A Great Broughton woman is suggesting a great way to pass the time in self-isolation and do good for others too.

Sarah Orton makes blankets for babies that are in hospital, by knitting squares and sewing them together.

It is something that she has done for many years, even teaching students at Keswick School the craft, where she works as a senior teaching assistant.

The school craft group is called ‘Ewe Can Knit' and they have created 10 blankets, 20 cardigans and numerous hats for local special baby care wards for vulnerable babies.

The squares are sewn together with wool using either slip-stitch or mattress stitch and borders are then knitted to finish off the blankets.

Whilst Sarah is self-isolating she needed a focus and has concentrated her efforts into knitting the squares for the blankets.

She thought it might be something others would like to do too.

She currently has five completed blankets, 10 being made up, and the promise of more squares from other people which will go into the making of further blankets.

She said: "Stuck at home I thought I’ll see if any the villagers, and wider community, would like to get on board and help out making squares, whilst we’re all stranded, because knitting is great for the mind and wellbeing. The response has been great, with promises of knitting, crocheting and resources. "There will never be too many blankets, we will just keep on going."

If anyone would like to knit squares for the blankets, Sarah needs squares of 15cm by 15cm (30 cast on stitches), with the finished blankets measuring about 60cm by 75cm.

She is also keen to encourage new crafters and said: "I am happy to supply needles and wool and cast on stitches to anyone who wants to try and help, but doesn’t know how."

Sarah advised that there is also information on YouTube on how to get started.

If anyone has any wool, buttons, decorations, needles and pins that they would like to give to the project, she can be contacted through Facebook or at sarahorton@keswick.cumbria.sch.uk.

A box will be left in her porch where any deposits and retrievals can be made.