Like many, I have a hobby that I'm passionate about and it's crochet. In my spare time I get out my hook and beaver away until I have completed another large blanket/throw. I have a nice little pile mounting up in a cupboard that I just don't know what to do with. Although I love them, I realise they are not everyone's cup of tea.

When the Russians invaded Ukraine, I, like many, wanted to help those people who were suffering in a way that we could not imagine. I wanted to help, but I had no idea how. Ready to start a new crochet project, I decided to make a blanket in the Ukrainian colours. But rather than send if off in one of the many trucks taking supplies to the Polish/Ukrainian border (and, to be honest what good would one blanket be?) I decided to sell it so the money could buy more useful items such as food and medical supplies.

Inspired by a young boy in the UK who used his woodworking hobby to make a bowl for Ukraine, and has raised a huge amount of money for the children, I too chose to start a Just Giving page and give the blanket to a donor picked at random. The charity I have chosen is British-Ukranian Aid; the money will go directly to them so they can start sending some much needed aid directly where it is needed.

The pattern I chose is one of Helen Shrimpton's at Crystals and Crochet, and is called A Sacred Space. This resonated with me because, for many of us, our sacred space is our home, it's where we feel safe and secure. Sadly, the Ukranian people are having their sacred spaces taken from them. They are being forced to leave not only their homes but also their country.

Although I have half a dozen blankets, I only have one in the Ukrainian colours, so I will post this blanket to one lucky person, chosen at random, at the end of May.

This throw measures approximately 60 inches square, is made with double knit acrylic yarn and is machine washable. Ideal over a double/king size bed, over the back of a sofa or just to snuggle under.

Please give what you can. It doesn't have to be a large amount, you will still be in with a chance to win.

Thank you so much.

Elaine