Crochet insects are worming their way into the hearts of locals thanks to Denise Rowe’s random acts of kindness.
The Cobram local donates her time to crocheting ‘worry worms’ which she hands out free of charge to lift people’s spirits.
“I am your little worry worm. Keep me near and squeeze me tight. Tell me your worries and everything will be alright,” reads one of the poems that comes with a crochet worm.
Ms Rowe said she was inspired by a Facebook page called Random Acts of Crochet Kindness, which originated in the United Kingdom.
“There were all sorts of different things on the page and then I saw the worry worm,” she said.
“Because of COVID-19, I thought it would cheer people up.”
She said YouTube helped her learn how to make the worry worms.
"The first couple were a bit wonky but then I got it,“ she said.
Ms Rowe is self taught and has enjoyed making crafts throughout her lifetime.
She sews, knits, crochets and creates diamond paintings.
Since starting a couple of months ago, Ms Rowe has crocheted more than 700 worry worms out of wool scraps which she distributes to businesses around town.
“I’ve just been handing them out if I go to the supermarket, the doctor’s clinic, and Barooga Sporties,” she said.
“I’ve lived in Cobram for 43 years, so this is home.”
Ms Rowe has also made what she calls ‘book worms’ for children.
“I put a different poem with some and have given them to Prep kids at Cobram’s Bluebird preschool, who are going in and out of remote learning,” she said.
“I’ve had people offer to pay for the worms, but the whole thing is, it’s an act of kindness.”
Ms Rowe encouraged others to spread kindness in their own way.
“People love the worry worms, it’s been a really positive experience,” she said.