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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 · 02/07/2025 12:23

@Chersfrozenface - those are lovely squares!

KnottyAndPistey · 02/07/2025 13:55

Beautiful treasures! Thank you

OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 02/07/2025 13:55

@Myfridgeiscool - have done. Thank you

OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 02/07/2025 13:57

It was my birthday last month @MadisonAvenue so I’m game for a birthday card and Nike card 😁

OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 02/07/2025 14:00

Star Beautiful treasures arriving by hand and for a cuppa! Stunning crochet. Love the hearts and check out that teeny chef’s hat! Thank you so much lovely @TheNinjaGooseIsHooking

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 02/07/2025 14:09

Star Absolutely lush in greens. Beautifully knitted and gorgeous textures. Thank you so much lovely @Igneococcus Flowers

and chocolate! 😍

thank you!

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 02/07/2025 14:18

Star Beautifully textured jasmine and waffle stitch; a fantastic lattice pie and steak! Now I’m HUNGRY! Absolutely fantastic. Thank you so much much lovely @teawamutu Flowers

Thank you of the offer to make more, when we get to the end of the crafting stage, maybe if there are any themes missing I’ll come back.Thank you!

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
OP posts:
Myfridgeiscool · 02/07/2025 15:23

There’s so many talented crafters on here, love the pie!

Thanks for the PM @KnottyAndPistey, squares shall be in the post tomorrow.

Chersfrozenface · 02/07/2025 16:16

Thank you for the PM, @KnottyAndPistey. My squares will also be in the post tomorrow.

MercyChant66 · 02/07/2025 17:08

These mossy squares will be very happy to play a supporting role to the showstoppers that we've seen so far! Sending love and strength to Swash in every stitch though. I decided on moss stitch because of the lovely description of the cottage by the river - I imagined verdant banks along which she would walk with her family. Could I have the postal address @KnottyAndPistey ? Many thanks for organising us so well.

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
WoollyHugsAreTheBest · 02/07/2025 17:21

Myfridgeiscool · 01/07/2025 17:30

Here’s my blue, grey squares. Thanks so much to the lovely person who sent the wool to me. I’ve sat in the garden under the brolly doing these.
Could you please PM the address @KnottyAndPistey.

Lovely squares! With warm, sunny days in them too!

WoollyHugsAreTheBest · 02/07/2025 17:23

MadisonAvenue · 01/07/2025 20:49

This blanket is going to be beautiful ❤️

I’ve sent my squares today, or at least I hope I have. I did the Royal Mail collection thing where they bring the sticky label and also had a birthday card collected at the same time. They didn’t bring the labels though, the postman just had A4 printed sheets for each, obviously not sticky, which he just wrapped around each item and ‘secured’ with much too big elastic bands. He did say that there would be labels but I’m not confident that the items will actually get as far as being labelled before slipping out of the elastic bands. It all seemed a little half-arsed.
Long story short, you may get a birthday card and a Nike voucher 🤦🏼‍♀️😂

Oh no. I wouldn't have let him take them without writing the address on the envelope & mine in the back! Did you do that??

WoollyHugsAreTheBest · 02/07/2025 17:26

@Chersfrozenface they are lovely squares & look very neat to me!!

ifIwerenotanandroid · 02/07/2025 17:27

My squares, to be posted tomorrow (same address as previous WHugs?).

Teddy bear was adapted from the YouTube teddy square by undefinable camellia. Pentagons for the football came from 'Every Way with Granny Crochet' by Julia Madill - first 2 rows, then bodged a bit. Everything else completely my bodging IIRC.

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
WoollyHugsAreTheBest · 02/07/2025 17:30

KnottyAndPistey · 02/07/2025 14:00

Star Beautiful treasures arriving by hand and for a cuppa! Stunning crochet. Love the hearts and check out that teeny chef’s hat! Thank you so much lovely @TheNinjaGooseIsHooking

Particularly live the green heart one on the right with the bubble stitch!!

obviously not at all jealous she's within cuppa distance 🤢

might have to do the long drive up (with supplies!!) for Gin Time Gin

WoollyHugsAreTheBest · 02/07/2025 17:33

MercyChant66 · 02/07/2025 17:08

These mossy squares will be very happy to play a supporting role to the showstoppers that we've seen so far! Sending love and strength to Swash in every stitch though. I decided on moss stitch because of the lovely description of the cottage by the river - I imagined verdant banks along which she would walk with her family. Could I have the postal address @KnottyAndPistey ? Many thanks for organising us so well.

