'SIBOL' - Sunshine International Blankets of Love

'Your Chance to Win a SIBOL Blanket! 'Spread the Word on your Blogs!

2012-01-31T23:15:00.000Z

'THINK PINK' BLANKET

EBAY LINK

Hello Everyone!

Thank you very much for popping in to 'SIBOL' today!

Towards the end of last year one of our 'SIBOLETTES' dear Lotti over on Ravelry made a suggestion to our Group. She suggested making a Blanket in aid of 'Breast Cancer Awareness Month'. She thought it would be a really nice idea if we made a 'Think Pink' Blanket. What are we good at as a Group? Making Squares and of course Blankets! Our 'SIBOLETTES' were thrilled with this idea and soon after Squares started arriving at Lotti's home.

The Squares had to be made with 'Breast Cancer Awareness' in mind, so pink Squares of course were ideal. They came in all shades of pink and they all had the most wonderful designs. When the Squares were collected, Lotti set about assembling the Blanket. Several days ago the Blanket arrived back at SIBOL HQ and then I added our famous 'SIBOL' trademark, 'our Butterflies!'.

Today I am very happy to be showcasing this beautiful Blanket and I'm sure you will agree Lotti has made a most wonderful job of it. Each Square has been lovingly made by our 'SIBOLETTES' and it has been an absolute joy to see these gorgeous Squares arrive. I'm absolutely thrilled with this Blanket.

Now the exciting part! Today we are announcing that this beautiful 'Think Pink' Blanket will be auctioned over on EBAY. This will be 'YOUR CHANCE TO WIN' this stunning Blanket by placing a bid! All proceeds will be sent off to this worthy cause which affects so many women all over the World. I'm sure everyone will agree this is a wonderful idea, but we need your help!

I'm sure you are eager to see the Blanket now.

A Ta - Dah for you! Our SIBOL 'Think Pink' Blanket made by SIBOLETTES from all over the World!

I would be most happy to answer our questions you have. If you would like to mail me on
sueatpigsty@talktalk.net

Would you like to help our Group? Please spread the World on your Blogs! You are most welcome to take a photo of our 'Think Pink' Blanket off our 'SIBOL' web site and give the EBAY link too. Hopefully, between us all this Blanket can really raise a substantial amount of money.

Once again may I thank Lotti for organising and assembling this Blanket. Also thanks to each 'SIBOLETTE' that has donated 'PINK' Squares for this particular Challenge. I am really most grateful to each and everyone of you!

So please now pop over to EBAY and place your bids!

Thank you

Love and Best Wishes
x Sue x

The Last Landscape Square arives from Scotland!

2012-01-31T16:09:00.000Z

Hi Everyone!

Golly isn't it cold? It's freezing in my part of the world but I'm pleased to say it's dry without any snow at the moment. Fingers crossed we don't have any!

I am extremely happy to be showing you the very last Square to arrive now for our Landscape Challenge. I am very eager now to get this Blanket finished and sent off to Jersey. I would like to thank jenniferanne very much indeed for all of her help in this Blanket and indeed everyone else who has taken part.

I plan to do a very simple border and I hope it won't be too long before I can show it to you.

Let's have a look at jenniferannes' Square now. She has made a Square 'from happy childhood memories!'. The Square shows the tide comng in at 'Rest Bay' Porthcawl on a lovely sunny afternoon. jenniferanne you have made it beautfully thank you so much for coming to my rescue with the very last Square I needed.

It's gorgeous. Now for the second Square jenniferanne has sent in. This one is 'American Beauty' and jenniferanne has suggested we put this one in the centre for our 'Irish Rose' Blanket when he come to do that one. This is a pretty Square too. I think that's an excellent idea. Thank you very much!

I've just had to drive to the camera shop in the village because for a moment I thought that the cup of tea I had spilt on the kitchen table last night had gone inside the camera, but thankgoodness everything was fine. Stupid me ...I hadn't quite got the shutter fully open! Oh golly Mr.Twins would have gone mad at me, he only gave it to me a couple of months ago when he bought himself a new camera! These photos were taken on my iphone before the light went down on me. It's been quite a dull day today.

Well there you are beautiful Squares from Scotland and now I shall get down to finishing the Landscape Blanket.

Thank you very much jenniferanne!

x Sue x

Challenge Squares from the UK and progress on our special Blankets!

2012-01-30T16:49:00.001Z

Good Afternoon Everyone!

I am very pleased to be showing you these gorgeous Squares that have come in from Anne (UK). Anne has made a really nice 'Wiggles' Square in beautiful colours and also a 'One Heart From Around The World' Square.

Let's have a look at the 'Wiggles' Square first. We did say use any colour for this Challenge and Anne has put together great colour combinations in this one.

What could be better than these three colours! Lilac, pink and white, 'my favourites'. I absolutely love the Squares that have been coming in for this Challenge and I am very grateful to Debi Y over in the States for submitting this Square. If you would like to have a go at these Squares then please pop over to SIBOL CHALLENGES for details.

The other Square that Anne has made is the Heart Square. This is for the 'One Heart From Around The World' Challenge. With thanks to Luna over in the States, this too is a very succesful Challenge. All details are once again over on SIBOL CHALLENGES!

Thank you to Anne for making a great job of these Squares

I am very happy to be telling you that the last Landscape Square is on it's way to me from jenniferanne in SCOTLAND. I have assembled all the other Squares for this Blanket and I'm now going to give you a sneaky view!

You can't see much I know that was the intention! :)

I have also started working on the Olympic Squares. Our Challenge for Olympic Squares ends at the very end of March, but I have started edging each Square with a row of double crochet ready for assembling together. I have had over 100 Squares already and I am due to receive another 100 from our very good SIBOLETTE 'akarapacha' over in the States. I'm trying to give myself a head start with this Challenge because we are due to decorate the house from top to bottom March time, and I want to be sure I've got enough time to complete this Blanket.

The Royal Wedding Blanket held 56 Squares, the Olympic one to date will be over 200. Question is..... Do we make one massive one or smaller one's? I did intend initially to make a 'ginormous' one. Your feedback would be appreciated.

sueatpigsty@talktalk.net

Here's my W.I.P.!

My usual Elderly Blankets made by myself are on hold for a short while until I can get these Squares edged. My friend jean nock is very kindly helping me assemble our 'usuals' and for her help I am extremely grateful. Thank you jean nock!

Very soon I will be announcing our SIBOL EBAY AUCTION! I am so excited about this auction because we will be showcasing our 'Think Pink' Blanket which was assembled by dear Lotti over on RAV, and Squares were sent in by our SIBOLETTES all over the World. The Blanket is truly a beauty and if you would all like to put a note up on your blogs when you see it announced here on SIBOL I would be extremely grateful to you. All monies raised from the sale of this Blanket will go to 'Breast Cancer Care'. I am so excited! So please stay tuned, you won't have much longer to wait. It will be 'your' chance to get hold of an official 'SIBOL!' which will be so unique!

I think that's it for now, thanks very much for visiting my Blog today!

x Sue x

The making of a SIBOL Square for our 'Landscape Challenge'

2012-01-28T22:01:00.000Z

Hi Everyone!

No Squares to show you today, no Blankets to show you either today, but.........a great Blog post to read. It's not a SIBOL post either! The Blog post belongs to Gemma who very kindly sent me a Square recently for our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge.

You know I am extremely grateful to everyone that sends me Squares for our SIBOL Blankets, but for me this post is extra-special. Gemma has very kindly written a post explaining how she made her special Landscape Square. You really want to fly over to Gemma's Blog because this post is wonderful. She not only shows us the making of the Square but she tells us how she uses Excel to create her stitch diagram! This really is very interesting indeed. From my point of view it's nice for me to see how our SIBOLETTES work!

So here's the link please go and have a look at how Gemma makes this.....

from this beautiful photo!

Well done Gemma!

x Sue x

'Ta - Dah! 'One for The Guys!'

2012-01-27T14:32:00.000Z

Hello Everyone!

Thank you very much for visiting SIBOL today!

I'm very happy to be showcasing a beautiful Blanket which was donated to SIBOL yesterday. It has been made by Craftymizz (Steph) and it's absolutely gorgeous! This really is a wonderful pattern and the colours co-ordinate so well together.

I have made some of our usual Butterflies to go with the Blanket and I have added some ribbon too. I'm very grateful to you Steph.

If you would like to have a go at the Butterflies then please follow the link to Netties' Blog over in Australia!

It's really very kind of you to donate this Blanket to SIBOL and I know for a fact that it will give someone a lot of warmth and comfort knowing that someone has lovingly made it.

Let's have a look at Stephs' Blanket now!

Created with flickr slideshow.

I hope you have enjoyed looking at Steph's Blanket!Thank you Steph.

Thanks to everyone that has donated Squares to the 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge, I am in the process of finishing the Blanket off now.

I do hope everyone has a great weekend and please stay tuned to SIBOL, our 'Think Pink' Blanket will have it's Ta - Dah! very soon indeed! You will have a chance to bid for the Blanket on EBAY! This will raise money for 'Breast Awareness'.

Bye for now!

x Sue x

A bumper delivery at SIBOL HQ today!

2012-01-26T15:24:00.000Z

Hi Everyone!

Well the Postman certainly had a lot of work this morning delivering to SIBOL HQ!

I am very pleased to be telling you that jean nock very kindly sent a great selection of Challenge Squares. Amongst them two I think I may be able to fit into the Landscape Blanket. I had got enough but I'm intending to add a row at the bottom of the Blanket. A beautiful 'By the Sea' Square and jean nocks 'Garden'. I'm going to do my best to fit these Squares in for her.

