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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. Supporting refugees, lovely crafters and donors, fabulous Mumsnetters we need your help.

994 replies

KnottyAndPistey · 05/09/2015 14:24

As for so many others, we have been moved to tears by the heartbreaking plight of refugees, both in Europe and further afield, and the inhumanity which seems to surround them too often. We have donated, signed petitions on change.org and written to our MPs, and understand the feeling of shouting in the wind, we desperately want to do more.

There is something practical we can do together, and it really will help, but fabulous Mumsnetters, we are going to need your support.

We can get woolly warmth to families in refugee camps in Kurdistan, thanks to the amazing charity Knit for Peace. There are 1.8 million refugees trapped there, most have fled civil wars and ISIS in Syria and Iraq. Winter is coming, it will be even more desperate and absolutely freezing. We are also developing links to get resources to children and families elsewhere, and on their arrival in the UK. We just want to help keep folk warm. We know we can’t help everyone, but we can some.

We really need your help, here’s how…

  • We need 12 inch, or six inch squares. Knit or crochet both equally welcome.
  • Yarn to be used - any good quality acrylic DK, for example Stylecraft special DK
  • Any colour, any style, it is all good.
  • Squares equally welcome if made by beginner or expert. Truly.
  • No one think their's wouldn’t be good enough. They will be.
  • We'd love to receive whole blankets, but absolutely understand time constraints.
  • We’d also love to receive hats and gloves/mittens for any age, baby sized through to adult, the same for jumpers. But appreciate that is a very big ask.
  • If you’d like to donate yarn or funds, let us know - we’d absolutely LOVE to hear from you, we need you too. This will be a real team effort
  • If anyone would like to join in crafting but can’t afford to, please PM us, we can help.

One square, one blanket, a pair of gloves, one warm hat, one step at a time, really every little thing will help. Together we can make a difference.

Thanks

Sadly we cannot accept items other than home made woolly ones at the moment, if this changes we will come back.

If anyone arrives in this thread and holds similar views to Cameron, no need to post, just move along. This is a positive, humanitarian thread taking positive, humanitarian action.

Do join us on our Facebook page Woolly Hugs and Twitter @Woolly_Hugs - both good ways to keep in touch.

If you'd rather email us than PM we are [email protected]

Thank you doesn’t come close, bless you. Thanks

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Thread gallery
326
NorksAreMessy · 05/09/2015 17:53

"There's a new dance that is going around...called
THE BUMP, do
THE BUMP"

Subtle eh?

fenneltea · 05/09/2015 18:23

I'd be happy to contribute, I think I have some dk wool somewhere.

CQ · 05/09/2015 18:44

Cannot knit or crochet to save my own life, never mind some poor cold refugee, but I'd love to donate you some money to support your big knit.

Can I just add - I read on another site that they prefer if you avoid white and pastel colours, as obviously getting things washed is not easy for refugees and dark/strong colours look better for longer Sad - maybe something to bear in mind?

Thank you so much as always lovely Woolly Huggers Flowers

Kr1stina · 05/09/2015 18:44

Cannot knit but have sent money .

Best wishes to all you lovely peeps .

Chopchopbusybusy · 05/09/2015 19:32

I have some wool left over from Chernobyl blankets. I'm happy to do squares but I've never attempted to make them into blankets. So I'll send squares if that's OK?

TheWoollybacksWife · 05/09/2015 19:41

Count me in lovely ladies. I can deffo manage some squares and maybe a baby hat or two. Thank you for allowing me to deal with my Stylecraft stash and make room for a whole pile more Grin

PollyPerseid · 05/09/2015 19:42

Count me in, my hook is poised.

Flowers
quietbatperson · 05/09/2015 20:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SpiralArchitect · 05/09/2015 20:12

Count me in - I have some left-over Stylecraft and should be able to hook a couple of 12" squares.

Flowers
PassthePombear · 05/09/2015 20:13

I will happily do some crochet squares. Got lots of stylecraft yarn I haven't used yet!

MrsKCastle · 05/09/2015 20:20

Fantastic, I'm so glad you're doing this. I will definitely get knitting.

elephantoverthehill · 05/09/2015 20:36

Hurrah, a mindless project for me to do. What I mean to say is I won't have to think or concentrate. Just what I need after the most stressful start to a new term. Mindless project = thoughtful outcome.

QueenofLouisiana · 05/09/2015 21:06

I take up a knitting project every winter so I don't fall asleep in front of the TV. I think I've just found this year's. I will be slow, but will aim to get at least 2 squares to you. Apologies- they will be plain and boring, that's all I can manage.

JeewizzJen · 05/09/2015 21:26

My MIL just taught me how to knit, this sounds like a perfect project for me to begin with Smile

Munxx · 05/09/2015 21:32

I haven't knitted for a v long time but I'd like to help. Can anyone recommend what needles, yarn and so on to buy and any YouTube videos maybe for casting on? I'd really like to contribute.

TheWoollybacksWife · 05/09/2015 21:44

Munxx I've got a pair of (bamboo?) needles that came free with a magazine that I can send you. They are 4mm - the recommended size for Woolly Hugs knitting projects. They are short length - about 2/3rds of the length of "standard" needles. PM me if you want them.

PassthePombear · 05/09/2015 21:44

Are granny squares ok? I'm not very skilled!

Katniramal · 05/09/2015 21:55

I have a crocheted lapghan and crocheted baby blanket I could send if you can PM me the address please.

KnottyAndPistey · 06/09/2015 07:33

Morning all. Smile

Just catching up.
Be with you shortly.

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catsrus · 06/09/2015 07:50

Morning wooly huggers - I took up crochet again a year or so ago and did afghans in squares for my dds, very happy to get cracking again - and yes, a way of making sure I stay awake when trying to watch TV Grin

Rockinghorse123 · 06/09/2015 08:03

Could you send me details of how to donate funds please? Smile

Iwasworried · 06/09/2015 08:04

Yay! I'm in!
I've also got wool left over from the Chernobyl blankets so will get cracking. Lovely idea!!

KnottyAndPistey · 06/09/2015 08:15

Chop chop, squares are perfect, thanks.

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KnottyAndPistey · 06/09/2015 08:16

Quietbat, either of those yarns are fine for scarves, thanks.

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KnottyAndPistey · 06/09/2015 08:18

Queen, we never say 'plain and boring' because they aren't .
Simple squares made with love are perfect. Thanks.

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