‘WHEN life is turned upside down there’s another way to live’ – that’s the view of a Weymouth woman whose crochet creations have proved a hit on social media.

Michelle Walden of Radipole in Weymouth began knitting crochet items such as animals, scarves, hats and doorstops in November 2013 when she had to take time off work due to a problem with her hip.

She previously worked as a nursery nurse but now makes the creations and leaves them in various locations across Weymouth free of charge on a monthly basis to brighten up other people’s days.

Mrs Walden said: “My aunty taught me the basics when I was small and I taught myself to crochet when I was off work as I was unable to move about very much.

“This led to me making things for family and friends. I then decided to leave the items in various areas across Weymouth to cheer people up.

“If I have specific orders from people I do charge for these, but I just enjoy making them for others.”

Michelle’s husband Stuart adapted a room in their home, called the nook, especially for her to crochet in.

She said her family and friends help her both physically and emotionally while she waits for an operation to improve her mobility.

Each crochet animal takes approximately two days to knit and Michelle said she hopes to make scarves hats and gloves for the upcoming winter months.

She said her favourite crochet creation so far is a forest inspired doorstop, with owls and flowers, which she gave to her friend. Michelle has also knitted Brian the dog from family guy, photo frames, cushions and blankets.

Mrs Walden added: “While I’m waiting for my operation I thought it would be a nice idea to give something back to friends and family, as well as cheer others up.

“I'd like to think people will use my experience as inspiration to show off their own artwork.

“I also want prove to others that when life can be turned upside down, there's another way to live.”

She started a Facebook page approximately one year ago to share her work with others and the page now has almost 440 likes.

Mrs Walden was inspired to do a ‘free art Friday’ giveaway each month after watching an artist appear on BBC’s The One Show.

For more information on Michelle’s crochet creations visit facebook.com/lifestitch or follow @chelles_crochet on Twitter.