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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. We need your help. We are making a blanket for the family of the wonderful Oldsilver.

275 replies

KnottyAndPistey · 02/05/2019 17:30

Just devastating. Like many we just couldn’t take it in that Oldsilver had died so suddenly and unexpectedly from a heart attack in April. Utterly shocking. Words really do fail, we are just so very sorry life has been so cruel to her and truly devastating for her DH, young son, family and friends. She was a total legend here on Mumsnet, posting on many boards, but her true love was with the Nobdies, and they too will miss her terribly.

We are so pleased to say that her DH has accepted our offer of a Woolly Hug, and we hope that he and their son will feel our love and support and that the blanket may give whatever comfort it can to them.

There is a thread here if you would like to post…

Oldsilver was devoted to her husband (P) and son (D) – their initials would be great. The initial ‘H’ is also significant for her. As well as her family, her great loves were her garden and veg patch, and a tortoise called Brian. She also loved elephants, dragons, biscuits, cider, ferrero rocher, cider, 1980s pop and fashion (!).

She adored flowers, and her favourite colours were blue and purple – any bold colours but NOT PINK!

A favourite photo of her, which her DH has allowed us to post, is this one of her going to a formal do dressed as a bottle of Hooch. She had the most brilliant sense of humour

She was very into stationery and kept meticulous lists and records. On MN she was the keeper of all the Nobdie archives, and instigator of many evenings listening to the Wurzels. Her name was inspired by the silver rings she wore.

Thanks

What an amazing woman. How lucky we were to know her. We want to make her Woolly Hug a real tribute and celebration, please join us?

We shall need crocheters, knitters and donors. If you would like to donate wool or funds, we can match you up. If you would like to join in but need donated wool, we can help there too. Please message with your offer of help.

There are lots of ideas for squares, if you can, but simple squares made with love are equally loved and cherished

The yarn we will be using
Debbie Bliss Rialto DK
Drops Merino Extra Fine DK
Jenny Watson Pure Merino DK
Katia Merino 100% DK
King Cole Luxury Merino DK
Sublime Extra Fine Merino Wool 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 - Artesano Superwash Merino DK, 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 - Wool Warehouse, Wise Badger, Laughing Hens all v good and stock our brands.

Colours
Garden greens, so think apple, pistachio, Drops green.
Mid to light silvers
Accents/Embellishments…..Bright blues, orange and purples. Red too, (one of these two please, Drops Merino Extra Fine 11 Red, or Jenny Watson Pure Merino DK WM6 ‘Ruby’ please, and Yellow but this one please… Drops merino extra fine DK no 24 ‘light yellow’

** NB definitely NOT pinky purple, not even bolder shades please.

Squares to be six inches, using 4mm needles or hook, 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 or complex, made by beginner or expert, we genuinely welcome them all. It really is the love and thought for Oldsilver and her family that counts. Thanks

When ready for posting, it will be the Teddington address, if you would like to include a card for the family, please do, we will pass it on.

Sending so much love to OldSilver’s son and DH and all who love and miss her xxx

Woolly Hugs. We need your help. We are making a blanket for the family of the wonderful Oldsilver.
OP posts:
Thread gallery
25
WitchDancer · 11/06/2019 15:22

I can't see it either, but I'm sure it's fabulous 😁

TheWoollybacksWife · 11/06/2019 16:06

I'm going to try posting the photo again. I think there were tech problems yesterday/this morning.

TheWoollybacksWife · 11/06/2019 16:14

Lets see if this works...

Woolly Hugs. We need your help. We are making a blanket for the family of the wonderful Oldsilver.
WitchDancer · 11/06/2019 17:03

That worked, I was right it's beautiful 😍

bookbook · 11/06/2019 18:01

lovely! :)

TheSquatLobster · 11/06/2019 18:37

I've been held up by other stuff but I've got back to my squares today & I'm hoping to get them finished and in the post tomorrow.

And you're right bookbook, you can always have plenty of carrots

3luckystars · 12/06/2019 22:14

Wow, you are all very talented.

MsYamada · 13/06/2019 18:29

Hi, sorry I missed the post today, my 3 will be on their way tomorrow.

TheWoollybacksWife · 13/06/2019 18:36

Mine went into the post today. I used the self service tills at the post office for the first time so I wait with baited breath to find out that they have arrived safely.

KnottyAndPistey · 13/06/2019 20:16

Hello, darlings.

Worry not about being a few days late.

