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
This story is from the Issue 104 edition of Simply Crochet.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 104 edition of Simply Crochet.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
"I MADE GRANNY SQUARES! NOW WHAT?"
Brush up on your technique with our simple guide...
new dimensions
With a unique shape that gives it a bias drape, this stylish wavy scarf by Amy Overbury is truly one of a kind
Woolmouse/Lovehandyed
Meet an indie dyer and indulge in a design with their skeins
TONI'S JOURNAL ...from the studio
Keep track of your stash with crochet expert Toni Lipsey's top tips for creating a system to organise your skeins, balls and notions once and for all...
FAMILY AFFAIR
After deciding to turn her crochet hobby into a business, Jo Bunclark of Marlow and Chestnut began collaborating with an unlikely partner - her own five-year-old daughter!
YARNBOMBS away!
Crochet designer Eleonora Tully of Coastal Crochet journeyed to Italy for the Yarn Bombing Festival - and brought the magic back for Simply Crochet readers!
Petite pasture
This wavy grass plant has attracted a ladybird visitor
UK YARN SHOP LOVE
Wherever you are in the UK, your local yarn shop is a place to indulge in your craft. Step inside and discover the community on your doorstep
Fire starter
Set your soul - and style - ablaze with this floaty filet-stitch wrap designed
Talavera BLANKET
Bring Spanish sunshine into your home with the bright colours and textured stitches of Ana Morais Soares' seven-part Talavera blanket crochet-along
