If a few months ago someone had asked me to write an article about the wonderful world of GOMITOLOROSA, I would have stood up and said: "I don't feel up to it, I'm sorry." Because when you're emotionally too deep into something, when a story hits close to home, it's not easy to find the right words. Often, you can't find them at all. But not today. Today is different. Today I feel I’ve reached a new level of maturity, a different awareness, and I want to talk about it because I deeply believe in the importance of spreading positivity to those who, perhaps right now, feel like the world is collapsing after a painful diagnosis. And after them, to the families — those families who find themselves living new, different, overturned days, because let’s face it, some news really does change your life. If I may: take these words gently, but keep them close... try to carve out some creative time, even if you feel surrounded by darkness. Handmade activities have a quiet power: they help not to overthink, or at least to think differently. They are a way out, a good break. A form of breath. But let’s get back to us.

Tessiland has become the Official Partner of Gomitolorosa.

Tessiland has become the Official Partner of Gomitolorosa, and no, it’s not just about yarn, it’s so much more. It’s that wonderful thing that happens when knitting is not just a hobby, but a way to feel better, be better, become better. A caress for the soul, a concrete gesture that embraces those who are most fragile.

Gomitolorosa: when yarn truly heals.

It all starts from the intuition of Dr. Alberto Costa, oncologist and just the right kind of visionary: what if yarn could do more than warm? What if it could become therapy, opportunity, connection? This is how Gomitolorosa was born — a non-profit that recovers native Italian wool — the kind that is often discarded and forgotten — and transforms it into colorful balls of yarn that bring wellness and hope to oncology wards, rehabilitation centers, and the hands of those who need a little light.

But there’s more.

The true mission of Gomitolorosa is to offer a wellness alternative to patients — and not only — who face waiting and treatment with high levels of anxiety.

Yarn therapy then becomes a precious ally: distraction, sharing, relaxation, creation.

The repetition of stitches, one after another, has an almost meditative effect. It calms anxiety, regulates breathing... even for those watching someone work with yarn in their hands. A simple act, full of meaning. And yes, Gomitolorosa is also about the environment and solidarity. It combines knitting and crochet with the sustainable recovery of Italian wool, bringing all of this into places where beauty, warmth, and hope are needed.

The association’s volunteers use 14 different colors, each linked to a specific pathology. Magenta, for example, added to the palette in 2023, represents cervical cancer. The name Gomitolorosa, meanwhile, is a tribute to pink, always a symbol associated with the fight against breast cancer.

The scarf that hugs

Among the most symbolic and touching initiatives is the Hug Scarf: a straight scarf that ends with two stylized little hands, designed to be worn like a real hug, right where it's often missing.

The white version was gifted to Pope Francis: on the fabric, made with the popcorn stitch, the name FRANCESCO was handwritten.

But that’s not all: for the Christmas lunch, more than 200 Hug Scarves were given to guests of the Community of Sant’Egidio, as a gesture of closeness, affection, and inclusion. A thread that truly holds tight.

Tessiland x Gomitolorosa: the perfect match.

When two realities speak the same language — the language of care, of respect for people, and the desire to truly make a difference — meeting is natural. And so Tessiland decided to put its heart, expertise, and tools into supporting Gomitolorosa’s projects and initiatives across Italy.

What does it mean in practice? That Tessiland is actively involved in distributing materials, promoting solidarity activities, and spreading the word — because if anything is as healing as knitting, it’s talking about it.

One ball of yarn at a time.

Because behind every ball of yarn, there’s a story: someone caring for themselves or others, a grandmother teaching her granddaughter how to make a chain stitch, a patient finding peace in knitting between treatments, a volunteer bringing color into a senior center.

And every small gesture makes a big impact:

• It saves Italian wool from waste.
• It brings relief to those in treatment.
• It builds community in places that desperately need it.
• It reminds us that one stitch after another, something beautiful is made.

And you, do you want to do your part?

There are a thousand ways to lend a hand (literally too):

• Donate your 5x1000 to Gomitolorosa: tax code 90063400023. It costs you nothing, but it means everything.
• Create solidarity pieces (and if you need yarn, you already know where to find it).
• Join local projects in your city and spread the message.

When you fill out your tax return, you have the opportunity to allocate your 5x1000 to an association, a research center, a cause close to your heart. Not doing it means that amount stays with the State. It’s not an extra tax — it’s an opportunity you already have. You choose who receives your help.

Because, spoiler alert: a thread is never just a thread.

It’s a hug, a hope, a way to say “I’m here.” And today, this pink thread is even stronger, thanks to a partnership that smells like goodness and feels like the future.

Stay connected.

Because from this beautiful union between Tessiland and Gomitolorosa special initiatives are taking shape, surprising projects and opportunities where you too can make a difference. Together. One stitch at a time.

Learn more at www.gomitolorosa.org and follow the dedicated Tessiland initiatives on our channels.

The best is yet to come.

May my hug reach you strong.

Rosaria Tessiland®