All is good
😊😘

OP posts:
Munxx · 13/06/2019 22:20

Have completed mine, will endeavour to get in post on Saturday.

SpiralArchitect · 14/06/2019 11:32

Posted this morning, despite PO self-service machine having multiple hissy fits!

Woolly Hugs. We need your help. We are making a blanket for the family of the wonderful Oldsilver.
WhenDoISleep · 14/06/2019 14:15

Just posted mine (plus some very late squares for the blanket for AliceRR Blush).

RaptorInaPorkPieHat · 15/06/2019 13:33

Just checking in....... mine are "done" except for sewing in the ends. Had a hectic couple of weeks and before I knew it we were at the dead line.

I absolutely pinkie swear to get them all packaged up and in the post on Monday. have some Chocolate and Wine by way of an apology Wink

RaptorInaPorkPieHat · 15/06/2019 13:36

Obvs not PINKIE swear! more Chocolate

KnottyAndPistey · 19/06/2019 15:58

Hola! I have been gadding about New York, New York, but am cracking on with trying to catch up! Just about to post EPIC thanks Thanks

OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 19/06/2019 16:05

More beautiful woolly treasure has arrived, thank you so much to everyone, just gorgeous. Thanks

Thanks Stiggy So beautiful, real treasure a granny with a heart at the centre in silver and purple, gorgeous square in green and a traditional granny in silver, green and purple. Star

Thanks Spindelina Amazing crochet, gorgeous textured knit, beautiful 3D flowers and a half full glass of cider with apples, its so clever! Star

Thanks SoMuchtoBits and her plastic pal NormantheForeman! Beautiful treasure indeed, on silver and green garter knits, one with the family’s initials embroidered, the other with her 'oldsilver’ rings on. Perfect. Star

Thanks SpiralArchitect Totally beautiful, as posted up thread,
one a 3D flower in purple and green with a tiny yellow centre, the other in bold blues on green. Utterly glorious. Star

Thanks AW We’ve got a Hooch bottle!! It’s brilliant, in crochet on a dark purple, a stunning 3D sunflower on green, beautiful 3D flower, heart and a solid granny, just fabulous. Star

Thanks AR Such a beautiful stitch in pistachio green, it’s glorious, like planted flowers in a row, what is this? Star

Thanks SDTG Her stunning trademark squares, a beautiful knitted flower one in a bold green on a vibrant orange and the other in the reverse colour scheme, wonderful. Star

Thanks SquatLobster Carrots! So fantastic, beans and cabbages too all gloriously 3D and a fantastic turquoise 3D flower. So amazing! Star

Thanks WhenDoISleep Gorgeous in silver and greens, two mitred corners, one a stripe, just beautiful. Star

Thanks RaptorinaPorkPieHat Utterly gorgeous crochet, 3D flowers, in pruple, bold blues, with yellow or orange centres. Love, love, love. Star

Thanks MrsYamada Just marvellous, beautiful crochet designs a granny heart square, traditional and solid grannies too, in a soft pistachio green and a lavender too. Beautiful. Star

Thanks WoollyBacksWife Her 'One winged dragon’ as posted up thread, it's fabulous, loves it! Star

Thank you so much for al the cards for the family, do remember lovely donors if you'd like to send one to, please do, just PM for the address. Do have a red card of doom here, so if anyone's squares aren't listed they are tucked up with the nice posty lady.

This blanket is going to be rightfully stunning, thank you everyone xxx

OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 19/06/2019 16:06

Our preliminary deadline has gone, does anyone need an extension? We'd rather you were included if you need a few more days

Gin
OP posts:
NormanTheForeman · 19/06/2019 20:19

Ah, pleased they arrived ok! Sounds like the blanket will be fab! Smile

CJCregg · 19/06/2019 22:26

Glad they arrived safely. Mine's the Hooch Grin

Pteroyawn · 19/06/2019 22:36

I do! I've made a brilliant Brian the tortoise. I'll try and post mine tomorrow

Zhx3 · 19/06/2019 22:44

Such beautiful squares. OldSilver's blanket still be stunning, I hope it brings her comfort.

Zhx3 · 19/06/2019 22:45

OldSilver's family Flowers.

NormanTheForeman · 19/06/2019 22:51

Your Hooch is amazing, CJ!

IamAR · 19/06/2019 22:54

This is embarrassing but in answer to your question I have no recollection of what pattern I used Blush and didn't take a photo.