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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.

A Blanket for Expat: Sign up thread for donors, knitters and crocheters.

870 replies

KnottyLocks · 10/07/2012 14:25

It is with deep sadness that I'm starting this thread asking for your support.

Aillidh passed away on Saturday evening, in peace and surrounded by love.
Many of us have followed Aillidh's journey, our hearts touched by this brave and beautiful little girl. She will live long in our memories.

Our hearts and thoughts are with Aillidh, Expat and their family.

As part of this project, we will also be making a blanket for Giraffescantdance. Since Aillidh's diagnosis, Giraffe's has been a constant support and the most remarkable friend to Expat. She has walked this journey beside her and continues to do so, sadly understanding it only too well as she, like Expat, has experienced the devastating loss of a beloved daughter. Our thoughts are with her, as well as our thanks.

We hope that the blankets may give whatever comfort they can to them all.

So, we need knitters, crocheters and donors.
If you would like to donate wool, then we will try match you with a crafter.
We think that there may be wool still in circulation because of the current blanket project. 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.

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, in some cases more. We now have a Paypal facility to make this easier for all.
Whatever way you'd like to be involved, please PM Pistey: it really helps us to know how many people are involved. Thanks

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 hopefully 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

The two new yarns we introduced recently:

*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:

Pinks, blues, greens, warm purples, silvers and cream (preferably Debbie Bliss 013, if possible)

Ideas for squares:

The initials A, L, S , R and E

Motifs:
Aillidh loved all things girly, so any motifs that reflect this would be wonderful.
Plus roses and bears

Please don't feel daunted by any of the ideas 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 here on the Woolly Hugs website. We also have a Facebook page: MNWoollyHugs and are on Twitter @MNWoollyHugs. If you 'like' our Facebook page, you'll be updated on progress via your News Feed.

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

Thanks Thanks Thanks

OP posts:
PurplePidjin · 11/07/2012 17:22

Pistey, I have had no PMs from you, but I'm assuming that's because you haven't sent me one :) I'm having mobile probs though, so if you need me it's landline or interweb Thanks

RatherBeOnThePiste · 11/07/2012 17:24

pidj - I haven't had any from you either!

nickelbarapasaurus · 11/07/2012 17:29

i probably messed up.

mine's a veggie burger and chips.

TheInvisiblePoster · 11/07/2012 17:30

I'm going away on Monday and will be back on the 23rd July would I still be able to be involved in the making of the blankets?

I would really love to crochet a couple of squares but I would need a wool donor.

prettybird · 11/07/2012 17:36

Last posting date is 6th August, so that should be fine. You need to PM Pistey.

TheInvisiblePoster · 11/07/2012 17:48

Thanks prettybird Pm sent:)

KnottyLocks · 11/07/2012 18:05

Evening lovely woolly folk Smile

Thanks to all the newly signed up. You are complete [stars]

And....

May I thanks you for PMing Pistey and keeping her out of trouble. Very grateful Thanks

OP posts:
RatherBeOnThePiste · 11/07/2012 18:28

Wine cheers!

Thank yous tonight to some lovely donors, and news of wool arriving safely with crafters too, we really could not do this without you, so heartfelt thanks Thanks

Thanks VerityClinch

Thanks SixtyFootDoll

Thanks BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack

Thanks SuePurblybilt

You are all fabulous X

GotMyGoat · 11/07/2012 20:53

Right, finally got into my paypal account, couldn't remember the password Blush

PurplePidjin - would really love to take you up on your offer of a bunny square, have asked piste to pass on the money to you, so will see what comes of it.

MoaningMingeWhingesAgain · 11/07/2012 21:33

I have managed to find some wool that is actually pink now and have started a square. Am going to log off and do some knitting Shock Minor NC too but 'tis still me Grin

moonface73 · 11/07/2012 21:39

i would love to knit a square or two for this, not sure how to pm pistey tho?

moonface73 · 11/07/2012 21:46

have figured it now. duh.

iceandsliceplease · 11/07/2012 22:10

Have PM'd, wish I didn't have to.

A huge thank you to the donors whose contribution allows so many more of us to contribute Thanks

PurplePidjin · 11/07/2012 22:11

Sorry, my internet crashed halfway through posting instructions!

KnottyLocks · 11/07/2012 22:12

Yes indeed Ice, our lovely donors make this possible Thanks

OP posts:
greengoose · 11/07/2012 22:13

Mmmm might just be me but I think the pm system has gone down.... I'll try again later, but if not could someone let me know where to post to, thanks. ( squares ready to go).

RatherBeOnThePiste · 11/07/2012 22:21

I do hope not greengoose, was just coming to answer all the PMs, I shall try to message you. Please bear with me X

Wine
PurplePidjin · 11/07/2012 22:21

www.woollyhugs.com/contact/

Pistey/Knotty can also be contacted through the website :)

RatherBeOnThePiste · 11/07/2012 22:22

seemed to work greengoose, have sent you the info you need, right off to the others Thanks

greengoose · 11/07/2012 22:51

Thanks Pistey..... Probably just my tired brain.....

RatherBeOnThePiste · 11/07/2012 23:26

You are welcome greengoose X

More lovely, lovely donors to thank tonight, honestly you are marvellous, sincere thanks from us all Thanks

Thanks Fuzzywood

Thanks GotMyGoat

Thanks BerryLellow

Thanks iceandaslice

The light is off in my PM box Smile All is quiet in the Woolly World of Wool. For now. Night X

RatherBeOnThePiste · 12/07/2012 07:37

Morning Brew

Have replied to PMs, off to work this morning, back at lunchtime Thanks

Birnamwood · 12/07/2012 07:56

I would love to do a square please.

I haven't knitted since school but I'll ask my mum to show me, she'll be happy :)

PurplePidjin · 12/07/2012 08:01

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/a1514861-Blanket-Meet-ups-Sign-in-here#32900174

Is there a blanketeer nearby, BirnamWood?

RatherBeOnThePiste · 12/07/2012 08:01

Pming you now Thanks