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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. 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
MrsDilligaf · 26/01/2017 14:33

@chipping...I've sussed it! It wasn't working out because rows 1 & 2 were the same and it needed to be k5 p5 etc on row 1 then p5 k5 on row 2 Grin

Ammended pattern:

Cast on 37 stitches.

Row 1: k1. k5, p5, k5, p5, k5, p5, k5 (35 stitches), k1 (total 37 stitches)
Row 2: k1. p5, k5, p5, k5, p5, k5, p5 (35 stitches), k1 (total 37 stitches
Row 3: repeat row 1.
Row 4: repeat row 2.
Row 5: repeat row 1.
Row 6: repeat row 2.

Row 7: k1. p5, k5, p5, k5, p5, k5, p5 (35 stitches). k1 (total 37 stitches)
Row 8: k1. k5, p5, k5, p5, k5, p5, k5 (35 stitches), k1 (total 37 stitches)
Row 9: repeat row 7.
Row 10: repeat row 8.
Row 11: repeat row 7
Row 12: repeat row 8

These 12 rows makes up the pattern. Repeat these 12 rows approx 2.5 times (try to do a full 6 rows) - keep measuring! (For me that's 7 boxes across, 7 boxes down)

Cast off.

Using yarn needle, weave in loose ends.

BigApple11 · 26/01/2017 16:52

I thought the deadline was half term? Eeeek Shock

GrumpyInsomniac · 26/01/2017 18:10

Another one thinking deadline was more or less half term. Only got the yarn today, so hoping for a couple of days at least!

Anyway, will take my yarn to the pub with me this evening, so if last posting actually is Saturday I can at least get a couple of squares done :)

PurpleMcPants · 26/01/2017 18:13

Last posting for Tunnocks will be Saturday 18th February K&P said earlier...just gave me a heart attack reading Saturday! I've just started another square, that definitely won't be done by then!

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 26/01/2017 18:16

Sorry, @PurpleMcPants. Blush

LumelaMme · 26/01/2017 19:43

I'll be posting early next week. Have three done - but all v basic, nothing like some of the super stuff on here.

MrsDilligaf · 26/01/2017 22:39

Just started my third square.

I might only post 2 though because the first one I did is actually abysmal!

I need to join the Zombie thread. I have LOVED knitting and hope that this will be the start of a long and happy relationship with yarn.

K&P this is all your fault. When I'm surrounded by wool I shall blame you Grin

Brew
KnottyAndPistey · 27/01/2017 06:48

Morning loves Brew

Last posting for lovely Tunnocks is indeed Saturday 18th February, it is this Saturday for most of our ongoing projects.. That is what confused you lovely SDTG

yy blame us MrsD - we wont be able to hear you as we are already surround by wool :)

Chipping - it looks ok on the pics, its ben a long time since I've seen any DB cash dk, would say go for it, but maybe use it as accents to be sure?

OP posts:
TheGirlOnTheLanding · 27/01/2017 07:23

Just popped my head in to see what all you talented people have been doing - so chuffed to see my donation of wool transformed into loveliness. I wish I had your skills, but delighted I can sort of join in this way. Will get a card sent shortly and really looking forward to seeing pics of the finished hug. Love to Tunnocks and also to all you folk doing the hard work on the squares.

ChippingInLovesWoollyHugs · 27/01/2017 09:07

KnottyAndPistey Thu 19-Jan-17 15:55:44
Last posting for Tunnocks will be Saturday 18th February
Thank you everyone. thanks

It is BigApple. The other date is for pretty much all of the ongoing projects.

The dates are final posting dates too, not dates they have to be there by.

ChippingInLovesWoollyHugs · 27/01/2017 09:14

Sorry for the cross posting. My iPad isn't getting on very well with the site changes today. It's not updating threads until I've posted - very odd.

K&P. OK, I'll use it for accents or teddy might get a few new clothes! Though white/cream isn't the best colour for that! 😬 (It's not donor wool, I bought it, so it doesn't matter what it gets used for).

