The Common Thread Project
Pomegranates, a longstanding symbol of fertility, serve as a strong analogy to those suffering through infertility. Though each pomegranate skin is unique in colour and texture, the seeds inside are remarkably similar from fruit to fruit. Though our diagnosis is unique—endometriosis, low sperm count, luteal phase defect, or causes unknown—the emotions, those seeds on the inside, are the same from person to person. Infertility creates frustration, anger, depression, guilt, and loneliness. Compounding these emotions is the shame that drives people suffering from infertility to retreat into silence.
The pomegranate thread holds a two-fold purpose: to identify and create community between those experiencing infertility as well as create a starting point for a conversation. Women pregnant through A.R.T., families created through adoption, or couples trying to conceive during infertility can wear the thread, identifying themselves to others in this silent community. At the same time, the string serves as a gateway to conversations about infertility when people inquire about its purpose. These conversations are imperative if we are ever to remove the social stigma attached to infertility.
Tie on the thread because you’re not alone. Wear to make aware.
Join us in starting this conversation about infertility by purchasing this pomegranate-coloured thread (#814 by DMC) at any craft, knitting, or variety store such as Walmart or Target. Tie it on your right wrist. Notice it on others.
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Would it be OK to use a pomegranate colored yarn knitted or crocheted into a bracelet instead?
I crocheted a chain stitch bracelet for my husband and I to wear during our infertility treatments and DE cycles. They got old and ratty after almost two years of constant wear but we wouldn’t take them off.
My husband’s broke about the same time that our baby died in utero. Mine broke a few weeks later. I was thinking of replacing them when I saw this post. Yarn might be a little more sturdy than embroidery thread.
Just a thought.
I’m headed to the store tonight. I will share your post on my blog as well.
What a wonderful idea! I wish I knew how to braid those friendship bracelet thingys.
What a great idea! I just heard about this tonight and am excited to get some thread and see if I can remember how to make a friendship bracelet. 🙂 I’m also going to post about this on my IVF blog to try to help spread the word.
What an awesome idea! I posted a link to you in my blog, and I’m going to pick up my DMC #814 in the morning when I get out of work.
I love the idea! I’ll post something on my blog to share the story. Thanks!
What an amazing idea!
I also like this idea. I think we should try to make them into bracelets though (although yeah, I doubt I recall how to make those friendship bracelets from elementary school days! LOL) I would also wear it on my left wrist — due to all the wrist surgeries I’ve had, my left one is the “better” of the two, but not by much, and I find anything at all on my right wrist to be terribly uncomfortable. But…It shouldn’t really matter which wrist we wear it on — should it?
I was a craft store last night when I picked up the DMC 814 but it rang up as magenta when it was scanned so I thought I had the wrong number/color. I’ll pick some up next time I’m there… which should be rather soon. Both of my sil’s are pregnant. 1 for the second time since I started ttc #2 and the other is a surprise pregnancy. I’m now making baby blankets for both of them. Yes I AM a jem among women
I will do it…thanks for sharing.
I think this is a great idea. I am leaving to buy the thread now.
I love this idea! For those interested, here is a friendship bracelet instruction page: http://www.makingfriends.com/jewelry/bracelet_klutz.htm
I’m going to try to get this out wherever I can. I really believe there needs to be more awareness about IF.
I just picked up the Klutz Spool Knit Jewelry book, and made myself a bracelet — the kit comes with stretchy cord that’s about the same color as DMC 814, and the resulting bracelet looks like it will stand up to a lot of wear. It’s not cheap, but you can make a lot of different bracelets with the kit, plain or embellished with beads. Just an idea!
I think this is a wonderful idea!
after my two early miscarriages and countless months trying, I am just entering the infertility world. I was just beginning to feel alone when I found this site. I bought my thread yesterday and made my DH and I bracelets! Thank you so much. Soon we will be making an appt. with an RE and will need the support of friends. (we’re taking a 8 month break) I think this will help get the word out and the stigma erased!
AWESOME! and I will pass it along!
I’m in as well. I will also share this story with my support group! Thanks for sharing.
I happen to remember how to make those friendship bracelets from elementary school. If anyone wants me to make them one, I’d be happy to do it and send it to you. It probably wouldn’t cost more than a stamp to mail. Email me at leahwelshlowe@gmail.com if you’d like me to make one for you!
I have never been so proud of My wife Royal on the article Operation Pomegranate. She is truly an inspiration to all the Women,Men, and couples who are suffering thru infertility and all things associated with it. I can only say that i will wear the bracelet with pride knowing that it bears true emotion and stands for a purpose that I am willing to fight for. A cure to infertility, A stand against insurance companies that have no compassion and a statement to those who dont understand that infertility is real it is not something we can just let happen without taking a stand for our bodies, our lives, our marriages, and above all for children the greatest miracle on earth. Me and my wife have struggled for a long time, we have gone thru treatments, and i truly never understood, We lost a child and it devastated me and grieves me to this day. I will wear that bracelet as a reminder everyday that I too suffer from infertility along with my wife and will do what is necessary to have a Child Stand by my wife and to better understand and to try and help others understand and cope.
My wife is my hero and all of you who struggle with infertility remind me everyday now that you are all heroes in all the things you do.