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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.
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Thread gallery
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Munxx · 02/06/2019 23:23

Sorry for radio silence the wonderful MrsMozart provided me 11 balls of yarn! I have managed 20 squares thus far and and trying to do as many as possible. I see a dragon has been done so will continue with plain textured squares in honour of my darling Olds how I wish I could conjure more Nobs symbolism into them.

bookbook · 03/06/2019 08:27

oh Munxx - I am fairly sure another dragon would be very welcome :)

MrsMozartMkII · 03/06/2019 08:34

Wow! Such amazing skills you all have. Such beautiful work. I really am in awe.

Munxx I have no idea as to how much wool it takes to make a square. Please don't feel any pressure to turn all the balls into something!

WitchDancer · 03/06/2019 15:54

Mrs Mozart - 2 balls will make approximately 5 squares for future reference.

Munxx · 03/06/2019 17:37

MrsMozart I am very grateful and enjoying the choice of wool! I am sure any extra squares I send can be utilised for other projects. Thank you once again Smile

MrsMozartMkII · 03/06/2019 18:17

Ah ha! Thank you Witch Smile

Munxx Glad they're good! Smile

MrsJonesAndMe · 03/06/2019 18:48

Mine made it into the post this afternoon. Should be with you shortly.

CJCregg · 03/06/2019 22:42

Munxx surely you could do an autoclave? Grin

Taffeta · 04/06/2019 12:40

Munx - maybe this?! Grin

Olds loved the coathead.

Woolly Hugs. We need your help. We are making a blanket for the family of the wonderful Oldsilver.
NormanTheForeman · 04/06/2019 16:19

SoMuchToBits has dug out her knitting needles and made these two squares. She's not the most artistic of people, but wanted to make an effort for our Nobdie friend.

The first one is the initials of Oldsie and her dh and ds. The second symbolises the "oldsilver" rings Oldsie wore.

Please could someone pm me the address to send them to? We've never done a woolly hug before. Thank you!

Woolly Hugs. We need your help. We are making a blanket for the family of the wonderful Oldsilver.
Taffeta · 04/06/2019 22:37

They are wonderful Norm Flowers

NormanTheForeman · 04/06/2019 23:10

Thanks, Taff!

Just need an address to send them if anyone can oblige?

Iwantacampervan · 05/06/2019 07:21

Norman I've sent a message with the address - lovely squares.

NormanTheForeman · 05/06/2019 08:06

Thank you, campervan!

KnottyAndPistey · 05/06/2019 11:53

Morning!

Brew
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KnottyAndPistey · 05/06/2019 12:02

Oh! Sad

Just written up all the thanks and it has disappeared Sad

oh bear with Gin

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KnottyAndPistey · 05/06/2019 14:43

Beautiful woolly treasure has been arriving, huge thanks lovely crafters.. Thanks

Thanks bookbook Pictured up thread, an adorable green dragon on silver, a gorgeous knit Star

Thanks DutchOma Beautiful knits in apple green, the family’s three initials. Star

Thanks Whatsthatbrightlight Gorgeous textured knits, in silver and a rich deep purple, the initials too, marvellous Star

Thanks Iwantacampervan Stunning knits a clematis embellished square and three initials within hearts, beauties Star

Thanks PiggyPlumPie Two beautiful knits in apple green, the moss stitch and chinese waves, glorious. Star

Thanks no name A beautifully knitted heart design in apple green plus a green, silver and yellow stripe too, fabulous. Star

Thanks BT Gorgeous crochet designs in green and a silvery lavender, beautiful circle to squares, rich textures, fabulous. Star

Thanks MrsJones Beautiful crochet, silver, green and plush, lovely 3D flowers, trad and circle to square too, wonderful. Star

Thanks MNP As shown upthread, , beautiful puff stitch flowers and an embroidered flower too, in green and silver. Fabulous. Star

Thanks Witchdancer Stunning crochet in green and red, wonderful 3D flower, super grannies too, al marvellous. Star

Thanks PurpleFrog As shown up thread.. Beautiful flowers, and an adorable elephant, brilliant crochet. Star

Thank you so much everyone, just wonderful Thanks

Thank you so much everyone

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NormanTheForeman · 05/06/2019 17:08

SoMuch posted ours this afternoon. Should be with you shortly...

KnottyAndPistey · 05/06/2019 20:50

Thanks Norm

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KnottyAndPistey · 05/06/2019 20:50
Flowers
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KnottyAndPistey · 05/06/2019 20:51

GinSmile

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KnottyAndPistey · 07/06/2019 08:17

Morning! BrewBrew

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NormanTheForeman · 07/06/2019 19:32

Ooh, Brew! My favourite! Smile

TheWoollybacksWife · 10/06/2019 19:56

One winged dragon finished

bookbook · 11/06/2019 11:01

Thats a magic one winged dragon Woolly Grin - would love to see it!