I cut them out and burned the edges for an older, more distressed look. I glued the words on and decoupaged over them. After they dried, I drilled holes with a dremel and sewed the wafers on the bra. Next I colored silk flowers with a Sharpie marker. I sewed them on with embroidery thread and needle in an imperfect haphazard way. This was to represent how our lives are never perfect, but there is always strength and beauty around us if we take and make the time to look. The title of my project “What’s in a Word?”, I fastened across the top of the bra. At the bottom of it, I draped my favorite words of Mother Theresa. The gold jump rings linked together represent strength, the power and impact of words and what they can achieve. The large bra had no underwire to support, so I had to improvise accordingly on the inside to show off my embellishments. This project was a very fun, interesting and cathartic experience. I am thankful for the opportunity to express myself!

Artist’s Statement: This artistic endeavor was done in honor of my mother Nellie Shapley, who twice successfully fought breast cancer. Growing up in Binghamton, New York, I had a wonderful childhood with many opportunities for travel and learning. One of my favorite memories was family and friends sitting at the kitchen table playing games. We had hundreds to choose from but always seemed to play the same ones over and over. My mother really enjoyed Scrabble, Boggle, Scattegories and the daily paper Jumble. As a result of this I was proud to say my grammar and articulation benefited. I was able to learn so many different words and their various meanings. I feel the most important benefit was to realize the amazing effect words can have. With that I have attained the greatest empathy for all!

I cannot image being told that I have breast cancer ... my mother had those words spoken to her twice and my “southern sister” once. They both successfully fought the disease. My mother has since passed away, but was a healthy, happy survivor of breast cancer for many, many years. From talking to my sister about her experiences in survival, I came up with the idea for this project. She enlightened me about the effect of the words that were spoken to her through the process. She specifically remembered the words “positive”, “success”, “sharing” and “compassion”, as the ones that were the most meaningful to her. So I have done this project in honor of my mother, but I am dedicating it to my “southern sister”. Thanks SIS!

#98 "Eyes On You"

2009-11-03T04:42:00.000-08:00

#98 Ruth Manzer of Owego, NY

“Eyes On You”

Embellishments & Techniques: Sewed on lace from wedding dresses I have made, bowls in cups as surgical specimen bowls, facial tissues to stuff, batting to make it look more natural, pin from a project I did to get people screened, stethoscopes from my last position, surgical scissors, and fake eyelashes.

Artist’s Statement: Eyes on You: I have said to my patients I am going to keep an eye on you, I have heard other medical professions say the same. People with cancer must follow up with care for life. They feel sometimes their bodies are not their own. The cup lining is to represent the comfort I want to bring them. The fake eyelashes represent the attempts to look and feel normal as chemo takes away the hair. The lace from the wedding gowns represents new beginnings – the new normal moving on with life. The pin is to remind people to get their screening done. The eyes are my medical eyes caring for you.

#97 "My Challenge"

2009-11-03T04:41:00.000-08:00

#97 Jane Gaffney of Conklin, NY

“My Challenge”

Embellishments & Techniques: I used pink, yellow and maroon yarn to crochet the bra cups and sides. The pink ribbon material supplied was used for the straps and closure. Pink fabric paint was used for part of the straps and center design between the cups, front and back.

Artist’s Statement: Dedicated to my mother Helen Parry and sister Sandra Grishom. As a crochet beginner, this was a challenge for me. It was inspired by my 89-year-old mother who sews, knits, crochets and does quilting – making blankets for members of her family (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren). She also makes them for “Many Arms Reach You” organization. At 78, she endured 6 weeks of radiation for Breast Cancer and survived. My sister, at 36, survived a radical mastectomy, chemo and medicine – and is now 65. The project was nothing compared to the challenges anyone who has cancer endures.

#96 "Some Like It Hot!"

2009-11-03T04:39:00.000-08:00

#96 April F. Bump of Binghamton, NY

“Some Like It Hot!”

Embellishments & Techniques: The whole bra was dyed with Rit dye and dried over two very large balloons! The entire cup sides and back were then decoupaged for stiffness. Fussy-cut firemen, cowboys and related objects added. You will notice that (because of the Mod Podge used) this bra even has a feel similar to a fireman’s coat.

Artist’s Statement: Because I wanted to draw attention to the fact that men are vulnerable to breast cancer too, I needed to think outside the box! (Or bra as it maybe!) Too many of us have a lot of family health history that includes breast cancer and lots of friends who are personally touched by it. To all of the cancer survivors, this is for you, for all of our friends, including my good friend and kindred spirit Becky Smith who is just starting her fight – we’re with you all the way!

#95 "How Cold Is It?"

2009-11-03T04:37:00.000-08:00

#95 Rick DeMars of Vestal, NY

“How Cold Is It?”

Embellishments & Techniques: Fused witches, hung icicles, glued on snowflakes and snowmen. [this is the bra organizer Louise Tiemann had to wear at her guild meeting]

#92 "Save the Puppies"

2009-11-03T04:34:00.000-08:00

#92 Nancy D. Briggs of Endicott, NY

“Save the Puppies”

Embellishments & Techniques: Machine appliqué, back stitch embroidery for labels, ribbon trim, and dog leashes for straps.

Artist’s Statement: Design of puppy faces taken from the Oct 2009 issue of McCall’s Quilting, a design by Carol Armstrong. Dedicated to the many breast cancer patients I cared for as an oncology / chemotherapy nurse.

#91 "Home Along the Creek"

2009-11-03T04:31:00.000-08:00

#91 JoAnne Hanrahan of Binghamton, NY

“Home Along the Creek”

Embellishments & Techniques: Acrylic paints.

Artist’s Statement: Dedicated to my mom with love.

#90 "Words to Live By"

2009-11-03T04:30:00.000-08:00

#90 Kathleen Ingalls of Hancock, NY

“Words to Live By”

Embellishments & Techniques: Computer generated cross-word puzzle and word search puzzle transferred onto pink t-shirt material then sewn on to bra. Straps covered in black ribbon with pink flowers.

Artist’s Statement: On the breast cancer journey words have the power to devastate us or give us hope. By focusing on the positive messages we can create an environment for healing to occur – healing for both the body and the soul. “Words to Live By” celebrates the “answers” that support this journey.

#89 "Boobies Make Me Smile"

2009-11-03T04:28:00.000-08:00

#89 Joyce Paulsen of Johnson City, NY

“Boobies Make Me Smile”

Embellishments & Techniques: Zippers, snaps, leather and lots of hand stitching.

Artist’s Statement: This bra is about covering ourselves and guarding against breast cancer. I have dedicated it to my friend Martha Cooper who I watched endure cancer treatments with dignity and grace. I am proud to say she is my friend.

#87 "Breast Cancer is a Crime"

2009-11-03T04:26:00.000-08:00

#87 Marcia Lorraine of Endicott, NY

“Breast Cancer is a Crime”

Embellishments & Techniques: Fabric paint, fabric glued and sewn to bra, scrap book “vignettes” glued to make two scenes – crime and lab.

Artist’s Statement: My inspiration for “Breast Cancer is a Crime” came from my favorite crime shows on TV – CSI: Miami, NCIS, Law & Order and others. In those shows there is the scene of the crime, where technicians log and collect evidence such as, dead body, weapon, blood, tire tracks, etc. The second scene is the crime lab, where technicians analyze the evidence and arrest the perpetrator. Both of these scenes can relate to breast cancer ... the scene being blood, biopsies, x-rays, etc. and these are analyzed in the lab ... ultimately ending with a cure. This is dedicated to my friend Laurie Laskowski.

#86 "Mardi Gras"

2009-11-03T04:25:00.000-08:00

#86 Susan Ritner of Johnson City, NY

“Mardi Gras”

Embellishments & Techniques: Acrylic paint and fringe.

Artist’s Statement: This was a very interesting project for me. I normally paint on flat canvas, so incorporating my painting style to a 3-D surface was an exciting challenge. Hooray for “Brazieres For A Cure” and all the people involved – what a great idea!

#85 "My Summer Garden"

2009-11-03T04:23:00.000-08:00

#85 Diana Tillotson of Endicott, NY

“My Summer Garden”

Embellishments & Techniques: Draped fabric, dye, needle turn appliqué, bead work, vintage bakelite buttons, and vintage glass cabochons.

Artist’s Statement: Made with love for all women waiting for a Breast Cancer cure – too many of our sisters have lost the struggle. For all those waiting, may you enjoy many more Summer Gardens!

#84 "It is all how you look at it."

2009-11-03T04:21:00.000-08:00

#84 Cynthia Warren Rangel of Binghamton, NY

“It is all how you look at it.”

Embellishments & Techniques: Acrylic paint and beaded ribbon.

#83 "Lady Bug, Lady Bug, Fly Away Home ..."

2009-11-03T04:18:00.000-08:00

#83 Patricia Ann Cummings of Endwell, NY

“Lady Bug, Lady Bug, Fly Away Home ...”

