Handmade Eco Friendly Crochet Sun/Bucket Hat.

Hi, my name is Lindsay. Before I became ill, I was busy and sociable. I loved travelling and doing lots of different activities with my children. I worked as a nurse and I loved my job.

In 2010, after a run of viral illnesses and a long list of unusual symptoms, I was diagnosed with M.E. My symptoms included pain, constant exhaustion, breathlessness, blurry vision, headaches, and more. The year before my diagnosis was frightening, with lots of tests and not knowing what was wrong.

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2001, and that slowed me down, but M.E left me mostly housebound. It changed what I was able to do day to day and made it hard to do the things I wanted for my children.

I am very lucky to have a supportive partner, but I rely on him for a lot. My children also help more than they should, and that can be tough emotionally. I needed something that could help me feel busy again, without pushing my limits.

That is when I discovered crochet. With help from my mum, my crafting journey began. I love crochet and the freedom it gives you. I can create from the comfort of my sofa, although on a bad day I cannot manage it.

I am slowly exploring other crafts too, like jewellery making and card making, but these take a bit more energy.

I will be donating 10 percent of any earnings to the M.E Association. This is the first online shop I have tried, and I chose it because I love the community feel. I am looking forward to this new journey.