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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:
GlaikitFizzog · 09/11/2012 21:03

I think he'll be there for while sadly, as he needs more surgery. Wee thing was only born on Sunday.

HaveToWearHeels · 09/11/2012 21:14

poor little mite :(

RatherBeOnThePiste · 09/11/2012 21:14

Oh Fizzy I hope he is soon a lot better and on his way to going home. I'd love to think of him having one of our Hugs X

Jules146 · 10/11/2012 07:35

Morning Brew

MOSagain · 10/11/2012 08:56

oh bless him Glaikit will be thinking of him and the other little ones there

KnottyLocks · 10/11/2012 14:01

Oh Fizzy, poor little thing. Sending loads of positive vibes.

OP posts:
RatherBeOnThePiste · 11/11/2012 09:24

Beautiful Little Hugs arrived safely yesterday, huge thanks to both of you, they are just lovely Thanks

Thanks HaveToWearHeels Beautiful knitted zig zag striped Little Hug in pinks, just gorgeous!

Thanks MNP who has only been crocheting since late September has crocheted the most beautiful snuggly Little Hug in cotton DK. Go you!

Photos already on Facebook, do check them out at MNWoollyHugs
Much starry starriness and heartfelt thanks X

ThanksThanksThanksThanksThanksThanksThanks

ThePigOfHappiness · 11/11/2012 20:15

What is the posting address for woolly hugs and bits for yorkhill fair? I've a mini hug and some decorations and a garland done :)

KnottyLocks · 11/11/2012 20:37

Piggy, my lovely, PM Pistey and she'll give you the details. Bless you Smile Thanks

OP posts:
MNP · 12/11/2012 01:26

:)

RatherBeOnThePiste · 12/11/2012 06:43

Morning Brew

Pig - I shall come to you, thank you Thanks

GlaikitFizzog · 12/11/2012 11:14

Scottish Blanketeers would anyone like to go to the Yorkhill Christmas concert on 30th November? Chance to buy some of the lovely crafted stuff too!

RatherBeOnThePiste · 12/11/2012 17:36

Yes, do please go!

Three gorgeous Little Hugs arriving from the lovely Rubycon today, all gorgeously snuggly, two in pinks and lilacs and one a rainbow pattern. Fabulous. You are a star Ruby! Thanks

Photos already up on Facebook.

ThanksThanksThanksThanksThanksThanksThanksThanksThanks

KnottyLocks · 12/11/2012 19:57

Evening Smile

I would obv love to be at the Yorkhill event. Work and geography mean not ... Boo.

OP posts:
HaveToWearHeels · 12/11/2012 22:09

Evening ladies, I am 90% through a Little Hug and have started to run low on wool and wondered if any of you had some small amounts of Stylecarft in Clematis and Fondant that you could spare ? I don't really want to buy another 100g ball of each to finish this hug (also sick of these colours as this is the 2nd hug I have made using these colours) Happy to send self addressed envelope if any of you have any to spare me. Thanks

GlaikitFizzog · 12/11/2012 22:14

How much do you think you'll need?? Are they I. The attic 24 pack? If so ill have some.

GlaikitFizzog · 12/11/2012 22:18

Yep I have them!

KnottyLocks · 12/11/2012 22:18

Both are in the Attic pack. I'll check my supplies tomorrow too Smile

OP posts:
KnottyLocks · 12/11/2012 22:19

Ah! Grin

OP posts:
RatherBeOnThePiste · 12/11/2012 22:19

We will be at the Yorkhill do in spirit Wine
If anyone goes, can they take a few pics and email them to us at

admin @ woollyhugs. com

Just a few phone snaps then we can all feel like we were almost there Smile be lovely to see. Thanks

HaveToWearHeels · 12/11/2012 22:26

Not sure if it is in the pack, I just bought a selection from Masons (only 1.50 a ball). I think I need about 15g of each.
I am doing this www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kesan-lapsi
it says 150g of each colour in the pattern and there are 10/11 hexagons of each colour, so I am estimating 15g
If you have some that would be great Fizzy

GlaikitFizzog · 12/11/2012 22:28

Pm me your address and I'll get it sent off to you tomorrow! :)

RatherBeOnThePiste · 12/11/2012 22:30

Thanks Fizzy. You are a star x

Somersaults · 12/11/2012 22:43

My Little Hug is done :) I am very proud of myself. There is a pic on the Ravelry group. It probably won't be posted until the weekend though.

HaveToWearHeels · 12/11/2012 22:48

Fantastic Fizzy thankyou, I am sick of pink lol next one is going to be bright colours :)