Blind Woman Crochets 100 Blankets for Babies Who Saved Her Sight

When Eliz Sandalls lost sight in her right eye in 1987, she never imagined she'd one day be making intricate crocheted blankets with just her left eye. But that's exactly what the Ilkley, England resident has been doing, and she just reached an incredible milestone: 100 handmade baby blankets.

Eliz is registered blind. After losing vision in one eye decades ago, serious problems developed in her remaining eye that threatened to take away the hobby she loved most.

In 2023, surgeons at Bradford Royal Infirmary performed an operation that saved some sight in her left eye. The procedure changed everything for Eliz, allowing her to continue crocheting despite her limited vision.

Her gratitude took the form of colorful "wellbeing blankets" for the hospital's maternity unit. Each two-foot-square blanket takes nearly three days to complete by hand, and Eliz has been creating them steadily ever since her surgery.

"While my vision is still limited, it allows me to continue with my crocheting and I am forever grateful to the BRI and surgeon Helen Devonport for saving some of my sight," Eliz said. She buys much of the wool herself during walks into town, while Abbeydale Residential Care Home, where she now lives, helps cover some costs.

For Eliz, who moved to Ilkley in 2021 after her husband passed away, crocheting has become both passion and purpose. "Crocheting gives me something to do as I can't see to read books and talking books tend to send me to sleep," she said with a laugh.

The blankets have become treasured gifts at the maternity ward. Midwives Sophie Wainman and Katie Hurley recently surprised Eliz with a visit and a hamper of treats to thank her for her kindness.

Sunny's Take

What makes these blankets extra special is what they mean to their creator. Eliz never had grandchildren of her own, so each blanket connects her to new life and new beginnings in a deeply personal way.

"They are comfort blankets for little people because babies are not babies for long," she explained. The satisfaction of knowing her creations are going to good homes brings her immeasurable joy.

The midwives say mothers are absolutely delighted to receive the blankets, which brighten baby cots and bring a personal touch to hospital wards. "Every time we get a donation of crocheted blankets from Eliz we are astonished at the craftsmanship," Sophie said.

At 80 years old and living with significant vision challenges, Eliz has no plans to stop. "I really do believe if you don't use it, you lose it," she said. "I intend to carry on crocheting the wellbeing blankets for a long time to come."