Mumsnet Talk

Our project launch thread can be found here

This is an ongoing project. Thanks to the amazing efforts of crafters and donors, to date we have received 38 wonderful Little Hugs. Our first batch have been sent to Yorkhill Hospital today

Photographs of our Little Hugs can be found on our Woolly Hugs website and on our Facebook page, MNWoollyHugs.

The basic aim is to provide little blankets and quilts that give comfort to babies and small children who are seriously ill in hospital.

This is the continuation of Phase 1 of the project.
We are developing contacts for future phases.

How you can get involved:

You can help by either making a complete Little Hug
Or
By making 6" squares using Stylecraft Special DK yarn or Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK, Rowan Cashsoft DK and Sublime Extra Fine Merino wool DK

For all of the Little Hugs:

Minimum size: 18 inches by 18 inches
For example, that's 3x3 6 inch squares with a small edge.
If you would like to make a blanket or quilt that is bigger, that would be lovely too.

Colours: Your choice!
We'd like to be able to provide a range of Little Hugs suitable for boys and girls.
If you would like to make something specifically for a boy or girl, that would also be lovely.

Things to avoid:
Buttons
Sequins and beads
Any embellishments that could scratch delicate skin or could be swallowed.
If using applique, it needs to be firmly stitched on with no hard edges.

Materials and ideas:
Woolly Blankets:
Suggested yarn: Stylecraft Special DK, a soft, non-scratchy acrylic that is a very reasonable £1.60 - £2 for 100g ball.
Pure cotton DK
If you would like to make a whole blanket, you could use a different weight yarn and a yarn other than those above. The essential thing is that it needs to be soft against sensitive and delicate skin and that it can be machine washed.
Ideas:
Blankets could be made from squares stitched or hooked together
Granny stripes or ripples
They could be made in one piece or in blocks, as well as squares

Quilts and stitched blankets:
Pure cotton and good quality fleece. The cotton can be from recycled sources.
We suggest that you wash both separately before sewing to allow for any difference in shrinkage.
Ideas:
Traditional style quilts, from simple square designs to more complex patterns
Cotton edged fleeces, with or without appliqué
Quilt and fleece combination: quilted front with a fleece back

Donors:
If you would like to contribute towards materials, you can either donate via Paypal here on our Woolly Hugs website with a message letting us know which project you are donating to. If you do not have Paypal, please PM RatherBeOnThePiste as we have other ways that you can donate.
Without our donors, our projects really wouldn't happen. You are as vital to them as the crafters and materials. Bless you.

If you would like to take part in this project but feel you can't due to the costs involved, please PM Pistey and we'll try to help with materials.

As ever, thanks for your support

<<shoves hook into sofa to reserve space>>

Hurrah!

Squidge up, Pidge.

<shuffles up sofa and passes >

<plonks self down>

Tis more of a day here

it's definitely a day here or possibly something much stronger

<strokes rum bottle>

Hellloooooo

I have two crochet hooks behind my ear, 3 rows of knit stitch upstairs and a video of a chrochet butterfly on my lap top.

Once I have these kids in bed I will be back on at that lovely pink wool!

Ooh is it that kind of thread!? <swigs from JD bottle>

[rum]

Have I brought enough supplies to satisfy all tastes? Can I stay?

Definitely a [Green and blacks butterscotch choccie] [pizza] [vodka] evening!!
Barbara add a vodka for me and I think we're sorted

Babs, you can stay

Hang about, Fizzy and drink?

Could get hairy.

<shakes pom poms for MrsDV>

Evening [spiced rum and ice]

I feel I have gained an unfair reputation!

Hmmmmmm......

<thinking>

<also thinking >

<avoids sitting on Soupy's hook>

Deadline for the second batch is to be last posting on Saturday 1st December, do PM me for the address for posting when you are ready

Twas great to see the Little Hugs going off today, be even better when we hear of their safe arrival tomorrow

Actually Babs - can you stick gin in too? There are times when only a G&T will do daaaaahling

I'm here. More of a chocolate person than a wine person. Where's the chocolate icon? I have a box of orange matchmakers that I plan to much my way through tonight.

[Green and blacks butterscotch choccie] [pizza] [vodka] [ordinary chocolate][Gin & Tonic]

Phew, it's hard work entertaining you lot. I need a