Large Blue Copper Crochet Throw Blanket

During the pandemic I discovered that I have bilateral Dupuytren's Disease, a progressive genetic condition that eventually causes fingers and thumbs to fold in towards the palm. Although the contractures are still in their early stages my right thumb is also affected which restricts my dexterity.  I liken it to no longer having an opposable thumb.

I have been crafting since I was a child and had started to make a living as a jeweller specialising in wirework and stitched beadwork.  Suddenly that was no longer possible.  On bad days I struggle with a darning/tapestry needle so the ultra-thin beadwork needle was totally out of the question.  Even using pliers was difficult on bad days.  I was devastated. 

In 2023 I discovered I had ADHD although I am still in the queue for a formal diagnosis.  It's too late now as I am approaching pension age more quickly than I'd like to admit, but it did make sense of so much in my life and personality, including my constant need to learn new techniques and hobbies, be creative and have something on which I could hyperfocus.  Up until my Dupuytren's I had seldom watched tv without doing something with my hands and my brain couldn't cope with having nothing to do.  I have therefore rediscovered my love of crochet.  it is more forgiving than knitting and when my Dupuytren's isn't active I can work away quite happily.

Millies' Legacy

My mother and grandmother both had the first name Millie.  Mum taught me to knit as soon as I was old enough to hold pins and understand the instructions; Grandma taught me to crochet when I was six.  Knitting and crocheting have been constants in my life as other crafts have come and gone.  I feel that I carry their legacy forward in my work.

My legacy is the names on some of my items: Heirloom Blankets and Hillibeads Jewellery - my trading names at craft fairs and online BD (Before Dupuytren's).  I will eventually transition to Millies' Legacy but for now I am happy to honour my past while embracing the future as long as I am able.