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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. For our own Beccajo. Lovely donors and crafters, please, your help is needed.

336 replies

KnottyAndPistey · 27/01/2015 14:17

Desperately sad news we’re afraid. In the run up to Christmas, the folk on the current Tamoxigang thread received a message from the DH (on MN as firethornuk) of the very lovely beccajo.

Not long after her last post on this thread she went into hospital, she was very unwell, but she was improving under the care of the drs and nurses. She received her next 2 doses of chemo in hospital which didn't really agree with her. So she was due to have a brand new drug tomorrow. She was doing really well and we had some hope that her new chemo would work for her.

Sadly, last Friday she developed a terrible headache and a scan revealed 2 brain tumours, one of which had bled heavily. She deteriorated very quickly. But she was comfortable, and passed away peacefully with her family with her.

There aren’t really any words are there? We are just so very sorry life has been so cruel. Our thoughts are with beccajo's DH, their little children, 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 children will feel our love and support and that the blanket may give whatever comfort it can to them. Beccajo was a very busy MN poster, and the site will miss her kindness and support for others.

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. If you need yarn and are a hooker, do let us know, as we have part balls that will be perfect for crochet.

The Yarn we are Using….

  • Artesano Superwash Merino DK
  • Debbie Bliss Rialto DK
  • Drops Merino Extra Fine DK
  • 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. If you still have any of our wools that have been discontinued - Rowan cashsoft DK, Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK or James C. Brett Pure Merino DK in your stash, please do use them.

The colours…

  • Warm purples
  • Pinks
  • Blues
  • Greens

Her DH has thought of some ideas to reflect Becca’s loves

  • Snowboarding, snowflakes
  • Sailing and the sea.
  • Roses and gardens, they had planned a rose border for their garden, which her DH is hoping to make this summer.
  • Her favourite colour was purple, she loved pinks too.
  • We do have the family initials if this is something someone would like to do, please PM.

Thanks Thanks

All crafting abilities genuinely welcome, squares made by beginner or expert are equally welcomed. It really is the love and thought that counts.

Lots of ideas for sure, but please don't feel daunted, 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.

Help with Crafting
Knotty (KnottyLocks* ) will help with any crafting/colour queries, do PM her or post on the thread.

  • Squares to be 6 inches, using 4mm hook or needles.
  • We recommend double knotting yarn to ensure the square is extra sturdy, and make sure you get a needle to sew the pesky ends in, rather than cutting to the knot which makes the square fragile.
  • Please avoid blocking your squares, makes then harder to use and anyway the other squares WILL pull them into shape!!
  • Our website has lots of practical info, including recommended online retailers of our yarn.
  • If you are new to us, maybe have a look at our website, where there are albums of previous blankets.

We are on Facebook and Twitter at MNWoollyHugs/@MNWoollyHugs which are both good ways to keep in touch.Do join us there.

This means such a lot to Becca's DH, and will be so lovely for him and their children to have. Together we will make something very special for them.

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

Heartfelt thanks Thanks

OP posts:
Thread gallery
10
RatherBeOnThePiste · 04/03/2015 14:38

Afternoon all, just catching up Brew

RatherBeOnThePiste · 04/03/2015 15:25

More beautiful woolly treasure has been arriving, and treasure it is indeed. Huge thanks lovely crafters, you are a rather special bunch you know?

Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks

Thanks MNP Four fabulous snowflake designs each on a different colour backing - greens, pinks, blues, purples. Just beautiful Star

Thanks Ninja Beautiful flowers, roses, a sailing boat too, all just fabulous, in greens, plums and pinks. Utterly gorgeous Star

Thanks Only got your real name here, but initials AW Beautiful 3D flower squares in blues and silver, just super Star

Thanks Spacefrog35 Such a beautiful crochet flower design and made in soft greens, cream and pinks. Absolutely gorgeous Star

Thank you everyone, thinking of lovely Becca, and all who love and miss her. x

Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks

TobyLerone · 04/03/2015 15:43

I've followed the progress of Woolly Hugs for ages, but have never made anything for blankets before. I am proud to be involved.with this one for Becca, sad as it is that it was needed at all.

Marmot75 · 05/03/2015 18:40

Just checked back and I recognise the wool colours I bought in a photo above. The finished squares look beautiful! Thank you to my crafter you've done a wonderful job Flowers

Naturegirl82 · 07/03/2015 17:00

I posted my square today. Sorry it's a bit last minute. Hope it gets to you ok.