WINNER – Best Use of Embellishment

Embellishments & Techniques: Thread painting of fabric, beading with sequins, and free motion embroidery using wash-away stabilizer.

Artist’s Statement: Did you know that if you caught a Lady Bug and recited the verses:

“Lady Bug, Lady Bug,

Fly away home.

Your house is on fire,

Your children are gone.”

And then blew the Lady Bug off your hand, your wish would be granted?

This bra is for my daughter, Liz, and my wish is for her. I hope she will not be the 4th generation in my family to contract Breast Cancer. The red sunflower is for her, and the two yellow sunflowers are for my mother, Nancy Clyde Walters and myself. The one on the back is in memory of my grandmother, Edith Paulene Mitchell.

#82 "Razzle Dazzle"

2009-11-03T04:17:00.000-08:00

#82 Helen Parry of Binghamton, NY

“Razzle Dazzle”

Embellishments & Techniques: 2-inch squares of Bali assorted fabrics – sewn together and fitted to a padded bra.

Artist’s Statement: One of my hobbies is quilting. It was fun to work on such an unusual project.

#81 "Got Milk"

2009-11-03T04:15:00.000-08:00

#81 Lee Ann Adolf of Endwell, NY

“Got Milk”

Embellishments & Techniques: Lace and sequins – hand sewn, pink satin lining – glued and sewn.

Artist’s Statement: I walked in two Avon walks for breast cancer in NYC, 40 miles each. This by far was so much more fun! Ha! Ha! And easier! God bless every one who participated, and I hope to do this again.

#80 "You don't have to camouflage the pain"

2009-11-03T04:14:00.000-08:00

#80 Sara Delafield of Port Crane, NY

“You don’t have to camouflage the pain”

Embellishments & Techniques: Silk leaves, glitter, and fabric paint.

Artist’s Statement: Breast cancer can be painful – not only for the individuals who have it, but for those who love them. “You don’t have to camouflage the pain” is about feelings ... and NOT denying them and continued growth.

#79 "Daisies and Pink Ribbons for a Cure"

2009-11-03T04:12:00.000-08:00

#79 Vivian Perkins of Endicott, NY

“Daisies and Pink Ribbons for a Cure”

Embellishments & Techniques: Fabric acrylic paint – hand painted. It is painted in the Tole and Decorative style. I want to dedicate my artwork to honor Linda Geer, my friend.

Artist’s Statement: The design of daises and leaves intertwined with the pink Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbons is to say ... Holding hands with each other as we all work together, and hope for a cure. I am an ovarian cancer survivor.

#78 "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

2009-11-03T04:10:00.000-08:00

#78 Doreen Spoor of Binghamton, NY

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow”

Embellishments & Techniques: Fabric dyes and gutta, fabric flowers, buttons, beads and fabric glue, ribbon, red glitter, felt, feathers, embroidery thread and goggly eyes, red nail polish, Gingham ribbon and white ruffle.

Artist’s Statement: I choose the theme for my bra that is positive, reflects hope and transports us to the days of our innocent youth. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” reminds us of the magic of rainbows and a place where troubles melt like lemon drops. I dyed the straps red and finished them in glitter as a tribute to Dorothy’s ruby red shoes. Three clicks of her shoes and she had the power all along to be home – for anything is possible if you believe. I dedicate my bra to my good friend Dawn DeRosa who is celebrating her 20 year anniversary since being diagnosed with breast cancer. There’s no place like home.

#76 "I Believe I Can Fly"

2009-11-03T04:08:00.000-08:00

#76 Kim L. Chase-Decker of Vestal, NY

“I Believe I Can Fly”

Embellishments & Techniques: Fabric paint, fabric and antique earrings.

Artist’s Statement: This bra is dedicated to my mom – Carol M. Chase – she is a 30 year breast cancer survivor! Her unwavering belief in God’s healing power is what got her through and has been her strength throughout her life.

#75 "C'mon Get Happy!"

2009-11-03T04:06:00.000-08:00

#75 Jean G. Hubsch of Bradford, NY

“C’mon Get Happy”

Embellishments & Techniques: Hand dyed fabric, cording and lace; rayon thread, seed beads. Dying was done by the artist. All attachments are hand sewn in place. The “leaf sprays” are fly-stitch embroidery.

Artist’s Statement: Dedicated to Mary DeYager (1940-1987). My main artist medium is embroidery and I especially love floral pieces. Recently I have been experimenting with hand dyed fabric and threads.

#74 "Hang In There"

2009-11-03T04:05:00.000-08:00

#74 Jacque Paltrineri of Gillett, PA

“Hang in There”

Embellishments & Techniques: Ultra-suede, sequins, beads, and poly-fabric.

Artist’s Statement: I wanted to make a bra to help raise money for cancer research. I started out wanting to make a feather design with beads, but ended up with this due to time. I enjoyed making it and hope it helps bring money to help cancer research.

#72 "Fruitcups"

2009-11-03T04:03:00.000-08:00

#72 Giuliana Calderone of Horseheads, NY

“Fruitcups”

Embellishments & Techniques: Cut-out vegetables from kitchen towels, floral leaves, fruit patches, and crocheted fruits. I cut the kitchen towel glued on the bra after I dyed it - same technique with the leaves on the straps and the fruit that I crocheted. There are no loops for the straps on the back of the bra, so I cut them and glued them on.

Artist’s Statement: I dedicate this work to my friends who are cancer survivors and those who were less fortunate.

#69 "Bells, Beads, Bows, Buttons & Blessings"

2009-11-03T03:58:00.000-08:00

#69 Roslyn P. Smith of Brockport, NY

“Bells, Beads, Bows, Buttons & Blessings”

Embellishments & Techniques: I embroidered the bows and words, sewed on a mixture of buttons, beads and bells, and added medals for blessings. Added already strung beads for the lower trim. All done by hand.

Artist’s Statement: I dedicate this artwork to my dear friend Ann North. Ann was the first person that I know who went through cancer surgery and treatment. She will always be my hero. She was so upbeat through her battle, always joking, laughing and being a true hero. I decorated this bra with her in my heart!

#68 "I Felt My Boobies"

2009-11-03T03:56:00.000-08:00

#68

Lydia

Lynn of Big Flats, NY

“I Felt My Boobies”

Embellishments & Techniques: Hand dyed sheep wool, wet and needle felted, hand dyed and hand spun yarn – for knitting and sewing, seed beads, plastic beads, fabric glue. I covered 2 balloons with layers of raw wool which had been hand dyed several shades of pink. Wet felting with dish soap and hot water. Needle felting with barbed felting needles.

After wet felting, I cut the pink felt off the balloons and fitted the resulting hemispheres into and over the cups of the bra. Another flat piece of felt was used to cover the sides and back. Hand spun yarn was used to knit-in-the-round to cover the straps. White wool batt was used to make the hands.

Artist’s Statement: My fiber arts guild is promoting felt making this year, so I wanted to try our techniques on this project. Since “felt” is also the past tense of “feel”, as in – “feel your boobies” – I could not resist the pun! So, the felt hands are feeling the boobies.

#66 "B-Cup"

2009-11-03T03:51:00.000-08:00

#66 Mary Roody of Port Crane, NY

“B-Cup”

Embellishments & Techniques: Machine stitching and embroidery, hand sewing, glue, appliqué, stuffing / padding, cotton fabric, thread, fur-like boa, braided ribbon, jewels, embroidered bee and cups, batting.

Artist’s Statement: This is entered in memory of my mother, Mildred Marshall, who survived breast cancer for 11 years. She later died of a stroke. It is also given in honor of friend and survivor Ann Hooper, who is also a talented quilter. And in honor and memory of all who have had, or will have, breast cancer in their lives.

#61 "Las Vegas or Bust"

2009-11-03T03:50:00.000-08:00

#61 Susan A. McCann of Johnson City, NY

“Las Vegas or Bust!”

Embellishments & Techniques: Teal crushed velour, 6 shades of blue sequins, 3 shades of green sequins and 4 shades of brown sequins, green seed beads, iridescent bugle beads, blue seed beads, green bugle beads, peacock feathers and miscellaneous blue & green feathers.

Artist’s Statement: In my next life I’ll probably come back as a Las Vegas show girl, but for now ... I love anything that sparkles or has feather and fluff on it. I’ve always been drawn to peacocks because of their outrageous color, their majestic beauty and their flashiness!!!

#60 "Miami"

2009-11-03T03:48:00.000-08:00

#60 Diane Yuhas of Central Bridge, NY

“Miami”

Embellishments & Techniques: Acrylic paint and palm tree stickers.

Artist’s Statement: I’m in love with color, line, shape, patterns and texture. My purpose in this piece was to delineate and highlight these beautiful elements already present in the bra.

#59 "Natural Woman"

2009-11-03T03:46:00.000-08:00

#59 Caitlin and Susan Miosek of Cooperstown, NY

“Natural Woman”

Embellishments & Techniques: Silk flowers, silk leaves, silk butterfly, and pheasant feathers applied with hot glue gun.