Brew. Magic Mug on the go for anyone who wants a 'whatever'. Mine's a latte & it might just have a splash of Bailey's in it. Only ever on days that end in y though, I'm not a total lush!

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 27/01/2017 11:54

Sorry, @KnottyAndPistey - I am very easily confused. Blush

I hope my squares will be with you either today or tomorrow. Dh posted them yesterday afternoon.

BigApple11 · 27/01/2017 14:35

Hello everyone SmileBrew I have finished my squares and they will be in the post tomorrow with a few for Candy's hugs too. K&P I have put this on the parcel so when you get it you will know what's in it.

Woolly Hugs. A Blanket for the very lovely Tunnocks, also known as thatscottishconfection. Crafters and donors, we need your help
MrsDilligaf · 28/01/2017 13:52

They are slightly lumpy and bumpy round the edges, and the wool has been chased around the lounge by the baby, but I did them!

I'm going to re-do my first one, because I am sure I can make it much prettier than it currently looks Grin

Brew & Cake all round.

Woolly Hugs. A Blanket for the very lovely Tunnocks, also known as thatscottishconfection. Crafters and donors, we need your help
MrsDilligaf · 28/01/2017 13:53

Not sure why the stripy one is so curly around the edges though Confused

ChippingInLovesWoollyHugs · 28/01/2017 14:58

MrsD. They're fab! They look very cosy!

I presume your first one isn't in the photo?

Knitting curls until you block it (not permitted with these squares) into submission or attach it to other knitting, it's all good. 😁

MrsDilligaf · 28/01/2017 15:59

Oh Nooooo - the first one (a garter stitch mitred square) got unravelled and is being re-knitted. I promised myself I would do three squares, and now I got the hang of it I will be posting three not-that-bad squares to K & P hopefully on Tuesday!

ChippingInLovesWoollyHugs · 28/01/2017 20:06

MrsD. I'm sure it will be as fabulous as the other two 😊

MrsDilligaf · 28/01/2017 20:24

You're so kind 😊 I've been adding patterns to my Pintrest board all afternoon!

ThumbWitchesAbroad · 28/01/2017 20:35

I'm so behind with all these threads - will PM you lovelies now and please let me help, if not too late xx

SpaghettiMeatballs · 28/01/2017 20:37

I need to get on with making my squares.

MrsDilligaf · 28/01/2017 21:50

K&P I've got about half a ball of Debbie Bliss - Mallard and about a third of a ball of Debbie Bliss - Lake left over.

I am happy to pop them into the post with my squares if they will come in handy for making up the blanket? If not I can practice crocheting with them.

Brew
MrsDilligaf · 29/01/2017 10:43

Ta Da!!

Dear Tunnocks and the little teacakes...I thought of you while knitting these. I think of you often and hope that even in these dark days you see a little chink of light

Flowers x

Woolly Hugs. A Blanket for the very lovely Tunnocks, also known as thatscottishconfection. Crafters and donors, we need your help
WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo · 29/01/2017 11:43

One chicken. Soooo many peskies! I just need to sew those in and do a little eye for him. The other one is a pattern called "fencing" but it seems quite a nice texture. Looks grey in the photo but it's Artesano green :)

MrsDilligaf mine are very curly too as you can see! Your squares look fab. Well done Star

Woolly Hugs. A Blanket for the very lovely Tunnocks, also known as thatscottishconfection. Crafters and donors, we need your help
Woolly Hugs. A Blanket for the very lovely Tunnocks, also known as thatscottishconfection. Crafters and donors, we need your help
ChippingInLovesWoollyHugs · 29/01/2017 22:19

MrsD. Fabulous! Well done you 💐

Leslie. WhatWould WWLKD. Hmmm...I'm working on it. I LOVE your chicken, it's fabulous! 😁 The other square looks great too, it looks really cosy & full of hugs!