AN ARTS and crafts group in Ulverston has unveiled a new identity as the owner has decided to move in a different direction.

Joey Hannah, from the well-loved Crochet Corner, wants to open the space to other crafts as well as crochet.

To reflect these additional crafts, she has come up with a new name: Blossoming Stitches.

Joey has been teaching crochet and holding sessions weekly in various towns across South Cumbria for the last few years.

She started The Crochet Corner after teaching herself to crochet, and buying too many patterns, books, yarn balls and hooks.

Joey put a post up on Facebook about sharing resources and was flooded with responses.

“People wanted to learn,” she said. “So I very quickly learnt to teach on my feet."

The crafting group has been running ever since.

Joey said: “I've noticed just how much participants benefit from coming. It has gone beyond learning a new skill, it's become a support network, a confidence builder, a safe place for people struggling, a non-judgmental environment for all, of any age or ability.

Joey said the best bit was getting to know ‘wonderful people with amazing stories’. Her favourite thing is seeing someone smile when they have learned something new.

The group has seen teenagers with confidence issues blossom, people who rarely leave the house come every week, people of all ages and walks of life come together.

Joey said: “It's been on my mind. The Crochet Corner is so specific but there are so many other crafts that are just as beneficial to people's mental and physical health.

“Blossoming Stitches seems to fit and the feedback has been beautiful.”

The new name was chosen to reflect the additional crafts alongside crocheting and to honour the learners who blossom in confidence and skill.