November at my workplace becomes a somewhat surreal experience. Men who normally sport moustaches and goatees will spontaneously shave their faces clean on November 1st. Before you’re really quite aware of what’s going on, you’re surrounded by a variety of moustache styles including the handlebar, the “Magnum PI”, and even the twirled tips of an evil villain. I think the only moustache I haven’t seen is pencil-thin, a la John Waters.

What are my gentleman co-workers doing? Participating in Movember!

Movember was started to bring attention to men’s health, particularly prostate cancer and men’s mental health. Guys don’t generally talk about these problems, and take a back seat to the plethora of women’s issues that are often at the forefront of our thoughts.

My maternal grandfather passed away from cancer. It spread so fast that the doctors couldn’t be sure where it started. All he knew was that one day he didn’t feel well, so he went to the doctor. Less than a couple of months later, he was gone.

I’m offering this pattern for free, as I haven’t had a chance to test-knit it. It is basically a chart with some handy tips thrown in. In return, all I ask is that you consider making a donation to the Movember movement. My co-workers’ team is here (they’re locked in battle with our counterparts in Southern Alberta for donations). If you do, please leave a message of encouragement for the boys with your donation, and let me know via the comments on this pattern!