How long does it take for a poppy to grow? In Crafting Smiles, it takes about ten minutes, the time it takes for a group of women to chat, laugh, and finish a crocheted bloom.
Crafting Smiles, a Hong Kong crocheting group starting from Bracknell, has donated over 13,000 items and inspired similar groups in over 15 UK regions.
For many of these volunteers, crocheting is more than a hobby. It’s a way to learn, connect, and contribute. One stitch at a time.
On a Friday morning in the Back of Beyond pub, groups of Hong Kong women gathered around tables, crocheting. At one corner, five elderly women sat together, hands busy with their “homework” for the day, rows of red poppies.
All were well past retirement age, yet their needles moved effortlessly, the kind of rhythm that comes only from lots of practice.
Monique, 66, said life here feels “much more alive” than in Hong Kong. “I get more free time to travel around, see beautiful, centuries-old buildings,” she said. “I also go out more and meet new friends.”
Life here is pretty enjoyable, except for one barrier that’s hard to overcome: language. A few years ago, English was something they rarely used. When asked how difficult it was to pick up, they fell quiet.
Many said they’ve spent time studying English, some at a local church, but still lack confidence to speak it.
Rosana, 70, who knows only a few simple words, said she can understand basic conversation but struggles with pronunciation. Still, she manages daily life by combining English with body languages.
Their hands never stopped moving during the conversation. As they spoke, the pile of crocheted poppies in front of them slowly grew into a small mountain.
Through Crafting Smiles, they have learned about the communities and causes they now support.
When asked what the poppies were for, they proudly explained they were crocheting them for Remembrance Day, to fundraise for veterans’ support and thank them for their service.
“It’s an important way for us to learn about the history and culture of this country,” They said.
At another table, a group of full-time mums sat together, chatting and laughing brightly. Some had just dropped off their children at school; others had plans with them later.
But for all of them, these two hours of crocheting were a small window of calm.
Agatha, who left a full-time job to become a housewife, admitted she has often felt lost since moving to the UK, unsure of her value and purpose.
“I used to make the most of every second,” she said. “Now I don’t have a job. I have to care for my children, who have special needs, and help them adapt to this new environment.”
“It makes me wonder if I’m contributing to this place, if I’m still making meaning of my life.”
Sitting beside her, Pinky, also a full-time mum, nodded: “everything in this new country feels like a challenge. Weather, culture, history, and of course language.”
“We are learning all the time,” Agatha said. “By trying to overcome these challenges, we’re showing determination to integrate.”
She knows that to some, a group of women crocheting together for hours might seem trivial. But for them, it’s a way to learn about British society, and to try giving something back.
As a mother of children with special needs, Agatha discovered “Worry worms” through Crafting Smiles, small sensory fidget toys used in the UK to help children cope with anxiety and focus better at school.
She admires how the country brings mental health into the spotlight, something she believes Hong Kong could learn from.
“We learn about people in need,” she said, “and how to help them, through something we enjoy.”
Pinky nodded again. “We believe that beyond money, there are many ways to contribute that aren’t easily visible. Like what we’re doing today.”
Ron, the organiser of Crafting Smiles, was inspired after her friend’s daughter underwent brain surgery. She had crocheted for her and saw how much comfort small handmade items could bring.
She wanted to share that warmth more widely, helping others in need in this country, and supporting fellow Hong Kong immigrants as they adapted to an unfamiliar place and worked on their well-being.
Crocheting, she found, is a calming activity that helps people relax. Each week, members meet in local pubs to socialise, share stories, and enjoy a few peaceful hours together.
What began as a small initiative in Bracknell has now spread to more than 15 regions across the UK, with over 400 participants.
“We are doing more than just settling in,” she said. “We make meaning from something we enjoy, crocheting for someone else, and for ourselves.”
By Nathalie Chi
