Fancy knitting a blanket (or even a bit of one!) to give to women and children escaping domestic violence?

[KateMumsnet]

Refuge (the domestic violence charity) recently launched their Comfort Blanket Campaign. The idea is to bring a bit of comfort and warmth to the women and children staying in their network of refuges across the UK, lots of whom arrive with only the clothes that they're standing up in.

They wonder if any crafty MNers could help them out by knitting one or more 6" squares, which can be sewn together to create larger blankets for the families who access Refuge's services.

It doesn't matter if you're an absolute beginner, an old hand, or even a whole knitting group - all contributions will be very welcome. Feel free to make up your own design, or use one of the 26 fab patterns that Refuge's campaign partners Simply Knitting and The Knitter magazines have designed. You can grab them here in return for a small donation to Refuge.

If you're a ferociously fast knitter (or you get together with other MNers) and can rustle up a whole blanket, send it directly to Refuge's offices at 4th Floor, International House, 1 St Katharine's Way, London E1W 1UN.

But if you're just starting out or pressed for time, don't worry - the (very) lovely people at Simply Knitting have kindly agreed to stitch your individual squares into whole blankets, if you send them in to their own offices at Simply Knitting, Units 1 & 2 Cotterell Court, Monmouth Place, Bath BA1 2NP.

Happy knitting! If you decide to help out, do post here to let us know how you get on.

[NormaStanleyFletcher]

Oh will do. Just restarted knitting (thanks to MN) . Willread site when kids are in bed

[bintofbohemia]

I'll do this- will check out the link...

[purplewerepidj]

I'll post a link to here on the latest blanket thread when I get home

Are they accepting crochet?

[TimeForMeIsFree]

Oh this is a lovely idea! When DD and I were in Refuge as a part of the 'Welcome' there was a beautiful patchwork quilt for DD, made by a local lady. That quilt means a lot to both myself and DD and always will

[CristinadellaPizza]

What a great idea :) I'm a novice knitter but will definitely have a go

[CMOTdibbler]

Would they accept sewn quilts ? I can't knit, but would love to do something

[KateMumsnet]

Hello

How lovely to hear that things like this do make a difference, TimeForMeIsFree.
Purplewerepidj - I'll ask Refuge about crochet pieces and let you know asap.

love,
MNHQ

[purplewerepidj]

Thanks Kate. We're possibly onto blanket number 10 but there might be leftovers...

[follyfoot]

Oh goodness, what a lovely idea. When my DD and I escaped awful domestic violence, the kindness of both friends and strangers sticks in my memory 14 years later. Sheets and pillowcases (can still remember the pattern on them now), clothes, toys, they really do make such a difference. Please never underestimate how important gestures like these truly are.

[LackaDAISYcal]

I thought there was a deadline for this of mid October? I haven't been able to knit due to joint problems and although am getting better and knitting again, I thought I had missed the boat?

[KateMumsnet]

LackaDAISYcal, I think they must be letting us off the deadline - I'll check with Refuge to be sure. V glad you're feeling a bit better.

MNHQ

[ellisbell]

I don't have time to knit, however I have taken clothes and shoes - outgrown or presents that didn't fit - to the local refuge. They also appreciate donations of toiletries. Our local refuge had more than enough toys but some may appreciate those too.

[ArfurBrain]

I am a novice - can someone just give me an idea of how many stitches to cast on for a 6 in square?

[KateMumsnet]

Right, had a quick chat with Refuge:

LackaDAISYcal, the deadline is Christmas so loooads of time.
Purplewerepidj - yes, they're happy to have crochet pieces, hurray!

Good luck everyone.

MNHQ x

[KateMumsnet]

Arfur, I'm afraid I'm a dismal failure at knitting so have no idea - think it may depend on how 'tight' your tension is ... With luck someone who knows what they're talking about will be along shortly!

[ahhhhhh]

Quick google search - and no knowledge! 6mm needles and 21 stiches and knit 38 rows! Good luck - will be trying myself later.

[purplewerepidj]

Afaik it's 33 st 45 rows with 4mm needles and dk wool

I'm not a knitter either though!

[purplewerepidj]

Afaik it's 33 st 45 rows with 4mm needles and dk wool

I'm not a knitter either though!

[KateMumsnet]

Sorry CMOTdibbler, missed yours earlier. Yes, sewn quilts would be absolutely lovely - though they'd need to be complete quilts rather than blankets, if that's okay?

[OpheliaBumps]

Arfur what wool are you using (double knit/chunky/4 ply etc)?

Let me know & one of us on here can give you a rough idea.

[CMOTdibbler]

Thanks Kate - completely OK as it gives me an excuse to make something.

[KateMumsnet]

Hello again - here are the instructions from the Simply Knitting/Refuge page

HOW TO HELP

1. Knit blanket squares with your knitting group, family or friends. The squares should measure 6x6in (15x15cm) and be knitted in DK yarn. Feel free to design your own squares and mix in plain squares.
   

1. Take your beautiful squares and sew together into a Comfort Blanket, six squares long by five squares wide for a child?s blanket, or nine squares long by seven squares wide for an adult?s blanket.

[LackaDAISYcal]

Thanks Kate :)

I'm sure I can cobble something together by then :)

[MissPricklePants]

i have been in an abusive relationship and me and dd thankfully are away from it!i will get knitting!x