Helen's Hand Crafted Gifts

25/02/2026

I’ve been having a play with another new pattern this week. I love how this turned out 😍

15/02/2026

When a lovely little boy’s treasured toy needs a jumper I’m only too happy to help. I’m pleased Bunbun is now snuggly warm 🥰

06/02/2026

This large customer order was finally finished and delivered this week. One very lucky baby boy will be very snuggly-warm when he arrives! 🥰

31/01/2026

Another customer order finished and delivered this week. This is so adorable in pink for a gorgeous baby girl! 🥰

28/01/2026

It’s not often I put anything not craft related on this page, but this is a big issue and it’s important to share far and wide to raise awareness! Many of you may be unaware I am a childminder. We work very hard, long hours, in our own homes with all the expenses that naturally brings with it, which has previously been recognised with our 10% wear and tear. Removal of this would have massive consequences for us all.

Please, please sign the petition and share to raise awareness. This could genuinely mean many more childminders leaving the profession and let’s face it high quality childcare can be hard enough to find as it is!

Like many small business owners I'll have to move to making tax digital this April. Unlike most small business owners this will mean the loss of a long-standing agreement between HMRC and childminders meaning that we can no longer take advantage of the 10% deduction in our earnings to allow for wear and tear on our properties (our HOMES!!)

Now the logical side of me sees the rationale behind this decision. It brings us in line with other self employed people after all. Except that it really doesn't. I can't think of any other self employed sector who has 26 families in and out of their home for 50 hours every week. That's almost thirty children under ten years old. Potty training children who wee (and worse) on flooring. Children who become unexpectedly unwell and puke on sofas. Children with undiagnosed SEN needs (because getting them diagnosed is another neverending struggle) who unintentionally break equipment. Children who accidentally fall and pull sinks off walls (true story). Non walking babies who need to be transported in double pushchairs that ruin skirting boards. Energetic children who wear out lawns and garden surfaces. ALL children who deserve rich, sensory experiences that inevitably cause mess. Staff who deserve a comfortable environment to take rest breaks. Then behind it all, a bloody exhausted registered childminder who works that 50 hour week directly with children, then, alongside her husband, puts in at least another ten in cleaning and maintenance.

For the first time since starting this business 11 years ago I would say; "thinking of becoming a childminder? Don't do it." As a long time mentor of new childminders (both paid and voluntary), that breaks my heart.

I chose this life, I love it, it fulfils me and it supports four full time staff but for the love of children and the protection of parental choice when selecting childcare we must have more support for childminding as a profession.

Before it doesn't exist.

Please sign the petition if you feel compelled to help:

https://petition.parliament.uk/signatures/168655497/signed



Luke Myer MP - Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland

25/01/2026

One customer order completed and delivered yesterday. These gorgeous little hoodies are available in sizes from 6-9 months to 5-6 years and can be made to order in your choice of colours. When I have some time between orders I will take a few more and share the eBay links 😍

24/01/2026

Another baby set finished this week towards a customer order. I’m getting to the end of a long list now and looking forward to handing these orders to the customers ready for these lucky little ones to enjoy 🥰

20/01/2026

One more item completed for a customer order. It’s been a little while since I made one of these little bear hoodies and this one is just as cute as ever 😍

18/01/2026

Good progress made this weekend with one customer order. One lucky baby boy will have multiple hand-made items when he arrives 💙😍

16/01/2026

So it seems customer orders are much like buses… waiting a while and all of a sudden 3 come along at once 😂 No complaints here, I love to be busy! This gorgeous blanket is part of one of those orders. On with some baby clothes next! ☺️

11/01/2026

This freezing cold weather calls for warm, snuggly clothes. I’ve made myself this gorgeous hat and mittens set and this beanie hat with a flower is being gifted tomorrow. As always I’ve enjoyed having a play with new patterns between projects. Now on with the next order… 🙂