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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:
nickeldaisical · 22/10/2012 17:18

that is amazing ! Grin

that would make a fantastic woolly hug!

GlaikitFizZombie · 22/10/2012 17:20

I looked at that one too! I actually heard the swoosh as it went over my head!

nickeldaisical · 22/10/2012 17:20

ooh oooh ooh but !!

it's a dragon applique! (in crochet, not knitting, but still!)

GlaikitFizZombie · 22/10/2012 17:24

Although, I've just scrolled to the botto and can see how it's made up, I could leave the head til last! The other bits look easy enough.

nickeldaisical · 22/10/2012 17:24

i think this is knitted

PurplePidjInAPointyHat · 22/10/2012 17:30

Is there any way we could suggest that the "crochet tiger knitted dragon" blankets go to twins/siblings, or would that be over-stepping the mark?

GlaikitFizZombie · 22/10/2012 17:36

It would be hard to explain why, in their time of distress, the blanket they are given has a fire breathing dragon on it!! However, if all the blankets are packaged up with cards and wash I struck ions it might be ok!

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 22/10/2012 18:04

I bet that, even when sick, there are kids who would love to have their own dragon - to scare away their fears, maybe.

droitwitchymummy · 22/10/2012 18:47

It will be a challenge but I will have a go when I have finished my current hug.

nickeldaisical · 22/10/2012 22:23

yes, a dragon would be very good to protect its owner. :)

KnottyLocks · 22/10/2012 22:38

I love the crochet tiger, knitted dragon Smile

OP posts:
CamperWidow · 23/10/2012 09:13

Well, I have started my first square in daisy stitch following the link from the Woolly Hugs website. My main panic now is it won't be wide enough, it is only just 6". Should be ok with a little stretch!!!! Really need to go and buy a tape measure methinks!

skiffler · 23/10/2012 11:05

Woo-hoo! Large pack stylecraft wool has arrived! The colours are gorgeous; if anyone's still wondering if they need this - yes, you do!

Just need to find somewhere to hide it from DH now...

(love crochet tiger, knitted dragon!)

RatherBeOnThePiste · 23/10/2012 16:24

Love the crochet tiger, knitted dragon Smile

We have a lovely donor to thank this afternoon, we [heart] our donors, they are all stars Thanks

Thanks twofalls

SoupDragon · 23/10/2012 18:13

Pistey, are the Mini hugs and the squares for Dexter's blanket both coming to you?

RatherBeOnThePiste · 23/10/2012 18:26

Yes please Soupy Thanks

MOSagain · 23/10/2012 18:34

camper, I'm quite new to all this and when I first started I was told there are all sorts of variation on 6" Wink

RatherBeOnThePiste · 23/10/2012 18:45

And that is very true lovely MOS Smile

If it sretches to 6" Camper then it is all good [ThumbsUp]

And thank you

SoupDragon · 23/10/2012 18:59

Not that I've finished my squares, obviously.

GlaikitFizZombie · 23/10/2012 19:26

Right! I'm giving the dragon droitwichy linked to. Be prepared for swearing and Wine gulping! :o

RatherBeOnThePiste · 23/10/2012 19:37

Soupy, Somehow it would be rude if you had Grin

Standing by Fizzy Wine

droitwitchymummy · 23/10/2012 20:41

Good luck Fizzy !

nickeldaisical · 23/10/2012 22:27

jolly good show fizzzzzzzz ! Grin

Somersaults · 23/10/2012 22:40

Cant wait to see it Fizzy!

I'm thinking the whole crochet tiger knitted dragon idea is hilarious, very witty and incredibly MN all round.

CrochetTigerKnittedDragon · 24/10/2012 10:23
Grin