Easter Ross mum spreads the love during lockdown with cuddle cot blankets
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AN Easter Ross mum has come up with a plan for keeping herself busy during the coronavirus lockdown.
Charlie Vass, from Alness, who has raised money for cuddle cots at Raigmore Hospital, has turned her hand to making special blankets to support parents when the unthinkable happens.
Ms Vass (32) and her partner James Gordon lost her daughter Amelia Lily Gordon on June 27, 2019 when she was born very prematurely. She said that thinking of others was helping her get through this difficult time.
Ms Vass, who is in lockdown with her two children Dylan and Jayden and her partner, who is a painter and decorator, said the blankets were easy to make, and she encouraged others to do the same.
Speaking from her home, Ms Vass said: "When we were in hospital with Amelia we were given a cuddle cot so that we could spend time with Amelia after she was born.
"During the day the staff could not do enough to support James and myself, and the care they gave us meant everything to us.
"Thanks to the support of good friends and family we managed to raise enough money for two cuddle cots for the hospital. Since then we have gone on to create the things that we know helped us on the day we had with Amelia.
"During the lockdown I decided to make small blankets that could be used in the cuddle cots – so that parents can take them home with them."
Encouraging other people to make the blankets Ms Vass said: "You need to get some fat squares, you can buy these online, or make them out of other material that has been washed and prepared for use.
"Because the blankets are for use by very small babies it is important that they are not too big. They need to be the right size for fitting into the cuddle cot.
"I have fabric pre-cut to the size 20 by 20 inches.
"I have ironed the fabric and placed both pieces of fabric so they are inside out.
"I have then pinned the sides together ready for sewing on a machine. I have left a small section at the bottom for turning the blanket the correct way round. I have finished it by turning it the right way round and sewing it into place.
"I have then pressed with an iron it ready for delivery to the hospital, when the time is right."
Ms Vass is encouraging other people to make similar blankets for those who may need them in the future.
Related: Easter Ross mum's big-hearted gesture is tribute to beautiful daughter