Artist’s Statement: We thank Maidenform and the Common Threads Quilters Guild for holding this event to support all of our friends and relatives who have battled breast cancer. We wanted to show our gratitude for our friends and relatives who have been blessed with the good health and strength to survive and heal.

#58 "Fields of Susan"

2009-11-03T03:44:00.000-08:00

#58 Lee Robbins, M.D. – Flying Tortoise Studio of Hartwick, NY

“Fields of Susan”

Embellishments & Techniques: Oil on kitakata Japanese paper monoprint laminated with epoxy resin to a copper frame, Mica set in caulk with dried black-eyed susan flowers, Acrylic paint – micaceous violet pigment, 2 coats of epoxy, and 7 coats of lacquer. The hanger: spring steel, copper ribbon, and brass with aluminum. The top loop: rotates 180° - forged steel, brazed, and forged copper pipe.

Artist’s Statement: Susan Komen for the cure. Fields of Susan relates to the invigorating renewal of nature as a force to overcome. I recently experienced a course of breast cancer in a long time friend. The uncertainties in a course of illness are mirrored in the translucence of the painting, heart, love and real nature – transmuted through the artist and back again.

The artist is a transformative conduit for the energy of the universe through culture, breathing life into the inorganic. It is my study of entropy, of nature’s reclamation. Concrete influences in my art are the tropical landscape and the human condition, explored from sub-cellular histological patterns to internalization of the energy of over 150,000 confidential patient encounters in the ER. Biology and chemical experimentation with media over forty years provide the tools.

Visual music, animated vegetation, arils, sepals, and leaves, as sunlight is transmuted to electricity, nature’s energy becomes color and pattern. Plant morphology and the human body emerge transformed through my art into images, cast resin and forged steel.

#57 "Hands On Health Care"

2009-11-03T03:42:00.000-08:00

#57 Dianne M. Kull of Cooperstown, NY

“Hands-on Health Care”

Embellishments & Techniques: Acrylic paint, baby bottle nipples, gloves, armature wire, and steel shot (counter-weight).

Artist’s Statement: I started with the nipples – and went from there. The tattoo is for whimsy and to honor our mothers. There is minimal “embellishment” – especially of the straps, but that’s the (my) style. The painted inside represents the mammary glands and fat. I dedicate this bra to my childhood friend Claire Parsons who lived with – and fought – breast cancer for most of her adult life. She died twenty years ago at the age of 39.

#56 "Red Hot Mama"

2009-11-03T03:39:00.000-08:00

#56 Maureen Haralabatos of Milford, NY

“Red Hot Mama”

Embellishments & Techniques: Paint, glitter paint, silk rose petals, glitter stars, and beads, sewing and glue.

Artist’s Statement: This bra is dedicated to my mother Mimi LoBue, she died of breast cancer (metastatic) in 1986. She was always hot and wiping her face with her handkerchief. Hot flashes all the time – she truly was a “Red Hot Mama”. I try to make some type of art every week, i.e. sewing, painting, felting or any type of needlework – sometimes I even complete a project!

#55 "Jenny's Crazy Lump"

2009-11-02T18:48:00.000-08:00

#55 Jennifer Victory of Cooperstown, NY

“Jenny’s Crazy Lump” or “Behind the Eight Ball”

Embellishments & Techniques: Rit fabric dye – scarlet, hand appliqué, embroidery, beaded braid, red decorative braid and a handmade porcelain pin.

Artist’s Statement: This very strange looking bra was inspired by my dear high school friend, Jenny, who was diagnosed with breast cancer on June 1. Jenny and I share the same name and birthday, and have been birthday buddies since we were 15 years old. Hearing she had breast cancer was a real blow. In classic Jenny style, she set up a blog to keep everyone up to date and to share her musing on her adventures in breast cancer: http://jennyscrazylump.blogspot.com.

The blog entry that inspired this design was titled “Behind the Eight Ball”. It was written the night before her first appointment with the breast surgeon and she was definitely feeling “behind the eight ball” – new patient paperwork not completed, educational reading not completed, medication list not done, questions not written down. [Image from http://www.stickergiant.com/bad-luck_aad944.html ]

Jenny entertained herself and procrastinated by having an imaginary exchange with the secretary from the breast care clinic:

“Dear Jenny ... so sorry to hear about your lump.

I wonder what you look like?

I think you look like this.

Love, The Swedish Breast Care Center Admin.

ps. Can we be pen-pals?”

“And you know what? I think I’m going to start

imagining I do look like this. In fact, I may want

to come back from surgery looking like her. You

people won’t even recognize me! I’m starting over! Or maybe I’ll get this

tattoo except without the ‘Bad Luck’. Maybe ‘Marginally Ok Luck’ or ‘Good

Luck Overall, Just Some Big 8-Ball Problems Right Now’.”

So, here’s to Jenny’s Eight Ball Girl – note the gold star, which represents Jenny’s Crazy Lump. Note also that it is a removable pin and not sewn permanently to the bra. Jenny’s surgery was July 30 – Good Bye, Lump!

#54 "Victorian Secret"

2009-11-02T18:44:00.001-08:00

#54 William Schaeffer of Fly Creek, NY

“Victorian Secret”

Embellishments & Techniques: The two sequined fan shapes come from a fan purchased at the Dollar Store. Other Dollar Store purchases include a red satin bag, baby block letters, ribbon, “flowers” (dyed to look vintage), and a pair of decorated Chinese slippers cut apart for the bra sides. The fancy braids and tassels came from an interior decorator’s store. The small key is an antique, painted gold. Black glitter paint was lightly applied to blend the exposed black fabric. Everything is held in place with hot glue.

Artist’s Statement: The title of my work, “Victorian Secret” is a take-off on the name “Victoria’s Secret”. I chose a Victorian theme and played with the idea of secrets. Many valuables and secrets were kept close to a woman’s heart in the safety of her undergarments. Turning the bra around reveals a daring red, a far racier color than a “proper” Victorian lady would wear. A closer look reveals a deeper secret: the key to the cure. The key to the cure is there; it’s just hidden from view.

My creation is partially inspired by Alice Roosevelt Longworth (1884-1980), oldest daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt. Mrs. Longworth was born in the Victorian era and lived into the Modern era. Longworth was known for her flamboyance. She had a mastectomy at age 72, then a second mastectomy at age 86. After her second surgery, Longworth called herself the only “topless octogenarian” in Washington. Longworth lived to be 96.

#53 "Candy Cane Follies"

2009-11-02T18:39:00.001-08:00

#53 Patricia Spencer of Cooperstown, NY

“Candy Cane Follies”

Embellishments & Techniques: Dyed candy pink, black velvet ribbon trimmed, antique black jet beading and trims.

Artist’s Statement: For Jennifer and Jocelyn.

#52 "Glimmerglass Goddess"

2009-11-02T18:34:00.001-08:00

#52 Wendy Reich of Cherry Valley Glass Works

“Glimmerglass Goddess”

Embellishments & Techniques: This bra was adorned with a mosaic of hand cut and painted pieces of glass tile, Paua shell, vintage sequined trim and glass beads. The interior was painted with mica powders and acrylic paint.

Artist’s Statement: Inspired by the majestic beauty of Otsego Lake. Braziere Message: “Don’t let your breasts fall to pieces ... check your breasts monthly and handle with care!”

Dedicated to my mother: Sheilah Wallace Whitman, Breast Cancer Warrior, 4/18/1943 – 9/6/2004. And to all the other beautiful, glimmering lady warriors battling breast cancer.

#51 "Kerry's Dance"

2009-11-02T18:29:00.000-08:00

#51 Judith Curry of Hartwick, NY

“Kerry’s Dance”

Embellishments & Techniques: Fabric, sequins, fringe, paint, rickrack, sewed and glued.

Artist’s Statement: Dedicated to Kerry Rosen, weaver and member of Cooper Country Crafts for two years before her death from breast cancer. I have been a quilter since 1982. I love color and texture and enjoy creating quilts using unusual fabrics, techniques and embellishments.

#50 "Caws For A Cure"

2009-11-02T18:26:00.001-08:00

#50 Suzanne Broderick of Ithaca, NY

“Caws for a Cure”

Embellishments & Technique: Hand and machine sewing, cotton and satin fabric, various trims and a mini-fabric postcard.

Artist’s Statement: This is dedicated to my grandmother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. It is also for all who have endured breast cancer.

#49 "Connected"

2009-11-02T18:22:00.001-08:00

#49 Maureen Jakubson of Ithaca, NY

“Connected”

Embellishments & Technique: Photo transfer, ribbon, stitching and hand painting.

Artist’s Statement: This piece was signed by all the women together at QBL (Quilting by the Lake). Breast cancer survivors and their friends and supporters all signed where they felt best. One girl asked to sign because “I am a woman too”.

#48 "Bee Cup"

2009-11-02T18:18:00.001-08:00

#48 Kristin Thompson of Ithaca, NY

“Bee Cup”

Embellishments & Technique: Cotton fabric glued to bra surface, sides and back of the bra painted with fabric paint, silk leaves and flowers glued to surface, pipe cleaner, beads, glitter, ribbon, and Angelina fibers.

