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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 Jo Cox. Donors and crafters, we need your help.

696 replies

KnottyAndPistey · 21/06/2016 19:23

There cannot be a single soul who has not been shocked and horrified by the devastating attack and murder of MP Jo Cox. Truly awful, at times like this one struggles to find the words to make any sense, there just aren’t any. We feel desperately sorry for Jo’s children, DH, parents, family and friends, and are thinking of all who love and miss her.

In one of the most beautiful and courageous pieces written her husband Brendan has said she would have wished now for their children to be bathed in love, this really resonates with what we hope Woolly Hugs is all about.

Jo represented the good things in the world, all that is the opposite of bitterness and hatred. Let us do something now for her, for her husband and their children, by sending love, compassion, strength and support. We hope it will bring them a little comfort. We are thinking of them. Thanks

We are very fortunate to have one of her good friends on board, we asked if she could help us, and she will, and will be able to pass on the blankets to the children when the time comes, we can’t thank her enough, she says “With your permission, I will pass the message on that they are being made. I know they have taken great comfort from the love everyone's shared in the last few days and this will be equally welcomed. You are brilliant. Thank you xxx.”

So this is our plan, can you help us?

Firstly, we would like to make a blanket for both of Jo’s children, their DS Cuillin aged 5 and DD Lejla aged three, these to be big enough that they can snuggle with their dad and find warmth and comfort. There will be love in every stitch for them.

Secondly we would like to make a blanket for Auction in the run up to Christmas, and have chosen one of Jo’s charities to be our recipient. Brendan said it would have been Jo’s wish that we all unite to fight against the hatred that killed her, so we have chosen the charity called Hope not Hate. See here... It seems right.

Thirdly, may we encourage folk to contribute to our existing Woolly Hugs’ Refugee Project, all crafting info is here. Jo campaigned tirelessly for refugees, this seems very appropriate. We know we cant help everyone, but one square, one blanket, a pair of gloves, one warm hat, one step at a time, really every little thing will help. Thank you.

Crafting information for the three blankets
All yarn to be Stylecraft Special DK, which is very easily available. Try here. Please make sure your square fits into one of these palettes. It will make it much easier. Thank you.

Vintage: Duck egg, grape, sage, storm, parchment, pale rose, pomegranate, raspberry, cloud blue, sherbert.

Traditional: Parchment, cloud blue, denim, sherbert, aster, petrol, lipstick, claret, burgundy.

  • Squares to be 6 inches, using 4mm hook or needles.
  • All crafting abilities genuinely welcome, simple, complex, squares made by beginner or experienced are equally welcomed. It really is the love and thought that counts. When finished please sew in those ends* but don’t block your work.
  • Then PM for details for posting.

Last posting to be July 27th.

We are on Facebook as Woolly Hugs and Twitter @Woolly_Hugs which are both good ways to keep in touch. Do join us there if you would like to.

"She would have wanted two things above all else to happen now, one that our precious children are bathed in love and two, that we all unite to fight against the hatred that killed her.”

As always heartfelt thanks for your support.

'She met the world with love'
Thinking of beautiful Jo and her family, sending so much love Thanks

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Thread gallery
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KnottyAndPistey · 07/07/2016 16:19

Beauties for our Jo Cox projects, thank you so much lovely MrsHathaway xx

Woolly Hugs for Jo Cox. Donors and crafters, we need your help.
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FaithAscending · 07/07/2016 17:24

I posted mine today. Pretty basic granny squares and mitred granny squares in two colours but I hope you can use them.

PeaceOfWildThings · 07/07/2016 17:38

Wow! All so wonderful. So good to see the projects coming along so well!

MrsHathaway · 07/07/2016 18:48

These blankets are going to be the size of a tennis court! Well done everyone xx

FaithAscending · 07/07/2016 18:51

Here they are.

Woolly Hugs for Jo Cox. Donors and crafters, we need your help.
PUGaLUGS · 07/07/2016 20:06

Posted mine today xx

KnottyAndPistey · 08/07/2016 08:07

Morning Brew

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Mirandawest · 08/07/2016 09:10

Have done 2 and a bit squares so far. Am aiming for at least 4 Smile

MrsUnderwood · 08/07/2016 09:16

Can you PM me the address so I can send over the package on Monday?

TheWoollybacksWife · 08/07/2016 14:19

DH has just departed with DD1 to give her some diving practice. They are posting my parcel while they are out AND doing the school run so I'm relaxing with a Brew and digging out my next project.

PurpleKittyKnitting · 08/07/2016 19:39

OH was supposed to post mine today but forgot, so I should get them off to you tomorrow!

LookAtHerGo · 09/07/2016 10:23

Bit late as I've had a bad week, but just to say thank you to my donor, I received 4 balls of yarn last week and am just a finishing row off doing my first granny square with it. Flowers

BIWI · 10/07/2016 21:33

Am making slow progress as usual.

Have cast on my usual 34 stitches, but find, as usual, that I'm now knitting 35 stitches. I have started thinking of it as my personal woolly signature.

Grin
HerRoyalFattyness · 10/07/2016 22:01

I am making progress. Slowly. it seems every time I pick up the needles at the minute something distracts me!

BIWI · 10/07/2016 22:08

I'm knitting each inch with gritted teeth love Grin

MrsHathaway · 10/07/2016 22:51

BIWI - I found it really cathartic to send mine off, more this time than usual. I felt as though I was part of a national/international movement of peace and love actually doing something positive. Hope you feel similar in time.

PeaceOfWildThings · 11/07/2016 08:47

Yes, me too Mrs H. Despite sewing in woolly ends and sorting final packing and a trip to the PO the day I flew out on holiday! GrinWine

KnottyAndPistey · 11/07/2016 09:03

Morning Brew

Wine for BIWI :)

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SpiralArchitect · 11/07/2016 16:09

Posted this morning - 4 squares in each palette.

I agree with Peace and MrsH - this feels even more positive than usual and it's brilliant that so many people have been inspired to take up needles/hook in memory of Jo and all she stood for.

BIWI Grin

MrsHathaway · 11/07/2016 16:15

Dedication, Peace!

WhyCantIuseTheNameIWant · 11/07/2016 21:24

Just seen this one.

I'm in if I'm not too late?

I have some red (lipstick )
Is that the right one?

I don't have pinks or purples.

If you can send those, I will make something

KnottyAndPistey · 12/07/2016 07:19

Lipstick is lovely WhyCant - a couple of squares in that would be fabulous, thank you xxx

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LookAtHerGo · 12/07/2016 07:53

I have 4 squares completed now. Quite proud of myself. And learned a new crochet technique in the process.

KnottyAndPistey · 12/07/2016 08:16

How fabulous xx

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WhyCantIuseTheNameIWant · 12/07/2016 09:42

Just noticed aster on he list too.
And sage on the other list.

I have 3 colours!

Squares will be made .