HUNDREDS of her crochet hearts have helped people feel closer to their loved ones during the Covid crisis.
Donna Wilkins, of The Crochet Craft Co in West End, also likes to 'yarn bomb' by leaving crochet gifts in unusual places, helps charities to fundraise and teaches people to crochet as a means of improving their wellbeing
She told the Daily Echo: "My charitable crochet group on Facebook sent hundreds of hearts to local care homes and local hospitals, hospices and ambulance services, enabling people to feel connected to their loved ones. One heart was given to the patient, the other matching heart was given to the loved one.
“I also asked on social media if anyone would like a heart sent to their loved one, free of charge. I had over 300 requests so was kept pretty busy and had some amazing feedback that the little crocheted hearts had made such a difference to loved ones who received it as a surprise.
"Crochet has such a community feel to it and I am proud of how my business has brought people together.
"As much as I can, I try to contribute to charitable causes with my crochet. I coordinate hearts for Mother's Day and send hearts to Neonatal Intensive Care Units across the South for new Mums.
"Before covid, I also did some very small yarn bombing, placing crocheted snowflakes around my local area with a little note for people to take them home.
"I am passionate about the wellbeing aspects that crochet can bring and my business has changed over the past few years and I now focus on teaching crochet to others."
Donna, an HR Director for a Hampshire hospice charity, started crocheting five years ago as a way of switching off from the day job.
She soon began selling her handmade items, including cute crochet creatures, hand puppets and seasonal wreaths.
Donna added: "Pre Covid, I ran weekly crochet lessons in Totton, West End and Titchfield.
"Obviously these have all stopped. However, I have moved my crochet lessons online and have started one to one online lessons which have been very popular, especially as many people are wanting to learn a new skill during lockdown, to help keep themselves occupied and improve their wellbeing.
"I offer crochet lessons to organisations to help with their wellbeing programmes for staff. I have also started a subscription service where people receive a monthly box full of crochet designs and a few treats."
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