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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. 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
SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 27/06/2025 12:56

Mine went in the post yesterday - hopefully with you tomorrow, @KnottyAndPistey.

teawamutu · 27/06/2025 13:51

@KnottyAndPistey I DM'd but I know the alerts can be very discreet so belt and braces - could I have the posting address, please? Thank you.

Swashbuckled · 27/06/2025 15:35

@bookbook

Thank you so much for this beautiful, beautiful square.

It is so perfect, and wonderful to know it will be part of Bear’s blanket. I cannot imagine the work it took to create. I am so moved by what you have done. ❤️

bookbook · 27/06/2025 18:51

@Swashbuckled - I was very touched and honoured to have been trusted by KnottyAndPistey to make the square . I am so glad that it will bring comfort to you over the years .Love and strength for the road ahead are in that square from me Flowers

bookbook · 27/06/2025 18:58

@WoollyHugsAreTheBest - I was just reading back through the thread , ( I seem to have a much busier life than a few years ago and dont get onto MN much ) and saw your first post . I am so sorry to hear about your stroke , and do hope you are progressing back to where you would like to be . You are much too kind about my crafting xx

WoollyHugsAreTheBest · 27/06/2025 20:52

MyrtleLion · 27/06/2025 11:37

That is amazing. I just wet and blocked 9 squares for a Little Hug yesterday. They look brilliant now they are uniform, but the pinning too ages and I couldn't contemplate doing that for 99 squares.

Wow, haven't you found your stride!! 😍

WoollyHugsAreTheBest · 27/06/2025 20:57

bookbook · 27/06/2025 18:58

@WoollyHugsAreTheBest - I was just reading back through the thread , ( I seem to have a much busier life than a few years ago and dont get onto MN much ) and saw your first post . I am so sorry to hear about your stroke , and do hope you are progressing back to where you would like to be . You are much too kind about my crafting xx

Definitely not!

I'd love a little book of the Woolly Hugs squares & things you've done over the years. It would be amazing!! It's been such a long time... we need another WH meet up! Or we might have to go 'off piste' & just meet up!! 🤗

MyrtleLion · 27/06/2025 21:00

WoollyHugsAreTheBest · 27/06/2025 20:52

Wow, haven't you found your stride!! 😍

Thank you!

I tried something more ambitious with colour changes, but it left holes in the knitting.

I've watched a few videos but I still can't get it right. I'll pause for now and probably sew the Little Hug together over the weekend.

FluffandBuzz · 27/06/2025 21:02

KnottyAndPistey · 26/06/2025 16:29

Star Such beautiful crochet, loving the water and the fish. The navy square has such rich texture. Thank you so much lovely B Flowers

(Only have your real name. But please do claim!)

That's me, sorry I forgot to include my user name or take a photo for the thread myself!

I'm glad they arrived safely ❤️

WoollyHugsAreTheBest · 27/06/2025 23:51

MyrtleLion · 27/06/2025 21:00

Thank you!

I tried something more ambitious with colour changes, but it left holes in the knitting.

I've watched a few videos but I still can't get it right. I'll pause for now and probably sew the Little Hug together over the weekend.

Edited

That sounds like a good plan!

there are long running knitting/crochet threads on here & the wealth of knowledge is deep, they'll be able to help you when you're ready.

MyrtleLion · 28/06/2025 13:31

WoollyHugsAreTheBest · 27/06/2025 23:51

That sounds like a good plan!

there are long running knitting/crochet threads on here & the wealth of knowledge is deep, they'll be able to help you when you're ready.

Thank you!
I would really love to learn how to add colour mid-row, but I don't like stocking stitch and resources doesn't changing with garter stitch are difficult to find.

KnottyAndPistey · 28/06/2025 15:34

Afternoon folks. Huge hugs Swash xx

OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 28/06/2025 15:43

Star Using her own words here because she says it best. Beautiful treasure arriving. Thank you so much lovely @MyrtleLion Flowers

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.“

Its a triumph in yarn. On June 9th she was saying she hadn’t knitted in years. Love this.

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
OP posts:
MyrtleLion · 28/06/2025 15:49

KnottyAndPistey · 28/06/2025 15:43

Star Using her own words here because she says it best. Beautiful treasure arriving. Thank you so much lovely @MyrtleLion Flowers

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.“

Its a triumph in yarn. On June 9th she was saying she hadn’t knitted in years. Love this.

Oh thank you!

I'm so glad they have arrived xx

KnottyAndPistey · 28/06/2025 15:50

Star Beautifully representing water including rain. And a super stripe. Gorgeous colour work knits. Absolutely stunning. Thank you so much lovely @inkymoose Flowers

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 28/06/2025 15:55

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

I’ve been using these colours in grannies and added in the cream to contrast.

I also need to sew in my peskies (ends) That’s next 💙

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
OP posts:
inkymoose · 28/06/2025 16:10

KnottyAndPistey · 28/06/2025 15:50

Star Beautifully representing water including rain. And a super stripe. Gorgeous colour work knits. Absolutely stunning. Thank you so much lovely @inkymoose Flowers

Thank you dear @KnottyAndPistey! So pleased they have arrived safely 😊

MyrtleLion · 28/06/2025 17:34

I sewed my Little Hug and realised I had knitted more rows on some squares than on others. I will block it to straighten it, but I'm not sure if it's good enough to send in.

MyrtleLion · 28/06/2025 17:34

Picture would help!

MyrtleLion · 28/06/2025 17:36

Picture actually attached

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
KnottyAndPistey · 28/06/2025 19:24

Awwww. Adorable. Please send!

OP posts:
MercyChant66 · 28/06/2025 20:17

Blondeshavemorefun · 15/06/2025 07:25

@KnottyAndPistey I’ve just seen this. I would like to send some money to you for a woolly hug - let me know what a ball of wool costs now and will send over as I def can’t knit 😘

So sorry for The loss of @Swashbuckledlovely son Ted - I’ve always said a parent should never have to bury a child 😢

I was lucky enough to be chosen for a Woolly hug after my dh died.

This is now 14yrs ago but the blanket made with such love and care in every stitch is still a great comfort to me and soft to snuggle and wraps me in love 💜

so threads like these are close to my heart and if I ever see one I always want to donate

much love to all who help whether a knitter/crafted or a woolly gatherer

every square is knitted with love and then put together for a beautiful precious memory to snuggle you with love that is forever and even 14yrs on - I still am so touched by all who made for my dh 💜💜

@KnottyAndPistey you do such amazing work 💖💖

Oh Blondes, I know you well from your excellent PB thread but hadn’t realised you’d been a bereaved woolly hugs recipient too. I’m so sorry. I feel very privileged to be able to contribute just a little bit of crafted love here for Swash and am so glad you have your own blanket too. ❤️

MyrtleLion · 28/06/2025 20:17

KnottyAndPistey · 28/06/2025 19:24

Awwww. Adorable. Please send!

Thank you xx

Same address?

inkymoose · 28/06/2025 21:06

MyrtleLion · 28/06/2025 17:36

Picture actually attached

It's really gorgeous. Handmade with love, do send it in x

inkymoose · 28/06/2025 21:09

KnottyAndPistey · 28/06/2025 19:24

Awwww. Adorable. Please send!

Do you send off the little hugs as well, @KnottyAndPistey? Can they also be knitted in Merino wool, as I have some wool leftover ...

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