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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
cakeycakeface · 22/06/2016 12:06

*cast on

IToldYouIWasFreaky · 22/06/2016 12:08

I'm in. Really, very, in. Jo sounded like an incredible woman and my heart has been breaking for her family and most especially, her children. I have been looking for ways to spread a little peace and love, as these feel like very dark times just at the moment.

I'll order some yarn now and make a start as soon as it arrives.

I'd also like to offer my services as a knitting/crochet coach to anyone in the Reading area that might want some help. I am an experienced knitter and novice crocheter but can do Granny Squares well now! It'd be nice if, as well as making a blanket, I could also share some knowledge and maybe even make some friends in Jo's name.

Holliewantstobehot · 22/06/2016 12:18

I will try and do a few squares - ds is in a bad place at the moment but I will try and find some time. Think have some yarn in the right colours but am tempted to cheer myself up by buying some more!

tribpot · 22/06/2016 12:27

cakey, 33 stitches should be about right - as you say, you need to adjust for tension, though.

CommunistLegoBloc · 22/06/2016 12:58

I'm in. Will knock up a few squares and some appliques. Thank you for doing this.

Topknob · 22/06/2016 13:23

I want to do this too.
I can knit but quite basic stitches.

When is the cut off date?

Topknob · 22/06/2016 13:24

Just saw in the op...just read better.

MsInterpret · 22/06/2016 13:43

I'm in. Really great that a friend has helped.

Definitely have some of these colours and have just started on a sherbet granny square.

TaurielTest · 22/06/2016 14:32

PMed you K&P, ready to knit!

ilovesprouts · 22/06/2016 14:54

I can't knit but would love to donate too x

KnottyAndPistey · 22/06/2016 14:59

Afternoon Brew

OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 22/06/2016 15:00

Just away to PMs Thanks

OP posts:
peaceloveandtwirlywoos · 22/06/2016 15:08

Count me in, I have some petrol left from the Chernobyl project

KnottyAndPistey · 22/06/2016 16:31

The postal address is our Teddington Towers one, but if you would like to send a card for the family, please do, we know it is not always easy to find the words, but a simple thinking of you card would be lovely too.

Just address the card...

(A card for Jo Cox's family)
then the address..

Obviously do PM if you need postal info, its just we know lots of folk have it already.

Thanks
OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 22/06/2016 16:31

Lots of wool is on the way to crafters, thank you again lovely donors Thanks

OP posts:
MiniLop · 22/06/2016 16:36

I'd like to contribute, haven't joined in before but have wanted to for a while. I've just ordered some wool so will get onto it as soon as it arrives Smile

KnottyAndPistey · 22/06/2016 16:41

That is fabulous, thank you xxx

OP posts:
GetOnYourDancingShoes · 22/06/2016 17:48

Count me in.

Wolfcub · 22/06/2016 17:49

Count me in please. Jo was my local MP and our community is reeling from this although the love and support shown is tremendous. I will dig through my stash for the appropriate colours.

BigApple11 · 22/06/2016 18:52

I've found 7 of those colours in my stash so I'll get started tonight
Claret
Petrol
Denim
Pale rose
Grape
Raspberry
Cloud blue

Xxxx

pocketsized · 22/06/2016 19:35

I hope this is OK to post - I've been matched with a knitter LL, from somewhere beginning with C. If you are happy to be known, please pm me so I can send you your preferred wool :) if not, don't worry, I'll order a selection :)

honeysucklejasmine · 22/06/2016 20:09

If it helps anyone, a granny square made to specification (Style craft DK, 4mm needles) requires 7 rounds to reach 6".

BreadSnakeFridayDog · 22/06/2016 20:13

That's super helpful thank you honeysuckle

JustKeepKnitting · 22/06/2016 20:20

I'm in, have some of the colours listed so have made a start already tonight xx

DameFanny · 22/06/2016 21:02

Right, my wool is on its way :-)

I can also offer crochet lessons if anyone's in Norwich - pm me - usually have free time in school hours