Woolly Hugs. Billie’s Butterfly Blankets for a London Children’s Hospice

[KnottyAndPistey]

This is a very special project to help support bereaved families at a London children’s hospice.

We have been approached by lovely MrsDV who works here asking if we can make special blankets for the bed in their Butterfly Suite (post bereavement room) so these will be used to to dress the bed with. We are so glad she did. At an intensely bleak and dark time there is still something very positive and personal that together we can do for the child and their family.

Our blankets are always handmade with love and compassion and so are perfect. We can help care for the whole family at this time by covering the child in bed so they look comfortable and cosy whilst sending love and a hug to their bereaved parents. Loved and looked after.

The hospice would like to have these blankets in hand for time to come so that they can be ready.

We need your help to achieve this for them, we always say love in every stitch and it will be true again this time, thank you so much if you feel you can help. Our aim is to make four single bed sized blankets, two suitable for younger children and two for older. The hospice have asked for soft colours and with a butterfly theme

If you’d like to donate funds to help us achieve this, please message us, or if you need resources to take part then do let us know. We don’t want anyone unable to take part due to cost.

Crafting info

We will be using Stylecraft Special DK as blankets will need to be very practical, six inch squares made using 4mm hook or needles. Knit or crochet equally welcome.

The colours…
Duck egg, grape, sage, storm, parchment, pale rose, raspberry, cloud blue, sherbert.

NB – Just these please, no blocking of squares and please knot off sturdily when changing colours or finishing, leave a good end and use a needle to sew in the peskies.

Simple squares are very welcome, but if looking for an idea for theme, these are their suggestions…

Butterflies/Hearts
Teddies, cars, toys, cats etc
Stars, leaves, feathers etc

Last posting please to be Saturday 14th October

Thank you doesn’t seem enough, but the most enormous thank you.

I too would love to help with a little financial contribution to this very special project.
One day I'd like to donate practically with squares but for now I'll help how I can

This is my menagerie.

They are really lovely Spindelina

Spin - they are fabulous - love the lion!
Where on earth are you finding the time with your little velcro baby ( not so little now I suppose :)

Thanks! I'm particularly pleased with the butterfly - I made that up as I went along.

book I'm doing crochet with the Velcro baby on my lap! He's still dinky (8lb6 two weeks ago).

Madison. What sort of holiday are you going to be having? The first time you've been on holiday, alone, with DH in 25 years 😳 That'll make you or break you 🤣 Best you have a secret stash 🍫🍾

diamantegal. It's versatile 😊 It can be whatever people want it to be...a star one day, a snowflake another x

Amethyst. Plain squares are absolutely needed. The blankets would be way too busy if every square was a busy one.

raeray. 🦋💰💕

Spin. Fab as always! I'm still very envious of cling on cuddles! Do you have a link to the Lion square? I know a little girl who'd love it!

K&P...heading off for a nosy on FB...

Spin those are gorgeous!!

Diamante it really doesn't matter, it's lovely!

Chipping with this username where else but New York? My favourite place in the world. Sort of a combination celebration holiday for my husband's big birthday and our 20th wedding anniversary (we were married there so it's a special place for us). It's a bit earlier in the year than both occasions but I randomly* came across a really good price on the Virgin website so booked it.

*it was raining and I was bored.

Madison sounds like you'll have a great break.

Chipping I found the lion on Ravelry, but it's here. I sewed over the back of the loop stitches to keep them in place.

Morning
its wet here, so I am organising my wool
Madison - that sounds like a fabulous holiday - when do you go? - Hope you are totally recovered from being ill before you go ( very bad when you don't even eat chocolate)
Chipping - fb is full of lovely pictures of squares . Hope you are doing okay ?
Spin - a nice size still to cuddle :)

book we don't go for another 174 days. Not that I have a countdown running on my phone or anything like that
I've already looked up yarn shops in the city. We're travelling light though and just taking carry on bags but last time I was there I'd gone on my own and had no one to rein me in so I was fine on the way out but all good intentions of coming back without checking luggage in went right out of the window and I had to buy another bag.

Madison - ha- carry on bags - you will need poacher jackets !

Madison of course, where else 🍎 It sounds fab. 174 uncounted days 😂 How long are you going for? Of course you only need carry on bags. The vast array of suitcases there it would be a crying shame not to bring two BIG ones back with you.

Isn't it simply amazing what just randomly appears on your screen when you go looking for it I haven't been to NY for ages...I was thinking about 15 years, but having just counted, it was before you got married . It really doesn't seem like that many years ago. Where the hell does the time go?

Spin. Thank you 。😊

bookbook. I really need to set up a new Facebook account so I can see the page properly, it's difficult with the stupid 'sign up' banner across it. [I have an old facebook account that I don't use (& don't want to because it would open several cans of worms)] so I need to open up a new email account & that's such a bloody faff! I'm 'ok' thanks. Same old x

Morning loves

Evening K/P 🍷

You won't be struggling to keep up with the chat on this thread! Everyone must be far too busy making 🌷🌸🦋🚘🥁🚂&🔷's

Do you still need more squares? I have been busy with other things, but these are on my list.

Morning - Once, at the mo we have no idea what will arrive at the deadline, so if you can, then yes please xxxx

evening
I have managed to get another butterfly made ( last one ) - they will be posted off tomorrow with some other bits and pieces

Sneaked these 2 squares in with the Candy's squares I posted on Saturday. More to follow nearer the deadline.

I've got some to send, I think there are about 20. Been a bit stressy lately with the hospital dragging their feet concerning our son's treatment (or the lack of it!!) so the only thing to do to calm my mind has been to crochet.

Chipping I wish I knew where the time went! It's scary just how quickly the years pass.

Madison - sounds like a horrible time for you

Thanks book, it's been dragging on for a year now and it's not like it's something new, it's due to a hereditary condition so it's been known since birth. He needs surgery which is the standard treatment, it's not a new procedure as I had it myself 15 years ago, the surgeon agrees it needs doing, his paediatrician agreed too. For over a month now his case has been batted back and forwards between another paediatrician and a haematologist, neither of whom communicate very well it seems.
Anyway, I've made a nuisance of myself this week, and I've been told this morning that conversations have taken place and the surgeon has slotted us into his clinic tomorrow evening. I'm now utterly terrified that they've decided not to operate when he definitely needs it doing.

On a positive note, I've just crocheted a butterfly 🦋

I have a couple to send, which HQ should I send to? I have both addresses

Raven I'm sending a parcel to the TW postcode this afternoon.

Thank you Madison, I have some Candy squares too so they can all go together.

Why did I call you Raven and not Amethyst?? I've only just noticed that. So sorry, it looks so rude.

I've just restarted doing some Candy squares so will save those for the next time.