Little Hulton yarn bombing

“Most of us have found new hobbies and ways of keeping ourselves busy during the pandemic, and one way is being creative. It’s proven that being creative, no matter what the activity, is good for your mind, body, and soul. With that in mind, we’ve started a yarn bombing project here at St Ann’s, Little Hulton, during our 50th birthday year.  

“But what’s Yarn Bombing you might be asking? It’s the process of covering objects or structures in public places with crochet or knitted material. It makes you look at things in a different way and maybe see places and things that you hadn’t noticed before. 

“Research shows that knitting and crochet are great for your health and wellbeing. It encourages mindfulness, as we are focused on an activity and the repetitive movements required to create a pattern, which releases calming hormones like Serotonin. According to the findings, it can not only lift your mood but even dull pain.”

“Anyone can knit or crochet! It doesn’t have to be expensive and, it’s also a really sociable activity that can be done together with friends or family so it could help to overcome isolation and loneliness. It’s even a hobby that can continue when sight and physical strength are lessening due to illness or getting older. 

“Knitting and crochet have traditional roots, but it has had a modern revamp over the last few years. There are loads of resources, free patterns, and videos online if you’re interested to find out more.”

“We’re inviting anyone – whether you’re a patient, carer, volunteer, supporter or staff member – to send us their knitted or crochet squares or flowers. We don’t need all the squares to be a certain size or pattern or colour, just create what feels comfortable for you, or use up your scrap yarn.  

“If you wanted to create some of our hospice forget-me-nots, there’s a pattern on our website that you can use. You could send in your individual flowers or attach them to a square. 

“Once you’ve knitted or crochet your squares or flowers, simply pop them in the post to us and we will sew them together to decorate our tree. 

“We’re starting with one tree at the front of the hospice, but our hope is that our local community will get involved and enjoy the process of seeing it grow – especially as we move into spring and summer.”