Zena’s Crochet Blankets of Care
“Crocheting makes me happy and passing them on gives me purpose. We can all help to make the world go around.”
Zena Blackwell has a big heart and busy hands. Since moving into Aveo in 2014, she has made and given away hundreds of crochet blankets. Each one is full of colour, care, and love.
Crochet has been with Zena her whole life. It is simple, steady, and brings her joy. Every year she makes 30 to 40 blankets. Much of the wool is donated by friends or community groups. Nothing is wasted. Every ball of yarn becomes something special.
Her blankets are easy to spot. They are thicker because she uses double thread. They are bright, colourful, and carefully planned. Zena even uses maths to make sure the patterns line up and have perfect symmetry of colour. Her special stitch she says with humour is the “double drop”, adding her own character to the end result. But truly, her blankets feel strong and are “made with so much love.”
One man who was homeless used those words to describe her blankets. Later, he passed his blanket on to someone else who needed it more. Zena’s kindness spread even further.
Recently Infinity Community Solutions Ltd were gifted her blankets to pass onto the children, young people, families and participants we walk alongside. Staff have been enjoying distributing them to those they know need them and who will appreciate them.
One NDIS participant who received one of Zena’s creations said:
“Thank you. Please give her a big hug. I’m really happy. I was amazed she’s 97 and made the blanket. I love it and the colours. The green and pink are really nice.”
A young person in our In-Home Family Support program also shared the joy of receiving a blanket. They said how much they loved the blanket and even more so loved the story behind it. With the Infinity Care Practitioner, the young person spent time talking about Zena and how meaningful the gift was. Receiving the blanket has been inspirational for the young person to continue learning crochet.
Zena has always served her community. In Cessnock, she helped with the soccer club, Scouts, Girl Guides, and the Ladies’ Auxiliary. Her daughter Gail says, “Mum has always been active in volunteering. She sees a need and jumps straight in.”
When Zena first moved into Aveo, she worried she would no longer be useful. But crochet gave her purpose again. Her blankets have been sent all over the world including to South Africa, the UK and America. Local homeless organisations and other charities have also been fortunate to receive bundles of Zena’s blankets.
Zena explains her motivation simply: “I can see, my fingers work, and I have time. Crocheting makes me happy and passing them on gives me purpose. We can all help to make the world go around.”
She always looks to the positive. “If you don’t use it, you lose it,” she says with a smile. That is one of the many reasons why she keeps crocheting.
Every stitch Zena makes is a gift. Every blanket is a story of care. With her crochet hook and colourful yarn, she is wrapping the world in love. One blanket at a time.