Behind The Beauty

Crocheting saved me from being sectioned
by Emmy Glover

After her dad committed suicide in 2011, 26 year old Verity Castledine from Nottingham, began crocheting in an attempt to keep her mind occupied.

2 years later, she is running her own business ‘Truly Hooked’ and is selling her work to customers up and down the country.

This week, Behind the Beauty caught up with Verity to hear about how she took her Dad’s tragic death and created something positive for her and her family.

From dresses to hats, to legwarmers, Verity Castledine can crotchet it all.

Self-taught since 2011, Verity’s talents have expanded to forming her own business designing and making crotchet patterns and gifts.

Her most popular item, the “BooBeanie” is a woollen hat for babies, shaped like a breast, suitable for the baby to wear whilst the mother is breastfeeding.

“They are a way for mothers to say 'up yours' to people who think negatively about breastfeeding in public.”

An avid supporter of breastfeeding, choosing to continue to breastfeed her two year old son Alfie, Verity felt as though the ‘BooBeanies’ would be a fun support for other breastfeeding mothers.

Prices range from £6-£8 and can be made in wool to suit any skin tone. Verity says this novel hat is one of her most successful and fun pieces to do:

“Someone posted a link on my Facebook years back saying I should try and make them, so I did, and they became so popular. They definitely make crocheting exciting!”

As well as worn during breastfeeding, the crotched breasts have also bean used for Breast Cancer Awareness and as an alternative and more comfortable infill for women who have lost their breasts.

“They are a lot more comfortable than plastic or alternative breast infills and a lot more personal too!”

Verity began crocheting two years ago after her dad committed suicide. Half way through a PHD course, Verity chose to quit University and pursue her hobby, allowing her mind to be occupied and ensuring she could have more time at home with her son:

 “If Dad hadn’t died, I wouldn’t have started crocheting and I wouldn’t have my own business. I’d be stuck in a Uni Course I hated and to be honest, I probably would have been sectioned!”

Working from home has allowed Verity to have quality time with her son and family, ensuring she is around for 2 year-old Alfie as much as she can:

“He’s at a precious stage of his life. Quitting University was the best thing I could ever do. I never wanted him to feel like he’s missed out or get to the age of 15 and resent me for not being here.”

 Although her dad’s sudden death came as a huge shock for Verity and her family, her career change and increasingly strong bond with her son, has allowed her to see small blessings:

“I started crocheting to distract me from everything, now I can work from home and have the best relationship with my son as I can. It’s something positive I can take from Dad’s death.”

 You can pick up your own handmade 'truly hooked' product from the online store