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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
ifIwerenotanandroid · 22/07/2025 12:14

KnottyAndPistey · 22/07/2025 09:53

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

She's having the time of her life!

KnottyAndPistey · 22/07/2025 14:33

Treasure has landed. Stand by….

OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 22/07/2025 14:38

Star Good news and glad these beauties are accounted for and safe. Beautiful crochet in a soft blue from lovely @ExtensivelyDecluttering Flowers

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 22/07/2025 14:40

Star Really super. Beautiful crochet treasure in a soft turquoise/teal from lovely JS. Fabulous* *Flowers

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 22/07/2025 14:42

Star It’s the same rich blue! I’m not sure how best to describe it, except delicious. Beautiful crochet treasure from lovely AD. Glorious. Flowers

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 22/07/2025 14:45

Star Can you guess what it is yet?! It’s a wonderful work in progress at the mo, but I asked and she is working it out for us. Thank you so much again LM Flowers

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 22/07/2025 14:49

Star if you just moved house @WitchDancer you did so well to get them here. And they are here! Beautiful treasure in navy blue and dark chocolate brown. Gorgeous crochet. 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 · 22/07/2025 14:54

Still to arrive…

@SpringSparrow and
@JamieFrasersSassenach

and @Bearfrills

Now these will arrive. @ExtensivelyDecluttering was posted 2nd but did take over a week to arrive. It didn’t really have to come v far.

OP posts:
ExtensivelyDecluttering · 22/07/2025 14:59

KnottyAndPistey · 22/07/2025 14:38

Star Good news and glad these beauties are accounted for and safe. Beautiful crochet in a soft blue from lovely @ExtensivelyDecluttering Flowers

Yay they made it! I posted those on the 11th IIRC, that is slow slow slow.

KnottyAndPistey · 22/07/2025 15:02

So my loves, I bring good news. We will have enough squares for two full size blankets. Could see we were getting pretty close, but didn’t want to get ahead of myself. We won’t need any extras making, we still have a few to arrive and if I find we are one or two short I’d be honoured to make them for her ❤️

Lovely @bookbook is going to repeat the 12 inch ‘In it together’ square for the daughter’s blanket. Thank you to her. That is so immense. But anything for Swash and her family. ❤️❤️

Then my plan is to direct squares that are particularly relevant to the bluestocking pub to Swash and then split. Both blankets will be glorious, with love and compassion in every stitch. Planning to join and edge in the same colours. So these two blankets will clearly go together.

Have actually just ordered all the joining and edging yarn. Another HUGE thank you to our wonderful donors of funds for making this possible.

Those who know Swash best, how does this sound?

OP posts:
Chersfrozenface · 22/07/2025 15:06

Of course I only know Swashbuckled from posts on the Bluestocking threads but I think your plan sounds ideal, @KnottyAndPistey.

EdithStourton · 22/07/2025 15:06

It sounds perfect.
Galleons, gerbils, stockings etc to Swash, who will understand them, and everything else divided up.

I'm so pleased that you have enough. If you'd been short I'd have gladly made some more - and still will if needed.

KnottyAndPistey · 22/07/2025 15:11

ExtensivelyDecluttering · 22/07/2025 14:59

Yay they made it! I posted those on the 11th IIRC, that is slow slow slow.

Super slow then. The stamp wasn’t franked, but that won’t make any difference. We don’t get post every day, I’m sure it’s held back and delivered in collections. But still 11 days!

OP posts:
FuzzyPuffling · 22/07/2025 15:30

Beautiful and so meaningful. And I'm so glad Swashdaughter will have her own woolly hug.
You're all amazing.

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 22/07/2025 15:34

Your plan sounds absolutely amazing, @KnottyAndPistey - thank you so much - and thank you to all the contributors too - you are all wonderful.

WitchDancer · 22/07/2025 15:42

I’m so pleased they arrived safely. The house move wasn’t exactly planned but without derailing things it was a good decision and I’m loving my little safe haven of a house. I may be by myself now but life is certainly a lot happier.

I love the idea of the two blankets, and an sure the daughter will treasure a blanket too.

Yiayoula · 22/07/2025 16:06

Oh, I’m so pleased there will be enough squares for Dr Swash to have a blanket!
I was hoping you might,as there seemed to be an abundance of woolly treasure, but didn’t like to voice my thoughts in case it wasn’t an option.
Thank you !!! ❤️

And @WitchDancer - wishing you every happiness in your new home xx

Boiledbeetle · 22/07/2025 16:13

KnottyAndPistey · 22/07/2025 15:02

So my loves, I bring good news. We will have enough squares for two full size blankets. Could see we were getting pretty close, but didn’t want to get ahead of myself. We won’t need any extras making, we still have a few to arrive and if I find we are one or two short I’d be honoured to make them for her ❤️

Lovely @bookbook is going to repeat the 12 inch ‘In it together’ square for the daughter’s blanket. Thank you to her. That is so immense. But anything for Swash and her family. ❤️❤️

Then my plan is to direct squares that are particularly relevant to the bluestocking pub to Swash and then split. Both blankets will be glorious, with love and compassion in every stitch. Planning to join and edge in the same colours. So these two blankets will clearly go together.