Artist’s Statement: “Bee Cup” is a light hearted look at the B-cup bra. I would like to dedicate my entry to dear, dear Stephani who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. She always makes me laugh. I hope to return the favor.

#46 "Thing 1 and Thing 2"

2009-11-02T18:14:00.001-08:00

#46 Deborah Naftel of Ithaca, NY

“Thing 1 and Thing 2”

WINNER – Most Humorous

Embellishments & Technique: Fur boa, animal toy eyes, felt, fusible (Heat-n-Bond), cotton fabrics and a touch of paint. I glued the face features and hair. I machine stitched and also hand tacked fabric to the bra. I had to add new elastic band where you attach a strap, if you don’t wear it as a strapless bra.

Artist’s Statement: “The memories of reading The Cat In The Hat and what it has taught me.” I remember as a child reading The Cat In The Hat and loving it. I remember it being fun to read; making it fun to learn. When I had my own children and I felt they were ready, I bought them The Cat In The Hat book as well as other Dr. Seuss books. My children loved it when I read those books to them and I was overjoyed when they learned to read them to me. This book will always bring back memories of fun reading as a child and as a parent. Reading The Cat In The Hat and other Dr. Seuss’s books has instilled in me that sitting down with a good book can take you away to a different place – a fun place. A bit of nonsense and fun can take you away from the pain and anxiety of breast cancer.

In memory of two aunts, a grandma, and my friend Kim’s aunt who passed from breast cancer: Catherine, Barbra, Edna, and Madeline. Also in memory of Sheila’s mom and aunt: Marion and Phyllis.

#45 "Breast Cancer is No Day at the Beach"

2009-11-02T18:09:00.001-08:00

#45 Felicia von Hagn of Elmira, NY

“Breast Cancer is No Day at the Beach”

Embellishments & Technique: Ocean blue fabric dye, navy blue and light blue fabric, paint, sea life beads, shells, plastic baggies containing water (made with food saver), sequin trim, dolphin and fish stickers.

[The water leaked so we had to drain and dry in order to exhibit.]

Artist’s Statement: With today’s skimpy fashions, it is understandably uncomfortable for women who have had breast cancer surgery and radiation to go to the beach. My theme reflects no only the fashion challenges, but also the extreme difficulties faced by women with breast cancer. I would like to dedicate my bra to my high school home-ec teacher, Mrs. Gill. She suffered a mastectomy and was brave enough to tell her story to a bunch of high school kids. Her experience was the first I had ever heard of first hand. She just wanted to get the message out to us so we would be aware for ourselves and our loved ones. Unfortunately, Mrs. Gill had a reoccurrence of the cancer and it took her life a few years later. I would also like to honor the memory of my mom who succumbed to multiple myeloma five years ago.

#44 "Bodacious Lady"

2009-11-02T18:04:00.000-08:00

#44 Nora Manchester of Pine City, NY

“Bodacious Lady”

Embellishments & Techniques: Fabric, thread, fringe, lace, charms and appliqué.

Artist’s Statement: I would like to dedicate this to all my loved ones that passed, to those who are still struggling, and to those who have survived.

#43 "The Obrama Support Pagkage"

2009-11-02T18:00:00.001-08:00

#43 Sally Dutko of Ithaca, NY

“The Obrama Support Package: Yes We Can!”

Embellishments & Technique: Painted with acrylics. Type was composed on a computer and printed on iron-on inkjet fabric sheets. Other materials: beads, upholstery trim, and metallic fabric.

Artist’s Statement: The Obrama Support Package is meant to visually address a dual purpose: “Yes We Can!” change the health care system, and “Yes We Can!” find a cure for breast cancer. The election of Obama has created expectations that anything is possible – so why not find a cure for cancer? I dedicate this entry to Barb Gingras, who died over a year ago after a courageous and long battle with breast cancer.

#42 "The Faces of Breast Cancer"

2009-11-02T17:55:00.000-08:00

#42 Cheryl Moore of Brooktondale, NY

“The Faces of Breast Cancer”

Embellishments & Technique: Painted with Setacolor transparent fabric paints. Faces made with painted fabrics, machine sewn and stuffed with polyfil. Sculpted features, with fabric marker, paint colored pencils. Hair, felted to heads. Heads (faces) sewn to bra. Lining fabric colored with Setacolor paint (diluted). Metal BB’s have been used as counter weights in back hang tags.

Artist’s Statement: The idea for decorating the bra just jumped into my mind. I was curious to know who gets breast cancer. I was helped by Bob Riter at the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes, who provided me with the websites I note on my bra. It was a bit of a challenge to figure out how to place the faces on the bra, as it is large. Several friends suggested I leave one cup “empty”, and I did. I really enjoyed working on this project.

#40 "Blue-footed Boobie"

2009-11-02T17:51:00.001-08:00

#40 Karen Becker Milligan of Ithaca, NY

“Blue-footed Boobie”

WINNER – Most Innovative

Embellishments & Technique: Floral foam, plaster cloths (to hold the floral foam halves together), matte medium to water proof fabric, paint for feet, metal feet (sanded and caulked to avoid any rough edges for safety), beads/buttons eyes, gorilla glue, coffee for dying bra, floral wire, polyester stuffing, fabric ink (used to touch up area where colors didn’t come together because of bra structure), transparent thread, brown and pink cotton/silk threads, Tyvek (tail), dad’s fish fillet knife for carving beak, and silicon bands to flatten cups. Bra dyed with fabric inside and out to form the wings. Inside is the lighter purplish brown hand-dyed fabric. Outside is the dark brown fabric. Bra sides and back with hooks and eyes are visible – covered with spotted fabric. Tail feathers are attached through the hooks and eyes. Small scrap stuffed in to cover the floral wire showing. Straps repositioned through wings to balance the bird, otherwise it stood on its nose. Straps wrapped before being inserted through the wings. The hanger was wrapped to match straps and attached so it’s permanent – used gorilla super glue.

Artist’s Statement: The design of the finished boobie was dictated by following all the rules. I stretched the rules, but I didn’t break them. Inspiration came from my grandmother who always felt lopsided after a radical mastectomy in the early 1960’s. She always encouraged me and gave me my creative wings. The boobie comes from my mother who wouldn’t have a mammogram because she was afraid she would have breast cancer. At 86 years of age a mass the size of a small grapefruit was found.

A Blue-footed Boobie is comical on the ground. It waddles on its short legs and looks like a clown. In the air it’s a graceful member of the sulidae family, gliding on a 5-foot wing span that makes up for its 3-foot stature.

#39 "You Gotta Know When to Hold 'em"

2009-11-02T17:46:00.001-08:00

#39 Pamela L. Broe of Little Meadows, PA

“You Gotta Know When to Hold ’em”

Embellishments & Techniques: Fabric, beads, fringe trim, ribbon, playing cards and fabric flowers.

Artist’s Statement: I am a 20+ year breast cancer survivor. In 1989 choices of treatment were fewer than today. I was encouraged by three physicians to have a mastectomy, which I did. I doubt today’s cure would be as drastic. However, it appears that was the cure, for here I am, 20 years later! So I had to ... “know when to hold ’em, and when to fold ’em.” No regrets!

#38 "Heart of Gold"

2009-11-02T17:40:00.000-08:00

#38 Tierney Barden of Cortland, NY

“Heart of Gold”

Embellishments & Technique: Vintage gold threads, a variety (Heart of Gold flower, veins, stems, “stitches”), my hand dyed velvet (straps), cotton fabrics, velvet leaves, metal ribbons and beads. Aside from the darts, this entire piece was hand sewn. After the front, straps and back band were covered with fabric, I couched the vintage gold “Heart” Flower and vine work. Velvet leaves, hand-formed metal ribbon flowers and beads were sewn in place. I stitched gold “sutures” on black leaves. I couched fine gold stems. I formed and stitched in place the Vast-Black-Hole lining. My final step was making the dedication label and sewing it into place. I enjoyed every moment creating this piece. What a meaningful journey.

Artist’s Statement: “Heart of Gold” is dedicated to Nancy Olp, breast cancer survivor since 1983. Nancy is a champion of making, doing, giving, living and loving. When I was young, Nancy let me sew on her machine, and has supported my creativity ever since.

We can do all the things we’re told in order to lead a healthy life, but ultimately there are things lurking below the surface that we can’t always control or even see, waiting to become our next great challenge. How will we face it? How will we fight it? – With velvety softness, with threads of strength, with dapples of color and twinkling sparkles of love, and by sharing the riches of life.

#37 "Profundities"

2009-11-02T17:36:00.000-08:00

#37 Kathy S. Carman of Ithaca, NY

“Profundities”

Embellishments & Techniques: Acrylic paint and hand lettering

Artist’s Statement: The most unlooked for place is often the best place to find answers.

#35 "Make Life a Picnic"

2009-11-02T17:32:00.001-08:00

#35 Marcie Wyant and Kathy Taylor of Ithaca, NY

“Make Life a Picnic”

Embellishments & Technique: Machine and hand sewing, and glue. Buttons, doll house miniatures, and scrap-booking materials.

