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Woolly hugs

Woolly Hugs is a charity established by a group of Mumsnet users. They knit / crochet handmade blankets and other items for families experiencing difficult times.

Original poster

Very sadly another blanket is needed, for Chipmonkey....

726 replies

RatherBeOnThePiste · 06/10/2011 22:22

We have heard the dreadfully sad news that Chipmonkey's baby daughter died unexpectedly this week. Condolence thread is here Chipmonkey has said tonight that she would love to receive a MN blanket.

Because Knotty is snowed under a mountain of wool, I am taking on the coordination for this, so if you are a donor or a crafter needing a match - please PM me and I will match you up. I know there is an amazing army of donor, knitter and crochet stars, and I am hoping that you will feel able to help with this blanket too.

So if you feel that you can help, please PM me with your offers: crafting, donating, need wool, don't need wool, and I will sort it all out, and when you are ready to post, PM me for the address.

I will have to get back on the deadline...

But thank you in advance.

OP posts:
KnottyLocks · 19/10/2011 21:38

We are never going to keep everyone happy here, as much as we'd love to. If I could make a blanket for everyone, I would. It's not that simple.

OpheliaBumps · 19/10/2011 21:41

I've got a good idea of what's involved in construction and gladly volunteer my services for the next blanket. I'd need some guidance for the border as my crocheting's a bit rusty, but it'll soon come back to me.

OpheliaBumps · 19/10/2011 21:45

Oops posted too soon. I think there do need to be some criteria around offering blankets to keep it manageable, and to avoid people seeing too many threads and overlooking them so we don't get enough squares.

KnottyLocks · 19/10/2011 21:45

Cheers, Ophelia. I know we've 'chatted' about this. That's great.

It's trying to work out what limits (for want of a better word) we need to consider before the projects lose the special element they currently have.

Original poster
RatherBeOnThePiste · 19/10/2011 21:47

Such a lot to think about here.

The blankets now have a higher profile as more and more people get involved. More people are aware of bereavement and more people are aware of the blankets. As you say, a victim of their own success. And they are amazing.

OP posts:
KnottyLocks · 19/10/2011 21:49

It's 'criteria' that becomes an issue for me.

It's as if we would presume we could measure people's grief on a sliding scale. No, we can't. No we shouldn't.

Original poster
RatherBeOnThePiste · 19/10/2011 21:51

I absolutely see what you say about self imposed pressure, I think the hardest to deal with! I don't know how you can improve that for yourself.

But for those contributing the squares there is nothing but gratitude to you Knotty and you Pidj.

I just don't think you can judge one persons grief against another. I don't think that is right.

OP posts:
Original poster
RatherBeOnThePiste · 19/10/2011 21:52

x post on that bit there Knotty.

You can't.

OP posts:
Original poster
RatherBeOnThePiste · 19/10/2011 21:55

I am quite blown away by how many people want to be involved and support a blanket, its inspirational stuff for a nest of vipers.

At the mo, for Chipmonkey we have 29 donors and 55 crafters. That is just humbling, with squares being made as far away as New Zealand.

OP posts:
KnottyLocks · 19/10/2011 22:03

It is humbling. It is wonderful.

Which is why I don't want it tainted.

purplewerepidj · 19/10/2011 22:04

LadyW, it's probably fairly similar to what happens when I handle knitting needles...

I don't think we can rate grief on a sliding scale. And I'm not sure it's about that - I think it's more about how much the recipient has contributed to MN before the tragedy has struck. How many posters they've advised, how many people genuinely want to do somethign for someone they feel they "know".

Again though, who am I to judge?!

Original poster
RatherBeOnThePiste · 19/10/2011 22:05

What a terrible shame it would be if the spirit of the blankets was lost.

That's why you cannot start judging one set of circumstances against another. Who could do that?

OP posts:
CannibalBitsArrrgh · 19/10/2011 22:07

Just dropping by to let all of you crafters know what a wonderful job you are doing - I was only able to contribute as I neither knit or crochet ....well tell a lie, my nan taught me to knit when I was little but she cast on for me and never taught me how to cast off so I ended up with a veritable Dr Who scarf of epic proportions Blush.....I digress

I am astounded at the generosity shown by posters on this site and I'm sure the recipients are so grateful for all the effort and love that is put into each and every square

Well done all of us - crafters and donors alike :)

KnottyLocks · 19/10/2011 22:08

I know what you mean, Pidj.

KnottyLocks · 19/10/2011 22:10

That's my concern, Pistey. We lose the spirit. And to lose that would make the blankets just blankets.

purplewerepidj · 19/10/2011 22:16

Yeah, we don't want them turning into somethign you can just buy from a shop - or turning up on Ebay Angry

TerrysNo2 · 19/10/2011 22:17

Can someone explain the difference between a "donor" and a "crafter" please?

Wool is in the post so FX its here tomorrow and I can get knitting, luckily the MW said today that birth isn't imminent so I should have time before this one arrives Grin

For anyone worried about DS's cold hand I have completed his mittens and if you want to see a pic they are here Smile

Original poster
RatherBeOnThePiste · 19/10/2011 22:19

Their spirit is a powerful thing. They give me goosebumps you know.

Each square is made with love for a person that you may well never know or meet. Take the spirit away and they are nothing.

But how do you sustain them at the pace they seem to be reaching?

OP posts:
Original poster
RatherBeOnThePiste · 19/10/2011 22:23

TerrysNo2

Donors are lovely people who contribute to the project by donating wool to another. It means that people who don't have knitting or crochet skills can still support the blanket for a family.

Crafters are lovely people who have the time and/or ability to make the actual square. Crafters may well provide their own wool too.

Donors and crafters are a marvellously successful double act!

OP posts:
TerrysNo2 · 19/10/2011 22:26

Aha, thanks Piste that makes sense. I don't get to MN sometimes and I only came across this thread because it was in active convos but I will always be happy to donate or craft so if anything is ever needed for other blankets please PM me. I cannot/won't offer my construction skills as frankly I don't have any and it would not do a blanket justice!

OpheliaBumps · 19/10/2011 22:29

I agree the 'criteria' can't be around the loss, no-one should decide whether a loss 'justifies' a blanket. I was thinking of MN contributions and whether they are known to other posters. It's harsh, but i think something needs to happen to avoid burnout and compassion fatigue.

Thzumbazombiewitch · 19/10/2011 22:34

Well I'm glad that i caused the discussion to be opened up but sorry that you felt I had been rude, Pidj. I certainly didn't mean to be - I was merely asking how it worked.

As it turns out, I don't believe I would be able to take on a blanket project because I live in Australia - the logistics and postage costs would be horrendous for all concerned. If I lived in the UK, yes sure! But I don't.

I won't interfere again, sorry - but will continue to offer wool when needed.

SoupDragon · 20/10/2011 07:06

You weren't interfering! :)

KnottyLocks · 20/10/2011 07:45

Oi Thumb! Smile
You did what many have done before: raised a story for us to look at. Unwittingly, you opened a debate that was due to happen and needed to happen. You have not interfered. Smile

Thzumbazombiewitch · 20/10/2011 07:46

Thank you ladies - I agree it needed to happen :)