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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:
RatherBeOnThePiste · 01/01/2013 20:12

Thanks frak, yes to woolly flowers, as long as really securely attached but avoid buttons, beads etc. Sounds lovely. Thanks

Smile
SoupDragon · 01/01/2013 20:59

Did someone mention kit kits?

Not that chocolate is a good idea when making a white hug... Hmm

RatherBeOnThePiste · 01/01/2013 21:05
Woolfey · 02/01/2013 08:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

RatherBeOnThePiste · 02/01/2013 09:03

Oh bless you Woolfey, thank you. I have an idea of someone who might like to take on the woolly wool and have just sent a message to her.

rubycon · 02/01/2013 09:48
RatherBeOnThePiste · 02/01/2013 10:39

And lo

here she is Grin

Woolfey · 02/01/2013 11:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

RatherBeOnThePiste · 02/01/2013 15:43

Thanks Woolfey X

rubycon · 03/01/2013 10:34

Received - just - donated wool from the wonderful Woolfey. Thank you so much!! Thanks

GlaikitFizzHogmany · 03/01/2013 10:41

Right I and sewing my hottie cover together today. Then I think I'll crack on with the knitted dragon! I think I've worked out an easier way to to the bits I was struggling with!

Normal knitting service shall resume imminently!

RatherBeOnThePiste · 03/01/2013 10:50

Woolfey You are an absolutely star, bless your heart, that was such a generous thing to do. Big hugs for you my lovely Xx

Plus it will keep Ruby out of trouble and that can only be a good thing Smile

RatherBeOnThePiste · 03/01/2013 10:51

Looking forward to the dragon Fizzy!

Just about to post pics on FB of a lovely Little Hug from MOS, but having very slow interwebs which are holding me up

rubycon · 03/01/2013 11:13

trouble finds me .......... don't know how I manage it. Walk along minding your own business and before you know it your dogs vanished and you end up wading in the North Sea, climbing over groynes ............ its damn cold at the end of November ......

Woolfey · 03/01/2013 11:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

HaveToWearHeels · 03/01/2013 16:40

Hi All, I have managed another hug over the Christmas period and still have the bloody nightmare one that needs blocking, I think I might need to bin it as it is driving me nuts. Another crochet one is on the go too, feeling very productive at the moment.

Woolfey · 03/01/2013 17:03

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

RatherBeOnThePiste · 03/01/2013 17:04

No no no! Don't bin it! Send it! I'll give it a good talking to, although I'm sure it is lovely Smile Just send it the next time you post to me.

And yes, very productive.

Thanks

Woolfey, you definitely are a star Thanks

Somersaults · 03/01/2013 22:29

I may be ble to get some Stylecraft squares done over the next few weeks and I shall either make them up into a blanket myself or I will send the odd squares along to you. I shall see how I get on.

KnottyLocks · 03/01/2013 23:52

Somersaults, thank you Thanks

Squares are lovely if you have the time. I have a few needing some friends to make up a hug. Smile

OP posts:
HaveToWearHeels · 04/01/2013 09:36

Knotty I have a couple of crochet squares in Stylecraft that are at a loose end. Shall I pop them in and post to Pistey or to you separately ?

And I won't bin the unruly hug, I will have one last go at blocking and then post the result.

KnottyLocks · 04/01/2013 09:45

Oh thank you Smile Post them altogether to Pistey. I'll gather when we next meet.

OP posts:
RatherBeOnThePiste · 04/01/2013 10:07
Thanks

Morning all Smile Brew

Last posting for the next Batch of Little Hugs to be Saturday 19th January

Heartfelt thanks to all ThanksThanksThanksThanksThanksThanks

GlaikitFizzog · 04/01/2013 10:10

Argh!! That's my 5th wedding anniversary too!

Wolfcub · 04/01/2013 10:19

19th yikes, will start today. Smile

Deramores have 15% of stylecraft today which makes the multicolour pack cheaper than Masons with postage.