Have actually just ordered all the joining and edging yarn. Another HUGE thank you to our wonderful donors of funds for making this possible.

Those who know Swash best, how does this sound?

That's amazing, I think Swash will be glad her daughter gets one too, as they both lost him.

Such amazing work the lot of you

MyrtleLion · 22/07/2025 16:37

KnottyAndPistey · 22/07/2025 15:02

So my loves, I bring good news. We will have enough squares for two full size blankets. Could see we were getting pretty close, but didn’t want to get ahead of myself. We won’t need any extras making, we still have a few to arrive and if I find we are one or two short I’d be honoured to make them for her ❤️

Lovely @bookbook is going to repeat the 12 inch ‘In it together’ square for the daughter’s blanket. Thank you to her. That is so immense. But anything for Swash and her family. ❤️❤️

Then my plan is to direct squares that are particularly relevant to the bluestocking pub to Swash and then split. Both blankets will be glorious, with love and compassion in every stitch. Planning to join and edge in the same colours. So these two blankets will clearly go together.

Have actually just ordered all the joining and edging yarn. Another HUGE thank you to our wonderful donors of funds for making this possible.

Those who know Swash best, how does this sound?

That’s at least 198 squares created by strangers to show love and sympathy to someone they have never met, may never meet, and likely will never know.

What magic we make!

ifIwerenotanandroid · 22/07/2025 18:42

Absolutely brilliant news, OP! I'm so glad Dr Swash will have a beautiful blanket too.

Loooove the Tunnocks (that IS what it is, isn't it?).

ElizaBlack · 23/07/2025 01:56

Adding my voice to those delighted that both Dr Swash and Swash herself will receive blankets, ones made with so much love and care.

Thank you to all but especially @KnottyAndPistey for all this.

MrsMitford3 · 23/07/2025 08:11

I just wanted to say this thread has moved me to tears this morning.

I have loved seeing all the squares-I can't crochet but did sent a contribution and like to think some are from me too.

I just think a huge huge thanks needs to go to @KnottyAndPistey for this wonderful, amazing, loving project.
I am filled with awe by all of your talent and creativity and hope @Swashbuckled feels the love and support that has been poured into the making of these blankets.

It's good to remember how much good there is in the world.

Swashbuckled · 23/07/2025 08:57

Hi everyone,

I haven’t been on here much recently. We’re still waiting for the results from Bear’s post mortem and he hasn’t yet been cremated. However, he left the mortuary this week and is in the funeral parlour. I’ve had to go through some difficult things this week in relation to this.

I’ve just caught up with the thread.

Yet again, my words fail me. The squares are so clever, thoughtful and beautifully knitted. They are all wonderful, but some of them are simply amazing! It feels like Bear is in every single one. They feel like squares of love and a “woolly hug” is just exactly what this is, even before I have seen it in real life.

Two woolly hugs?
I am overwhelmed by this. I will hold it to myself like a happy secret for now so I can surprise Dr Swash with her blanket when it comes. It feels so nice to have this surprise to hold on to; it feels warm, and it’s lovely to notice a feeling of excitement again.

Thank you so much to all of you wonderful, wonderful women. I will never be able to express my thanks as much as I am feeling them inside.

Love,
Swash

SpringSparrow · 23/07/2025 13:02

Oh Swash, what a difficult week for you. ((Hugs)). I’m glad that the blanket is bringing you comfort even before it’s got to you.
@KnottyAndPistey I’ve just checked the tracking on my parcel and it’s due for delivery today. Poor little bear has been stuck in the box for five days! Hopefully he will be with you today!

Boiledbeetle · 23/07/2025 22:34

Swashbuckled · 23/07/2025 08:57

Hi everyone,

I haven’t been on here much recently. We’re still waiting for the results from Bear’s post mortem and he hasn’t yet been cremated. However, he left the mortuary this week and is in the funeral parlour. I’ve had to go through some difficult things this week in relation to this.

I’ve just caught up with the thread.

Yet again, my words fail me. The squares are so clever, thoughtful and beautifully knitted. They are all wonderful, but some of them are simply amazing! It feels like Bear is in every single one. They feel like squares of love and a “woolly hug” is just exactly what this is, even before I have seen it in real life.

Two woolly hugs?
I am overwhelmed by this. I will hold it to myself like a happy secret for now so I can surprise Dr Swash with her blanket when it comes. It feels so nice to have this surprise to hold on to; it feels warm, and it’s lovely to notice a feeling of excitement again.

Thank you so much to all of you wonderful, wonderful women. I will never be able to express my thanks as much as I am feeling them inside.

Love,
Swash

💙

You and Dr Swash are in my thoughts

Bb xx

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