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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.

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:
rubycon · 07/11/2012 11:03

I've just googled it and there's a lot of videos on there showing how to do it.

I've 'snot done anything that very large - just jumpers and I've always used a wet cloth and a steam iron.

nickelrocketgoBooooooom · 07/11/2012 11:04

could you put some greaseproof paper over it and iron it dry?
on a low heat as it's acrylic?

SoupDragon · 07/11/2012 11:18

I ironed mine on the back on a low heat. Not perfect but it sorted some dodgy bits out

coocoocachoo · 07/11/2012 11:27

Marking place for next project once I've got the last of the pesky christmas knits out of the way.

HaveToWearHeels · 07/11/2012 11:28

Thanks, will google and have a look. Will try the greaseproof paper idea with my crappy back up iron which doesn't get too hot. I think the steam generator was a bit too powerful last time.
I need to be patient and not rush things :)

craftynclothy · 07/11/2012 11:31

You can also steam it from a distance with your iron. I've also heard of people laying stuff out and placing damp bath towels over the top to block the piece for a few hours and then just letting it air dry.

tribpot · 07/11/2012 11:55

Blocking acrylic is something of a religious issue for crafters. Some declare it cannot be done. I'm about to do it on a large blanket so I hope it can :)

Here's the guide I'm going to use. For a large object you can pin it out on a towel on the floor (if you have enough space) or even pin it to a mattress (you'll want to move it before you try to go to sleep Wink). I wouldn't let the heat touch it directly, maybe iron through a (thick) towel or steam-and-pat as the link suggests.

RatherBeOnThePiste · 07/11/2012 11:59

Thank you guys! Thanks

HaveToWearHeels · 07/11/2012 12:27

tribot thanks that is great, I think I "killed" the last little hug as it is all "silky", not that it really matters for a blanket. God I feel terrible, I killed a little hug Shock

PurplePidjin · 07/11/2012 17:19

Hang it over the shower rail and take a long hot bath?

droitwichmummy · 07/11/2012 20:50

Soupy! Thank you so much - the book arrived today. Look out for a penguin square Grin

SoupDragon · 07/11/2012 21:39

:)

MNP · 09/11/2012 01:25

I have a DK Cotton hug in lilacs and fawn available (if suitable) to post with my Bea squares either tomorrow or Monday, just need an address please.

RatherBeOnThePiste · 09/11/2012 06:53

Sounds lovely thank you, so much MNP, just coming to you Thanks

Morning everyone Brew

PurplePidjin · 09/11/2012 07:11
Brew
KnottyLocks · 09/11/2012 07:31

Morning Smile

OP posts:
MNP · 09/11/2012 14:01

Thanks Pistey, it is all packaged and will be sent this afternoon.

Morning Knotty.

MOSagain · 09/11/2012 15:42

hello all, you dropped off my threads I'm on when real life was giving me a hard time. DD1 has been in hospital a few days this week but on the bright side, I took my knitting bag with me so as well as a sore arse from sitting in crappy chairs I've got loads more squares. Every cloud and all that Grin

craftynclothy · 09/11/2012 15:51

Well I have a hug ready but it's a bit pants Blush. The central square is baggy in the middle and I was hoping it would even out when the other squares were joined round it and the border went on but it just seems to have made the other squares look bad too Sad.

MOSagain · 09/11/2012 16:53

I'm sure its lovely crafty x

RatherBeOnThePiste · 09/11/2012 17:28

I bet it is not pants!

Smile

And I bet the family who receive it in the hospital don't l

RatherBeOnThePiste · 09/11/2012 17:59

ook at it and think it is either!!

Grin

Time delay there...

GlaikitFizzog · 09/11/2012 20:11

A friend of mine has just told me his newborn nephew is currently in Yorkhill recovering from a six hour operation. I like to think he has one of our blankets giving him a huge woolly hug.

We are making a difference ladies, each and every one of us :)

MOSagain · 09/11/2012 20:47

Glaikit I hope he recovers soon

HaveToWearHeels · 09/11/2012 21:02

Glaikit hope the LO is OK, how scary, a new born and an operation !