HOOKSTER HAVEN

We’ve never spent so much time behind closed doors as we are now, and crafting for our homes is providing comfort for so many in these challenging times

- Joanne Baird

Our homes have been our absolute world these last few months, and some of us have found that added time has sparked creativity, inspiring crafty projects. Read on to discover what our homebody hooksters have been up to, and hopefully be inspired to make your own versions at home.

HATTIE’S COLOURFUL KEEPSAKES

My girls and I have painted rainbow pebbles to say a huge ‘thank you’ the NHS and all the other frontline workers, which we’re displaying in the front garden. We’re also quite into tie-dye too. It has become a very colourful house!

Getting crafty is an excellent way to unwind and feel like you’re achieving something at the same time: it is the perfect activity to create a sense of wellbeing. My patterns for the Togetherness Mandala and Square and Pretty Petals Mandala are available for free. I hope they will bring a touch of happy to your home and make you smile.

We’re spending so much time in our garden. My Happy Flower & Dreamcatcher pattern (available on www.thepetalshed.uk) is perfect as a coaster for your garden table. They also look lovely made into a garland.

My ultimate ‘lockdown recommendation’ though is a blanket. There is something magical about choosing colors,ordering yarn (or making a dent in your stash), starting and watching it grow. Feeling like you’ve achieved something at the end and as you use and enjoy it is the best. When it comes to crafting, a sense of accomplishment is important – especially now.