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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 · 19/08/2025 16:46

Lovely @bookbook has finished the second In it Together square and it’s currently winging its way here. She’s amazing. ❤️

OP posts:
beetr00 · 19/08/2025 17:06

KnottyAndPistey · 19/08/2025 16:43

Really pleased to let you l know that Swashy’s blanket is finished. It is absolutely beautiful, in itself and in how everyone pulled together.

There may be one or two pesky ends to sew in but Maud assures me this is her forte. Who knew gerbils were so multi talented?!

So onto our second beautiful blanket. So glad we can do this for them. Thank you folks.

Oh! @KnottyAndPistey that looks absolutely magnificent 💝

An awesome achievement, such compassionate dedication, very well done lovely. ⭐

Boiledbeetle · 19/08/2025 17:11

KnottyAndPistey · 19/08/2025 16:43

Really pleased to let you l know that Swashy’s blanket is finished. It is absolutely beautiful, in itself and in how everyone pulled together.

There may be one or two pesky ends to sew in but Maud assures me this is her forte. Who knew gerbils were so multi talented?!

So onto our second beautiful blanket. So glad we can do this for them. Thank you folks.

What we can see looks fabulous!

I see Maud is currently buttering you up with one of her homemade cakes!

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
ifIwerenotanandroid · 19/08/2025 17:14

The blanket looks really good. I hadn't realised that the Tunnocks actually stands up from its background square: amazing!

Boiledbeetle · 19/08/2025 17:16

ifIwerenotanandroid · 19/08/2025 17:14

The blanket looks really good. I hadn't realised that the Tunnocks actually stands up from its background square: amazing!

That must be why Maud was so convinced it was an actual Tunnock's!

KnottyAndPistey · 19/08/2025 17:19

Once the second blanket is finished too I’m going to take lots of pics. Maud and I might even go to the park. Plan to share all pics once Swash has received hers. So she gets to see her finished blanket in it’s entirety first, if that makes sense? Is that ok?

OP posts:
Boiledbeetle · 19/08/2025 17:22

Im just wondering how tempted @KnottyAndPistey is going to be to knit a Maud once the blankets are done.

The gerbils knocked up a prototype but that was as far as they got!

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.
Boiledbeetle · 19/08/2025 17:23

KnottyAndPistey · 19/08/2025 17:19

Once the second blanket is finished too I’m going to take lots of pics. Maud and I might even go to the park. Plan to share all pics once Swash has received hers. So she gets to see her finished blanket in it’s entirety first, if that makes sense? Is that ok?

Sounds good. Swash should definitely get to see them before anyone else does.

ifIwerenotanandroid · 19/08/2025 17:24

Absolutely.

inkymoose · 19/08/2025 17:32

KnottyAndPistey · 19/08/2025 17:19

Once the second blanket is finished too I’m going to take lots of pics. Maud and I might even go to the park. Plan to share all pics once Swash has received hers. So she gets to see her finished blanket in it’s entirety first, if that makes sense? Is that ok?

Yes it does indeed. It'll be very fitting for Swash to see her blanket first even though I am LONGING to look at it! It's for Swash and is full of love and care and thoughts from all of us.
I'm honoured to be a part of it. I think it's such a sad and terrible event we are marking, and the gift of the blanket is real and meaningful within that context. We know Bear just from Swash's words, her words of love and sorrow for her son.

Love to Swash and Dr Swash, and new memories and thoughts are incorporated into the Blanket with love from all of us.

Thank you so much @KnottyAndPistey.

🩵Flowers

MercyChant66 · 19/08/2025 17:56

It’s only right and proper that Swash sees her blanket first and in real life. I’m very much looking forward to admiring it and have been very moved by watching it take shape. It’s been an absolute privilege to have had a tiny wee part in its creation - you’ve done such an amazing job, K&P. ❤️

AlexandraLeaving · 19/08/2025 17:59

KnottyAndPistey · 19/08/2025 16:43

Really pleased to let you l know that Swashy’s blanket is finished. It is absolutely beautiful, in itself and in how everyone pulled together.

There may be one or two pesky ends to sew in but Maud assures me this is her forte. Who knew gerbils were so multi talented?!

