Please or to access all these features

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. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.

1000 replies

KnottyAndPistey · 08/06/2025 14:44

Desperately sad news, we are afraid, lovely Swashbuckled’s wonderful son Ted has died in a road traffic accident where he was a pedestrian. He was just 24, it is unspeakable sad, and we send much love to her and her daughter. There are no words really are there? It’s absolutely devastating. Lovely Swash is on a long running thread on Mumsnet and this request has come from lovely folk on there with her.

We are so glad Swash would like a Woolly Hug. For those new on here, this is a long standing tradition on Mumsnet where folk come together to make a blanket for one of our own who has been bereaved. We hope it may give whatever comfort it can. There will be love crafted into every stitch. We want it to be a tribute and full of memories.

So we are now asking for help once again. We shall need crafters and donors of funds and wool, can you help us? We’d be so grateful. Thank you so much.

Important crafting info
Squares to be six inches, using 4mm needles or hook. Please knot off VERY carefully when finishing or changing colour and sew your ends in, thank you! No blocking please, makes it much easier to join squares.
Simple or complex, made by beginner or expert, we genuinely welcome them all. It really is the love and thought that counts.

Ideas from lovely Swashbuckled, have copied some as quotes

Her son’s name is Ted and his friends gave him the nickname “Bear”.
Her daughter’s initials are HLF and Swashbuckled’s are SJF

“He lived with me, just the two of us.
We were extremely close and had an incredible bond.
He has always been so happy, cheerful, polite and loving. We always described him as “pure of heart” as his nature was so open and warm and he didn’t seem to have any of the complications that some of us struggle with.”

“His eyes were navy blue and he had dark brown hair. I think of him in those colours.”

“He was a chef. He led the team at work and the phrase he always used to motivate them on busy shifts was “In it together”. I think of him saying that phrase to me now, as we stick together through the rest of my life.”

“He has a small flat cap collection in his bedroom, which he has displayed with some football shirts.
He loved football and was loyal to his team (although they were in a lower league). His team play in red and white.
He enjoyed watching darts and had recently joined a local darts club. He bought a dart board for his room and experimented with different darts sets and was pleased with his progress.
He was saving up to buy his first house, and loved watching his savings build. He was good with money.

He loved news and politics.

He liked cooking at home too, where he could choose what to make, and experiment with different dishes.
He had just bought a new car, and only had it about three weeks. It was a black Mini Cooper countryman and he was so pleased with it, and proud of it. (It has just been taken back by the dealer, who was very kind.)
We lived together in a stone cottage by a small river. There is a little bridge from the lane that you walked over to the front of our house.”

We’d also love to have a bluestocking referenced square - really important. If you are unsure what this term means pls do a bit of research before undertaking.

So many ideas for themed squares, and we need simple squares too.

The Colours
Blues including navy
Silvers and greys
Taupes
Greens - nature inspired
Cream but only this one please Drops Merino Extra Fine - Off White (01)

Then to create the above ideas, so accents/ not whole squares
Dark browns
Black
Red, just this one please Drops Merino Extra Fine DK 11, Crimson red.

The Yarn we will be Using….
Debbie Bliss Rialto DK only available on Love Crafts
Drops Merino Extra Fine DK, currently on sale at Wool Warehouse
Katia Merino 100% DK
King Cole Luxury Merino DK
Yarnsmiths Merino DK Superwash - new to us and a BIG sale at Wool Warehouse. Loads of colours, looks exciting.

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 or have become less easy to find- Artesano Superwash Merino DK, Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK, Jenny Watson Pure Merino DK, Patons Merino Extrafine DK or James C. Brett Pure Merino DK in your stash, please do use them.

Posting will be Teddington, please message if you need the address. If you'd like to include a card for her family , please send with your squares. And please don't forget to include your name!

Thank you lovely crafters, thinking of lovely Swash and her family, and all who love and miss Ted.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
385
Myfridgeiscool · 22/06/2025 10:02

I’m an easy square person too!
18th July is great for me, thanks.

ifIwerenotanandroid · 22/06/2025 13:07

The date is OK for me (famous last words). I've finished 5 squares & have 3 complicated ones to finish, so fingers crossed I don't mess up. 😬

Love to dear Swashy.

inkymoose · 22/06/2025 13:18

KnottyAndPistey · 22/06/2025 09:14

Morning folk. Upthread we set the last posting date as….

Friday 18th July

Does this still sound good to people?

Sounds great to me.

I've finished the 3 squares I set out to make, but could happily knit some plain ones if you think more are needed? I was wondering if there might even be too many as so many amazing women are knitting and crocheting. Do you have an idea of the actual number being sent yet?

MyrtleLion · 22/06/2025 18:14

Two knitted squares in Blue Steel for the strength for Swashy to carry on.

A knitted square and a stocking stitch square in Caribbean Sea for Swashy's galleon.

They're not as good as some of the brilliant squares I've seen, but they were stitched with love.

Please PM me the address and I'll send them asap.

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
MyrtleLion · 22/06/2025 21:02

ifIwerenotanandroid · 18/06/2025 17:15

Also, for her advice on beginning & ending rows...

