With your love and support are repeating last years’ crafting activity for the Ukrainian children when we see them in Poland this Christmas. It was so successful last year, between everyone there was the most stupendous amount of fabric strips to use, truly gorgeous, interesting patterns, single colour, textures, SPARKLE! It felt like a very luxurious activity, and that was perfect for these children.
So we are coming requiring help again please.
Christmas wreaths 2026!
This is a super straightforward, super effective activity and creates something very beautiful for their families. Even better it will pack flat for the journey home.
We need your help please! We shall need you cutting!
We need 6 inch long by 1 inch strips of fabric/ ribbon. Straight cut please. If using a fat quarter, 5 inch is fine, but 6 inch is ideal if possible. We are going bold and blingy, zingy and FABULOUS! Plain, patterned, textured, sparkly.
Any of these colours please, just using there SSDK pegs for ideas
When preparing to post, please get your parcel as flat as possible so lay strips flat in sandwich bags. It worked super well last year. This will help us get the max out of our available luggage space!
Last year we were able to send a crafting kit of leftover resources back into Ukraine to enable more children to take part. If were can do that again it will spread the Christmas cheer even further.
Last posting please MONDAY 16TH NOVEMBER. To Southsea please. Do message for the address.
We realise this is a very sensitive project and it may bring up difficult feelings for some of you.
We are looking to make some cotton and fleece quilts for the hospice as an ongoing project. Becky from Haven House has written below for us, it is better she explains the project.
A very sad but vital part of our work at Haven House is the care of babies, children and young people at end of life and post bereavement. Sometimes we do not meet the families until after their child has passed away and they come to us to spend precious time with their child before the funeral. We also work with families in their own homes and being able to keep their child with them is a choice every parent should be able to make. To facilitate this, we use cooling blankets and cuddle cots. I am sure you understand what they are for, so I won’t go into detail. As useful as they are, they are a clinical and ugly piece of equipment, and we need your help to make them look more friendly and comfortable. To this end we would like some of your beautiful quilts to lay on top of the pads. The sizes of the pads are
Small cooling pad ( 154mm x 290mm )
Medium ( we previously called this one large) cooling pad (400mm x 550mm )
NEW Large Cooling pad (100cm x 70cm) This is for their bigger machine and will help support even more families.
More info about what is specifically needed….
It would be helpful to have the quilts slightly bigger than the pad, by giving them a border of 10cm all round.
We would like them to be fleece backed to make them less slippery and to help with absorbing any water from the cooling systems.
Thinking about the designs: lots of pattern, avoiding very light or very dark colours. Child friendly and they can be gender specific or gender neutral to appeal to the biggest range of families. Some are quite traditional, and others just want to celebrate their girly girls and boyish boys.
It is likely that some families will want to keep the quilts, and we would very much like to let them.
It is difficult to predict how many we will need each year. Sadly, we supported several families in the last 12 months but in previous years we may only see 1-2 families in these circumstances.
My plan is to have a ‘home kit’ ready for our outreach nurses. This will contain bedding, quilts and blankets as well as the clinical equipment our team need to care for the child.
I want every family to have access to the best care at this time, I cannot provide the medical expertise, but I know, with your help, I can ensure the environment is as kind and comfortable as possible.
Love B x
From us again…..
With your love and support we believe we can help these families in such bleak times.
To sum up then, we are looking for lightweight quilts, cotton topper, some batting in the middle (light to medium weight) with fleece backing. We know we have many crafters who sew beautifully, and this is such a simple project really. Sizes as above.
This is an ongoing project, as Becky said the families can keep the quilts if they wish.
If making an Angel Hug for Haven House Hospice Single colours only please, using Stylecraft Special DK in these colours only…Duck egg, grape, sage, pale rose, cloud blue. We do also send some white ones. Minimum size : 32 inches square. Not much bigger please, and no smaller.
Thank you so much everyone, we really appreciate you all.
The Great Woolly Hugs’ Hugathon at Brighton takes place on Saturday 30th January 2027 between 11.00am and 3.30pm, at the beautiful Regency Brighton Harbour Hotel, which is right on Brighton’s world-famous and iconic promenade and is within easy walking distance of both piers, just a stone’s throw away from the glorious pebbled beach. There is no obligation to walk along the pier, but you might want to, bring big jumpers if so! And if anyone wants to swim, you are bonkers but we’d look after your stuff!!!!
