Meet Lynda. The 78-year-old is more than nifty with a needle having crafted and donated around 200 quilts and blankets to our Children and Family Service.
The beautiful pieces are not just essential everyday items - they’re made with love and offer comfort, joy, security and a physical hug to all who receive them. This includes children in care, care experienced young people and children having family contact time at our Family Hubs.
We had a catch-up with the former nurse who crafts her creations from her Loughborough home.
Why do you have such a passion for sewing?
I’ve been sewing since I was a child. My nan taught me, and I taught my daughter. I’d make my own clothes and hers too.
I had an operation on my back two years ago and I’m not as mobile as I was. I’m doing ok - I spend most of my day sewing, I absolutely love it, and I often knit in the evenings while I watch TV.
I’ve just got a super new sewing machine which I’m looking forward to making more items with.
Why do you make items for the Children and Family Service?
I wanted to make things for children who really needed them; children not in their family homes, children who don’t have many things of their own.
I have been making quilts and blankets for some years now. This included for Project Linus UK where they often went to children’s wards, and women’s refuges, because some families flee their family homes with literally nothing. I’ve probably made thousands since I started in 2018.
Tell us a bit more about your creations
The quilts are mainly patchwork. I can cut two or three at a time, get the wadding on and cut the back. I make about three a week.
I hand knit so it is a slower process and because of that I do less blankets.
I make quilts for babies and children of all ages. Recently the service has asked if I can make some for teenage boys, so I’ve got some more abstract and geometric patterned material I’ll use for that.
Comfort and joy
Nicci Collins, our children and family strategic lead for transformation and commissioning, collects the quilts from Lynda to be distributed to children and families across the county.
Some have also been given to our parent and baby assessment home, run on our behalf by Barnardo’s, who will give one to each family they work with. They can also be spotted adding an extra cosiness to the home’s communal area. Others have been delivered to our community fridges.
Nicci said: “There are some things that most families take for granted, not only the essentials but nicer to have articles in our homes. And some of these things we attach memories to like teddies, toys, blankets and quilts.
“It is for this reason that I was thrilled when Lynda reached out to ask if she could make quilts for children who need them. And they are absolutely beautiful. I hope they bring children across Leicestershire much joy and comfort.
“I am so pleased to have met Lynda. She is just the loveliest and joyous person whose generosity is inspiring.”
Further information
Find out more about volunteering opportunities across Leicestershire