Since the profits from Tear Buddy pattern sales are donated to the eye cancer research, this pattern is not included in any Winterberry Studio Store discounts. Thank you for understanding.

My Tear Buddy journey began in February 2014. I had recently been diagnosed with eye cancer. While sitting in the waiting room, I heard the cries of a small child receiving dilation drops. I thought about what it would be like as a child experiencing all of the tests. It would be terrifying! Suddenly I imagined the washcloth I was knitting turning into a bunny. Thus, the Tear Buddies were born.

The Tear Buddies can comfort a child, wipe tears away and are easy to clean. At this time, over 600 Tear Buddies have been created and given to children visiting the Ocular Oncology Group at Wills Eye in Philadelphia.

We needed another Superhero to round out our good guy Tear Buddies. I consulted my son, the superhero/comic expert - he suggested Iron Man as the inspiration. As an homage to the birthplace of the Tear Buddies, the Iron Piggy was born. It is only fitting since I’ve knitted several Tear Buddies while watching the Lehigh Valley, PA Iron Pigs (the Phillies AAA team) ☺️.

The profits from each pattern is donated to the Eye Cancer Research Foundation. If you would like to donate Tear Buddies, see the information at the end of the pattern.

This pattern has been test knit for accuracy. Please let me know if you encounter any issues along the way. Thank you.

Yarn: 100% cotton worsted weight. I use variegated and solid or 2 colors to give the Tear Buddy interest. 2 balls should make 2 Tear Buddies.
Needles: US 7 and US 5 (or US 6 and US 8)
Gauge: not necessary