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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

OP posts:
Thread gallery
71
WhyCantIuseTheNameIWant · 25/07/2016 16:48

I have posted you 6 squares.

Next time I will send them as 2 groups of 3.

5 cost 75p to send.
6 costs £2:85...

I promise the last one wasn't made of bricks!

JulesJules · 25/07/2016 17:30

My squares are on rootie toot x

blueskyinmarch · 25/07/2016 17:32

Lots and lots of beautiful squares. I felt very proud seeing mine nestled in there!

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 25/07/2016 18:16

Mine went in the post today.

Wolfiefan · 25/07/2016 18:16

Posted my squares today.

CommunistLegoBloc · 25/07/2016 20:16

Posted mine today too x

PolterGoose · 25/07/2016 21:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

FreezerBird · 25/07/2016 23:21

I'm confused (happens a lot) about 'last posting' - does it mean you need the squares to be with you for July 27th or that I can post them on July 27th? (Have some ready to post tomorrow but there will be more by Weds!)

Either way I won't have used all the yarn I was donated so I'll carry on with the remainder for the refugee project.

Thanks

HerRoyalFattyness · 26/07/2016 07:42

I'm not going to be able to get to the post office. Sad
I will donate some money to hope not hate instead. I'm really upset that I can't post.my squares though. I have DS2 puking, DD complaining of "belly hurts" and DS1 not wanting to get out of bed. Sad

Energumene · 26/07/2016 08:08

Posting mine today Smile

MrsUnderwood · 26/07/2016 08:31

Glad mine arrived safely too. So many beautiful squares!

KnottyAndPistey · 26/07/2016 09:09

Morning, have a big coffee, and am ready Brew

OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 26/07/2016 09:11

Last posting means last time to go along and post, am going to be around to take photos for a couple of days after that. We are back on September 5th. Thank you xxx

OP posts:
FreezerBird · 26/07/2016 09:33

Excellent, and also: phew!

I'll get the last ones done today and post tomorrow.

Thank you so much for all your organising, it's an amazing thing to be a part of.

KnottyAndPistey · 26/07/2016 10:07

Last posting is TOMORROW

Wine
OP posts:
HerRoyalFattyness · 26/07/2016 13:22

DP has just turned up and I've convinced him to go to the post office for me GrinGrinGrin
Two squares will be on their way very soon

Energumene · 26/07/2016 14:48

I am completely failing to find an address to send them to. I know I'm doubtless missing something really obvious :(

BlackeyedSusan · 26/07/2016 15:30

QUICK, PM ME YOUR ADDRESS AGAIN

had an aborted attempt to weigh and buy stamp today. got to go back tomorrow.

Energumene · 26/07/2016 15:48

Susan not just me then?! I got DS to push me to the post office in the wheelchair and he's not impressed you can't just sort out the postage and stick it in the post box when you have an address.

Very glad we found some Pokémon on the way back so the trip is now officially worthwhile :)

PurpleFrog · 26/07/2016 15:52

WhyCantIuseTheNameIWant - it is the size of the package that has tripped you up, not the weight. How are you packaging your squares? The package has to be no more than 2.5cm thick to go as "large letter". If it is over that it is classed as a "small parcel" and costs £2.85. Large letter max sizes are 35.3cm x 25cm x 2.5cm, so you could have 2 small piles of 6 inch (15cm) squares side by side in the package. Try putting the squares in a ziplock bag, almost closing it, rolling it up towards the top then seal it fully and flatten out.

WhyCantIuseTheNameIWant · 26/07/2016 16:04

Thanks purple.

The 5 went in the little silver bag the wool came in.
Laid along so not very thick.
To a lovely lady in a quiet village post office.

The 6 were in 2 piles, in a paper envelope.
By a busy lady in am busy post office who didn't even try to fit it through the plastic holder.
Thanks for the zip local tip for next time.

BlackeyedSusan · 26/07/2016 16:21

brought mine home for a bigger envelope so can do large letter. (i shall nick one of the ones that thier reports came in.

there are post offices all over the counry dealing with crochet squares.

BlackeyedSusan · 26/07/2016 16:22

no not just you.

MadisonAvenue · 26/07/2016 17:20

Glad mine arrived safely, I always worry!
I've loved seeing the photos, so many squares and all really, really beautiful. With all of the horrible things going on in the world at the moment it's so lovely to see people pulling together to create something good.

PurpleFrog · 26/07/2016 18:11

Ah, so she didn't even try to see if it would fit through the slot. I thought you had probably used a thick padded envelope or something. I'm afraid I always question it if the cost is not what I expect. I sell on eBay and it can be costly if you underestimate the postage you charge.