Artist’s Statement: Picnics are a great way to spend quality time with people you care about. It could be a romantic outing with someone special, a family get-together or a celebration of friendships. Although it might rain or insects may invade, friendship means being there at all times whether it’s good or bad. The purpose and meaning of friendship is to make life’s burdens lighter for our friends and not make them heavier. Friendship makes prosperity brighter, while it lightens adversity by sharing its grief and anxieties.

#33 "Don't Gamble With Your Life"

2009-11-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

#33 Mitzi and Stephen Jones of Ithaca, NY

“Don’t Gamble with your Life”

WINNER – Judges Choice (Lorry Chwazik)

Embellishments & Technique: Felt for hand, bra dyed with kelly-green Rit dye, poker chips, dominos and dice drilled through. All embellishments attached with regular thread. Plastic stars attached to straps. Commercial braid attached to bottom of bra. Breast cancer fabric glued to back of cards and laminated.

Artist’s Statement: Many women are unable or reluctant to have mammograms done. I want to encourage women to take charge of their bodies by having mammograms done as a screening tool. All materials are recycled. Nothing was purchased for this very green project!

#32 "Cancer Kills the Crab Nebula"

2009-11-02T17:22:00.000-08:00

#32 Ruth A. White of Ithaca, NY

“Chemo kills Cancer the Crab Nebula”

Embellishments & Technique: Painted first, covered with black velveteen on the front and back, free-style cut hand dyed silk organza for nebulas, free motion appliquilting to stitch down nebulas and port, more intense zigzag to represent chemo drugs coursing through the nebulan “veins”. Darker red organza represents dying cancer cells and Swarovski crystals to represent stars.

Artist’s Statement: We lost a good friend in 2008 to Breast Cancer, Donna Hall. This January I learned I have appendix cancer (rare – I had to be different). This braziere represents my hope that all future chemo therapy will kill the breast cancer cells (as well as other cancer cells), hence the title “Chemo kills Cancer the Crab Nebula”. The lurid green goes right to the spot and is killing the cancer cells in the orange crab nebula. See the darkened red.

#31 "A Nice Pear"

2009-11-02T17:19:00.001-08:00

#31 Linda Van Nederynen of Ithaca, NY

“A Nice Pear”

Embellishments & Techniques: Commercially printed fabrics, beads, glitter and trim. Tea dye, hand appliqué, hand beaded, etc.

Artist’s Statement: “We are born with a pair ... ” As we navigate through life enduring the consequences of mammograms, biopsies, radiation, chemotherapy and minor or major surgeries, our once seemingly perfect pair can become more than imperfect. No matter what we endure, whether they completely exist at all, they can still be a “nice pear”.

This piece is dedicated to a woman, Chris Zimmer, who is fighting her third battle against breast cancer. Chris still has a “nice pear”.

#30 "What a Rack"

2009-11-02T17:15:00.001-08:00

#30 June Silberman of Ithaca, NY

“What a Rack!”

Embellishments & Techniques: Use of Timtex interfacing, sequins, Shiva Paintstiks, buttons, and acrylic paint. The moose design came from “Go Wild with Quilts” by Margaret Rolfe.

Artist’s Statement: I was motivated to participate because of all the women I know who have this disease. They all face it with strength, courage and hope for a cure.

#29 "Lady Boobs"

2009-11-02T17:10:00.000-08:00

#29 Carol K. Boyer of Syracuse, NY

“Lady Boobs”

Embellishments & Techniques: The bra has been covered with fabric on the cups. Then these were beaded and sequined to create the lady bugs. Button eyes were added as were the antennae. The sides and back were dye painted with green then ivy leaves were added. A few seed beads to represent dew were stitched on to complete the project.

Artist’s Statement: I get a great deal of joy and delight manipulating fabric. I like to look at one thing and consider the possibilities of changing and adding to it so that I come up with a new work, I also like playing with ideas and searching for more than one solution to a problem. This altered bra project really fed into my way of thinking. The breast cancer is close to me as my mother died from Breast Cancer in 1999.

The ideas for my works generally come from nature. I just play with the idea for a while before I begin work. I often end up at a point I did not see when I started. This project really got going for me at a Women’s Creative Retreat in Seneca Falls in April. I worked on the beading every night while I was there and then quickly finished the project when I returned home.

I am trying to use the materials on hand and look for objects and materials that others consider to be “Non Art Forms” to expand my personal vision. I choose to keep growing as an artist and want to share my ideas and visions with others.

#27 "Eye on a Cure"

2009-11-02T17:06:00.000-08:00

#27 Betsy Young of Homer, NY

“Eye on a Cure”

Embellishments & Techniques: Beads glued using fabric adhesive to make eye, feathers glued to make eye lashes, cotton floss design on straps, and needle-point on side designs.

#26 "Wired"

2009-11-02T17:01:00.001-08:00

#26 Aafke Swart Steenhuis of Ithaca, NY

“Wired”

Embellishments & Techniques: First, I painted the bra using acrylic paint. Then I quilted the bra by machine using 100% cotton thread. The copper wire was knitted and the side panels are covered with netting used in Maine for the bait bags for lobsters. I used glass beads as well as buttons for further embellishment. Since this was a strapless bra, I added a tube of fabric to the thin clear plastic strap and sewed it on.

Artist’s Statement: Breast cancer has occurred to a lot of friends, near and far, within my circle of friends. In the past I participated in “Quilt for a Cure”. When I heard about “Brazieres for a Cure 2009”, I jumped at the chance to participate. To decorate a bra was definitely challenging, but after I started, the bra developed and got a life on its own. Orange is my favorite colour and I use and wear it almost daily. So of course, the bra had to be orange!

#25 "In Memory of Aunt Dot"

2009-11-02T16:58:00.001-08:00

#25 Mary Caro of Johnson City, NY

“In memory of Aunt Dot”

Embellishments & Techniques: Wool roving, silk, commercial yarn, rayon ribbon, glass beads, and acrylic paint. Needle felted, wet felted, crochet, machine sewn, hand sewn, and hand dyed.

Artist’s Statement: I breathe therefore I create.

#24 "Please Squeeze the Melons ..."

2009-11-02T16:53:00.000-08:00

#24 Tamara Burger of Binghamton, NY

“Please Squeeze the Melons – Have Your Mammogram”

Embellishments & Techniques: Paints, beads, lace, ribbon and pins.

Artist’s Statement: My goal for participating in this project was to bring awareness about Breast Cancer and mammograms. As a women’s health care provider I see many women who do not have adequate breast knowledge or access to care. Many have no insurance – Encore+ and the NY Grant Program are helpful there. Many women are fearful of pain or finding something. Many don’t know what their normal breast tissue is like because they rarely or never do breast exams. My bra is a cry for women to squeeze those melons – the life you save may be your own!

#23 "Mardi Bras"

2009-11-02T16:49:00.000-08:00

#23 Dale A. Smith of Vestal, NY

“Mardi Bras”

Embellishments & Techniques: Feathers, beads, peel and stick felt, Mardi Gras stickers and letters (for scrap books), peacock feather, glitter glue. (I changed it to Mardi “Bras” for this project!)

Artist’s Statement: Mardi Gras is French and a famous French saying is Joie de Vive – which means Joy of Life. What better statement for someone battling breast cancer than to seek the Joy of Life and enjoy it! Every precious moment of it! I dedicate this to all my patients past, present and future!

#22 "Fight Like A Girl"

2009-11-02T13:31:00.001-08:00

#22 Estie Mowry of Owego, NY

“Fight Like A Girl”

WINNER – Most Effective Breast Cancer Message

Embellishments & Techniques: Camouflage fleece, hand stitched, pink feather boa, glue and stitches.

#20 "Blooming Time"

2009-11-02T13:24:00.000-08:00

#20 Barbara Hall of Endwell, NY

“Blooming Time”

Embellishments & Techniques: Cotton fabric, beads, piecing, appliqué and paper piecing.

#19 "Fluttering For A Cure"

2009-11-02T13:22:00.001-08:00

#19 Kelly Myers of Greene, NY

“Fluttering For A Cure”

Embellishments & Techniques: Sulky thread 40, Mettler 40, Sulky Tear-Easy heavy weight tear-way stabilizer, Dream Quilter’s batting, DMC satin embroidery thread and batik fabric. Free hand design, using the book “The Ultimate Design Source for Crafters”, containing Japanese and Classic Border Design, with a few changes. Free-hand sewing by hand, and by machine for satin stitch.

Artist’s Statement: Dedicated to all healthcare workers. They take care of the ill while also dealing with the illness themselves, or a family member. My inspiration was seeing butterflies that appear very fragile and yet are strong. The color was chosen by a friend who helped and encouraged me along the way. Thanks Lisa.

#18 "Butterflies are free ... Why can't folks with cancer be?"

2009-11-02T13:13:00.000-08:00

#18 Linda J. Anesi of Halstead, PA

“Butterflies are Free ... (Why can’t folks with cancer be?)”

