This is Phase 1 of what we hope, in time, will be an ongoing project.
Our basic aim is to provide little blankets and quilts that give comfort to babies and small children who are seriously ill in hospital.
The Inspiration:
When we offered a blanket to Greengoose after her beautiful daughter Merryn passed away, she told us how Merryn had been given a small handmade blanket whilst she was in hospital. As Greengoose said,
"Merryn's little square meant and still means so much to us, and so many families end up in hospital early or unexpectedly and have nothing of their own ready or with them, and even if they do, just to know you are thought about means so much. "
We offered to make a little blanket or two, alongside our Woolly Hug, to send to the hospital to 'replace' the one that had been given to Merryn, so that another small child could be comforted as Merryn had.
And so began a bigger idea...
With Merryn's blanket in mind, and knowing how Expat's darling daughter Aillidh had so much comfort from a blanket handmade by a wonderful group of friends, we wondered if we could do something more to help.
The Project. Phase 1
We contacted a few hospitals and very early on developed a lovely relationship with Yorkhill Hospital for children, where Aillidh was treated.
This stage of the project is to provide Yorkhill with small blankets and quilts that they can give to the babies and children that are receiving treatment under their care.
The start of this project coincides with Yorkhill's fundraising week. Their website is here
We hope to develop links with other hospitals in the near future and to include them in 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.
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 