Please or to access all these features

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.

Woolly Hugs: Little Hugs for Little People. Crafting continued!

981 replies

KnottyLocks · 18/10/2012 18:16

Our project launch thread can be found here

This is an ongoing project. Thanks to the amazing efforts of crafters and donors, to date we have received 38 wonderful Little Hugs. Our first batch have been sent to Yorkhill Hospital today Smile

Photographs of our Little Hugs can be found on our Woolly Hugs website and on our Facebook page, MNWoollyHugs.

The basic aim is to provide little blankets and quilts that give comfort to babies and small children who are seriously ill in hospital.

This is the continuation of Phase 1 of the project.
We are developing contacts for 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.
Without our donors, our projects really wouldn't happen. You are as vital to them as the crafters and materials. Bless you. Smile

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 Thanks

OP posts:
SoupDragon · 05/11/2012 15:45

I've posted my Mini Hug.

As for hand sewing, I lovingly hand sewed all of DS1's name tags in when he started secondary. DS2s were either sewn by machine or written in when I couldn't be arsed.

RatherBeOnThePiste · 05/11/2012 15:46

Soupy, bless you for all things Gin

SoupDragon · 05/11/2012 15:48

I've not sent any gin, sorry!

GlaikitFizzog · 05/11/2012 15:57

I am putting the little hug dragon on hold for a bit. I have had wool to knit something for ds since about march and haven't done anything yet, so I am concentrating on his advent calendar of stockings. Deadline for that is obvious. I have 7 done 17 to go! Just need to start thinking what to put in them!!

SoupDragon · 05/11/2012 15:58

Knitted dragons, obviously.

GlaikitFizzog · 05/11/2012 15:59

Of course!!

PurplePidjin · 05/11/2012 16:00

My mum made me do my own as soon as i was able. PidjChick will be benefiting from my experience - i shall purchase a sharpie once he's past the drawing-on-walls phase :o

KnottyLocks · 05/11/2012 16:10

Sharpies and walls

Afternoon all Smile

OP posts:
SoupDragon · 05/11/2012 16:20

I am now making a 17th century costume for DD Hmm

FFS. The boy's versions were far easier.

GlaikitFizzog · 05/11/2012 16:25

17th century costume?? Confused interesting!

Where is best to buy buttons online?

droitwichmummy · 05/11/2012 16:26

Soupy Shock my best effort so far is a carrot costume!

Woolfey · 05/11/2012 16:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

KnottyLocks · 05/11/2012 16:35

Woolfey, I feel your pain. DS2 thinks he's Banksy. Little darling.

OP posts:
KnottyLocks · 05/11/2012 16:35

17th century costume ? Blimey Confused

OP posts:
KnottyLocks · 05/11/2012 16:36

Fizzy, what type of buttons are you looking for?

OP posts:
SoupDragon · 05/11/2012 16:39

Bloody Fire of London day for Y2.

I do appear to have excelled myself with a brown velour curtain. It is shaping up nicely - lord alone knows how.

RatherBeOnThePiste · 05/11/2012 16:43

Smiling at 17th century costumes and carrots! My daughter once had to be a piece of angel cake in a Christmas production, same year, same production, my son was Wild Thing. Bonkers primary we were at!

GlaikitFizzog · 05/11/2012 17:00

Buttons to attach the advent stockings to an icord string. Maybe wooden. I'm not sure! I need 24 so nothing too pricey!!

I can't wait til costume making age!! I used to make my own costumes for Halloween and am dram productions when I was younger. My mum despaired as I glued and stapled my costumes because I couldn't sew!

GlaikitFizzog · 05/11/2012 21:24

Got buttons from amazon at 99p for 25 buttons its much better at what I was looking at, over £10 for buttons!!

RatherBeOnThePiste · 06/11/2012 12:51

Sounds much better to me too Smile We shall need to see a photo of this when you are done Fizzy X

Today's thank yous! Three beautiful Little Hugs have arrived, huge thanks to their creators

Thanks Soupy Elmer is here!!!!!!!!! I do not know what she was worrying about!!!!! Just beautiful!

Thanks DroitwichMummy Super snuggly knitted Little Hug, gorgeous!

Thanks AugustMoon Absolutely lovely crochet in white cotton with an aqua border, just super

Heartfelt thanks to all Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks
You are all amazing and compete stars Xx
Two ticks and they will be on our Facebook page.

droitwichmummy · 06/11/2012 14:12

That was quick! I only posted it yesterday lunchtime

KnottyLocks · 06/11/2012 14:34

Beautiful Little Hugs Smile

Thank you all so much Thanks

OP posts:
PurplePidjin · 06/11/2012 17:06
Thanks
HaveToWearHeels · 07/11/2012 10:32

advise regarding "blocking" please. I have knitted a larger size hug which need flattening out. How do you block something larger, I am currently doing it in sections on the ironing board, pinning it out and spraying with water and leaving to dry. It is acrylic wool and I ironed my last one (big mistake) so don't want to go there again. Advise appreciated.

RatherBeOnThePiste · 07/11/2012 10:53

Thank you for the Hug. Smile Thanks

Um... I don't really know other than what you are doing. Hopefully some clever type will be along in a mo. I shall see if I can rally someone for you.