'By the Sea'

'My Garden'

I have also received an 'Owl' Square for our Challenge, a 'Wiggles' Square, 'Jan Eaton' which is No. 84. a spare Jan Eaton for our Stash along with some Teddy's and a beautiful Lion Square. Maybe 'the Nursery Rhyme' Challenge? I'm over the moon with these gorgeous Squares jean thank you very much indeed. Let's have a look at these beautiful Squares now!

Created with flickr slideshow.

Thank you jean nock! I'm very grateful to you.

I am also very pleased to be showing you this amazing Jan Eaton Square called 'Kingcup'. No. 95. This Square has been made by Stichee-Erika of the Netherlands. I am so pleased you took part in our Jan Eaton Challenge. The Square is so pretty and I love the colours you have used in this one. Please pop over and have a look at Erika's Blog.

I also had a parcel containing two Blankets which have been donated to SIBOL today. They have come from Craftymizz here in the UK. Now the first Blanket is an unfinished one. Quite a sad story really. Craftymizz (Steph) has a friend and recently the friends' Grandmother passed away. While sorting through her belongings which is never a pleasant job she came across a beautiful Blue Granny Square Blanket. The Blanket is unfinished but he very kindly thought of passing it on to SIBOL 'via Steph'. How kind is this? I am going to finish the Blanket for his Grandmother and I'm absolutely sure that the Elderly Lady would be thrilled to know that it is going to a worthy cause. I am extremely grateful to Steph and her friend and of course the Lady who started the Blanket.

The Blanket is made in a gorgeous Blue colour and I shall show you a photo when it is finished.

The second Blanket is one which Craftymizz has made herself for SIBOL. I am going to show you a sneaky view because I am going to make some Butterflies and do an official 'Ta - Dah!'. Thank you once again Steph I am very grateful to you! Craftymizz is calling this Blanket 'One for the Guys!'.

I am very pleased to be telling you that the 'Think Pink' Blanket has arrived at SIBOL HQ this morning. Now if you remember Lotti over on Ravelry has very kindly being organising a special Blanket to raise money for Breast Awareness. Ladies have sent in Pink Squares to Lotti and she has assembled the Blanket now and it's all finished. I still have the name list to compile for this Blanket and I have to make the Butterflies before I can Ta - Dah! it! But....here is a sneaky view... I will try and get this finished with the Butterflies as soon as possible now.

This Blanket will be put on EBAY and auctioned off. More details to follow. Let's hope we can raise some money for this worthy cause.

I'm very grateful to jean nock, Erika, Lotti and Steph.

I do hope you have enjoyed looking at our SIBOL beauties!

x Sue x

The last Landscape Square arrives today!

2012-01-25T14:39:00.000Z

Hi Everyone!

I'm very pleased to be showing you a gorgeous Landscape Square which has just arrived from Mia here in the UK.

Mia has very kindly Knitted this beautiful Square of 'The Seven Sisters'. What a stunning Square! She has made it beautifully. I'm so...grateful to you Mia for making the very last Square for this very special
Blanket.

The Seven Sisters... If you want to read more please follow the link.

If you are new to SIBOL I would just like to tell you that we are making a special one-off Blanket which will be sent off to the Jersey Textile Showcase event which will be taking place in March in Jersey itself. It will hopefully be exhibited and then afterwards the Blanket will be sold to raise money for Mencap. When I first of all saw this event advertised I thought wow this would be a great Challenge for our SIBOL Group. I announced it and at first the Squares were slow to come in but I'm very happy to say that we have now got enough to make a Blanket. With this last Square arriving today I shall just add this Square in now and add the border. I will send it off straight away once I have taken photos for you all.

I'm extremely happy that we have had enough Squares to make a Blanket, and I just hope it will raise a reasonable amount of money for this worthy cause. In our SIBOL Group we like to help out certain charities from time to time. Last year we took part in a special competition in which we won first prize. We made the Royal Wedding Blanket shown over on the right hand side bar. On Ebay this Blanket made £112.00 which was sent off to Prince William and Kate Middleton's Charity Gift Fund.

I also have a Blanket coming in from Lotti over on Ravelry who very kindly organised a 'Think Pink' Blanket to raise money for Breast Awareness. So I do hope you will look out for this one too. It will be with me over the next few days. So it's all exciting here on SIBOL!

I would also like to say a Big Thank you to Tracy who has very kindly sent in a donation of yarn today for our Group. I'm very grateful to you Tracy. If you remember we recently sent some Blankets off to Dorset C.C. to help Elderly in need. Thank you very much.

So I'll crack on with this special Blanket now. Thank you very much to Mia and to Tracy, and thank you for visiting SIBOL today!

x Sue x

Two sets of Squares from the States fly in together!

2012-01-24T14:39:00.000Z

Hi Everyone!

I am extremely pleased to be showing you two sets of Squares which have arrived just now. Both sets have flown in together from the States!

First of all I have akarapachas' Square. She lives in Fort Myers, Florida and she has made this very pretty Square for our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge. It really is very pretty as I'm sure you will agree! Colourful Flowers, a beautiful tree and everything about this Square is amazing! You have made a marvellous job of it thank you akarapacha! I am extremely grateful to you for sending this Square in to me for this particular Challenge.

akarapacha says, "The view is from my brothers house, in Christie Gardens, Essex, UK, in 1987. "

It's a great view thank you akarapacha!

Next we have Kays' Square. Kay lives in Conyers, GA, USA and once again she has captured her Local Landscape beautifully! This Square is of Stone Mountain, Georgia. Now if you visit Kay's Blog I'll give you the link you can read all about it. Kay loves the open air and the photos on her Blog are just so interesting. If you pop over she tells us about her recent visit to the Mountain with her family. What wonderful scenery you have over there Kay! There's also another link here if you would like more information. It really is an interesting read!

Kay has also sent in another Square for the Landscape Challenge, unfortunately I wasn't expecting two Squares and I have given the space over to another Lady here in the UK. So if it's okay with you Kay I shall put it in the SIBOL Stash! It's a beautiful Granny Square with colours representing the grass and pine trees from her window!

I'm over the moon with both Squares and I am so pleased you also Kay have taken part in this special Challenge. Thank you both very much indeed.

Now I shall work on these Squares and then I am just waiting for one more Square to finish the 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge.

I'm so pleased with the Squares that have been coming in for this particular Challenge. When I first of all announced this Challenge I wondered if we would be successful in making a Blanket up. The Squares came in pretty slow at first but over the last few weeks we have worked terribly hard between us and I'm pleased to say I only have one more to come in now. This Blanket will end up being 30 6" x 6", which is lovely. Thank you to everyone that has made a Square for this Challenge.

May I welcome new Ladies visiting our SIBOL Blog! We have had a very good response from the latest 'Knit Today' magazine and I am so pleased you are taking an interest in our SIBOL project!

x Sue x

We're in Knit Today Ladies! / Magical Square for our Landscape Challenge!

2012-01-20T17:00:00.000Z

Good Evening Everyone!

Good News SIBOLETTES! Today I am very pleased to be telling you that SIBOL is in 'Knit Today!'. I'm very proud of our Group and I'm very grateful to 'Knit Today' for featuring our 'Olympic project for 2012!'.

Click on the image, it will take you to Flickr.
Click on image again
Then go to 'actions'
Then go to 'view all sizes'.

Everyone has worked so......hard for this Challenge and I do hope I can get even more Squares to arrive so that we can make a massive Blanket! This Blanket hopefully will raise some money for the Alzheimers Society here in the UK. I chose this cause because we do such a lot of work for the Elderly I thought it was appropriate.

So if anyone has seen the article in 'Knit Today' and this is the first time you have visted SIBOL then please pop over to our SIBOL CHALLENGE web site for all information. My address to send Squares is not on the web site, it is available from sueatpigsty@talktalk.net May I say welcome to you all too!

I thought maybe we were in a magazine today because I have been getting a good response so I popped out to my local Supermarket to pick up a copy! Not only are we in the magazine we are also featured on the Knit Today web site. which is amazing! Thank you Marie and Staff!

I would like to thank Gemma from the UK for her beautiful Square received today! Gemma has very kindly taken part in our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge. Now for anyone new to SIBOL, and I know for a fact there are some new Ladies popping in I would just like to tell you about this particular Challenge.

Jersery Textile Showcase 2012 are holding an event in Jersey in March and our SIBOL Group have been busy collecting Squares for a special Blanket which will be exhibited. After the event the Blanket will be sold to raise funds for Jersey Mencap. This was quite a hard Challenge and at first the Squares were very slow coming in. But I'm very pleased to say that I have nearly got 30 Squares now for this particular Challenge. Our usual Blankets take 25 6" x 6" Squares either Knitted or Crocheted, so we have extra ones in this Blanket. If you'd like to go back posts you will see the gorgeous Squares that have been coming in.

The idea is to make a Square either Crocheted or Knitted showing your Local Landscape. As you can see from the Squares already received we are collecting some great Squares and they are showing views from around the Country. We also have some coming in from the States. So hopefully this Blanket will raise some money for Mencap. I have now had to end the Challenge over on the Challenge web site as I have enough Squares (well apart from one!) As the title suggests 'Your Local Landscape' the idea is to make what you see! It could even be a view from your Window!

All through the year we work very hard making Squares which go into Blankets for the Elderly, but from time to time we make 'Charity Blankets'. Last April we made a great Royal Wedding Blanket which raised £112 for Prince William and Kate Middletons' Charity Gift Fund. This year we are making a 'Think Pink' Blanket to raise money for 'Breast Awareness' and apart from the Mencap one we are making a massive one for the Olympics London 2012. This will hopefully raise money for Alzheimers in the UK.

