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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.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Woolly Hugs. A Blanket for gnittinggnome. Donors and crafters, we are asking for your help.

355 replies

RatherBeOnThePiste · 04/03/2014 17:48

Devastating news we’re afraid. The folk on the February antenatal thread received this message from the DH of the very lovely gnittinggnome.

Our son, W, arrived last Tuesday at 7lbs 8oz. Sadly, however, G suffered complications and was rushed into intensive care following delivery. After a hard fight she passed away peacefully on Sunday, surrounded by family. Throughout her pregnancy she spoke fondly of many of you on this thread, buoyed by your wisdom and strength and humour. If I have the strength I will join myself so that W and I can benefit too.

Words really do fail, we are just so very sorry life has been so cruel. Our thoughts are with gnittinggnome’s DH, son, family and friends at this time. We are so pleased to say that her DH has accepted our offer of a Woolly Hug, and we hope that he and their son will feel our love and support and that the blanket may give whatever comfort it can to them.

Please, can you help us in any way?

We shall need crocheters, knitters and donors. If you would like to donate wool or funds, I can match you up. If you would like to join in but need donated wool, I can help there too.
Please PM me with your offers of help ( RatherBeOnThePiste) THANK YOU SO MUCH.

The Yarn we are Using….

  • Artesano Superwash Merino DK
  • Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK (discontinued but some still around)
  • Debbie Bliss Rialto DK
  • Drops Merino Extra Fine DK
  • James C. Brett Pure Merino DK (also discontinued, some still to be had)
  • Jenny Watson Pure Merino DK
  • Sublime Extra Fine Merino Wool DK Just from the brands listed please because we know they combine for wash and wear.

Our palette for gnittinggnome is quite specific, so please do read carefully

  • Warm purples
  • Mushroom/taupe but only from this list please to make sure they go together…
  • Jenny Watson Pure Merino DK WM7 Taupe
  • Jenny Watson Pure Merino DK WM9 Beige
  • Debbie Bliss Rialto 06 Stone
  • James C. Brett Pure Merino DK 17 Beige

Ideas and suggestions for squares.

  • She loved cats, they have two.
  • Geckos from their time living in Singapore, when they used to hang about the house.
  • Bats since gnittinggnome was a member of a Gothic Women's Institute’s group.
  • Rockets for all the science fiction gnittinggnome read and her favourite shows like Firefly.
  • Octopi and parasols for her love of the steampunk sub-genre, especially the series, The Parasol Protectorate.
  • We also have initials if that would be something for you, PM us.

Reading her DH’s words give us lots of motifs to think about for sure, but please don't feel daunted by these suggestions, we love plain squares and simple textures too. They look as stunning as the more complex squares and play a vital role in the overall effect. Knotty (KnottyLocks ) will help with any crafting queries. Squares to be 6 inches, using 4mm hook or needles. All crafting abilities genuinely welcome, squares made by beginner or expert are equally welcomed. It really is the love and thought that counts. Please do PM Knotty if you need help.

Do use the crafting guide on the website to help you with lots of practical info such as help with buying colours, recommended online retailers and if interested there are a lot of linked suggestions for patterns.

Previous blankets can be seen on the Woolly Hugs website and we are on Facebook and Twitter at MNWoollyHugs/@MNWoollyHugs which are both good ways to keep in touch.

When finished please sew in those ends but don’t block your work. Then PM me (RatherBeOnThePiste) for details for posting.

As always heartfelt thanks for your support

Thinking of gnittinggnome and all those who love and miss her.

Pistey and Knotty Thanks

OP posts:
Thread gallery
9
EEatingSoupForLunch · 04/03/2014 19:28

Really sad. I'm very happy to help, I have some Debbie Bliss yarn in various purples. Let me know what you would like. Thanks for Gnittingnome, her DH and family.

Blondeshavemorefun · 04/03/2014 19:36

how sad :(

happy to be a giver of funds for wool as cant knit

pisty or knotts can you let me know the email addy again and will send over money via paypal xx

watchingout · 04/03/2014 19:53

How very sad. I have Jenny Watson WM13 - off to Ravelry to search for new patterns x

wewillmendit · 04/03/2014 19:58

So very sad Sad
Have pm'd you pistey x

RainDancer · 04/03/2014 19:58

Oh my. Life can be so cruel. I will knit and also donate some wool. Will PM x

TrinityRhino · 04/03/2014 20:01

Please can I crochet some squares

so so sad Sad

CoffeeandChocolateplease · 04/03/2014 20:04

So so sad. Please count me in. Much love to the family.

KnottyLocks · 04/03/2014 20:16

Thanks everyone. You are all stars. Thanks

TheNinjaGooseIsHooking · 04/03/2014 20:19

such sad news, thoughts are with gnittinggnome and her family

off to pm

Champagnebubble · 04/03/2014 20:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

AutomaticShoes · 04/03/2014 20:28

I'm in. I'll get my own yarn and do some really basic squares. I've never 'woolly hugged' before but will do my best. So sad.

Jacksmania · 04/03/2014 20:28

I don't think I can this time - it hits a little too close to home. But I will PM and donate funds.
Thanks :( :( :( :(

Gowaygoway · 04/03/2014 20:30

So sad, please pass on my condolences.

Pistey have pm'd you re: a donation

MOSagain · 04/03/2014 20:35

Pistey, have shade 032 which is darker or 045 which I'm hoping is the one you mean x

BIWI · 04/03/2014 20:44

Oh no Sad

5madthings · 04/03/2014 20:46

So sad :(

I camt knit or crochet but wll donte, is it ok if I wait till payday? The 15th.

HairyPotter · 04/03/2014 20:46

Such awful news. Sad I'll do a couple of squares and sort my own wool.

My thoughts are with DH and baby W xx

IamInvisible · 04/03/2014 20:53

Oh my goodness, how so very sad.Sad

I'll of course do a square or two and will sort my own wool.

I'll PM now.

TheWoollybacksWife · 04/03/2014 20:55

Oh my, how incredibly sad. My condolences to her family.

I have purple from Oma's blanket. Will a moss stitch square be OK?

WoolPixie · 04/03/2014 20:56

Oh no, so sad. Will pm you Pistey. Thinking of the gg family x

ananikifo · 04/03/2014 21:01

I'd like to help. I've sent a pm.

ananikifo · 04/03/2014 21:04

And do please pass on my condolences. I didn't know her but this is so tragic and hits a bit close to home. Sad

KnottyLocks · 04/03/2014 21:06

If anyone's asked us to check colour codes here or by pm, I'm on it x

maxmissie · 04/03/2014 21:07

so sorry to hear this. Will donate some wool. Will PM now.

PurpleKittyKnitting · 04/03/2014 21:10

Add my name, can I be matched to a donor please?

Thanks