Crochet for our Communities

We’ve been captivated by the people turning to crochet to spread some joy!

- Judy Darley

Nobody can deny that 2020 has been brimming with challenges. More than ever we’ve noticed how true it is that when the going gets tough, we crochet! The circumstances have shown us how vital it is to be part of a community, and, if we can, to give something back. It’s been heart-warming to be reminded what a caring bunch we crocheters are, putting our crafting skills to good use raising money for the NHS, or brightening our surroundings, while doing a pastime that lifts spirits, calms nerves and makes us feel energised. Here are just a few of the folks and projects that have inspired us…

VIVID RAINBOWS

Crochet designer Helen Godsmark started running her Learn to Crochet workshops in 2019. When lockdown happened, Helen’s 2020 workshops had to be cancelled. “I contacted everyone who’d booked and luckily they were willing to wait rather than be refunded. Some are now having one-to-one sessions.”

Seeing crocheted rainbows on Facebook and Instagram gave Helen an idea to help the NHS. “I decided to make my own and sell them so I could donate half the proceeds to the NHS. My own sister Astrid was working as a nurse on the Covid-19 ward at Kingston Hospital in Surrey. I really wanted to do something, however small. It kept me very busy during what could have been a soul-destroying time.”

In total, Helen’s rainbows raised £600 for NHS charities. “Some nurses from Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guilford even ordered rainbows to hang in the office of Critical Care. I felt so proud and humbled.”

MESSAGES OF HOPE