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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. Crafting away.

310 replies

KnottyLocks · 19/02/2013 13:10

A new thread as we've managed to fill up two already Smile

The project launch thread can be found here

The second thread is here

This is an ongoing project so Little Hugs can be made and sent to us at anytime. We will suggest posting dates from time to time to collect batches for sending off to Yorkhill Hospital.

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.

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.

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.

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. You are all complete stars Thanks

OP posts:
Jacksmania · 10/03/2013 03:42

Oh, thanks!!! That's easier!
I must be an idiot but I just don't get on with Ravelry.

Jacksmania · 10/03/2013 20:28

My Little Hug - the blanket part - is done!!!

Now I just need to find time today to crochet and attach a few flowers, and pack it up and post it (Air Mail, with tracking number!!!!) on Monday or Tuesday.
bit ridiculous but I'm v v v proud of myself because I finished it in one week

Is 24" x 24" big enough? I could add another few rows around and make it bigger.

KnottyLocks · 11/03/2013 06:39

And we are proud of you too, Jacks! Well done Smile

24 x 24 is fine, but if you'd like to make it bigger, that's fine too.

OP posts:
RatherBeOnThePiste · 12/03/2013 08:45

Morning Brew

Tis really lovely Jacks. Safe journey Little Hug Smile

Thanks
CamperWidow · 12/03/2013 10:30

Ooh!!!! I got mail!!!!

Thankyou, they are lovely, I can't wait to spend hours on Ravelry searching for the right patterns!!!!!!

Will post mine Thursday now, can't get to the PO any sooner.

UniqueAndAmazing · 12/03/2013 14:29

More returns from the knitting shop that i can't send back Hmm

I wish I'd never agreed sale or return - they buy in stuff that's "firm sale" then try to return it - why order it if you don't know that you'll sell it?! (says she with a shop full of stuff no one wants...)

So one of tem is Lily Chin's Knitting Tips and Tricks, which I'll try to get rid of somehow, but the other one is this lovely book on granny squares!
(most of them aren't squares, but it's got some nice squares in it, and some of the non-squares can be put onto squares)

CamperWidow · 13/03/2013 08:03

Ok, so I started out trying to do a swirly sun and it's ended up being a flower as I got fed up of stupid colour changes!!! Just going to make a little bumblebee to stitch on and it's ready to go!!!!

MinnieBar · 13/03/2013 16:40

Helllloooooo, haven't had a chance to read all the messages in the thread yet but I'm just marking my place to catch up later. I really feel I've missed out by falling off the last thread!
and Brew to all

KnottyLocks · 13/03/2013 17:21

Wotcha MInnie Smile

Afternoon , lovely woolly folk!

OP posts:
RatherBeOnThePiste · 14/03/2013 20:07

Evening Wine

A beautiful crocheted Little Hug in red for Yorkhill arrived safely from the very lovely Woolfey. Just beautiful. A huge thank you to her Thanks

Also posted a Little Hug to Harry and one to OliviaMumsnet's godson Sending both boys and their families lots of love and keeping them in our thoughts. We hope they are both a whole lot better very soon X

MinnieBar · 15/03/2013 10:19

Right, hooky question. I am currently working on a square that I have decided possibly wrongly will be made up of nine diddy granny squares hooked together. What's the best method of hooking them together? I'm at work (shhh) so can't view any videos. Double crochet all the way along??

RatherBeOnThePiste · 17/03/2013 08:42

Think it might be too late to respond here Grin as I've seen the finished square and it is lovely!

Morning Brew Smile

KnottyLocks · 17/03/2013 08:59

Morning all Smile

OP posts:
AnitaManeater · 17/03/2013 13:38

Afternoon :) I have a Billie Blanket and a Little Hug going in the post tomorrow. I have OCD'd my wool stash and I'm already planning another one x

KnottyLocks · 17/03/2013 15:09

Fabulous, Anita. Many thanks, you Star Thanks

OP posts:
CamperWidow · 17/03/2013 15:43

Well, I've been told by ladies in the know that I need to back my Hug as little hands may get caught in the threads, so it may be a little longer Sad.
On the plus side I have recruited a friend through FB photo sharing whose daughter was treated at Yorkhill and can crochet/knit!!!

Woolfey · 17/03/2013 17:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

KnottyLocks · 17/03/2013 19:42

Hi lovelies ,

Am on phone, will post more later. Do not worry about backing your blanket, Camper. The decision of which blanket is given to individual children is made by the hospital , with all things such as appropriateness thought of.

OP posts:
CamperWidow · 18/03/2013 07:45

It's ok, I think I will do it anyway, I've carried threads across andit would just bother me if I didn't. That and I've made a flower (complete with bee!) and I've got a lovely sky blue fleece to back it with so it should look even better!

KnottyLocks · 18/03/2013 09:00

Ah, see what you mean about threads carried across..

It sounds gorgeous btw Smile

OP posts:
qazxc · 18/03/2013 15:30

I'm just doing the border on a baby blanket now.
I started it when i got pregnant last year but lost the baby so it has been stuck at the bottom of the pile as i didn't quite know what to do with it.
I started it when i was still a beginner who didn't know how to weave ends in properly so fingers crossed it should withstand machine washing. I'll wash before i send (or not if it falls apart).
Where do i post off to?

qazxc · 19/03/2013 08:21

Border finished and have put it through a 30 degree woollen wash and there seems to be no damage. Phew!

RatherBeOnThePiste · 20/03/2013 07:49

Oh bless your heart qazxc, big hugs lovely X

I shall PM you posting details, thank you so much Thanks

RatherBeOnThePiste · 20/03/2013 07:50

and I have Smile

RatherBeOnThePiste · 20/03/2013 07:59

ThanksThanksThanksThanksThanksThanks

Five beautiful knitted Little Hugs for Yorkhill arriving from the very lovely Rubycon. A huge thank you to her Thanks

Photos already in the FB album, do go and check them out.

ThanksThanksThanksThanksThanksThanks