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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

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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BreadSnakeFridayDog · 21/06/2016 23:05

Oh good that's what I was doing! Thank you ☺

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TheFairyCaravan · 21/06/2016 23:14

I'm definetly in.

I've got some of those colours so I'm fine for yarn.

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parmalilac · 21/06/2016 23:23

Count me in, happy to crochet for this. Have some yarn but not the colours you specify. Could I be matched with a donor too?

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soapydopeybubbles · 21/06/2016 23:30

I'm meeting up with PeaceOfWildThings next week so I'm all sorted for yarn Smile

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WaitingForTheMan · 21/06/2016 23:34

What a wonderful idea and thing to do.
I asked if it could be stickied so it doesn't fall off Active.

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Marcipex · 21/06/2016 23:43

Bread, I'm sure that's Sherbet.

I've got pale rose, duck egg , and sage. Fortunately the label was still on the sage or I wouldn't have known.

How nice to meet for support (and cake.)
Wish I could, but I'm in Devon.

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DameFanny · 22/06/2016 00:01

Count me in please - might do some wave squares in the sea colours - crochet.

Oh, and hello again, I've been mostly not here.

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CiderwithBuda · 22/06/2016 00:06

I'm in. Will buy some wool and do some squares.

Really pleased you are doing this Knotty and Pistey.

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KnottyAndPistey · 22/06/2016 01:00

So much love and support. Thanks everyone. Will be back in the morning. Xx

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CorporeSarnie · 22/06/2016 01:47

Hi knotty, I've not done a WH before but this feels like doing a small thing to help a family (our potentially families) in a time of deep crisis. I don't have any of this yarn but can buy some if the donations pot is low. Am much more of a knitter vs. crocheter.

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MadisonAvenue · 22/06/2016 01:48

I'll PM my address to you.

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MargaretRiver · 22/06/2016 02:17

Bumping for crafters in other timezones
Excellent idea

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Everythingstaken · 22/06/2016 03:45

This is such a wonderful idea! It will be my first woolly hugs and I haven't knitted in years but will have a go with the help of my mum to teach me and my daughter

how to do it!! Hopefully this can give those poor children some comfort knowing they are in our thoughts. I just need to get buying some wool! Xxx

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ThumbWitchesAbroad · 22/06/2016 05:26

So glad you've taken this on - of course will donate wool if you can match me up with a lovely crafter. Will PM you too.

Heartbroken for her family and friends, just such a senseless tragic waste of a wonderful woman.

xx

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Tulips1 · 22/06/2016 06:23

Could anyone suggest an easy YouTube video for an absolute beginner at crotchet? And are plain squares ok - not sure I will be able to manage much more at the beginning.

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sashh · 22/06/2016 06:42

If there is anyone in the West Midlands who wants to learn how to knit/crochet I'm not working at the moment and could teach you to Knit/crochet a square.

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franke · 22/06/2016 07:19

Can I join in? I'll get the wool myself - I have to get it sent to Germany. Before I order, are there any colours that you think won't be as popular from your list? I'll choose a less popular colour if it helps iykwim. My squares will be very simple knits

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KnottyAndPistey · 22/06/2016 07:42

Morning Brew


We are blown away by the response. It is good to know that even in such dark times, there are still such a lot of good, kind and compassionate people. Thank you. Thanks

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KnottyAndPistey · 22/06/2016 07:43

Just a reminder, absolute last posting for these blankets is July 27th, which is also this year's start of our summer pause in posting. We are then back to normal after September 5th.


Obviously our Refugee project is ongoing. Items being made for this as a tribute to Jo are welcome at any time. xxx

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KnottyAndPistey · 22/06/2016 07:45
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KnottyAndPistey · 22/06/2016 07:46

Thank you so much, welcome all new folk joining us, franke chose which you would like and go from there, and siimple knits are fabulous, thank you.

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MiaowTheCat · 22/06/2016 07:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

KnottyAndPistey · 22/06/2016 08:07

Thanks lovely, yes a Christmas Sale as usual, same kind of time in November, you star! xx

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Alfieisnoisy · 22/06/2016 08:09

I will do a square. I have also shared on FB.

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MoreCakeMoreCake · 22/06/2016 08:22

I've donated via PayPal as I don't have a crafty bone in my body!
This is just so lovely and I'm in tears reading this thread.

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