I must show you Gemmas' Square. She has Crocheted a beautiful Square in great shades of Green. This is called 'Woodland Walk' and if you look at the photograph which inspired her I'm sure you will agree it looks pretty magical! I can just imagine fairies flying around!

Gemma tells me about her Square!

"Rocks East Woodland, Ashwicke near Bath. (http://www.rockseast.org.uk/)
There's sculpture trails, grottos and many other strange things in the woods,
including a sort of folly in the form of a pond in the middle of a sunken ruin."

Hasn't she made a great job! I absolutely love it and I am over the moon Gemma! Great shades of Green and I love the arches! Only a few more to arrive now and I can start assembling this Blanket.

We have been very successful with our work for the Elderly. We have now made 123 Blankets since January 2010. Of course while I'm working on these Charity Blankets they will be a little slow appearing.

I will be posting the Squares from the USA as soon as they arrive and I do hope you will pop back again.
If you would also like to pop over to our SIBOL RAV Group we also have fun over there with our Monthly Square Swaps which you may be interested in.

UPDATE SATURDAY.

I am very pleased to be showing you some Squares which have arrived this morning from Liz here in the UK. I am very grateful to you Liz for making them for our SIBOL project. The Squares are lovely. There is nothing like the traditional Granny Square and they are so useful for keeping in our SIBOL Stash.

There are a lot of Squares to look at so I have made a Slide Show! Sit back and enjoy now.

Created with flickr slideshow.

Great Squares Liz thank you very much!

The other Square is from Joanna. Joanna has made 'Granny Stripe' for our Jan Eaton Challenge. This is a lovely Square too! Once again wonderful colours have been used. Thank you very much Joanna.

Thank you for visiting SIBOL today and have a good weekend!

x Sue x

You must pop in to see these beautiful SIBOL Squares!

2012-01-18T19:39:00.000Z

Hello Everyone!

Wow! I'm a happy bunny today! I have had beautiful Squares arrive and I'm absolutely over the moon!
I would like to thank joyce28 (UK), Kianie (UK), makingtracks (UK) and Fiona (Netherlands) for the great selection of Squares they have sent in!

You know I have been desperately trying to get in Squares for the Landscape Challenge, well I am very pleased to say we are doing extremely well now. I have started working on the ones already received. Without me babbling on let's take a look at them!

First of all we have joyce 28. She has very kindly made two Squares for our Jersey Challenge. joyce wow! I love both of them. What wonderful ideas!

The first one 'Trees' simply beautiful. I love the trunks of the trees and I love the cute Flowers!

Isn't it pretty!

The next one 'Sea, Sand and Sun'. I think this one reminds joyce of her recent holiday. It simply is such a wonderful idea! Wow!

I am really grateful to you joyce for doing these extra Squares for me, it's very kind of you. I'm sure everyone loves them. It's the colours in the Squares I think that stand out. Simply gorgeous! I am 'well chuffed!' as we say here in the UK!

The next Square is from makingtracks (UK) The idea for her Landscape Square came from this. Isn't it beautiful? A really good idea. The whole point of the Landscape Challenge is ....what would you see from your window? If it's a garden scene that's brilliant! You have made a terrific job makingtracks and thank you so much for helping me out on this Challenge. Let's take a look at this beauty now!

Oh I do get excited when I see these Squares come in! I love to see where you have got your inspiration from! Simply amazing, what fun!

Kianie (UK) has very kindly made four Squares for our Challenges. One for Lunas' Challenge 'One Heart From Around The World' and the other is the Letter 'Y' for the Olympic Blanket. I am really happy too because Kianie has made two fantastic Squares for our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge.

Blackpool Tower is a famous Landmark here in the UK. If you would like to find out more about it then please follow the link. Kianie has found inspiration from this tall building and if you scroll down you will see what she has come up with.

Wow!

Good isn't it?

The next Square is Darwen Tower here in the UK. If you would like to find out more then please follow the link.

Kianie has made a beautiful Crocheted Square, gathering inspiration from this monument. Let's see what she has made now.

Amazing Kianie! In her note with the Squares she wrote,

"Just thought I would share with you the story of Darwen Tower. It is our local landmark situated on Beacon Hill overlooking the town of Darwen (Lancs).

The tower was built to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria (Also known as The Jubilee Tower). From the top are fantastic views and the tower can be seen for miles around. It is a much loved landmark with the people of Darwen.

In 1947 during gale force winds the dome was blown off and was not replaced until 1971. This time the wooden dome was replaced with a fibreglass one. This dome came off during strong winds on 11th November 2010. A sad day for the people of Darwen. When I was making the Square for the challenge. I was undecided as to whether I should add the dome or not. I did add the dome as I knew that a replacement was being made. I finished the Square on Thursday 12th January 2012. I took my mum shopping into Darwen Town Centre on Friday 13th January and to my surprise and delight, we witnessed the new dome being put into place with the help of two helicopters. A case of being in the right place at the right time as we had no idea that the dome was being replaced on Friday morning!"

If you'd like to read more follow this link to the BBC News.

I think your story is amazing Kianie! Just as you are making the Square for the Challenge. I am so pleased that making this Square for SIBOL has meant such a lot to you and no doubt you showed your Mother the Square too. I bet she loved it and I'm sure you will both always remember this special day! How fantastic!

Kianie also sent Squares in for Lunas' Challenge 'One Heart From Around The World'. It's lovely too.

Also a 'Y' for our 'Olympic Challenge'. This one has worked out beautifully! I must check sometime because I think there are some more Letters we need.

It sounds as though you have had great fun with these Challenges Kianie. I really appreciate your help on them all.

Fiona over in the Netherlands has been working extremely hard for our Challenges too. She has made three Squares for our 'Knit Today' Challenge. I am afraid this Challenge has now closed because I have got 25 Squares for it now. But if you are in the process of making any then please send them in for our SIBOL Stash!

Aren't they lovely? Great colours in these Squares.

Fiona has also made a beautiful Square for our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge. With her Square she told me where her inspiration came from. I would like to share it with you!

"The Fields of Flowers around the center of Haarlem, Lisse. We are calling it 'de bollenstraeek'. I saw it when I went to visit my Grandmother she lived in Haarlem. It's my point of view I saw it when I travelled with the train."

I am finding these Challenge Squares so...interesting. Not only are we getting beautiful Knitted and Crocheted Squares but I am also learning about 'your part of the world!'. It's so lovely that we can let others know too a little about the Square and why a certain place has inspired you!

I love how you have crocheted the sky and grass! Tiny Flowers too, I love the detail.

Fiona's last Square is a Jan Eaton Block. It's called 'Blocks & Shells' and it's Block No. 80 in the Jan Eaton 200 Block book. This is such a delicate pattern, and I love the colour you have made it in.

Well it's taken me quite a while to write this post in between getting the evening meal and picking my 82 year old mother from work! Yes that's right! 82! She's amazing!

I have really enjoyed receiving the Squares and reading where your inspiration came from to make the Squares, and I will crack on now with getting these Squares ready to make the Blanket. The Blanket has got to arrive in Jersey by the end of February so I must get a move on. Let's hope it raises some money for Mencap.

So in closing many thanks for visiting SIBOL. I do hope you have enjoyed looking at these gorgeous Squares and if you would like to check out our Challenges then please do!

Olympic up-date and a Jan Eaton Square arrives!

2012-01-17T15:25:00.003Z

Hi Everyone!

I am very pleased to be showing you a very pretty Jan Eaton Square. This is Block no.100 'Pastel Delight'. It has been made by Big Blue over on Ravelry. Thank you so much for this lovely Square, great colours and such a pretty Square. If anyone wants to take part in this Challenge then please pop over SIBOL CHALLENGES all the details are on the web site.

At the moment I am working on the 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge. The Squares are coming in now and if you have any ready and are sending soon then please let me know. This particular Blanket is going off to Jersey to take part 'hopefully' in the Jersey Textile Showcase 2012. After the event the Blanket will be sold to raise money for Jersey Mencap which is a very worthy cause.

I have also took some photographs this morning of our Olympic Squares. Now I am still collecting for these and if you want to take part then please pop over to SIBOL CHALLENGES once again. My deadline is end of March but I am going to start working on these within the next few days. I probably won't be making so many 'Sunshine Blankets' at this very moment in time because I really need to start working on the Olympic one and of course finishing the Landscape one.

Would you like to see the current Olympic Squares? Here they are now!

I do hope you will stay tuned into SIBOL, within the next few weeks I have about a 100 Flags arriving from our friend akarapacha in the States. Her Squares are amazing too!

Now these Squares will be put into a special Charity Blanket with the Olympics in mind. When the Blanket is finished it will be sold on EBAY to raise money for the Alzheimers Society here in the UK. I thought appropriate as it is connected to the Elderly.

So if you are interested in either the 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge or the 'Olympics London 2012' Challenge then please pop over to our SIBOL CHALLENGES web site. Thank you very much for visiting SIBOL today!

x Sue x

Squares from the States and UK arrive today!

2012-01-16T16:01:00.000Z

Good Afternoon Everyone!

I am very pleased to be showing you some new Squares which have arrived today. The first set of Squares have come all the way from the USA from our dear friend Luna! Thank you Luna! I'm sure you will love these Squares. Luna has made a great set of Heart Squares for our 'One Heart From Around The World' Challenge. They are just so pretty! Along with some beautiful Granny Squares. Great yarn Luna! The Hearts are in different colours and each one is superb! Let's take a look at them.

If you'd like to have a go please pop over to SIBOL CHALLENGES.

Created with flickr slideshow.

I hope you enjoyed watching Luna's Slide Show! Thank you very much Luna!

