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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 · 12/09/2025 09:33

Starting the last round for Dr Swash….

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 12/09/2025 12:36

And the joining stage is done. 💙 🤎

Not quite finished though. I need to find a wool needle to sew in any pesky ends.

But it’s super close folks.

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 12/09/2025 15:04

<sew sew>

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
OP posts:
MyrtleLion · 12/09/2025 15:08

I love weaving ends in. Takes ten seconds and is so satisfying when I snip the excess.

Boiledbeetle · 12/09/2025 17:06

KnottyAndPistey · 12/09/2025 15:04

<sew sew>

<Un-sew Un-sew>

Oh Maud!!

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
Boiledbeetle · 12/09/2025 18:06

Maud has gone off to the park to find the perfect locations for her and @KnottyAndPistey to take photos of the finished blankets, and cushion.

I think that will help limit her destructive tendencies.

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
Boiledbeetle · 12/09/2025 18:36

I'm not entirely sure how she managed to take a photo of herself holding the camera but she's Maud so anything is possible!

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
Magpiecomplex · 12/09/2025 18:53

That's quite an impressive selfie!

KnottyAndPistey · 13/09/2025 10:47

She is literally so talented

OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 13/09/2025 10:49

So. I’m studying the weather. Hoping for a break in the torrential rain. And look. Tomorrow morning.

and you want to know why?

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 13/09/2025 10:51

We are done. This is the blanket for Dr S.

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 13/09/2025 10:55

So Maud and I are hoping to get some photos in the park to share with everyone as soon as Swash has her blanket. Send dry weather vibes please. And I think May’s will need wellies.

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 13/09/2025 10:59

Cushion is perfect..

Thank you so much everyone. Huge, heartfelt thanks. This has been the most inspiring team effort. It’s astonishing what we can achieve when we work together. 🤎💙🤎💙

Just need to be able to take photos tomorrow 🙏

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
OP posts:
Sunshineandrainbow · 13/09/2025 11:03

Absolutely gorgeous @KnottyAndPistey I am so impressed with how quickly you get all the squares together.

beetr00 · 13/09/2025 11:19

@KnottyAndPistey and all you fabulous contributors, such a beautiful tribute.

Well done, each and every one of you. 🌻

Boiledbeetle · 13/09/2025 11:56

💙

@KnottyAndPistey They look amazing, and we can only see a small portion. The photos of the whole blankets will be equally amazing.

I'm blown away by the skill of you all.

Right, better go and get Maud some wellies!

Boiledbeetle · 13/09/2025 12:05

She's currently undecided.

She's going to try a few pairs on once she's narrowed it down.

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
MyrtleLion · 13/09/2025 12:06

Totally agree.

I can't wait to see the blankets.

And thank you for this project on a personal level. I have knitted nearly 100 squares and learned new stitches and techniques. I hope to produce some Little Hugs blankets as a result.

Boiledbeetle · 13/09/2025 12:17

Maud wouldn't let me see which of the many many pairs she tried on that she ended up buying.

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.
Magpiecomplex · 13/09/2025 12:22

Boiledbeetle · 13/09/2025 12:17

Maud wouldn't let me see which of the many many pairs she tried on that she ended up buying.

I'm hoping for pirate-themed boots 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

Boiledbeetle · 13/09/2025 12:55

Magpiecomplex · 13/09/2025 12:22

I'm hoping for pirate-themed boots 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

Well we might not know which wellies she bought, but she's more than happy to show off the new dress, hat and sandals I somehow managed to also end up paying for!

She pulled the innocent "Oh I've only got Bluestocking currency on me!"

Who knew a gerbil could have such expensive shopping habits!

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.
Magpiecomplex · 13/09/2025 13:03

She does have impeccable taste though, Boily. That's a very pretty outfit!

ifIwerenotanandroid · 13/09/2025 13:05

Huge thanks to K&P. 💙They all look wonderful.

I see you put Boily centre stage & near the Tunnocks. So true to life...🙄😂

ifIwerenotanandroid · 13/09/2025 13:10

Magpiecomplex · 13/09/2025 12:22

I'm hoping for pirate-themed boots 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

Like these?

Woolly Hugs. Desperately sad news we are afraid. Making a Blanket for lovely Swashbuckled whose son has tragically died.
Boiledbeetle · 13/09/2025 13:14

Maud is just going to try out the blankets - quality control check apparently!

(She's left her sandals on!!)

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.
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