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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

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Thread gallery
58
bookbook · 10/01/2017 22:19

I'm in - I have some Drops in blue still , and will check other colours .
I have read Tunnocks thread, so sending her my best wishes, and also for Five

Ginxed · 10/01/2017 22:54

I'm in, if you would like initials please let me know - yarn would be good for initials please but if initials are already in hand I have enough yarn to do a couple of random squares.

PeaceOfWildThings · 10/01/2017 23:12

I might try my hand at a crocheted carrot. I have these oranges, any of these the right onrs?

Woolly Hugs. A Blanket for the very lovely Tunnocks, also known as thatscottishconfection. Crafters and donors, we need your help
PeaceOfWildThings · 10/01/2017 23:18

Found another orange, far right. Much more carrot coloured, so I hope it is ok to use. :)

Woolly Hugs. A Blanket for the very lovely Tunnocks, also known as thatscottishconfection. Crafters and donors, we need your help
ChippingInLovesWoollyHugs · 10/01/2017 23:32

Bastard cancer.

Squares will be knitted with love & strength in every stitch xx

KnottyAndPistey · 11/01/2017 06:33

Morning all. Just off to PMs Thanks

Such an incredible response, we are blown away. Thank you xx

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JulesJules · 11/01/2017 07:26

Will knit. Have yarn xx

AmaDablam · 11/01/2017 08:24

Very sad news and such moving words from Tunnocks. Will crochet some squares x

KnottyAndPistey · 11/01/2017 11:24

Love the carrot Peace x

Thank you everyone Thanks

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KnottyAndPistey · 11/01/2017 11:53

We have a new cream to add to the list, it is Drops Merino Extra Fine 01

Apologies it got missed off, and it is one we are sending out to crafters today, so didn't want anyone to be confused. xx

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starsorwater · 11/01/2017 13:30

Have Debbie Bliss Rialto Apple, can I use that? It's a lovely green. Flowers for you Tunnocks, if you are there.

Crispyrelish · 11/01/2017 21:09

I PMs you yesterday Knotty. I'm a knitter and can donate 2 squares.

Very recently my DP has been diagnosed and we've started the arduous battle.

Sending thoughts and strength to you all Tunnocks, Five and LazySusanFlowers

mustbemad71 · 11/01/2017 21:19

Found some Debbie Bliss Rialto DK in my stash so will whip up some Babette squares. Have the ecru and blues and greens. Thinking of Tunnocks xxx

IAmNotAUserNumber · 11/01/2017 21:40

Is there a posting date for this blanket please, the contributions I mean?

thatscottishconfection · 11/01/2017 22:45

FlowersFlowersFlowersFlowersFlowers

Catzpyjamas · 11/01/2017 22:49

Hey Tunnocks, hope you're holding up Flowers

CafeAuLaitMerci · 11/01/2017 22:49

IAmNotAUserNumber. Not yet, but it's usually a month after the thread starts.

mustbemad71 · 12/01/2017 09:14

Squares in progress! Woolly Hugs regular, can I ask how many you aim to do as a contribution - is 3 enough?

Woolly Hugs. A Blanket for the very lovely Tunnocks, also known as thatscottishconfection. Crafters and donors, we need your help
MrsHathaway · 12/01/2017 09:18

In the FAQ they say they aim to get at least one square in from every participant, and if there are any leftovers they are saved for other projects. From memory a typical blanket could have a hundred squares.

I'm sure three is plenty! I'm not expecting to achieve more than two this time though.

bookbook · 12/01/2017 09:18

I am planning 2 or 3 depending on time constraints as much as anything mustbemad

bookbook · 12/01/2017 09:19

x -post! :)

mustbemad71 · 12/01/2017 09:31

Many thanks Mrs Hathaway and Books!

CakeUpWall · 12/01/2017 10:11

Have pm'ed.

All love to Tunnocks and her lovely family. xx

KnottyAndPistey · 12/01/2017 11:00

Huge hugs for lovely Tunnocks Thanks

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KnottyAndPistey · 12/01/2017 11:00

Morning Brew

Anyone snowed in yet?

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