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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
KnottyAndPistey · 21/07/2025 13:22

Afternoon folks.

StarOne parcel today and it’s a beautifully knitted fox from lovely @SionnachRuadh via @ifIwerenotanandroid Really skilful work. Gorgeous. And three adorable Little Hugs too! Glorious. 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 · 21/07/2025 13:23

As far as I can see, I’m waiting for @SpringSparrow’s parcel and @ExtensivelyDecluttering’s

is there anyone else?

OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 21/07/2025 13:24

Maud just drove my son and his friends to Stansted. Saved me a three hour round trip. Bless. Just needed a cushion (or 7) to be able to see out the front

OP posts:
JamieFrasersSassenach · 21/07/2025 13:44

Hi @KnottyAndPistey- small package from me should be with you? 5 crochet squares

AlexandraLeaving · 21/07/2025 13:49

KnottyAndPistey · 21/07/2025 13:24

Maud just drove my son and his friends to Stansted. Saved me a three hour round trip. Bless. Just needed a cushion (or 7) to be able to see out the front

That's a long old journey for a short-legged gerbil. I suspect Maud will be looking for more napping and TV time later today.

Bearfrills · 21/07/2025 14:09

KnottyAndPistey · 21/07/2025 13:23

As far as I can see, I’m waiting for @SpringSparrow’s parcel and @ExtensivelyDecluttering’s

is there anyone else?

Mine is on its way, sent first class and the postie's bag went on the trolley for collection this afternoon so will be winging it's way.

ifIwerenotanandroid · 21/07/2025 17:06

Just wanted to add that the fox is from this pattern for a beaded friendship bracelet:

https://www.braceletbook.com/patterns/alpha/89691/

& that there are many beautiful & useful small designs on that w/s.

Well done on the driving, Maud!

Alpha pattern #89691 | BraceletBook

Alpha friendship bracelet pattern #89691 added by b-coops13. fox cute foxy animal woodland.

https://www.braceletbook.com/patterns/alpha/89691/

lcakethereforeIam · 21/07/2025 17:31

Was it Myrtle who was into booknooks? I'm being haunted by another iteration of that type of craft. Google Tiny Treehouses if you wish to check them out. Although one brief glance at the website and they'll follow you for days.

Eta sorry, this should be in the Bluestocking thread. Fife is leaving me discombobulated. Although I'll take this opportunity to 😍at all the art I've seen on this thread.

MyrtleLion · 21/07/2025 17:34

I have three booknooks waiting for my knitting obsession to abate.

Oh dear...

They are very cute.

<must resist purchase>

Boiledbeetle · 21/07/2025 17:46

So she is making herself useful then!

She's just been checking on tea and says she's called you three times now to come and sit down.

The gerbils have made you bangers and mash.

With gravy. They are famed for their gravy, they have to deliver it yo us in bowsers in the Bluestocking!

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
KnottyAndPistey · 21/07/2025 18:21

I absolutely love mash

OP posts:
WoollyHugsAreTheBest · 21/07/2025 18:30

KnottyAndPistey · 18/07/2025 14:41

Maud has just bustled in with parcels. Stand by….

I'm very envious of your guests!

WoollyHugsAreTheBest · 21/07/2025 18:41

KnottyAndPistey · 19/07/2025 12:48

Star Oh my goodness! Absolutely wonderful blue stocking treasure! Little Ted comes out of his stocking. He’s approximately 12cm tall. Super cute and beautifully knitted. Thank you so much lovely @Aswithglad Flowers

What gorgeous squares!! @Aswithglad

Boiledbeetle · 21/07/2025 18:42

KnottyAndPistey · 21/07/2025 18:21

I absolutely love mash

You'll find not one single lump in it. They do good mash

WoollyHugsAreTheBest · 21/07/2025 18:43

KnottyAndPistey · 19/07/2025 13:09

AIBU to ask for advice on ending guest’s visit. Gerbil related.

Me, come January. 🤭

🤣🤣🤣I'll pay for the petrol for them
to come here 😘

WoollyHugsAreTheBest · 21/07/2025 18:44

KnottyAndPistey · 19/07/2025 13:11

Look how bloomin cute!

😍🥰😘❤️

WoollyHugsAreTheBest · 21/07/2025 18:48

inkymoose · 19/07/2025 19:51

Isn't this the most wonderful project. I am desperately sad for Swashy and Dr Swash, the most terrible loss for them, and here we are doing something together - making a woolly hug full of love and care. The squares are so lovely. It's magical seeing them each appear. I feel proud to be involved, and to make something so special yet practical for our friend, to try to comfort her and let her know we truly care.

Thank you @KnottyAndPisteyfor all your work, and everyone else here for your contribution, your thoughts and your loving kindness.

Absolutely. Your post came just at the right time too as I was feeling guilty at enjoying it so much. I hope Swash doesn't feel that takes away from her terrible loss 😘

Boiledbeetle · 21/07/2025 18:50

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/womens_rights/5376711-the-bluestocking-holding-the-line-and-losing-the-thread

The gerbils are they're to serve you whatever you wish. They'll also snuggle if you ask them nicely and it's not to busy.

You need to come to the Bluestocking pub, the gerbils have been having a quiet day as everyone was watching a tribunal.

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
ifIwerenotanandroid · 21/07/2025 18:59

WoollyHugsAreTheBest · 21/07/2025 18:43

🤣🤣🤣I'll pay for the petrol for them
to come here 😘

I'm sure @Boiledbeetle can send you a consignment of them right now. We have so many at the Bluestocking.

Why a couple of them can't get up a ladder & fix that sign, I'll never know.

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
FuzzyPuffling · 21/07/2025 19:15

Everyone is welcome at the Bluestocking Women's pub.
I can't knit, or crochet, or do AI pics, but it doesn't seem to matter too much.
We're in FWR.

ExtensivelyDecluttering · 21/07/2025 19:35

@FuzzyPuffling I've never posted although I've seen the threads. I am on several long running threads already and struggle to keep up hut I might pop in one day.

FuzzyPuffling · 21/07/2025 20:05

ExtensivelyDecluttering · 21/07/2025 19:35

@FuzzyPuffling I've never posted although I've seen the threads. I am on several long running threads already and struggle to keep up hut I might pop in one day.

Lovely! Gerbils at the ready...

WoollyHugsAreTheBest · 21/07/2025 21:45

FuzzyPuffling · 21/07/2025 19:15

Everyone is welcome at the Bluestocking Women's pub.
I can't knit, or crochet, or do AI pics, but it doesn't seem to matter too much.
We're in FWR.

👍🏻😍

WitchDancer · 21/07/2025 22:54

I don’t think mine has arrived yet @KnottyAndPistey. It was posted last thing Friday, so I’m hoping it will be with you tomorrow. Sorry it’s last minute but my excuse was I moved house…

KnottyAndPistey · 22/07/2025 09:53

Maud is back to pacing the hallway. Hoping for arrivals!

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