Our Venue is fully accessible. There are accessible bathroom facilities.
TICKETS COST £22 EACH
Tickets on sale from Sunday 1st November at 7pm
It is an increase on our 2026 price, and we have held out doing this as long as possible, first increase in three years, but all venues are having to increase their prices, which impacts us. Apologies for this. The price includes event swag and we hope that you think the Hugathon is still good value.
Our Hugathons are a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow Woolly Huggers who share a love of crafting. They are friendly and inclusive. It is a great time for chatting with your fellow Woolly crew and sharing ideas.
There is a bar onsite, open from noon, so it is totally up to you what you do about catering for the day. We are unable to make provision, so you might want to bring a flask, drinks, packed lunch etc. But as an example a cappuccino from the bar costs £4.95, a pot of tea is £3.50, pint of Peroni Nastro Azzurro is £7 and Aperol Spritz is £13. Obviously there are coffee shops around too which is always an option.
During the Hugathon we will attempt to get as many 6 inch squares made. In Brighton we are focussing on our Chernobyl 2027 project. We will provide all SSDK, but please remember to bring your 4mm hooks/knitting needles, you will need them! Palette at the bottom of this page.If you have any squares already made for THIS project, please bring them, it may be that we can get some kits out for construction. The link for the project is below.
We will also be running a rather fabulous Lucky Dip (£1 a go) and our legendary Gin Raffle (£1 a ticket) So do bring along some cash, or we do have a card machine if that is easier, happy to tap for any amount! Whilst this is primarily a meet up we always need to raise funds! And finally we will play a couple of games of our infamous Yarn Bingo game, you will not want to miss this! Well, you might want to but you can’t! Haha!
Do join us, we’d love to meet you or see you again. And if you are worried about not knowing anyone, let us know and we can get you seated and chatting as quick as a flash.
PLEASE DO NOT POST FOR THIS PROJECT UNTIL JANUARY 2027 AS THERE IS NO STORAGE SPACE UNTIL SNUGS/CWTCHES LEAVE!
Before we start again for this year, we must thank the wonderful Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline. Making the blankets is a big team effort for us (and we are truly grateful, thank you) but then transporting them by road to the Ukrainian border area of Poland and then into Ukraine itself is also a huge enterprise. We do obviously pay a £££ contribution for this, but the delivery job itself is not to be underestimated. Especially the dangers of driving in Ukraine. These folk are amazing and so generous in spirit. The CCLL continue to be astonishing in their efforts to support families. Even those who managed to flee have incredible stuggles as funding ceases and finding accommodation or meeting basic needs are a challenge. The situation is tougher than last year, bleaker, colder.
We are eternally grateful because without them, our project would not exist. Thank you CCLL! Also do check out our Christmas 2025 blog.
We are delighted to have been invited back to Poland at Christmas time to help deliver the 2026 collection, it truly was a very precious time in previous years. Meeting the children and their teachers, hearing the resilience, watching their joy and having time just to be safe and warm. Seeing their utter joy at the blankets! We are also taking any remaining Besties again from the summer.Thank you again to the CCLL for having us back. This year we are going to be running another crafting workshop. We will be asking for help when we know exactly what we need.Thank you in advance!
How to Help for 2027
Squares. We need twelve inch squares in the Stylecraft Special DK palette as in photo, if 12 is too much, 6 inch squares are fine too, just this yarn in these colours please, inc for embellishments so the blankets come together and are consistent for wash and wear. Knit and crochet equally welcome, beginner or expert, as simple or complex as you like, single colour, multi colour. Design of square up to you, but not too lacy, they need to be hardy. Please use a 4mm hook or needles. If sizing is a challenge with your pattern/tension, we prefer them just under sized rather than over!
There is the text list of colours at the bottom….
SO IMPORTANT! Please ensure you knot off every end/colour change very very securely, leave approx a 6 inch tail end and use a needle to sew in. These blankets have to be super sturdy as there is no way back to fix them if squares collapse. If we have doubt over a square’s integrity strength wise, it can’t go in.
Whole blankets We know some crafters love to make their own whole blankets and this is wonderful, we are truly grateful, thank you. Please still use our SSDK palette. Finished blanket size is still 48inches by 60 inches.
Size matters!Chernob blankets MUST be 48 inches by 60 inches. If a blanket arrives and it is too small it will be redirected to Little Hugs. Equally please don’t go much over size, if it comes to taking two blankets of the right size vs one kingsize, we will take two, because that is two children supported, rather then one. Again thank you for your support on this, size really is important.