Lovely squares & thoughts behind the use of the moss stitch!

WoollyHugsAreTheBest · 02/07/2025 17:35

ifIwerenotanandroid · 02/07/2025 17:27

My squares, to be posted tomorrow (same address as previous WHugs?).

Teddy bear was adapted from the YouTube teddy square by undefinable camellia. Pentagons for the football came from 'Every Way with Granny Crochet' by Julia Madill - first 2 rows, then bodged a bit. Everything else completely my bodging IIRC.

Fab!! Especially love the plate of cakes!!

Boiledbeetle · 02/07/2025 17:59

I am blown away by everyone squares. As someone who never could get the hang of knitting or crocheting I'm stunned.

So all I can do is keep you updated on the gerbils version...

One of the gerbils had been caught ordering in pre-made Blanket squares. Of course it all kicked off below stairs with some of the other gerbils having a right go.

(They know who they are, and they've been spoken to)

Anyway after she burst into tears it turned out she'd really struggled and was very embarrassed about how her square had turned out.

After a group hug Granny Gibb the old and wise knitting mistress explained how it's about the love and effort you put in and not the quality of your stiches.

She has now handed in her finished square.

Can we all give her extra hugs when we see her tonight.

And can someone go find her square and stop it unravelling.

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
inkymoose · 02/07/2025 20:56

ifIwerenotanandroid · 02/07/2025 17:27

My squares, to be posted tomorrow (same address as previous WHugs?).

Teddy bear was adapted from the YouTube teddy square by undefinable camellia. Pentagons for the football came from 'Every Way with Granny Crochet' by Julia Madill - first 2 rows, then bodged a bit. Everything else completely my bodging IIRC.

So beautiful, Android ❤️

IoWfairy · 02/07/2025 21:55

I love that this blanket is shaping up to be such a mosaic of significance for @Swashbuckled. I’ve done a few of these Woolly Hugs and this is the first that has ever had support rodents (if that’s the right way to refer to these wonderfully helpful gerbils?).

Boiledbeetle · 02/07/2025 23:47

IoWfairy · 02/07/2025 21:55

I love that this blanket is shaping up to be such a mosaic of significance for @Swashbuckled. I’ve done a few of these Woolly Hugs and this is the first that has ever had support rodents (if that’s the right way to refer to these wonderfully helpful gerbils?).

The gerbils are suddenly feeling all bashful.

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
Boiledbeetle · 02/07/2025 23:53

They are also very good at hugs.

Here they are with Swash the other day.

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
WoollyHugsAreTheBest · 03/07/2025 02:39

Boiledbeetle · 02/07/2025 17:59

I am blown away by everyone squares. As someone who never could get the hang of knitting or crocheting I'm stunned.

So all I can do is keep you updated on the gerbils version...

One of the gerbils had been caught ordering in pre-made Blanket squares. Of course it all kicked off below stairs with some of the other gerbils having a right go.

(They know who they are, and they've been spoken to)

Anyway after she burst into tears it turned out she'd really struggled and was very embarrassed about how her square had turned out.

After a group hug Granny Gibb the old and wise knitting mistress explained how it's about the love and effort you put in and not the quality of your stiches.

She has now handed in her finished square.

Can we all give her extra hugs when we see her tonight.

And can someone go find her square and stop it unravelling.

Your talent is very much appreciated 😍

SpiralArchitect · 03/07/2025 14:37

In the post today, made with much love - one heart and a sunburst of ombre blues, taupe and cream.

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
inkymoose · 03/07/2025 14:46

SpiralArchitect · 03/07/2025 14:37

In the post today, made with much love - one heart and a sunburst of ombre blues, taupe and cream.

Both beautiful, but I absolutely love the heart square. I wish I could crochet, but knitting is as far as I am able to go - crocheting is an alien craft to me.

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