Please or to access all these features

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. A Blanket for the very lovely Tunnocks, also known as thatscottishconfection. Crafters and donors, we need your help

394 replies

KnottyAndPistey · 10/01/2017 17:18

Many of you we know have been wonderfully supportive of lovely Tunnocks, now known as thatscottishconfection, since her husband was first diagnosed with cancer three years ago and many will remember the journey they were on. Heartbreakingly we are very sorry to say that just before Christmas he died. Such sad news, we send so much love to her and their little children, they are very close in our hearts and thoughts.

Her thread is here although it is currently in chat so will disappear there is a second here..also in Chat..

In it she made this beautiful post

"It's strange, I suppose, that I've imagined -numerous times - us talking it over, when it's over. Once you can think straight again, and marshall the right words for the right things out of your mouth.

You say: 'I'm so sorry. I never wanted to put you through that. It's the last thing I wanted for you'. Because it's the sort of thing you would say, and pretty much did say, years ago.

And I say: 'It's not your fault. It couldn't be less your fault. And I'm sorry for the times I wasn't more patient. It was so hard.' And I squeeze your hand.

We are walking and talking in a wood, or by a river, or by a river in a wood, because that's where we often would be walking.

And we are holding hands and your hand isn't shaking, and you are walking quickly like you used to, and in a straight line. The wind is messing up my hair and sticking it to my lip balm, and you are wearing that red puffer jacket I always hated, but I don't care about either of these things.

And the low sun is shining, almost white, and sometimes getting in our eyes, and the ground feels crisp with a light frost and, although it is midwinter, it feels like a new beginning.

And we agree how relieved we are that it is all over. And how it feels like a...a great lifting of things.

And you smile at me and say 'Shall we go back to the children?' And so we do, together."

Thanks Thanks

We have offered to make Tunnocks a blanket to show our love and support and to offer what comfort we can, and we are delighted to say she has accepted. Will you help us make this for her and their children?

We need crocheters, knitters and donors (of funds or wool) If you would like to be involved in any way, please post on this thread and PM us with your offers: crafting, donating, need wool, etc, we can help you with all of it.

Our Yarns

  • Drops Merino Extra Fine DK
  • Jenny Watson Pure Merino DK
  • Debbie Bliss Rialto DK
  • Sublime Extra Fine Merino Wool DK 
* Artesano Superwash Merino DK
  • Patons Merino Extrafine DK

Just from the brands listed please because we know they combine for wash and wear. If you still have any of our wools that have been discontinued - Rowan Cashsoft DK, Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK or James C. Brett Pure Merino DK in your stash, please do use them.

Our listed yarns are all easily available online - Try Wool Warehouse, Wise Badger, Laughing Hens

Some ideas..
“He loved cycling and the natural world (especially climbing trees!), he loved cooking and growing vegetables and looking after his chickens. He was a mechanical design engineer and was always bringing things home from work to tinker with. He was half Irish and we try to visit County Cork every year. We have a great Egyptian rescue cat called Mickey (ginger) who he chose and who spent the whole last week of his life on his bed (he knew better than the doctors).

Thank you again - I've received such support from people I've never met and it helps more than you can know.”

We also have the family’s initials, if this is something you’d like to help with.

From her words we have come up with this colour palette..

  • Blues
  • Greens
  • Jenny Watson Pure Merino DK WM7 Taupe
  • Oranges - one of these please, Sublime Extra Fine Merino Wool DK - Pumpkin (373) or Debbie Bliss Rialto DK - Tangerine (56) or Debbie Bliss Rialto DK - Burnt Orange (43)
  • Cream, one of the following - Debbie Bliss Rialto DK 02 ecru or Jenny Watson Pure Merino DK WM4 cream

Then Silver for embellishments

Simple or complex, made by beginner or expert, we genuinely welcome them all. It really is the love and thought that counts. There is support for buying colours on our website, here. Squares to be six inches, using 4mm needles or hook. Previous blankets can be seen on our website If looking for ideas for a pattern, there are many linked to from our website under Crafting

We also have a Facebook page Woolly Hugs and are on Twitter @Woolly_Hugs

When ready for posting, please PM for info, if you would like to send a card to the family via us, please do. As always, we thank you so much for your support,

Lovely Tunnocks we are thinking of you all, sending love and strength. xxxxx

OP posts:
Thread gallery
58
KnottyAndPistey · 23/01/2017 16:25

Card in a lavender envelope has arrived for Tunnocks, possibly Mummylin I think? Safely here Thanks

OP posts:
MrsDilligaf · 23/01/2017 20:53

Damn! Damn!! DAMN!!!

I tell ya... I've started my second square three times now and I can't get it right

I will do it. I WILL

bookbook · 23/01/2017 22:15

oh no MrsD !! - I can sympathise, sometimes it just won't !!!
Hope the drink helped :)
I have posted my last square today

ChippingInLovesWoollyHugs · 24/01/2017 09:25

How's everyone today?