We have also had a very pretty Square arrive from Pippa (UK) today. Pippa chose to make No.92 'Victorian Lace' for our Jan Eaton Challenge. This is such an interesting Block, I'm so pleased you took part in our Challenge Pippa. Also many thanks for the Stash Squares! I love them all!

I'm sure you love them too!

The third set of Squares are for our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge. Two beautiful Squares are from Craftymizz (UK). These two are very interesting Squares and are brilliant for our special Charity Challenge.
The first one is of 'Durdle Door' in Dorset. I have given you the link if you are interested in reading about it. Here is a photo too. Craftymizz you have captured it beautifully! Thank you so much!

The other Square is of 'Denford Canal'. Another brilliant Square for our special Challenge. Once again captured beautifully Craftymizz! I love them both thank you so much! They will both be great for our 'Your Local Landscape' Blanket which will be sent off to Jersey Textile Showcase 2012.

An exciting day today! Thanks to Luna, Craftymizz and Pippa. Your Squares are very much appreciated.

I will continue working on our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge now.

x Sue x

Challenge Squares on a Saturday!

2012-01-14T11:20:00.002Z

Hi Everyone!

Well our Landscape Squares are coming in and I am really optimistic that we can make a successful Blanket for the Jersey Textile Showcase in March. They are all wonderful Squares and I am really grateful to you all.

This morning I had a wonderful Square from Tina. This is such a pretty Square with a combination of Crocheting and Knitting! The Square she has made for our Landscape Challenge is 'Winchester Cathedral'. Just take a look at this little beauty!

It's brilliant and I love it. I have now received 16 Squares which I have worked on and I am waiting for the rest to come in now!

I also had some great Squares from jean nock who has very kindly made some 'One Heart From Around The World' Squares for our SIBOL Challenge. She has also sent some Squares for our Stash.

Thank you very much indeed, I love them!

Created with flickr slideshow.

I am most grateful to both of you thank you!

Have a good weekend everyone and thank you so much for your comments about dear Molly too!

x Sue x

A tribute to Molly and Squares from the UK!

2012-01-13T08:54:00.004Z

Good Morning Everyone!

This is quite a sad post for me to write today. I had a mail from Molly's husband Jay last night as I expect many of you have too. He was informing everyone in Molly's address book that she had sadly passed away. After suffering numerous health problems.

She passed on Jan 06, 2012 in the Hospice House in Rapid City SD and was cremated by her wish.

As you know SIBOL was formed in February 2010 and dear Molly was our very first 'SIBOLETTE'. It was such a joy to receive her beautiful Squares from the States, back in those early days.

Not only did she crochet beautifully she also gave me a lot of help with the SIBOL button on our web site, and also helped me with the name for SIBOL along with other friends. She had been quiet in Blogland for some time and I know she had been poorly.

Molly was such a lovely kind person, nothing was too much trouble for her and I'm sure we all valued her friendship.

On behalf of myself and our 'SIBOLETTES' I would like to send our condolences to Jay and his family at this very sad time.

http://crochetingmyworsted.blogspot.com/

On a brighter note I have Squares arrive today from makingtracks (RAV). Lisa has very kindly made a Square for 'Your Local Landscape' which I desperately need to finish the Blanket and the Owl Challenge. These Squares are just wonderful. Along with the Challenge Squares I have received a lovely Heart Design Knitted Square and also a few Knitted Squares for our SIBOL Stash.

This is what Lisa wrote about her Landcape Square!

"I called it “sunny outside” because when I laid in bed staring out the window on Friday trying to think what I could do, this is exactly what I saw. :)"

Let's have a look at her other Squares now! I love them all.

Created with flickr slideshow.

Thanks for visiting SIBOL today and I'm really sorry I have had bad news to share with you.

x Sue x

Squares from the States and a letter of thanks to our SIBOLETTES!

2012-01-12T18:05:00.001Z

Hello Everyone!

I am so glad you have popped into SIBOL today because I have some great Squares to show you! They have come from manosa in the States. These Squares have been made with lovely yarn, I'm sure it was so lovely to work with and the colours are just beautiful. I particularly like the pink variegated yarn. Great patterns too. I love them thank you manosa! I am so pleased you are enjoying making the Squares for our SIBOL project.

I have made a Slide Show for you!

Created with flickr slideshow.

I'm sure everyone will agree they really are pretty Squares!

A NOTE OF THANKS.

On November 15th 2011, I delivered 18 of our 'Sunshine Blankets' to St.Michaels' Home for the Elderly in Olton. Practically all of these Blankets were ones which we had made for our Picture Square Challenges. Yesterday I received a mail from a Lady called Sandra. Her Mother is a Resident in this home and she received a Cupcake Blanket on Christmas Day. If you remember the Manager Julie was going to wrap each Blanket up and give them out to every Resident.

Sandra was so kind to write and thank us all and I thought it would be nice for you to read it. I have had permission to share it with you. If you would like to read about my visit then please follow the link

Dear Sue

Can I on behalf of my mother Mrs Ellen Mincher, a resident at St Michaels home in Olton, thank you very much for the wonderful blanket (with the cup cake design) you gave her at Christmas. It is fantastic workmanship and I understand from Julia that you provided one for each resident.

I have noticed that the blankets have generated a talking point and interest amongst the residents as they compare the different designs.

Once again can I thank everyone involved with this wonderful work.

From Sandra Hollyoak.

I am always very grateful to everyone that contributes Squares for our SIBOL project. These Squares travel thousands of miles from as far as Canada, USA, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. The talent of Ladies from all over the world never ceases to amaze me. Each Square is always so well received by myself and with your help we are making some fantastic Blankets for our Elderly in the UK. I am very grateful to you all. When I get a letter like this one, it just makes our work so much more worthwhile! Thank you to everyone and also many many thanks to Sandra who very kindly sent me the mail.

I am at present starting working on the Challenge Squares for the 'Your Local Landscape' Blanket. Hopefully this Blanket will raise some money for Mencap when sold. So if you could get your Squares in as soon as possible please I would be most grateful to you.

I think that's all for now, thank you for visiting and for your very kind comments as always.

x Sue x

'Angel of the North' Square for our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge arrives today!

2012-01-11T11:22:00.001Z

Hi Everyone!

Talk about excited! That's what I am today. I have received another gorgeous Square from jenniferanne (SCOTLAND) for our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge. I still have a few places left on this Challenge but if you want to take part you must really make the Square right away if you could please.

This Square shows the 'Angel of the North'. Now I have found a link and if you would like to find out more about it then please pop over. jenniferanne has captured it once again so beautifully and once again if you are worrying that you can't make involved Squares it really doesn't have to be! A simple design on a blue and green background is just so ....effective! I love this Square and I am most grateful to you jenniferanne!

Let's take a look at it!

Oh now don't laugh, here's my attempt!

Thank you so much for popping into SIBOL. If you want to have a go then please mail me Sue on sueatpigsty@talktalk.net

x Sue x

Interesting Challenge Squares and a donated Blanket arrive today!

2012-01-10T18:33:00.001Z

Good Evening Everyone!

I apologise for leaving it late to post, I have been rather busy these last couple of days.

Thank you so much for the lovely Squares I have received today! Let's take a look at them now.

First of all I have Diemie (Netherlands). She has made a very pretty 'Jan Eaton Square'. This one is no. 83 and it is called 'Diamond in a Square'. I absolutely love the variegated yarn used in the centre. Why not have a go at this particular Block? It has come from Jan Eaton's 200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws and Afghans'. This is a wonderful book with very clear instructions and colourful photographs. This book is very popular indeed.

Thank you very much for sending in this Square Diemie, I really love it.

Next we have jenniferanne. jenniferanne has made some great Squares for 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge and I am very pleased to be showing you them.

The Square I am about to show you is the 'Iron Bridge'. I have given you a link if you would like to find out more about it if you are visiting SIBOL from abroad. jenniferanne has worked so hard on these 'Your Local Landscape' Squares and I think she has captured the bridge remarkably well indeed. I love the colours she has used and I am so grateful that you have 'challenged' yourself!

The second Square for this Challenge is depicting our British farmland. A quite rural Square showing our patchwork fieds! The fields are complete with pond, ploughed field, corn etc., I think this is so nice and I think it's a brilliant idea.

I still have places left in this Challenge. My idea was that I would try and get the full 25 Squares. They are rather slow coming in and I am limited with time. The Blanket will be sent off to Jersey Textile Showcase 2012 and it is to be exhibited 'I hope' and then sold to raise funds for Mencap. I have been promised photographs by the Organiser. If you think you can rush me a Square then please pop over to our SIBOL CHALLENGE Blog. This will give you all details, thank you. Sue on sueatpigsty@talktalk.net with any queries.

Thank you so much jenniferanne for supporting me. I really appreciate your help.

I have beautiful Squares now from Beverley who has very kindly sent them in for our Challenges.

'Owl Challenge'

'Musical Challenge'.

Do you remember the rhyme?

Hickory Dickory Dock!
The Mouse ran up the Clock!
The Clock struck one,
The mouse ran down,
Hickory Dickory Dock!

'Nursery Rhyme' Challenge.

'Faces Challenge'.

Brilliant Squares aren't they? I love them all. You have met the Challenges really well indeed! Many thanks Bev!

Coxabey over on RAVELRY has very kindly made and donated a Blanket which she didn't need. 'Of course I will accept it!', I said. I do hate to see Blankets go to waste if they are not needed. Although this is not our usual 25 Squares that doesn't particularly matter. An Elderly person is just going to love putting the Blanket over their knees. So thank you very much indeed. I have made a Slide show for SIBOL 123!

Created with flickr slideshow.