LAST POSTING FOR SQUARES IS MARCH 1st 2027!
LAST POSTING FOR WHOLE BLANKETS IS JUNE 5th 2027
PLEASE DO NOT POST FOR THIS PROJECT UNTIL JANUARY 2027 AS THERE IS NO STORAGE SPACE UNTIL SNUGS/CWTCHES LEAVE!
Donating funds As always we like to be inclusive and would love to send yarn to folks who otherwise would not be able to craft. In addition, we already know there will be the high cost of transporting them to the children again and would be incredibly grateful to anyone who would like to donate funds for this project.
Our Paypal is admin@woollyhugs.com
Bank transfer
• We are a Cooperative account in the name of Woolly Hugs • Account number: 65579631 • Sort code: 089299
Please do inc your name so we can thank you properly.
Apple
Aspen
Aster
Bluebell
Boysenberry
Candy Floss
Citron
Claret
Cloud blue
Cornish blue
Denim
Duck egg
Fondant
Fuchsia purple
Grass green
Kelly Green
Lapis
Lavender
Lipstick
Lobelia
Magenta
Meadow
Parchment
Petrol
Pistachio
Plum
Pomegranate
Proper purple
Saffron
Sage
Sherbet
Spearmint
Spice
Storm blue
Tomato
Turquoise
Violet
Posted with permission. A story from Korosten School No12 (NW of Kyiv) sent by Iryna, one of the teachers who comes with the children to Lublin just before Christmas. We’ve met her every year. She’s an astonishing teacher and the main organiser from the Ukrainian side. Due to ongoing drone attacks some of their lessons are conducted online. At her English class she asked her students to choose any personal item which they associated with safety, comfort and a warm feeling. Mark, one of the boys who came to Lublin two years ago, presented his “best buddy from WH” straight away. Struggling for words. That adorable hedgehog (Vivienne R) is helping him return to happy memories in dark moments. And while this is from one teen, we know it will represent others, through the trips the CCLL work hard to achieve, on which we are so happy we can support in our way, through your blankets, the Besties.
So let’s keep on. Together let’s help as many Marks as we can.
Thank you everyone who helps this project in any way.
Tickets on sale from 7pm on Monday 1st September 2026. Set an alarm!
The Great Woolly Hugs’ Christmas Hugathon in Malvern takes place on Saturday 28th November 2026 between 11.00am and 3.30pm, at Ascension Hall, The Church of The Ascension, Somers Park Ave, Malvern WR14 1XA. All welcome!
Our Venue is fully accessible. Access to the venue is smooth from street level. There are accessible bathroom facilities.
As it is our Christmas Hugathon you might like to wear any Christmas jumper/decorations you may have, but NO OBLIGATION!
TICKETS COST £20 EACH, which includes Event swag!
Our Hugathons are a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow Woolly Huggers who share a love of crafting. They are friendly and inclusive. It is a great time for chatting with your fellow Woolly crew and sharing ideas.
We will also be running a couple of fundraisers, our fabulous Lucky Dip (£1 a go) and our legendary Gin Raffle (£1 a ticket) We will also be running a DeStash table. If you have crafting items to donate to our DeStash table please do bring, remember one person’s destash is another person’s treasure! So do bring along some cash, or we do have a card machine if that is easier, happy to tap for any amount!
And finally we will play a couple of games of our infamous Yarn Bingo game, but with a Christmas twist, you will not want to miss this!
During the Hugathon we will attempt to get as many 6 inch squares made. Hopefully for Chernobyl 27 but this needs confirming. We will provide all SSDK, but please remember to bring your 4mm hooks/knitting needles, you will need them!
We have access to hot water for drinks, and will provide the wherewithal for making tea and coffee for a donation. We are planning mulled wine and mince pies. Bring a packed lunch, snacks and drinks. Locally there is Le Delice, a proper French bakery, with a visit, it’s 2 mins away.
How to get here..
There is free street parking around the venue
The nearest train station is Malvern Link with trains to London Paddington, Birmingham, Worcester etc. It is about a 20 min walk from the station.
The address is…… The Church of The Ascension, Somers Park Avenue, Malvern, WR14 1XA
Come and be merry and bright. It’s the Malvern Christmas Hugathon!