Embellishments & Techniques: The outside of the bra is machine pieced with floral fabric. The edges are blanket stitched all around. It is trimmed with fused 3-D butterfly appliqués, satin bows and rickrack. The inside is painted and scattered with iridescent butterflies.

Artist’s Statement: This is dedicated to the memory of Pat Miller, an avid quilter. The butterflies for the bra are from fabric she donated to our charity quilt group, the Comfort Quilters. From a 21 year survivor!

#17 "My Pets" ie "Titty Kitties"

2009-11-02T13:06:00.001-08:00

#17 Elizabeth Starks of Hallstead, PA

“My Pets” i.e. “Titty Kitties”

Embellishments & Techniques: Cotton fabric, cotton lace, soft sculpture heads, appliqué tails, couched yarn for front legs, ribbon bows, bells, floral spray color on inside, machine and hand stitching, bead eyes, embroidered nose and cheeks.

Artist’s Statement: I found the fabric and it gave me my theme. It sat on my sewing table for 3 months and finally I started on my base cover of the bra and it designed itself from there. I had bought another kit for a b-day present for a good friend. She had a mastectomy many years ago and is a survivor. She also has her entry submitted. Neither of us has seen what the other was making.

#16 "Push My Buttons"

2009-11-02T12:58:00.000-08:00

#16 Jean Lyon of Cooperstown, NY

“Push My Buttons”

Embellishments & Techniques: Base covering – silks from Goodwill stores – ties, dresses; buttons – mostly antique / old, British and American; jet beaded Victorian braid; machine and hand sewn.

Artist’s Statement: The title came first. Cancer pushes the patients in many directions. This 36DDD bra was not “pretty”. As the covering developed, my gown making experience kept taking the piece into a more elegant era – the buttons are there for their looks, not the intended function – even firemen and sailors!

#15 "Home For Christmas"

2009-11-02T12:48:00.000-08:00

#15 Kay Bautz of Afton, NY

“Home for Christmas”

Embellishments & Techniques: Silk material, cotton material, silk flowers, glue gun, hand sewing, ribbon, eyelet, polyfil and ‘love’.

Artist’s Statement: My friend, Mary Ann, was diagnosed with breast cancer, admitted to a hospital in early December. She was operated on and had some complications so her stay was longer than had been anticipated. Her desire was to be home with her family by Christmas – in her home and enjoy church with her family. It came to pass and she was very thankful. Thus, this is why I decorated the bra as a Christmas symbol. She loved silk next to her scar that is why the silk is on the back of the cups. May God bless all cancer persons!

#14 "Lilacs For Mom"

2009-11-02T12:43:00.001-08:00

#14 Judy A. Zurenda of Binghamton, NY

“Lilacs for Mom”

WINNER – Best Use of Color

Embellishments & Technique: Bra dyed in beet juice (Mom always pickled beets every year). Many hours of needle felting by hand, using wool from Lisa Merian’s Corriedale sheep. All embellishments on side of bra are from “Mom’s Stash”. The pink ribbon charm on the front of the bra is from Mom’s keychain. Lined with pink flannel – just like that used for the jammies Mom used to make.

Artist’s Statement: “Lilacs for Mom” was created in memory of my mom, Nellie Shapley, a courageous two-time survivor of breast cancer and other health maladies. The testimony of her life resonates strongly as she taught me to appreciate and cherish all that I have. Living richly has nothing to do with dollar signs.

Mom’s favorite flower was lilacs. However, she was the first to admit that she was not born with a “green thumb” – not even close. Instead, God graced her with creativity and a “helping hand”. Many were blessed as the recipients of her handiwork over the years, a much needed item from her “recycling room” (way ahead of her time), patience as she shared her know-how with a new craft, or sometimes simply a listening ear and a ready smile.

I recently visited the spot where her lilac bush stood barren over the years – and this spring I was delighted and amazed to discover three blossoms emerging from the long forgotten woody shrub. I paused and took in the heavenly scent and lost myself in gratitude. Thank you Mom – your life still permeates my life and that of my two sisters. Your legacy continues to waft through our days – sweeter than ever – priceless.

Thank you, Mom ... these lilacs are for you!

#13 "La Zee-Bra"

2009-11-02T12:35:00.000-08:00

#13 Emily B. Goodrich of Montrose, PA

“La Zee-Bra”

Embellishments & Techniques: Self-stick “gems”, sequin braid, tassels, Breast Cancer Awareness pin, pink silk rose buds, beaded trim, and lined with pink ribbon fabric. Zebra stripes painted on with dye then glitter glue, with the exception of the pin, which is glued. Pink ribbons were rubber stamped between the zebra lines. The entire project is hand sewn. Inside dedicated to friends and family who have had Breast Cancer.

Artist’s Statement: I am hoping La Zee-Bra will make people chuckle and be different enough so that its message will remain with them – That is to “read between the lines – Be Aware, very aware of Breast Cancer and take all precautions to keep yourself in good health. Self examine and get your mammogram regularly. Support Breast Cancer Awareness Projects. Be Aware, Be Aware, Zee-Bra on display! Read between the lines!

[Fellow guild member Donna Ciccarino was unable to participate due to illness – Emily stepped up to complete her entry – Thank you Emily!]

#11 "Blooming With Health"

2009-11-02T12:25:00.000-08:00

#11 Cheryl Miller of Marathon, NY

“Blooming with Health”

Embellishments & Techniques: I tried to use as much recycled and repurposed materials as possible. The wool is recycled clothing given to me by a friend. Many of the buttons were cut off old clothing by my grandmother and given to me by her. Some I cut off shirts I intend to turn into rugs. The wool was hooked on burlap and the bra embellished with buttons.

Artist’s Statement: When I first signed up to take part in this project, I made the comment that I was grateful to not know anyone with breast cancer to dedicate this bra to. How things can change! Only a few weeks ago, my dear friend and coworker was diagnosed, and is now in a battle to save her life. Her cancer was found one year after her last mammogram and she wishes to spread the word about regular appointments. This bra is dedicated to you Becky and I hope you are soon blooming with health!

#10 "Simply Believe"

2009-11-02T12:17:00.000-08:00

#10 Sue Phillips of Binghamton, NY

“Simply Believe”

Embellishments & Techniques: Pink pearlized sheer, white embroidered ribbon, white taffeta for lining, silk ribbon roses, white flower clusters with pearls, pink and crystal bead mix, pearl beads, sheer bows with pearls, bridal tulle, organdy ribbon, needle and thread, tacky glue, and cut out pink ribbons from cancer fabric.

Artist’s Statement: I dedicate this project to my sister and my son - with the use of pink for breast cancer awareness and the use of pearl for multiple sclerosis. Simply believe in life, love and yourself. I believe in you. I admire your strength and with that you give me my strength. One day with the support of so many, these diseases will have a cure. The center roses represent the three years since I, myself, was first diagnosed with breast cancer. I believe with the support of all the concerned groups that this disease will no longer be the sentence we all hear when we are told “you have breast cancer”. Simply Believe!

#9 "My Stars"

2009-11-02T12:12:00.000-08:00

#9 Renée Gaylord of Newark Valley, NY

“My Stars”

Embellishments & Techniques: No special techniques used. I started this with the vision of “hearts” but that plan did not look like what I wanted it to – so I used the star fabric and only covered the bra.

Artist’s Statement: My heart goes out to breast cancer women. As a student, my OR rotation was memorable, as my first surgery I observed was a radical mastectomy. May God bless every woman who endures this surgery and give her the strength to fight and recover the battle. Bless the organizers of this worthwhile awareness project!

#8 "Wow Zia Pink Diva"

2009-11-02T12:06:00.000-08:00

#8 Mary Caro of Johnson City, NY

“Wow Zia Pink Diva”

Embellishments & Techniques: Silk flowers, doll eyes, plastic nose, appliqué mouth (painted), eye lash yarn, ruffle trim, rickrack trim, and polar fleece. Machine and hand sewn, crocheted and hand dyed.

Artist’s Statement: I breathe therefore I create.

#5 "For Debbie"

2009-11-02T12:01:00.001-08:00

#5 Jeannie King of Endicott, NY

“For Debbie”

Embellishments & Techniques: Hand appliquéd, hand painted and yarn embellishment.

Artist’s Statement: Participating in this project generated so many thoughts and images that it was very difficult to finally choose a treatment for this bra. One thought that kept coming back to me was that breasts nurture life ... and can take it away. I lost a beloved cousin to breast cancer and so I dedicate this bra to Debbie Duncan Gabriel.

#4 "Buttons & Bows 4 Boobies"

2009-11-02T11:51:00.000-08:00

#4 Rebecca Loughren & Doris Cronk of Endicott, NY

“Buttons & Bows 4 Boobies”

Embellishments & Techniques: Square of material supplied, quilt for cure material, buttons, ribbon rose bows, and various ribbon trims.

Artist’s Statement: We both have friends who have survived breast cancer, so this is dedicated to them. Pat. Nancy. Angie. Amron. (Thus, the 4 boobies.)

