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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:
MOSagain · 28/03/2013 16:02
RatherBeOnThePiste · 28/03/2013 17:35

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Bless your heart qazxc, thank you, your stunning Little Hug has arrived, it is just beautiful and precious, heartfelt thanks to you my lovely. X

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Jacksmania · 28/03/2013 18:31

Hooooooraaaaayyyyy - taxes have gone off to the accountant so provided I can keep up with the daily paperwork I need to do, I am, in theory, free to start crocheting again without feeling guilty... have been pondering colour combinations for another Little Hug.

Teal, silver and amethyst sound gorgeous... I must not buy more yarn, I must use up what I have.... aaaaaarrrgghhh :o

NeitherShreddedNorSmug · 29/03/2013 17:56

Hello, just putting myself back on the thread - I dropped off while moving house a few weeks ago.

My little hug is de-peskified (lots of ends)

My Billie Blanket is finished and edged

And I have a couple more rounds and some edging to do on my angel hug

All being well they'll all be off to pistey next week Smile

RatherBeOnThePiste · 30/03/2013 15:39

Loving the term de-peskified

Well done Shredded, you are a star, and hooray for Jacks Smile

RatherBeOnThePiste · 30/03/2013 15:41

[busmile]

Beautifully bright and cheery, a gorgeous Little Hug for Yorkhill from the very lovely PiggyPlumPie. A huge thank you to her. Did you knit it like a spiral Piggy? Tis just lovely Thanks Pic already on our Facebook page.

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RatherBeOnThePiste · 30/03/2013 15:52

[busmile] We have a lovely donor to thank this afternoon, huge thanks to her for her generosity, she really is marvellous. Thanks

MrSlant

You really are a star, bless you X

Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks

SoupDreggon · 30/03/2013 15:55

I've just recruited my mum and sacrificed some of my Stylecraft stash whilst I'm here visiting.

She refuses to use my spare Mumsnet login of TheOldDragon though :o

I've also finished my little hug :)

MinnieBar · 30/03/2013 17:59

My DH bought me a yarn storage bag thingy for Xmas.

Unfortunately, it is full (well those Stylecraft balls are quite sizeable). I think I need another Grin

Slight pause on my overdue Billie Blanket for some Easter crafting. Nothing as impressive as Attic24's Easter garland (what is!), just some eggs so I should be back on track soonish.

PiggyPlumPie · 30/03/2013 20:32

Have just seen my blankets on Facebook!!!! [bugrin][bugrin][bugrin]

Pistey, the stripey one was knitted on 10 stitches and then you sort of knit the corner and carry on up the side picking up the end stitch as you go.

It is a lot easier than it looks and best of all there is no sewing up.

RatherBeOnThePiste · 02/04/2013 07:59

Morning Brew Smile

Piggy - it still is beyond me! Respect to you!!

SoupDragon · 02/04/2013 12:51

Little Hug in the post.

Hopefully it will raise a smile... Wink

KnottyLocks · 02/04/2013 16:17

Thanks, Soupy. Smile

OP posts:
RatherBeOnThePiste · 02/04/2013 16:49

Me too Soupy Smile

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A Little Hug for Yorkhill from the very lovely qazxc. Took it into the garden to photograph to inspire the sun, tis so beautifully sunny! Bright is GOOD!!

A huge thank you, tis gorgeous Xx

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Jules146 · 02/04/2013 19:39

Hello all... I fell off a fair while ago but back now... any chance anyone can put the thread link up for the Angel blanket please as I am on my phone and I can't find it!
TIA [busmile]

KnottyLocks · 02/04/2013 19:43

Hello, lovely Jules Smile

Will do when I'm not on my phone, unless someone gets there first.

OP posts:
RatherBeOnThePiste · 02/04/2013 19:51

Oooooo, that can be me. Two ticks

RatherBeOnThePiste · 02/04/2013 19:52

The Angel Hug thread is here

Thank you so much Jules ThanksThanksThanksThanksThanks

qazxc · 02/04/2013 20:11

you're more than welcome pistey. it was my first star and it was so easy once you get going and grows really quick.

Jules146 · 02/04/2013 20:17

Thanks Pistey will head over there in just a sec! Qazxc I saw your beautiful blanket on FB, is there a pattern anywhere? Thanks :)

NeitherShreddedNorSmug · 04/04/2013 10:33

In case it's helpful to anyone I had a Stylecraft discount code from Deramores this morning - for 15% off enter STWK at checkout. Expires midnight 11 April.

RatherBeOnThePiste · 06/04/2013 13:43

Afternoon Brew

Huge thanks to the very lovely Soupy Thanks

Has everyone seen her gorgeous Jammie Dodger Little Hug? Tis absolutely brilliant!

ThanksThanksThanksThanksThanksThanksThanksThanks

BIWI · 06/04/2013 14:24

In awe. Again.

Thanks
qazxc · 06/04/2013 18:34

jules146 i used this you tube video.

KnottyLocks · 11/04/2013 09:10

Popping this back on my 'Threads' Smile

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