It's called 'Fruit Bowl'. I love this Blanket and I particularly love the centre Squares, thank you so much for thinking of SIBOL Coxabey!

Coxabey also sent in some Squares for our Challenges. Namely 'Jan Eaton's Challenge' and the 'Wiggles' Challenge. Also a couple of Squares for our SIBOL Stash! Thank you very much indeed!

Well that's it for today. Thank you to all the Ladies that have sent me in Squares for our Challenges and also for the lovely donated Blanket Coxabey! It's so pretty!

Thanks for visiting SIBOL today. Oh before I go, could I welcome all our new Ladies over on RAVELRY and also our new Followers on our SIBOL Blog. It's very nice to have you along with us.

x Sue x

Squares from Scotland the UK!

2012-01-06T17:25:00.001Z

Good Evening Everyone!

I am very pleased to be showing you some gorgeous Squares which have arrived today!

The first one is for our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge. I am 'really desperate' to get in some more
Squares for this particular Challenge and if you think you would like to take part then please do so. I am trying to make a Blanket up which is going to be sent to Jersey Textile Showcase 2012 to be held in March.
Our special Blanket will 'hopefully' be exhibited and then sold to raise money for Mencap which is a very worthwhile Charity. But.....I need more Squares!

Do you have a favourite view that you think you could possibly put into a Knitted or Crocheted Square? Do you live near to a famous Landmark? Why not have a go? Let's take a look at jenniferannes' Square which arrived today! She has beautifully made the Forth Bridge in Scotland. She has used DK Acrylic yarn and the bridge itself is made from shirring elastic! What a fantastic idea. She took inspiration from a photograph of the Forth Bridge, and she has captured it so well! The water is so very interesting, the shades of green and blue and then we look upwards to the Bridge which is just magnificient. The detail is 100% spot on!

Thank you so much jenniferanne, I love your Square!

If you think you could help me along with this one, then please email me. Sue on sueatpigsty@talktalk.net so I know what numbers we are expecting. I have to send the Blanket off in February so I really need these Squares in as soon as possible please.

Jean Nock has also sent in some interesting Squares today. She has made some for our 'SIBOL' Stash and also some for the 'Knit Today' Challenge. I only need 3 more Squares to finish off our third 'Knit Today' Blanket so if you would like to have a go then please mail me sueatpigsty@talktalk.net I am still waiting to see if 'Knit Today' feature our other two Blankets.

She was also very kind to send in some pretty Butterflies, thank you so much Jean Nock I love the Squares and the Butterflies!

Created with flickr slideshow.

I do collect Butterflies for our 'Butterflies' stash. The usual ones we make are from Nettie but of course if you would like to make any other type then please do and then send them to SIBOL. Pop over to Netties Blog she has a great video tutorial!

Thank you Jean Nock and jenniferanne, I am most grateful to you and I would love other Ladies to join in this Challenge.

x Sue x

Squares from the UK!

2012-01-05T12:28:00.003Z

Good Afternoon Everyone!

A very wet and windy day here today in the UK!

I am very happy to be showing you some Squares which have just arrived from Zoe here in the UK!
She had made a Square for our Challenge 'One Heart From Around TheWorld' which has come out beautifully, I love the colours she has used. Also some Squares for our Stash which she has taken from Edie Eckman's book.

First of all let's have a look at Zoe's 'One Heart From Around the World'

Luna will love this Square thank you Zoe.

Here are the other Squares now. The Butterfly was taken from '100 Flowers to Crochet & Knit' this really is so cute!

Created with flickr slideshow.

The Edie Eckman Squares are No's 95, 113, 114. I love them thank you Zoe.

I'm very grateful to you and another Square for our 'One Heart From Around The World' Challenge, great.

x Sue x

Challenge Squares fly in from the States and the Netherlands! Would you like to take part in a special Blanket for Mencap?

2012-01-04T11:22:00.000Z

Good Morning Everyone!

Thanks so much for visiting 'SIBOL' once again today!

I am very happy to be showing you some Challenge Squares that have arrived from Debi in the States and also Corien (Richtje) in the Netherlands. I am very grateful to both of you for sending in Squares for our Challenges.

Debi has very kindly sent her very own 'Wiggles' Square. I do hope you will pop over to her Blog and say hello! Her Crocheting is just wonderful and her posts are so interesting! Debi has made the 'Wiggles' Square in two shades of pink. The Square is so pretty I love it. The Squares that are coming in for this particular Challenge are just so pretty and it is nice to see what colours you are using. If you would like to have a go then please do so. Details are over on SIBOL CHALLENGES.

It really is a gorgeous Square thank you Debi!

The other Squares have arrived from Corien in the Netherlands. Corien has taken our Challenges on board and she too has made some wonderful Squares. A lovely Jan Eaton Block No. 98 'Old Vienna', Wiggles Square, Knit Today Squares, Luna's Flower Square and also Squares for our SIBOL stash.
Such lovely Squares in very nice colour combinations. Let's take a look now.

Let's have a look now more closely in your Slide Show!

Created with flickr slideshow.

I do hope you have enjoyed looking at the Squares today, they really are lovely.

I am desperate to get in more Squares as soon as possible for our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge. The idea is to make a Knitted or Crocheted Square with a view in mind. What would you see from your Window? We have had some great ideas come in already would you like to see some of the Squares?

These are the 'Your Local Landscape' Squares which have already come in for this special Charity Challenge for Mencap. Do you get the idea now? Do you think you could make a Square for this Challenge? All details are over on SIBOL CHALLENGES. I really would like to get the 25 Squares to enable me to make this Blanket. I am rather pushed for time too. I will need to get the Squares in as soon as possible as I have to make the Blanket and send it off to Jersey.

This Blanket if successful will be sent off to the Jersey Textile Showcase March 2012. It will be on exhibit and the organiser Pat has promised me photographs. When the event is over the Blanket along with other items will be sold and all money will be given to a worthy cause Mencap. I won't be able to go myself, I have never ever flown! Quite terrified at the thought too but as I say photographs have been promised by Pat.

I do hope these Squares have inspired you to have a go! I really would welcome your Squares!

Thanks so much Debi and Corien, and thanks for visiting 'SIBOL' today.

x Sue x

What to do with that 'unwanted' yarn! UPDATED 3/1/2012 SQUARES FROM CANADA AND THE UK!

2012-01-02T20:55:00.002Z

Hi Everyone!

I'm sure as it is the start of 2012, everyone is having a de-clutter and making room for their new 2012 yarn!
The question is what do we do with our old 'un-wanted/un-used' yarn! Well I have some ideas for you!

Not only can you make Squares for 'SIBOL' (All details are over on our Challenge Blog) but if you want to you can do any of the following. These are 'just ideas' and please do not feel that you have to do any of them!

1. 'Make your own 'SIBOL' Blanket from 'Squares.'

Why not make a 'SIBOL' Blanket yourself? If you enjoy making Squares Crocheted or Knitted of whatever pattern and you like making a lot of them then instead of sending individual Squares to me, why not assemble them yourself?

Our 'SIBOL' Squares MUST BE 6" x 6" (15cms x 15cms).
We have 25 6" x 6" Squares in a 'SIBOL' Blanket.
With a Border of 1" to 2".
So roughly the finished Blanket will be 37"/38".
The Squares can be joined in whatever fashion you like.
Sewing them together or Crocheting them together.
The Blanket can be Knitted or Crocheted.
Acrylic please if possible.

If you are kind enough to send a whole Blanket you will go into our 'Hall of Fame' over on RAVELRY!

2. 'Make your own 'SIBOL' - 'Large Granny Square' Blanket' .
Are you new to Crocheting and feel that you have only just mastered the UK treble?
Are you confident making a Granny Square but haven't progressed to more advanced Squares?
Or maybe you find just working up a Large Granny Square is relaxing?
Then why not use that unwanted stash of yarn and make a 'SIBOL' Granny Square Blanket?

The Blanket must be 36" x 36" Square with added border.

Use any 'unwanted' yarn you have.
If you have any yarn that you absolutely hate, why not use it for this project. For example (Plain Black yarn). Even if they are 'manly' colours these Blankets will be very well received by people who need them.

You may want to make a magic ball of yarn by tying odd scraps together then just working it up to make a 36" Granny Square of various colours! Why not!
I can assure you 'SIBOL' can make use of your yarn!
It's also a good way of getting rid of your old to make room for the new!

If you are kind enough to send a whole Blanket you will go into our 'Hall of Fame' over on RAVELRY!

3. 'Do you have any unwanted Crocheted or Knitted Blankets at home?

A 'SIBOLETTE' over on RAVELRY has recently asked me if 'SIBOL' could use a Blanket which she made and does not require for a member of her Family. Well what do you think my answer was!
Of course we can. I do hate to see Blankets go to waste. There are lots of Elderly folk who would love a Blanket to throw over their knees. So if you have have a Blanket which you now can't use for whatever reason, or you just don't like the finished item you have made then why not donate this to 'SIBOL?'. I would be very happy to accept it for the Elderly in the UK.

So guidelines are....
It must be clean.
It can be any size Blanket.
The Squares can be of any size.

If you are unsure of whether I can accept it then please contact me
Sue on sueatpigsty@talktalk.net

Of course 'SIBOL' relys on donations to keep our project running and if you have any unwanted yarn that you do not require and would like to see this go towards our work with the Elderly then please contact me for my address. I can then distribute this to our 'SIBOLETTES' who are busy either making Squares or giving me a hand making the Blankets up!

Thank you so much and I do hope you find something of interest here today!

With your help we have now made 122 'Sunshine Blankets' all of which have been donated to our Elderly folk either in Nursing Homes or more vunerable needy people. Thank you.