#3 "Cure"

2009-11-02T11:49:00.001-08:00

#3 Maxine H. Rosenberg of Conklin, NY

“Cure”

Embellishments & Techniques: I dyed the bra then needle felted the cups and side pieces. The bird was needle felted and appliquéd. The yarn was hand sewn in place. The frame is a foam core board covered with wet felted created fabric.

Artist’s Statement: While I worked on the braziere, I thought of my friends who have lost the battle and also those who are confronting it. The bird in flight is carrying a message of hope for a cure. I hope this endeavor can raise awareness and lead us to a cure.

#2 "Power of Pink / Friendship"

2009-11-02T11:34:00.000-08:00

#2 Judy Hoeffliger of Ozark, MO and Becky Meskill of Bella Vista, AK

“Power of Pink / Friendship”

Embellishments & Techniques: Pink cancer fabric flowers – representing a nurture of friendship, liquid silver, ribbon – pink, beads, pearls, feathers, liquid and spray glue, cancer ribbon pin. Design – makes a fashion statement!

Artist’s Statement: Becky and I were brought together because of our illness of breast cancer. We are both survivors for over 5 years. We have been each other’s rock through our ups and downs and struggles with breast cancer. Whether we lived in the same city or 500 miles away, we were always there for each other and grew a very strong bond and friendship over the years. That’s why we say there is a strong power with pink. Our braziere was done in all different shades of pink which represents breast cancer and what can come out of an ugly disease (friendship)!

#1 "Flower Power"

2009-11-02T10:56:00.000-08:00

#1 Barbara Sanford of Binghamton, NY

“Flower Power”

WINNER – Judges Choice (Sharon Stroud)

Embellishments & Techniques: 54 yo-yo flowers – hand made using a yo-yo flower maker by Clover, 3 different breast cancer awareness fabrics, and 162 pink and white pearl beads.

Oct 31 - Nov 1 at Temple Concord

2009-11-01T20:05:00.001-08:00

Temple Concord hosted the exhibit over the weekend in their mansion. It's the last weekend of the touring exhibit - next Friday they will be auctioned off to raise money for the American Cancer Society and Encore Plus. The Brazieres will be at the UHS Stay Healthy at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City, NY this week - Monday through Thursday during business hours.

Also, on Monday, Nov 2nd the California Grill restaurant of Vestal (next to JoAnn Fabrics on the parkway) will be hosting a 10% of proceeds fund raiser. Just mention it to your server, and the proceeds will go to Brazieres For A Cure.

Oct 30 - Binghamton University

2009-11-01T19:57:00.001-08:00

Earlier this month, while I was at the Pink Tea, I met Bridget McCane, of Binghamton University's Health Services. We set up a date at the University to display the Brazieres for the students. We were in Tillman Lobby and had a wonderful time - many student organizations had tables set up in the lobby also. Thanks to all the students who helped out that day!

Cooperstown, NY - Art Association Gallery

2009-11-01T19:40:00.000-08:00

The Cooperstown Art Gallery hosted an All Pink Opening Reception on Friday, October 23rd - I went up to the event and met several of the artists who made entries. Janet Erway and Cory Sharer dressed up in fun pink dresses, and all the food was pink! It was a lovely evening.

http://www.cooperstownart.com/

Pink Tea - Oct 17 - Binghamton YWCA

2009-11-01T19:27:00.000-08:00

Encore Plus sponsored a Pink Tea at the Binghamton YWCA during the Weekend of Awareness, Oct 16-18, 2009. The Pink Afternoon Tea Party , held from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the YWCA of Binghamton on Hawley Street, featured guest speakers, vendors, free food samples and a fashion show.

Fox 40 News was there and interviewed Crystal Lown, program coordinator for Encore Plus - she stood infront of the Braziere display. You can see the video here: http://www.wicz.com/news2005/viewarticle.asp?a=10920

Oxford, NY - Chenango Piecemakers Quilt Guild

2009-11-01T19:23:00.000-08:00

The Brazieres were up in Oxford, NY over the 3-day weekend of Oct 10-12. It was a beautiful show sponsored by the Chanango Piecemakers, held at the Oxford High School.

Corning, NY - The Arts Council of the Finger Lakes

2009-11-01T06:12:00.000-08:00

Our first store front! My aunt Lydia Lynn set this up with the Arts Council. We had a great time putting up the exhibit - the passersby walking past were very amused to see the Brazieres - several stopped for a giggle.

Quilters Corner - Ithaca, NY

2009-11-01T06:08:00.000-08:00

Here we are in Ithaca, at Quilters Corner - in their new shop located at 518 W. State Street. Common Threads guild member Gloria Maione help set up the display.

Quilters Consortium of NYS & BCQG

2009-11-01T05:58:00.000-08:00

On September 16, Common Threads, Stepping Stones, Triangle Guild and Sew Many Quilts hosted the membership meeting of the Quilters Consortium of New York State. Over 100 quilters from all around the state met at the Hawleyton United Methodist Church in Binghamton for the meeting and see the Brazieres. The theme was carousels - since our area is known at the Carousel Capital. Common Threads made a carousel quilt several years ago called Reaching For the Brass Ring, and it was on display.

Later at that evening, the Brazieres went to the Broome County Quilters Guild meeting, held at the Endwell Fire Station.

Delhi, NY & Athens, PA

2009-11-01T05:45:00.000-08:00

It was a busy weekend - the exhibit was on display at two different venues - both quilt shows. Half of the brazieres were in Delhi, NY at the Delaware County Historical Society Museum. The Town and Country Quilters sponsored the exhibit at their quilt show.

The other half of the exhibit was in Athens, PA at the quilt show sponsored by the Endless Mountains Quilt Guild. My son Isaac helped me set up the display in the Lynch-Bustin school gymnasium.

Owego News Article

2009-11-01T05:30:00.000-08:00

Local Artists Contribute Humor and Beauty In The Fight Against Breast Cancer

By Laura Rodd

Originally published in the Tioga County Courier, used with permission.

“2009 Brazieres For A Cure: A Breast Cancer Awareness Project” is an extremely humorous traveling exhibit of “re-imagined” bras. Sponsored by the Common Threads Quilters Guild (CTQG) of Vestal, over 100 donated plain white Maidenform bras were placed in the hands of quilters and artists throughout the Southern Tier. These gifted individuals were asked to paint, quilt, embroider or embellish their “blank canvas” into a work of art that conveyed an effective breast cancer prevention message in an innovative way. These dazzling creations not only aim to educate the public on breast cancer awareness but will also be up for auction at 6pm on Friday, November 6th at the Binghamton YWCA, located at 80 Hawley Street. The proceeds from this auction will benefit the American Cancer Society and Encore Plus in their local mission to provide free mammograms and cervical screenings to lower income and uninsured women throughout our region.

The unique designs and artistic techniques used to create these “Brazieres” are diverse and far ranging in nature. Take for example the “Barak O’Brama” braziere that features a pink silky pink background on which yellow stars and the 2008 Democratic Party Campaign slogan “Yes, We Can!” has been stitched. The message being that women can fight this disease successfully and that our nation can find a cure. Or get a good laugh from “The Watermelons” braziere that is visually lovely, having been constructed from varying shades of green fabric with small black “seeds” applied to the straps and neckline which point downward to showcase a miniature red gingham picnic blanket and basket. Other bras in this collection feature birds & bees (including the wonderful “Blue Footed Booby”), the Garden of Eden, abstract flowers, seashells, pompoms, cow print fabric, and black vinyl with zippers.

Three local women from Tioga County (Renee Gaylord of Newark Valley, Estie Mowry and Ruth Manzer of Owego) took up the challenge of using this unconventional canvas to create a piece of art with a purpose. The results of their labor inspire, comfort, encourage and inform the public.

Renee Gaylord has worked in the health care field for nearly 30 years. Years ago when she was transiting between learning in the environment of a college campus to practicing her knowledge in a hospital setting she was placed on a student residency. She found herself assigned to a surgical rotation. Her first experience in an operating room involved the removal of a female breast during a radical mastectomy. Witnessing this procedure had a lasting impact on Gaylord and strengthened her resolve to help in finding cures for diseases while helping those in medical need receive the best care possible. By covering her bra with a star fabric on a blue background she hoped to convey the message that a woman fighting to survive breast cancer has heroine or “star-like” qualities. “Women facing breast cancer find the courage inside themselves to fight…they seem to shine with hope”.

Estie Mowry’s quilted bra has sass and verve. Estie considered the importance of the message and just how hard living with breast cancer can be for women. Being an accomplished quilter, she decided to cover the undergarment with camouflage fleece and stitch a vivid pink boa along the straps and neckline seams. In place of the traditional soldier’s name tag (usually featured over the left breast of military issued fatigues) Estie placed a pink tag with the following written message “Fight Like A Girl!”. As a professional Long Arm Quilter who works from home and instructs quilting classes at the Churn Dash in Owego and Sew Many Quilts in Johnson City, Mowry was determined to quilt something unique. Though she considers herself unusually fortunate to never have breast cancer threaten a family member or friend, she recognizes how devastating such a disease could be to others. “Why not take part and do this project? This was something that I could contribute to the fight against cancer by using knowledge I already had.”