I showed this to my DM who said she feels touched that she’s famous in The Woolly Hugs. Thank you all ❤️

Yiayoula · 23/06/2025 06:21

MyrtleLion · 22/06/2025 18:14

Two knitted squares in Blue Steel for the strength for Swashy to carry on.

A knitted square and a stocking stitch square in Caribbean Sea for Swashy's galleon.

They're not as good as some of the brilliant squares I've seen, but they were stitched with love.

Please PM me the address and I'll send them asap.

Meaningful and made with love - that’s the essence of WH right there.❤️

Yiayoula · 23/06/2025 06:31

@MyrtleLion - I’ve PM’d you with the address for the squares x.

Chersfrozenface · 23/06/2025 08:40

I'm back from holiday, the wool is ordered. I'll be doing single colour squares but will try to vary the stitches.

MyrtleLion · 23/06/2025 11:10

Yiayoula · 23/06/2025 06:31

@MyrtleLion - I’ve PM’d you with the address for the squares x.

Thank you xx

Swashbuckled · 23/06/2025 12:05

Hi everyone.

I’ve been really struggling, and haven’t felt able to even opened mumsnet for a few weeks.

I’ve just seen the photos posted of the squares and they moved me to many tears.

They are so, so thoughtful and fitting to my beautiful boy. I will never be able to thank you enough for the care and love that you are all stitching into this blanket.

I cannot believe the care and talent. and I cannot find words that fit what I am feeling about you all.

Thank you so much. x

Boiledbeetle · 23/06/2025 12:32

Sending you virtual hugs @Swashbuckled

💙

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 23/06/2025 13:19

Hugs from me too, @Swashbuckled. ❤️

EdithStourton · 23/06/2025 13:58

Massive hugs, @Swashbuckled. I think of you whenever I sit down to work on a square, and in between times too.

We're all here when you need us.

ifIwerenotanandroid · 23/06/2025 15:32

Good to hear from you, @Swashbuckled . Take care of yourself.❤

Yiayoula · 23/06/2025 16:16

No thanks needed, @Swashbuckled.xxx

KnottyAndPistey · 23/06/2025 18:17

Swashbuckled · 23/06/2025 12:05

Hi everyone.

I’ve been really struggling, and haven’t felt able to even opened mumsnet for a few weeks.

I’ve just seen the photos posted of the squares and they moved me to many tears.

They are so, so thoughtful and fitting to my beautiful boy. I will never be able to thank you enough for the care and love that you are all stitching into this blanket.

I cannot believe the care and talent. and I cannot find words that fit what I am feeling about you all.

Thank you so much. x

Our love & thoughts are with you , Swash.

We always find it humbling, yet astonishing & so very hopeful that people can & will gather together like this . It always has been & will be an honour to create a loving tribute.
We, this wonderful community, will do our best for you & your Bear . X

OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 24/06/2025 09:15

Morning beautiful people Brew

OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 24/06/2025 09:16

Got some beautiful knits here. Just trying to establish the crafter. Bear with!

OP posts:
inkymoose · 24/06/2025 09:53

Dear @Swashbuckled, I think of you many times each day, and your daughter, and your beautiful boy. It is very much an honour to be part of this woolly-blanket-making community. I feel we are all connected through our compassion and love for you, and expressing this in a tangible way makes it even more real and vital.

I think it is not only something that makes us human but also connects us to the animal, physical world where we live. It is funny that this very strong, almost spiritual connection comes through something we can't see, we can't feel, we can't properly know really exists - via the portal (as it were) of the Internet, a mysterious and invisible place full of shallowness and spite with a bit of beauty thrown in, directly to our hearts and our imaginations.

Even if what you receive is just a very tiny little piece of what is sent, what is offered, the intention and the connection remain. You are there in my heart, and the kind actions of the woolly hugs community mean you're going to stay there.

Much love,
inky 🩵

KnottyAndPistey · 24/06/2025 13:15

Star Beautiful knits arriving. Absolute treasure. An initial T, gorgeous stripe and a heart. Thank you so much lovely @user1471538283 Flowers

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 24/06/2025 17:25

Star More treasure arriving today. Beautiful grannies in pale blue and grass green. (I have enough green to finish the fifth) and these are super. Only a real name on the back of the envelope. So someone please claim them! Thank you so much. Flowers

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 24/06/2025 17:30

I made a lil ombré- kinda one. The centre is more pistachio than yellow. I am thinking to make a matching one too.

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
OP posts:
inkymoose · 24/06/2025 17:41

KnottyAndPistey · 24/06/2025 17:30

I made a lil ombré- kinda one. The centre is more pistachio than yellow. I am thinking to make a matching one too.

Gorgeous 💚

WoollyHugsAreTheBest · 24/06/2025 21:07

KnottyAndPistey · 24/06/2025 17:30

I made a lil ombré- kinda one. The centre is more pistachio than yellow. I am thinking to make a matching one too.

Lovely 🥰

Boiledbeetle · 25/06/2025 08:53

With so much knitting going on the Bluestocking got the capybaras, (much better at construction than their gerbil sisters) to construct a new nook in the pub.

You can even see Swash's galleon through the window whilst you knit and crochet.

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

This thread is not accepting new messages.