Home Press Releases Crochet queen creates blankets for care home wheelchair users
CROCHET queen Janet Rocks has been making lap blankets for wheelchair users in her spare time – and is now appealing for donations of wool to continue her charitable needlework.
The 67-year-old purchased the first yarns herself but quickly ran out after completing a colourful lap blanket for a fellow resident at Beechwood Care Home, on Romanby Road, Northallerton.
Janet now wants to create more blankets for others and is asking anyone with offcuts or unused wool to send them to the care home to be given a new lease of life for those living there.
She said: “I would like to use up the bits no one else needs or wants and make use of them.”
The first lap blanket was created from wool Janet picked up on a shopping trip with the care home’s activities coordinator, Jema Leadill.
Gemma said: “Janet asked me if I could get her some wool and crochet hook. We discussed the colours she would like me to get for her and that she wanted to make lap covers for people in wheelchairs.
“I thought why not see if I can take Janet to choose her own wool – as I know I’d like to choose my own – so I came back with a wheelchair and told her not only was I able to get her some, but she could come choose some for herself. She was so happy.
“We had a lovely walk into town, then spent the next 20 minutes choosing the correct size and colours to make the blankets. When we got back Janet was so happy. She made my day saying, “that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me”. I must admit I cried a little.”
Janet said: “It was lovely to get out in the fresh air and choose the wool for myself. Even though I’m sure Jema would have chosen pretty colours for me.”
After returning to the care home, Janet got started on her first lap blanket right away, finishing it within a few days and running out of wool.
The activity has had multiple benefits, proving therapeutic for Janet, as well as providing her fellow residents with a warming, homemade lap blanket.
Jema added: “Janet can’t remember how old she was when she learned to crochet but she enjoys using her skill to benefit others and wants to make blankets for everyone. She really is a queen of crochet.
“It helps her to relax as well as keeping her hands and mind active, plus she crochets the lap blankets with the knowledge they will greatly benefit her fellow residents.
“If anyone has any spare wool, it would be gratefully received by Janet. You can either drop it off at the home or send it in the post to Beechwood Care Home, Romanby Road, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 8FH.”
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