Ruth Manzer sits on the opposite spectrum of experience with those diagnosed with cancer. Having been a nurse for eighteen years (10 years being spent in the oncology department) Ruth Manzer is very familiar with breast cancer awareness campaigns and the realities a cancer patient faces; the shock and despair experienced by the patient and her family when the diagnosis is first made, the challenge of becoming educated quickly on treatment options and success rates of procedures, the discomfort and pain that can occur as side effects of chemotherapy, the shock when a patient losses her hair and eyelashes, and the emotional support that can sustain and help a patient through the medical and emotional journey of cancer treatment.

Currently Manzer is a Cancer Nurse Coordinator for the United Health Services (UHS), which she finds to be a “very fulfilling” job. Her main duties is to provide both information and inspiration to patients during “high stress, critical times” in their treatment program and recovery process. It was this very work that gave her the idea for her bra design.

Focusing heavily on symbolic tools of her trade, Ruth Manzer has created the “Eyes On You” Braziere. Using a stethoscope, she fashioned a hanger on which to display her creative piece. The Maidenform bra is “padded” on the inside of each cup with surgical bowls and on the outside with clean, strikingly white soft material. On each cup she appliquéd brilliant blue eyes featuring the insignia of the medical profession as pupils and long, false eyelashes. A pair of surgical scissors for bandage cutting is tacked to the stethoscope and a “United Against Cancer” pin rests on the left breast cup.

The “United Against Cancer” pin holds much significance for Manzer as that was the cancer awareness and prevention campaign that UHS sponsored last year in partnership with Senator Libous. This effort provided free screenings for skin and prostrate cancer (as well as vouchers for free mammograms to eligible women) to Broome and Tioga County residents at 4 conveniently located medical facilities. Hundreds of people were screened.

“There is a certain amount of irony in the fact that Senator Libous, who was so instrumental in helping men receive free prostrate screening and so passionate about this campaign of early detection of cancer, was himself recently diagnosed with prostrate cancer. However, because detection of his disease occurred very early the success of his future treatment has been greatly improved”, said Manzer.

With her “Eyes On You” creation, Ruth Manzer wishes to convey her belief that professionals in the medical field are striving everyday to help improve treatments for cancer patients, and that the health care community is dedicated to top quality patient care.

The Tioga County Historical Society and Museum, located at 110 Front Street in the Village of Owego, will be hosting this traveling exhibit from September 17th to September 24th. The bras will be a featured stop on Owego’s 3rd Friday Art Walk on September 19, 2009. For more information please call the museum at (607) 687-2460.

Young Illustrator Shines in Owego by Laura Rudd

2009-11-01T05:19:00.000-08:00

This article appeared in the Tioga County Courier, used with permission.

Katie Campbell of Owego, an undergraduate student enrolled in the fine arts program of Marywood University in Scranton Pennsylvania, decided to apply her talents as an artist to the Tioga County Historical Society & Museum by creating unique posters and advertisements for the upcoming Brazieres 4 A Cure exhibit.

The Brazieres 4 A Cure exhibit is a traveling show of “re-imagined” bras that were painted, quilted or otherwise embellished by crafters in the Southern Tier to be a humorous way to bring the message of breast cancer awareness to the public and help raise funds for the American Cancer Society and Encore Plus to continue their effort of providing free mammograms to financially eligible women.

Ms. Campbell was interested in furthering the museum’s goal of promoting this humorous exhibit that addresses a very serious issue affecting the health of many Americans today. Using colored pencils, ink and pen Katie drew whimsical bras suspended from a clothesline. These fanciful undergarments featured seashells, ruffles, pearls, patches, and a slinky boa. Another larger illustration is of an unclasped light pink bra soaring on wings with a darker pink breast cancer awareness ribbon on the left cup. This image is infused with hope and actually appears to be moving forward off the page.

Katie Campbell was raised knowing the beauty and value of artistic expression and was encouraged to draw from a young age. All of her work is drawn by hand, using the computer only to send scanned pictures of her work to others.

She gathers inspiration from many places including nature, early-illustrated children’s books and by studying the works of other artists. Fortunately for Ms. Campbell the Marywood University Arboretum encompasses 115 acres located across from the university’s campus. Hosting over 105 varieties of trees (with a comparable collection of shrubs), this arboretum’s beauty begs to be studied as one walks its extensive plantings of ornamental grasses, annual flowers and long established perennial beds that provide splashes of deep, vivid color and a richness of textures. Straying further afield in the near future, Campbell plans on leaving for Florence, Italy in the spring for a study abroad. “I love traveling, especially to outdoor parks where I can walk, look, study things closely, take pictures for later reference and think about the beauty around me”, says Campbell.

Though very busy during the academic year, Ms. Campbell would like to help more non-profit and charitable groups in the future through her illustrative designs.

Ms. Campbell’s Poster is being circulated to merchants and organizations throughout Tioga County and can be seen on display at the museum. The Tioga County Historical Society & Museum will be hosting this traveling exhibit from September 17th-September 24th at 110 Front Street. The museum’s hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm. The museum will have extended hours on September 18th to accommodate visitors attending Owego’s 3rd Friday Art Walk. For more exhibit information call the museum at 687-2460.

The Brazieres on exhibit will be placed up for auction on November 6th from 6-9pm at the exhibit’s closing reception at the Binghamton YMCA on 80 Hawley Street.

Owego, NY at the Tioga County Historical Museum

2009-11-01T04:59:00.000-08:00

Here we are in Owego. My aunt Peg helped out packing and unpacking the Brazieres. Roger Sharp was invaluable in helping set up the wooden racks. Our Blue Footed Boobie, entry #40 needed a little TLC and artist Karen Becker Milligan from Ithaca stopped down to wrap a new hanger. Her entry won for the Most Innovative category. Original artwork by local Arist Katie Campbell was also on display. Katie made drawings and a poster to promote the exhibit at the museum.

Sep 14 – Maidenform 4: Tour

2009-09-22T14:50:00.000-07:00

Before we left Maidenform, Norah took us on a tour of her office, the workroom and the sewing room. We also stopped and took some photos by the company logo.

It was fun to see all the offices – with bras hanging from everywhere imaginable! The workroom had rolls of fabric and trim – a quilter’s dream! Instead of using the rotary cutters and mats to cut out quilt blocks, they were being used to cut out bra parts! Gloria and I had a great time – thanks to our wonderful hostesses Norah and Terra – you rock!

Sep 14 – Maidenform 3: During the Day

2009-09-22T14:48:00.000-07:00

Terra and Norah (of Maidenform) and Gloria and myself (Common Threads Quilters Guild) enjoying the exhibit. Norah holding up “Fight Like A Girl” made by Estie Mowry of Owego, NY, WINNER – Most Effective Breast Cancer Message.

Gloria and I are getting ready to leave, with all the Brazieres. The big poster, donated by Dataflow of Binghamton, was given to Norah for supporting this project.

Sep 14 – Maidenform 2: Visit from Maurice

2009-09-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

At 10:30am, Maurice Reznik, Maidenform's Chief Executive Officer, joined us in the conference room to say a few words to the employees and see the exhibit. Norah was able to do a bit of work on her laptop. Gloria (VP of Common Threads Quilters Guild) and Terra Orwig of Maidenform are pictured, along with Maurice and myself.

Sep 14 – Maidenform 1: Arrival & Set-up

2009-09-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

When I started this project, I wanted to get a bra company involved – so I contacted Norah Alberto, Director of Publicity, S.E. & Marketing of Maidenform Brands, Inc. back in February. She said yes, and the rest is history! After receiving 100 bras in March – the artists went to work creating their one-of-a-kind Brazieres. A few people were unable to complete theirs, but 82 entries came in during July and August.

Gloria and I headed down to Iselin, NJ yesterday and having spent a restful night at the Hilton Woodbridge, arrived with our cargo.

What started out as plain white palettes, came back to Maidenform, decorated and embellished – works of art ready for viewing.

Sep 11 – Women Fore Women / Golf Pro

2009-09-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

We were invited to display some Brazieres during the UHS Foundation 13th annual Women Fore Women Golf Classic at the Links at Hiawatha Landing in Apalachin, NY on Friday, Sept. 11, 2009. Half of the entries were set up in the main tent at the Links (the other half stayed at Sew Many Quilts). The UHS Foundation uses money raised at the tournament to combat breast cancer and related concerns by funding education, prevention, early detection and treatment.

Executive Director, Betsy Pietriyk, of the United Health Services Foundation and Golf Classic Event Chair, Robin Mead held up their favorite bras.

Golf pro, Bernie Herceg, Jr., had to get into the act and wore the entry made by Jean Lyon of Cooperstown, NY, called “Push My Buttons” – it didn’t quite fit, but it matched his outfit!