Tickets on sale from 7pm on Monday 1st September 2026. Set an alarm!
The Great Woolly Hugs’ Christmas Hugathon in Malvern takes place on Saturday 28th November 2026 between 11.00am and 3.30pm, at Ascension Hall, The Church of The Ascension, Somers Park
Ave, Malvern WR14 1XA. All welcome!
Our Venue is fully accessible. Access to the venue is smooth from street level. There are accessible bathroom facilities.
As it is our Christmas Hugathon you might like to wear any Christmas jumper/decorations you may have, but NO OBLIGATION!
TICKETS COST £20 EACH, which includes Event swag!
Our Hugathons are a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow Woolly Huggers who share a love of crafting. They are friendly and inclusive. It is a great time for chatting with your fellow Woolly crew and sharing ideas.
We will also be running a couple of fundraisers, our fabulous Lucky Dip (£1 a go) and our legendary Gin Raffle (£1 a ticket) We will also be running a DeStash table. If you have crafting items to donate to our DeStash table please do bring, remember one person’s destash is another person’s treasure! So do bring along some cash, or we do have a card machine if that is easier, happy to tap for any amount!
And finally we will play a couple of games of our infamous Yarn Bingo game, but with a Christmas twist, you will not want to miss this!
During the Hugathon we will attempt to get as many 6 inch squares made. Hopefully for Chernobyl 27 but this needs confirming. We will provide all SSDK, but please remember to bring your 4mm hooks/knitting needles, you will need them!
We have access to hot water for drinks, and will provide the wherewithal for making tea and coffee for a donation. We are planning mulled wine and mince pies. Bring a packed lunch, snacks and drinks. Locally there is Le Delice, a proper French bakery, with a visit, it’s 2 mins away.
How to get here..
There is free street parking around the venue
The nearest train station is Malvern Link with trains to London Paddington, Birmingham, Worcester etc. It is about a 20 min walk from the station.
The address is…… The Church of The Ascension, Somers Park Avenue, Malvern, WR14 1XA
Last posting for crafts please – October 19th. This is to Teddington. Earlier rather than later is much much easier on us though!
The event itself is online between November 9th and 16th. Event page is here
THANK YOU!
We know this feels super early, but we also know our lovely crafters like to plan and that crafting takes such a long time. We are delighted though to be launching our Christmas Craft Sale 2026, we hope you will join us. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and will help us raise much needed funds to continue our woolly work. With your love and support we hope it is a huge success! THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!
The charity we shall support with a shared of funds raised this Christmas will be Air Ambulances UK (AAUK) This is the national charity that supports the lifesaving work of the UK’s air ambulance charities, helping them save even more lives every day. Read more about them here….
So every penny we can raise will go to help others, we hope you will support us, either by crafting, buying or even maybe both! Thank you so so much.
So let the Crafting Stage begin!
Important update – we have become a victim of our own success with the craft sale, don’t get us wrong we are truly grateful for every item and need the fundraising, but with sensible heads on, and to make this a manageable endeavour, no more than 8 items per individual crafter, 12 total if sending from a crafting group.
We are aiming to make and sell small/lightweight Christmas craft items. We are open to larger items too obviously, that is just a guide. Some suggestions for you, but we are very open to others too…
Stocking fillers, although obviously Father Christmas is REAL, this is just to help.
Christmas tree decorations. Always very popular, as are totally bonkers quirky things, yes we are thinking gin wreaths, woolly slugs and sock pigs, who knew??!
Stockings
Cute cuddly things / Besties
Small gifts – Little bags, purses, brooches, hair accessories, key rings, gift bags, tags,
Clothing items such as gloves, hats, scarves, – if making clothing PLEASE inc the ball band or let us know so we can pass this info on to those who buy. xxx
Bunting – everyone LOVES bunting. This could be sewn, knitted, crocheted etc.
Pocket friends, no bigger than palm size. Would suggest cute.
Book marks
Covered tape measures
Sewing type needle cases
Wreaths
Coasters
Cards
Lavender bags
Pencil/ hook cases
Hair accessories
Brooches
Keyring/bag tags
Pin cushions
face scrubbies
Covered notebooks
Animal headbands
Lovely lovely things!
Woolly, fabric, embroidered, beaded, ALL crafty crafts welcome!!
The Event itself..
The event itself will take place as usual all online through a Facebook event page and an Auction site attached to this website.
Just a few items from previous sales to give you an idea!