UPDATED TUESDAY 3/1/2012.

It's so nice to have postal deliveries after the New Year Holiday, and I am so...pleased to be showing you these gorgeous Squares that have come all the way from Pattygloria in Canada. These Squares have fantastic colour combinations. I just love the American yarn and I also love the centres of two of these Squares. These Squares are beautiful Pattygloria thank you so much for sending them to me I am very grateful to you.

Do you agree with me? I'm sure you will!

Pattygloria said, " I tried a new pattern and turn it into a granny square, for the two of them with the centre flowers, from Crochet Today Magazine, November/December 2011 by Kim Kotary."

Then I have had Kianies' Squares arrive today from the UK.

Kianie has made a Square for our 'Jan Eaton Challenge'. Why not have a go at this pretty Square? This is Block No.97 and it's called 'Eyelet Lace'.

What a pretty Block this is! It is from the Jan Eaton's book 200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws and Afghans. We are at present collecting Squares for this Challenge. There are still places available if you want to join in the fun. Please pop over to SIBOL CHALLENGES.

The other Square has been made for our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge. I really need to get lots more Squares in for this Challenge and I really need them quickly too! We are collecting Squares for a special Charity Blanket. This one is going off to Jersey hopefully to be exhibited in the Jersey Textile Showcase. Then it will be sold to raise money for Mencap. I am so excited about this Challenge. But as I say I need more Squares please.

What do you see from your window? Do you see your garden like Kianie? Or do you see Fields or Buildings, or maybe the Sea? Whatever you see why not make a 6" Square Crocheted or Knitted and send it to me for this special Blanket. There are still places available. Please pop over to SIBOL CHALLENGES.

Let's take a look now at Kianies' Square!

Note the detail in this Square. Tiny Beads have been used in the tree. Can you spot the Watering Can and the cute Birdies too! What a fabulous Square! Thank you so much Kianie!

Thank you very much Pattygloria and Kianie I love your Squares!
Thanks for visiting SIBOL today!

x Sue x

A new start. 2012.

2012-01-01T16:50:00.001Z

Hello Everyone,

Well things are slowly getting back to normal after the holidays and it's so nice to be posting again after the break. Thank you to everyone that has left a comment recently on 'SIBOL' and indeed for the lovely emails I have been receiving.

I really want to list places of interest today in connection with 'SIBOL'.

1. 'SIBOL' - http://www.sunshineinternationalblanketsoflove.blogspot.com/

    This is our main 'SIBOL' Blog.
    This is where I show you the new Squares arriving and also the Blankets when they are finished.

2. 'SIBOL CHALLENGES' - http://www.sibolchallenges.blogspot.com/

    This is the Blog which lists our latest Challenges.
    This is where you will find information about sending Squares to me.
    My address will be available by emailing me sueatpigsty@talktalk.net

3. 'SIBOL - The Archive' - http://www.sibol-thearchive.blogspot.com/

    This is the Blog which stores information about some of the Squares we have used.
    Or maybe a new Square which has been submitted by a Group member.
    I am often asked 'Where do I find the pattern from for that Square?'
    Hopefully this Blog will help you.

4. 'SIBOL on RAVELRY' - http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/-sibol-/topics

     What fun we have on here!
     Why not pop over and introduce yourself?
     If you go to 'pages' at the top you will see Blankets made in 2010, 2011 and hopefully 2012!
     If you go to 'pages' you will also see new Squares when they arrive.

5. My favourite Place! - My 'Mrs Twins' Photostream. www.flickr.com/photos/sues_favourite_things

     This is or 'was' my personal photostream.
     At the very start back in 2009 I put my own personal crocheting on there, but of course in January 2010
     'SIBOL' came along and it's sort of took over!
     This is where you can see 'every' square that has come in for our 'SIBOL' project.
     This is where I keep my visual record.
     Why not join us over on Flickr?

We have now made 122 'Sunshine Blanket's. An amazing amount of beautiful Blankets. All of which have been delivered to the Elderly in the UK.

Thank you so much for your wonderful support since January 2010.

I am having trouble adding new Blankets to the right hand side bar for some reason on this Blog. But I am now going to give you links for our Blankets.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sues_favourite_things/sets/72157626973178499/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sues_favourite_things/sets/72157626973230689/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sues_favourite_things/sets/72157627097845074/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sues_favourite_things/sets/72157628178072559/

We have quite an exciting year ahead of us, a lot of work I have to say.

We are collecting Squares (asap) for two really special Charity Blankets.
'Your Local Landscape' Challenge (details on the Challenge Blog).
The 'Olympics London 2012' Challenge.

Our usual Challenges run from month to month.

We have SIBOL SQUARE SWAPS over on RAVELRY. If you are interested please follow my Link.

So is everyone geared up for a New Year? Let the fun begin!

Thanks everyone!

x Sue x

Challenge Squares arrive on New Years Eve!

2011-12-31T16:03:00.000Z

Good Afternoon Everyone!

It's New Years Eve, and I wish you all a Very Happy time this evening. Whatever you are doing, I do hope you enjoy yourselves. I wish you all the Happiness for the New Year! Of course in some parts of the World our friends have already seen the New Year in! So I do hope you have enjoyed yourselves!

I am just popping into my favourite place to show you some beautiful Squares which have arrived today! They are from bonsall here in the UK.

bonsall has very kindly made some great Challenge Squares. They are amazing and I love them! If you would like to take part please do so. My Challenges are over on our SIBOL Challenge Blog. Please follow the instructions correctly and do remember to enclose your personal details email address, name and address etc.,

Our SIBOL Squares are always 6" (15cms x 15cms) to be used in our Blankets.

I am desperately trying to get in more Squares for our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge. All details are over on the Blog mentioned. We are doing a special Blanket to be sent off to the Jersey Textile Showcase which will be exhibited and then sold to raise money for Mencap. Please join us.

I must show you bonsalls' Squares, they simply are wonderful.

Do you want to see them more closely? Sit back and enjoy the Slide Show now.

Created with flickr slideshow.

Thank you so much bonsall!

Happy New Year everyone!

Thanks for visiting 'SIBOL' today!

x Sue x

Challenge Squares arrive today from the UK!

2011-12-29T12:57:00.001Z

Good Morning Everyone!

Well I do hope everyone visiting 'SIBOL' today has had a pleasant Christmas. It's so nice to have Squares coming back in after the Christmas festivities! I have family still at home until after the New Year so I am just doing what I have to do here on SIBOL until we are back to 'normal'.

I would very much like to thank joyce28 for the gorgeous Squares which have arrived today. I always feel like a 'School Teacher' when I set my Challenges. I wonder whether they will be interesting for you, whether you will like them. But there is never any need to worry because you all take them on board so......well!

joyce 28 has sent me a fantastic selection of Squares. I do hope you will just sit for a few minutes and view the Slide Show. It is so much easier for me to make a Slide Show when there are a lot of Squares arriving from one person. joyce 28 has had a go at all the Challenges and I am always amazed at the talent she shows!

I would like you to take a look at the 'Your Local Landscape' Square she has made. This is the view that she sees when she is at work. The buildings in London. What a fantastic idea! I would very much like to plug this Challenge because I do need the Squares in pretty quickly for this one. Please visit our Challenge Blog. If you would like to have a go at making one or maybe two I would be very happy to accept your Squares. This Blanket will be sent off to Jersey to the Textile Showcase event taking place next year. It will be put on exhibition and then sold by the organiser Pat to raise funds for Mencap. Please take part!......

joyce 28 I can never thank you enough for these Squares. They simply are fantastic. Great Squares for our Olympic Challenge, Irish Rose, One Heart From Around The World, Jan Eaton Challenge, Musical Challenge, Faces, Owl, and Landscape. OOh, please take a look at these Squares. Here I am babbling on about them, I want you to take a look at them! They are just superb!

Created with flickr slideshow.

I do hope you are enjoying your holidays! Thanks for visiting 'SIBOL' today!

x Sue x

Christmas Eve Squares from the Netherlands!

2011-12-24T10:57:00.001Z

Hello Everyone!

May I wish you all a Very Happy Christmas!

It is Christmas Eve and my SIBOL work does not stop for this special day! For today I have had some pretty Squares arrive from Karin in the Netherlands!

Thank you Karin so....much for making these Squares for our Challenges. The first one a beautiful 'Wiggles Square'. Is just so lovely. The colour combinations are perfect together and this really is such a lovely pattern to try!

I thought you would like it. Why not visit our Challenges and try yourself! Great instructions and tutorial available from Debi in the States!

The next Square is the Jan Eaton Block No. 85 'Lemon Stripe'. Once again Karin has made a pretty Square in wonderful yarn and colours!

I would also like to show you a lovely Heart that Karin has made and sent to SIBOL. I think Karin I will attach this to the 'One Heart From Around The World' Blanket when it is assembled!

I just love the Squares you have sent and I do hope that our visitors on SIBOL will like them too! I am positive they will!

May I wish you all a Very Happy Christmas from myself and my family! My SIBOL work is complete for now. I cannot do anymore until we are back to normal. The last Postal Delivery 'thank you Royal Mail' has been made and Karins' Squares have arrived safely!

So it's time to enjoy the festivities 'let's hope' we all have a happy time! Thank you all so much for everything! My trusty SIBOLETTES, my FOLLOWERS, and anyone else visiting SIBOL and giving me so much support with my SIBOL project. A 'Big Thank You!'.

x Sue x

Challenge Squares arrive from the Netherlands!

2011-12-22T15:39:00.001Z

Good Afternoon Everyone!