So onto our second beautiful blanket. So glad we can do this for them. Thank you folks.

What a magnificent bundle of love and creativity!!! You have done amazing work with it @KnottyAndPistey. I hope the weather holds so that you and Maud can get to the park to take photos to share after the blankets have reached Swashy and Dr Swash. Can't wait to see them in their full finished glory.

JamieFrasersSassenach · 19/08/2025 19:41

Amazing @KnottyAndPistey, I feel so heartbroken for @Swashbuckledbut so honoured to have been a very small part of these woolly hugs 🥹

Yiayoula · 19/08/2025 22:35

inkymoose · 19/08/2025 17:32

Yes it does indeed. It'll be very fitting for Swash to see her blanket first even though I am LONGING to look at it! It's for Swash and is full of love and care and thoughts from all of us.
I'm honoured to be a part of it. I think it's such a sad and terrible event we are marking, and the gift of the blanket is real and meaningful within that context. We know Bear just from Swash's words, her words of love and sorrow for her son.

Love to Swash and Dr Swash, and new memories and thoughts are incorporated into the Blanket with love from all of us.

Thank you so much @KnottyAndPistey.

🩵Flowers

Beautifully put, @inkymoose , am sure you speak for everyone who has been involved in this, whether donors or crafters . It’s been a very inclusive and rewarding experience.

Thank you , @KnottyAndPistey , for wrangling our disobedient and sometimes not-quite-square squares into something so beautiful for Swash and her daughter.

KnottyAndPistey · 20/08/2025 11:32

Boiledbeetle · 19/08/2025 17:22

Im just wondering how tempted @KnottyAndPistey is going to be to knit a Maud once the blankets are done.

The gerbils knocked up a prototype but that was as far as they got!

I feel I need one

OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 20/08/2025 11:33

Minimal wrangling @Yiayoula - possibly one or two Paddington stares. 😃

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KnottyAndPistey · 20/08/2025 11:38

Star Beautiful treasure arriving. Not just once, but twice! The In it Together twelve inch square. The lighter square is a direct match and is going into DrSwash’s blanket. The other beauty is going to be a cushion for Swash. Absolutely stunning and I know how bloomin complex this is. She is such a wonderful human and a friend of mine away from MN. Thank you so much lovely @bookbook Flowers

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
OP posts:
Yiayoula · 20/08/2025 11:47

The giant squares are lovely, @bookbook - great idea to make one into a cushion.

How sweet does Maud look in her matching hat and dress outfit , complete with sensible navy sandals !
Is there any possibility of cloning her, do you think ? ( asking for a friend ….).

ElizaBlack · 20/08/2025 11:48

Absolutely lovely, and so meaningful. Well done, @bookbook

Boiledbeetle · 20/08/2025 12:04

Yiayoula · 20/08/2025 11:47

The giant squares are lovely, @bookbook - great idea to make one into a cushion.

How sweet does Maud look in her matching hat and dress outfit , complete with sensible navy sandals !
Is there any possibility of cloning her, do you think ? ( asking for a friend ….).

I would love that, I think we all need a Maud in our lives.

She couldn't wear her blue sandals today, one of @KnottyAndPistey cats was sleeping on them and Maud is not daft enough to try and disturb a sleeping cat! So she's had to make do with her boring brown ones today.

She's keeping busy though doing useful things. She loved @bookbook square so much she turned it into a colouring in page. She's even managing not to go over the lines.

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.
Yiayoula · 20/08/2025 12:33

That’s amazing, @Boiledbeetle - loving the illustrated saga of Maud , and her adventures in Teddington Towers, much appreciated !

KnottyAndPistey · 20/08/2025 13:04

I’m loving Maud’s illustrated series too!

Row 1 is joined to 2. We are off. ❤️

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.
OP posts:
ifIwerenotanandroid · 20/08/2025 15:21

Love the idea of the cushion - & how talented @bookbook is!

Ooh! Is that my teddy? How fabulous the other squares in the photos are!

AlexandraLeaving · 20/08/2025 17:00

@bookbook those giant squares are wonderful. How great there will be a cushion too.

KnottyAndPistey · 21/08/2025 15:44

The second 12 incher is going in beautifully ❤️

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