I'VE BEEN KEEPING BUSY BY...

Knitting, crocheting, and taking an online flower painting course. I love relaxing in the evenings and weekends by catching up on the latest Netflix releases, having Zoom parties and crafting baby items for charity. When I'm knitting, it takes my mind off the current situation and the things that I make help families in need, so it's a win-win situation!

I STARTED CROCHETING BECAUSE...

I'm relatively new to crochet. I only really started to make items other than blankets just before Christmas last year. My first creation was Gigi the Giraffe – she makes me smile every time I see her on our bed. While at university studying textile design, I dabbled in knitting and found a real love for it. So when a friend asked me to make her a keepsake for her little girls, this inspired me to start making useful items, which then led me to the charity Heavenly Gowns.

VOLUNTEERING FOR HEAVENLY GOWNS...

For the last year, I’ve been volunteering for Heavenly Gowns UK. They are a non-profit organisation, set up to help bereaved families who have had a baby pass away. Our team of makers turn wedding dresses into funeral gowns, wraps and cribs. We also knit and crochet blankets, hats, keepsakes and outfits. It’s a charity that is very dear to my heart, and knowing that I can help those in need, especially in this pandemic, makes the days a little easier.

HOW I'M STAYING INSPIRED...

The biggest inspiration for me right now is an enormous bouquet of peonies that's sitting on my mantelpiece. Every time I look at them, I want to paint them! They're my favourite flower and featured in my wedding bouquets. We recently celebrated our third wedding anniversary, so a gorgeous bunch seemed fitting. I've already put them to work, having painted more than one composition for my online class. I'm really excited to get them framed and put up in our home!