I think you had better put the kettle on while visiting 'SIBOL' this afternoon. I have had quite a lot of Challenge Squares arrive from dear Hieke in the Netherlands. She has been the busiest Lady ever during the Christmas run up period! For today I have received the most beautiful Squares for our Challenges, I would like you to take a look at them!

I will post a photo of all the Squares and then I think you had better sit back and enjoy our Slide Show. Hieke has really taken on our SIBOL Challenges and the Squares that have come in for these Challenges are simply amazing! Golly I am sitting here at the lap top saying Wow! Wow! Wow!

What wonderful ideas you have Hieke and I can't wait to show everyone! Let's take a look now!

Please have a look at the 'Your Local Landscape' Squares Hieke has sent in. She wrote on her mail the following for you to read,

"In the square with the view from my window, you see the stone tiles and the wooden jetty (I don’t know the English word, it is the place for our little boat, but the boat is not in the square).

What I see from my window is my garden (with green hedge, gray tiles and brown jetty (?), then the Schie (a river/canal in Rotterdam) and then the road, tree and houses on the other side of the Schie canal.

I told you they were good! Let's take a closer look now in the Slide Show.

Created with flickr slideshow.

Thank you so much for the Squares Hieke, I am sure everyone loves them as much as I do! I'm sure they will give everyone inspiration to have a go themselves!

I will be working for SIBOL right up until the last post has been on Christmas Eve morning so if any more Squares come in before Christmas I will be posting them! Thanks to everyone especially you Hieke today!

x Sue x

x Sue x

Challenge Squares come in from here in the UK!

2011-12-21T13:09:00.000Z

Good Morning Everyone!

I am very pleased to be showing you some great Challenge Squares.

First of all I have Zoe's Snowman. I love the sparkly yarn you have used for his body. This Snowman is so beautifully set on the Navy background. He is wearing a lovely red Scarf and has a lovely orange fluffy nose complete with big black eyes and buttons. Oh he is just so cute! We certainly are getting in some great Snowmen for this Challenge.

Zoe would you mail me please? Thank you.

Let's take a look at Zoe's Square, simply beautiful thank you!

Another set of Squares arrived this morning also from Jessiebonbon. She has had a go at quite a few Challenges and I am so....pleased SIBOL is inspiring you to have a go!

I am going to show you the Squares now.

As you can see I have received Squares for the Music Challenge and Nursery Rhyme Challenge. These are the first Squares to arrive for these Challenges. The Nursery Rhyme one tells the story of the Owl and the Pussycat. The Music one is very detailed too. It comes with a Keyboard, Drums and Musical Notes! Just love them.

Then we have the Owl Challenge Square, love the Owl's Green Wacky Eyes on this one! Also a pretty pastel coloured Square with a Snowman Design. Oh just take a look!!!

Would you like to see them more closely now? Here's your Slideshow Jessiebonbon!

Created with flickr slideshow.

Great ideas there from both of my SIBOLETTES! I just love to see what you come up with!

Now would you like to see our Challenges? Please pop over to SIBOL CHALLENGES!

Well thanks for popping in to SIBOL today to see these beautiful Squares. I am just so pleased you are all getting such a lot of enjoyment from our SIBOL project. Please visit again!

x Sue x

Squares from Austria and Netherlands.

2011-12-19T16:54:00.001Z

Good Evening Everyone!

I am very pleased to be showing you some Challenge Squares which have arrived.

First of all I would like you to see the 'Chinese Flag' for our Olympic Challenge. This is beautifully made by Stricksusi of Austria. She has also sent in some beautiful Butterflies for the SIBOL Butterfly Stash!.

This is a gorgeous Square and I will certainly put it in with our Olympic Squares. If you would like to join in the fun with the special Olympic Blanket please visit our SIBOL Challenge Blog.

Great thank you very much Stricksusi!

The next set of Squares have arrived from Fiona in the Netherlands.

Fiona has made some Squares for 'One Heart From Around the World' Challenge, and also a pretty Landscape one.

I would like to show you now the Square for 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge and I will let you read what she wrote.

Fiona says, "The Landscape Challenge is my local beach/sea. I live almost 5 minutes away from the sea. I go to have a walk and clear my mind in the summer. It's a great place to sunbathe and see the boats on the sea."

"The challenge square for the landshape i made 3d you can feel the
seabubbling on the sand i embroidered the seabubbling .
here on the seaside you have alot of waving and you can see then
the white colour of the sea."

Thank you for describing your Square Fiona. This is very useful.
This is a pretty Square once again full of detail. The Sand is so lovely with the yarn she has used. I love the boat and the sky with the white cloud. I love everything about this Square.

Why not join us to complete this Challenge. I need lots more Squares please, 'if you have time'. If you would like to make more than one please do. This Blanket is going to be sent off to Jersey to take part in the Jersey Textile Showcase 2012. The Blanket is going to be put on Exhibition and then sold to raise money for Jersey Mencap. I have been promised photographs and also the Organiser Pat will tell me how much the Blanket raised.

All details are over on SIBOL Challenges.

Fiona also very kindly sent Butterflies in to me for our SIBOL Butterfly Stash and also some Squares for our SIBOL Square Stash.

Here's Fionas' Slide Show, sit back now and have a look at her other Squares! Many thanks Fiona.

Created with flickr slideshow.

I am very pleased to be telling you that Knit Today have contacted me today and they tell me 'our club' will be featured March 15th Issue 71. So that's fabulous news!

Also there will be a write up in Inside Crochet this time next month!

So it's all good!

Thanks Fiona and Stricksusi for the beautiful Squares and Butterflies.

Thank you for visiting and please....pop over to the Challenges.

x Sue x

A Wiggles Square from Scotland!

2011-12-17T18:27:00.001Z

Hi Everyone!

I am very pleased to be showing you a 'Wiggles' Square which has come in the post today from up north in Scotland. It's from our jenniferanne! Thank you so much for the Square it's turned out beautifully. I just love the yarn you have used.

Let's take a look at it now.

Colours are beautiful together, thank you so....much!

If you want to have a go at making this Square please visit our SIBOL CHALLENGE Blog.

Have a good weekend and thanks for visiting!

x Sue x

Squares from Scotland and my last Ta - Dah! before Christmas! (I think!).

2011-12-16T15:59:00.000Z

Good Evening Everyone!

I have had some great Squares arrive today from jenniferanne who lives in Edinburgh, Scotland. She has very kindly made Jan Eaton Block 78 'Briar Rose' which is lovely! A pretty Square for you to try if you have the Jan Eaton 200 Blocks Book and also a Square for the 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge.

Let's take a look at the Squares now.

Here's the Jan Eaton 78 'Briar Rose' Square. Worked out beautifully I think. Love the colours.

jenniferannes' Square for the 'Your Local Landscape' is just so......nice. Let's take a look at it and then I will tell you all about it. She has described it in fine detail which is lovely and so interesting!

What does jenniferanne see from her Kitchen Window?

Her hedge, the field, a row of trees, the runway of Edinburgh Airport to the hills of Fife. Occasionally she sees the Red Arrows come in to refuel on their way to the East Fortune Air Show so she has also added them! The grass in the fields is very dry at this time of year and the hedge is bear of leaves.

jenniferanne is certainly very lucky to see this view every day.Wow! What a detailed Square and description.

Why not have a go yourself? What do you see from your Window?
This is an interesting Challenge.
All details are over on SIBOL CHALLENGES.

Thank you so....much jenniferanne, I love all of the Challenge Squares.

Now I have my last Ta - Dah of 2011. (I think!)
I would like to thank everyone that has contributed Squares for this particular Blanket.

A lovely variety of Squares and a lot of them have come over from the States.

Here's our 122nd Slide Show!

Created with flickr slideshow.

Many thanks to jenniferanne, and thanks to everyone that sent me Squares for SIBOL 122!

Have a lovely weekend Everyone!

x Sue x

Thursdays' Squares from France and the UK!

2011-12-15T17:01:00.000Z

Good Evening Everyone!

I would like to thank joyce28 (UK) and Katou (France) for sending me Squares today!

It's always great fun to receive Challenge Squares, I love to see how you interpret my Challenges!

Now you remember yesterday I was talking about making a Square for our 'Landscape' Challenge well I am very pleased to say joyce28 has had a go at making one and it's absolutely superb! joyce 28 lives near to the Countryside of Kent and Sussex very close to the Downs and this Square is what she sees!

I don't know how she does it! Once again the Square is just great! What a beautiful Countryside you have there joyce 28! The Square is so interesting with the different shades of green and I just love the Birds flying high! Thank you so much joyce 28!

Get the idea? Why not have a go?

Let's move on to Katou in France. Katou is enjoying SIBOL so much. She tells me she really loves Crocheting for our Group. I am so pleased you are enjoying our Challenges Katou. Once again Katou has made a Square for our 'Landscape' Challenge. Let's see what Katou sees from her Window!

Yes you are right! She sees her Garden. If you look closely now you can see trees, flowers, a bench, a swing and a lot of Birds! Absolutely superb Katou! Thank you!

I would like to show you also her beautiful 'Owl' Square. This little fella is great fun! Just take a look at his eyes. I love the colours in this Square. Orange and Brown are wonderful combinations. The Square is of a very simple design but look how effective it is! I love your Owl Katou, thank you.

Katou also made two other Squares which I am now going to show you in her Slide Show. Sit back now and enjoy looking at her 'One Heart From Around The World' Square and also Luna's Flower Square!

Created with flickr slideshow.

Brilliant Squares Katou I love them thank you so much.

Well there you are two lots of beautiful Challenge Squares. Are they inspiring you to have a go? Why not pop over to our SIBOL Challenge Blog and have a look at the Challenges listed. There is a tight deadline on the Landscape Challenge so please get your Squares in as soon as possible, thank you so much!