Wickerbox · 09/03/2015 08:07

Hi. Can I have the address to post to? Sorry it's a bit late. I've not been on the thread before but Becca was one of my good friends & her PH is my hubbys best friend & was our best man xx

ZingNinjaRoll · 09/03/2015 08:10

I was working on 2nd square last night, but just haven't been able to finish it.
will post tomorrow, sorry for delayBlush

PurpleFrog · 09/03/2015 11:57

My squares are finished (3? or 4?), but I was away for most of last week and only got back yesterday, so I am totally disorganised. I have some Easter Sale stuff in various stages of completeness, so will hold off posting just now and send it all in together later this week. Apologies. Blush

ZingNinjaRoll · 09/03/2015 13:13

phew, I'm glad I'm not the only one being just this side of being punctual!Wink Grin

PurpleFrog · 09/03/2015 14:20

ZingNinjaRoll - I'm glad that at least I can make you feel better! Grin

ZingNinjaRoll · 09/03/2015 15:58

Smile thanks you.
I'm not giving up, but those pesky thread ends are a real menace.
I must conquer them.

(and I meant forehead. don't know what forehand is)

RatherBeOnThePiste · 09/03/2015 16:57

Afternoon all Brew Just coming with some thanks yous this afternoon, just go to help everyone in Pms first.

Thanks
RatherBeOnThePiste · 09/03/2015 17:37

Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks

Beautiful woolly treasure has been arriving, the most enormous thanks to you lovely crafters, honestly what stars you are Thanks

Thanks Chopchopbusybusy Beautiful knits in a vibrant pink and an apple green so beautiful, such rich snuggly textures, super Star

Thanks Coffeeandchocolateplease In a stunning dark purple, two beautiful squares with snowflake embellishments, just fabulous Star

Thanks McKayz Gorgeous crochet designs in pink and purple, inc a super striped solid granny Star

Thanks Naturegirl82 Just fabulous, in a super vibrant pink a gorgeous crochet design, lovely texture too. Star

Thanks Poltergoose Traditional grannies in every shade of the rainbow! All beautifully crocheted, and completely fabulous! Star

Thanks fan A sailing boat on cobalt blue and a lovely flower on a forest green, just lovely Star

Thanks PurpleCrazyHorse In a fuchsia pink, a super knit and gorgeous crochet flower square, really fabulous Star

Thanks Hirvi Thank you - Hirvi has done the initials for Becca's children, in a cobalt blue and pale blue, beautifully done Star

Thanks Wool Pixie Beautiful in apple and purples, beautiful 3D flower designs, all just stunning Star

Thank you so much everyone, it doesn't really seem enough just saying thank you, but it is heartfelt xxx Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks

fanjodisfunction · 09/03/2015 19:21

so glad they reached you.

PurpleCrazyHorse · 10/03/2015 16:11

Yay, glad the squares arrived, was a bit late finishing the knitted one (beginner knitter and a bit slow).

ZingNinjaRoll · 10/03/2015 17:21

finally finished & posted my squares today!

thinking of Becca, James & the children.

SoupDragon · 10/03/2015 18:31

I have posted my square (along with some Easter stuff). Sorry there is only one.

WoolPixie · 10/03/2015 19:09

Sorry, one of the roses went a bit cone shaped Blush Hope you can still use the square

RatherBeOnThePiste · 11/03/2015 08:17

Morning all Brew

Thanks everyone, please don't apologise lovely Soupy!

Thanks
ZingNinjaRoll · 12/03/2015 10:01

parcel should arrive today. i even sent it recorded delivery to make sure it gets there safelySmile

thinking of Becca and her children - Mother's Day is coming upSad

RatherBeOnThePiste · 12/03/2015 16:06

Tis not even as though it has to come far lovely Zing is it? But not here today, please don't fret though, it will come tomorrow, and it really isn't late.

RatherBeOnThePiste · 12/03/2015 16:08

Hello, hello, afternoon all Brew :)

The most beautiful woolly treasure has been arriving for Becca’s family, thank you so much everyone, honestly just marvellous Thanks

Thanks Soupy A stunning snowflake design on a gorgeous lavender squares, beautiful Star

Thanks LB In purple, one knit with heart design, one crochet with super 3D flower, fabulous Star

Thanks B Sorry - just that initial, hopefully you will recognise these - beautiful crochet squares in purples, pink and green all absolutely gorgeous. Arrived with a gorgeous craft item Star

Thanks Martha Costello Two gorgeous pink knits - blackberry and ‘tumbling blocks’ plus stunning rose designed a gorgeous purple brocade knit. Fabulous Star

Thanks MinnieBar A beautiful snowflake design in navy, and a gorgeous mossy green square too, really super Star

Thanks JulesJules Such a gorgeous knit - wavy stripes in puple, pink, green and cream, utterly lovely Star

Thank you so much everyone Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks

weebarra · 12/03/2015 16:10

Life has rather got in the way, but I will try to get my square finished and sent as soon as I can. I hope I'm not too late, it means a lot to me.

ZingNinjaRoll · 12/03/2015 18:29
MarthaCostello · 12/03/2015 20:55

Phew! I'm glad they arrived safely :)