Brew. Magic Mug on the go, as always!

MrsDilligaf · 24/01/2017 11:12

@Chipping it's your basket weave square I'm struggling with.

I thought it looked fairly easy for a novice but it is more of a challenge that I thought!

Mummylin · 24/01/2017 11:27

Ooh that's good card has arrived, have the squares come as well ?

SpiralArchitect · 24/01/2017 11:44

Posted these this morning (along with squares for Candy's Hugs).

Much love to Tunnocks and her children Flowers

Woolly Hugs. A Blanket for the very lovely Tunnocks, also known as thatscottishconfection. Crafters and donors, we need your help
MadisonAvenue · 24/01/2017 14:22

Spiral I'm in awe of your crocheting skills! I think that before I start the Chenobyl squares I'm going to have to see if I can teach myself the basics of how to crochet.

I didn't think I'd have enough yarn for another square for Tunnocks but I think I will so that will hopefully be finished today and then I'll get a parcel in the post.

PUGaLUGS · 24/01/2017 15:04

KnottyAndPistey sent mine today - forgot to say inside who it is from but my house no and postcode are on the back of the bag. Have also enclosed squares with it for Candy's Hugs. Pink/white postal bag.

SpiralArchitect · 24/01/2017 16:11

Madison - thank you! Blush

I'm entirely self-taught; been knitting since I was small, but didn't start hooking until I was about 30, then had a long break and didn't start again until I discovered Woolly Hugs.

If you're anywhere near Kent, I'd be happy to help!

KnottyAndPistey · 24/01/2017 16:15

Afternoon lovely Woollies. Could someone pop round with cake?

I have tea Brew

OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 24/01/2017 17:30

More woolly treasure arriving safely and cards for the family, heartfelt thanks Thanks

Thanks Mummylin Super snuggly, gorgeous garter knit squares in a soft blue. Beautiful. Star

Thanks DutchOma Beautiful in apple green Oma has knitted the family’s initials. Truly fabulous. Star

Thanks BT In blue, taupe and cream, wonderful crochet , beautiful designs, inc a super heart. Star

Thanks yddraigoldragon Gorgeous traditional granny crochet in teal, blue and cream, beautiful. Star

Thanks Starsorwater Beautiful knitted designs in apple green inc Mickey the cat, a shamrock, wonderful textures, lovely Star

Thanks Wolfiefan Gorgeous knits, lovely textures in silver, blue and teal. Wonderful. Star

Thanks bookbook Beautiful in cream, a super knit, love the texture. Star

Thanks Wolfiefan Gorgeous knits, lovely textures in silver, blue and teal. Lovely. Star

Thanks PicardsCombOver Beautiful in taupe, crochet squares, gorgeous. Star

Thank you so much everyone, how wonderful you are Thanks

OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 24/01/2017 17:30

Gin Dill, gin x

OP posts:
ChipInTheSugar · 24/01/2017 19:21

CakeCakeCake for K&P Smile

Zhx3 · 25/01/2017 00:15

Just popping back on to say how utterly in awe I am of these beautiful squares! One day I hope to become not just a donor but also a crafter!

PicardsCombOver · 25/01/2017 03:47

I have been practicing for days and finally have my tight stitching sorted, 4 balls of wool on their way in lavender and meadow Grin
All butter madeira anyone? Cake

KnottyAndPistey · 25/01/2017 08:17

Zhx3

Do it!

:)

OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 25/01/2017 08:18
Grin
Woolly Hugs. A Blanket for the very lovely Tunnocks, also known as thatscottishconfection. Crafters and donors, we need your help
OP posts:
MadisonAvenue · 25/01/2017 12:31

Spiral thank you but I'm quite a distance from you. I had a little go while watching a tutorial last night and mastered a single chain stitch Grin There's a book winging it's way from Amazon too, should be here between 6 and 10 this evening!

K&P I love that!
I've mailed my squares to you this morning, they're in a parcel with Candy's squares and also some items for the Refugee Project.

ChippingInLovesWoollyHugs · 26/01/2017 00:25

MrsDilligaf. The one I wrote out?

🤔😖. I hope it's ok. I don't use a pattern, I just knit it. I'd better knit it from the pattern I wrote on here...is there a specific problem or is it just too hard to follow? I must have made it too complicated because it's actually very easy to knit Eek.

ChippingInLovesWoollyHugs · 26/01/2017 02:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

KnottyAndPistey · 26/01/2017 09:40

Morning loves :)

OP posts:
ChippingInLovesWoollyHugs · 26/01/2017 13:05

Afternoon K&P Brew

ChippingInLovesWoollyHugs · 26/01/2017 13:08

K&P. Is the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino 18002 (called white but very cream) ok for Tunnock's blanket or not?

If not, is it ok for any of the other projects?

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 26/01/2017 14:25

My two squares are going in the post this afternoon - I hope they will be there in time for the deadline (it's Saturday, isn't it?).

There are four Candy Hug squares in there too.