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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.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Blanket for Matildawormwood: Sign up thread for crafters and donors.

703 replies

KnottyLocks · 10/06/2012 16:15

We recently heard the devastating news that Matildawormwood's beautiful baby son, Daniel, was born sleeping.
Matilda's thread is here. Our thoughts are with Daniel and Matilda?s family.

We have offered to make a blanket and Matilda is very touched that people would do this for their family. We hope that the blanket may give whatever comfort it can to them all.

So, we need knitters and crocheters. If you would like to donate wool, then we can match you up with a crafter.
At the moment there is quite a lot of wool still in circulation because of the current blanket projects. Where possible, we hope to 'recycle' as much as we possibly can.

RatherBeOnThePiste will coordinate and match crafters and donors, and deal with the admin side. I'll try to answer any queries you may have and will put together the blanket.

If you would like to be involved in any way, please post on this thread and PM Pistey with your offers: crafting, donating, need wool, etc, and she will match you up.
If you are offering to donate, we would be grateful if you would let us know if you'd like to donate 1 or 2 balls of wool.

One ball should make at least 2 x 6' squares.
If you are a crocheter and/or an experienced knitter needing donor wool, could you let us know when you PM us as we can send part balls from the 'recycled' wool stash. Thanks.

The wool we are using:

  • Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK (NOT the baby cashmerino)

  • or Rowan Cashsoft DK.

They are very similar and can be combined.

  • 4mm knitting needles or hooks

  • knitters cast on 33 stitches (this is a guide for less experienced knitters)

  • 6" squares

We are also introducing two new yarns:

*Sublime Extra Fine Merino Wool DK.
It's another 'silky' wool that fits in nicely alongside the DB and Rowan wools and can be combined with both.

*Artesano Superwash Merino DK.
Although it isn't as silky as our normal wools, it is soft yet hardy and washes in the same way. It has the added appeal of being a good ethical option and is very reasonably priced.

The Colours:

Blues, greens and cream.

Ideas for squares:

The initials D and N

Motifs: Stars, trees, birds, hearts, snowdrops, sailing boats.

Please don't feel daunted by this as we really love plain squares and simple textures too. They look as stunning as the more complex squares and actually play a vital role in the overall effect.

Previous blankets can be seen on the WoollyHugs website. We also have a Facebook page: MNWoollyHugs.

As always, thank you so much for your support. Thanks Thanks Thanks

OP posts:
tribpot · 10/06/2012 20:46

Cwoolf - the mantra is: plain squares are good, plain squares are essential!

KnottyLocks · 10/06/2012 20:56

Cwoolf, many of us got involved in these projects exactly in that way: simple squares. The value of the squares isn't decided by their fancy quality, it's all about the heart and good intention that they are made with.

OP posts:
RatherBeOnThePiste · 10/06/2012 20:59

cwoolf - it would be more than OK, it would be smashing Thanks I shall PM you now.

Whilst I am here..

If there is anyone waiting for donor wool who is a crocheter, can they PM me please Thanks

RatherBeOnThePiste · 10/06/2012 21:00

'ello Knotty Grin

KnottyLocks · 10/06/2012 21:13

Ello Pistey Grin

OP posts:
MilkNoSugarAndAShotofWhisky · 10/06/2012 21:15

Oh shit :(

Can donate 2+ balls (am on phone and can't PM)

KnottyLocks · 10/06/2012 21:17

Milky, thank you, as always x

OP posts:
McKayz · 10/06/2012 21:20

Can I donate this time? I'm due in 10 days and so don't want to risk not finishing again.

I'll PM Piste now.

MilkNoSugarAndAShotofWhisky · 10/06/2012 21:21

Never a problem x

If money for postage etc is needed please PLEASE pm me xxx

You're all wonderf

MilkNoSugarAndAShotofWhisky · 10/06/2012 21:21

*you're all wonderful x

RedRosie · 10/06/2012 21:22

Cwoolf - you are me as of earlier this year. I could only cast on/off knit and purl for the February blankets and haven't progressed much since as I have no talent ...

But as Knotty says: plain squares are good, plain squares are essential! Check out Trib's resource page for simple squares ...

purplewithred · 10/06/2012 21:25

Include me in. Will be thinking of Matilda and her family while I knit tonight.

trumpton · 10/06/2012 21:27

I will do 3 squares. So sorry to hear about Daniel. Pistey I will PM you.

TodaysAGoodDay · 10/06/2012 21:29

I just read her thread and I'm crying Sad. Of course I will knit some squares, I have wool and have already started one. Deepest, deepest sympathy with Matilda and her family xxx

McKayz · 10/06/2012 21:36

I might actually have a ball of green somewhere. I'll have a hunt and send that as well as buying some more if I can find it.

RatherBeOnThePiste · 10/06/2012 21:42

Milky my lovely, I am coming to you now......

RatherBeOnThePiste · 10/06/2012 22:36

Thank you everyone, such an amazing response this evening Thanks

See you in the morning. Night all X

SarahStrattonIsBack · 10/06/2012 22:37

Got my PM, thank you - will be buying the wool first thing tomorrow.

peggyblackett · 10/06/2012 22:41

I'm happy to donate, will PM you Pistey

KnottyLocks · 10/06/2012 22:46

Thanks to all Thanks

OP posts:
bobkate · 10/06/2012 22:55

I'd like to do a square. So very sad to read about Daniel and my thoughts are with Matilda and her family. I'm like cwoolf and very new to knitting and new to how the wooly hug process works...if you'd like me to knit a simple square I'd be very honoured to be a little part of this lovely process.

RatherBeOnThePiste · 11/06/2012 06:09

Morning Brew

bobkate We'd be proud to have you with us Thanks Will PM you.

Thumbwitch · 11/06/2012 06:18

Am I too late to donate wool? let me know if anyone needs any and I'll sort it out. So :( that it's needed but really want to help.

RatherBeOnThePiste · 11/06/2012 06:23

Not too late at all Thumb my lovely.Many thanks. Two ticks and I shall come your way Thanks

WhoremoaneeGrainger · 11/06/2012 08:08

I am happy to knit or crochet.