Many thanks joyce 28 and Katou!

Bye for now

x Sue x

Challenge Squares Flying in!

2011-12-14T12:32:00.000Z

Good Morning Everyone!

Thanks for visiting 'SIBOL' today.

May I first of all thank everyone for the comments on SIBOL and also Ravelry regarding the Blankets that were sent to Dorset. It was very nice of you all.

Well yesterday afternoon our Postie came rather late and by that time it was too dark to take photos of Squares received from ATheeC. So this morning I have taken some for you. I would like to thank ATheeC for the gorgeous Challenge Squares she sent to me. She has been rather busy making Squares for our Jan Eaton Blanket, Owl Blanket, One Heart From Around the World and also the Irish Rose Blanket. I must say each one is just so lovely. She also found time to make four Squares for our SIBOL Stash.

Nothing like a good old Granny!

I have made a Slide Show for you now ATheeC, sit back and enjoy and many thanks! I'm sure everyone will love them.

Created with flickr slideshow.

Our Challenges have just started again and if you would like to take part you will need to fly over to our SIBOL Challenge Blog. It is very important that you read instructions about the Size of Square required and also how to send your Square. The only information not on there is my address and that is available from myself on sueatpigsty@talktalk.net

As the weeks go on I would like to give you details about each Challenge on here too. Just to remind you all about the Blanket for the Jersey Textile Showcase. If you are interested please read the following instructions. Any queries please do not hesitate to contact me. Sue on sueatpigsty@talktalk.net

'Your Local Landscape Challenge' (URGENT 7TH JANUARY DEADLINE).

Jersey Textile Showcase 2012

Recently I saw an advert in one of the magazines advertising ‘Jersey Textile Showcase 2012’.
Apart from competitions they hold each year,
(OUR BLANKET WOULD BE CLASSED TOO LARGE TO ENTER FOR THE COMPETITION)
they also have work on Show in their Exhibition. Afterwards they sell the Exhibition items to raise money for MENCAP.

I propose to try and make a Blanket which would be put on Exhibition.
The title would be 'YOUR LOCAL LANDSCAPE’

The title can be taken as widely as you wish.
It could be whatever you see out of your 'Window'.
Some people living near the Sea might be producing work in Blues.
If you live in the Country you could be producing work in Green’s
Or if you see Gardens you could be producing a piece of work in Mixed colours
You could if you wanted to make it up! No one would know!

So imagine your 6” Square is your 'Window’
What do you see out of your 'Window' ? Where ever you live!

Please make ONE or TWO 6" (15cms x 15cms) Squares
Crocheted or Knitted
In any colours you like
Acrylic yarn if possible
(With your view)
This might be a hard Challenge.

SQUARES HAVE TO ARRIVE AT SIBOL HQ BY 7th JANUARY PLEASE
So Squares have to be made as soon as you can please and sent to me.
sueatpigsty@talktalk.net
For my address.

I have been promised by the Organiser Pat that she will take photos of the Blanket on Exhibition for us and also let us know how much the Blanket was sold for. I would not be able to get to Jersey, and she has said she would do this for me.

I do like to do these special Charity Blankets. I hope we can do more of them.
So Ladies why not have a go!

Are you fed up with rushing around trying to get those last minute Christmas presents? Why not take a break? Put the Kettle on and while you are waiting for it to boil, why not look out of your Window? What do you see? What is your Local Landscape? Do you see fields, buildings, garden? Or maybe you are living near to the Sea? Why don't you try and make a 6" (15cms x 15cms) Square Knitted or Crocheted with 'your view!'.

I would love to receive it for our special Blanket. There is a deadline of 7th January though. I'm afraid it is rather near and we do have Christmas in between. But when the Kids are tucked up in bed on the evenings why not have a bit of time for yourself and make a Square? The Blanket will be sold in Jersey and all proceeds will be sent on to Mencap which is a really good cause.

I need lots more Squares! If you want to do two that's fine with me. If you want to make a view up, that's fine too. No one will know.

Thank you so much!

Have a good day everyone!

Thanks from Dorset!

2011-12-12T22:51:00.001Z

Good Evening Everyone!

Thank you for visiting 'SIBOL' today!

First of all I would like to say many thanks to Crochet Concupiscence who has very kindly given 'SIBOL' a December Blog Award for 'Best Charity Crochet Blog!'.

Wow! Thank you so much! That's very nice of you indeed to recognise our work and also Congratulations to the other two Blogs who received an Award also! Why not pop over to Kathryns' Blog and say hello!

----------------------------

Well today I have Good News for my 'SIBOLETTES!'. I have received an email from Tracy at Dorset
C. C. Now you remember last week I sent a parcel to them with 18 of our Sunshine Blankets inside. Well I am very pleased to say the parcel arrived safely thanks to 'City Link' who I can't praise highly enough.

This morning when Tracy returned to work after her holiday she found the parcel waiting for her. She has now sent me an email and I would like you to read parts of it.

12/12/2011 Monday.

Dear Sue and SIBOL ladies,

I had a wonderful Monday morning at work, a large box was waiting for me alongside my desk. I could hardly wait to take my coat of before I was ‘tearing’ the box open.. and inside... , WOW, rows and rows of coloured ‘heaven’ all stunningly put together with personalised borders on... once again.. WOW.......they are beautiful, truly beautiful, I loved to touch them and feel how soft they all felt. The work on each individual square is stunning. I am also delighted to say lots and lots of compliments were also voiced today about the blankets and the generosity of you all.....................

Within 30 minutes of being out of the box two blankets had been request by two different staff members for two different males out in the community that had a genuine need (no fun when your gas fire breaks down in this cold weather and your very ill!)......................

Your hard work ladies has been put to some good use.. the Stain glass window was the first to go, it was beautiful, I held it for all of 10 minutes! It was chosen due to the dark colours feeling it would be more appropriate for a male...

lots of internet hugs from me to you all and thank you...

from

Tracy

As you can imagine I am very relieved that the parcel arrived safely, but also to know that the Blankets were just so well received makes our 'SIBOL' project so much worthwhile. To know that our lovely warm Blankets are going to help people in need is just wonderful. That's what our 'SIBOL' project is all about.

I am so pleased Tracy you are pleased with the Blankets and thank you so much for taking the following photos for us. Thanks everyone!

Well there you are our 'SIBOL' deliveries are finished for another year. We have all worked extremely hard and I'm so pleased that I could show you some photos of our Blankets arriving at Dorset. Although I can't actually meet the people who our Blankets are being delivered to, I have been assured that each one will only go to the most needy.

Thanks to everyone that has sent me Squares this year and I will leave you with our 'SIBOL Blanket Train!'. These Blankets have all been made since around June time and everyone of them have been given out to the Elderly.

Amazing when you see them all lined up like this!

Bye for now and thank you!

x Sue x

Challenge Squares arrive from here in the UK!

2011-12-10T12:57:00.001Z

Good Morning Everyone!

Yesterday I had a great set of Challenge Squares arrive from Craftymizz here in the UK. Steph has been working so....hard for our Challenges.

If you are interested in taking part please feel free to pop over to SIBOL CHALLENGES. All the instructions are there for you and deadlines etc.,

Let's take a look at Stephs' Squares now!

'Your Local Landscape'.

What do you see when you look out of your window? Fields? Buildings? The Sea? This is what Steph sees!

Such an interesting Square. The detail is amazing! Beautifully Knitted Square Steph thank you!

Then we have the 'Owl' Challenge. Isn't this little fella cute?

'Wiggles Challenge' too. I love this Square! So pretty. Thanks Debi for sharing this.

'One Heart From Around The World' - Thanks Luna too!

All great Squares thank you very much. I will leave you now with your Slide Show I hope you enjoy looking at the Squares this morning.

Created with flickr slideshow.

SIBOL CHALLENGES will give you all the information you need.
Of course my mail address is Sue on sueatpigsty@talktalk.net

Bye for now and thanks for visiiting!

x Sue x

Our 'SIBOL' Blanket Train and a Ta - Dah!

2011-12-08T23:07:00.001Z

Good Evening Everyone!

I am very pleased to be telling you that all of our 'Sunshine Blankets' have now left me. The other day I had fun in my Lounge making my 'SIBOL Blanket Train!'. Do you want to see it?

On the 15th November I went to St. Michaels Home for the Elderly in Olton, Solihull to deliver our Blankets. If you follow the link you will see the photos once again.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sues_favourite_things/sets/72157628135351068/

On the 16th November I visited St. George's Home for the Elderly in Solihull.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sues_favourite_things/6351782798/in/set-72157628143992220/

Our Blankets were received very well indeed.

Today finally I sent 18 of our Sunshine Blankets to Tracy at Dorset C.C. The Blankets should have left me two days ago but the courier 'Hermes' failed to turn up. I waited two days for them. Finally I had to rebook with City Link who I must say were brilliant. They arrived around lunchtime today, so I'm pleased to say they are now on their way. They should arrive Friday.

I have made three Blankets which will have to go forward for next year now. This is the third one which you haven't seen yet. So I have a new Ta - Dah for you! This is SIBOL 121!

Another pretty Blanekt. Thank you to the Ladies who have sent me Squares for this one too. So pretty!

Here's a Slide Show for you!

Created with flickr slideshow.

I'm sure you will agree we've had a terrific number of Squares come in to make all of these Blankets! I really appreciate each one thank you!

Thanks for visiting 'SIBOL' this evening.

x Sue x

An English Snowman arrives!

2011-12-07T11:24:00.000Z

Hi Everyone!

I am very happy indeed to be showing you a beautiful Snowman Square that has arrived at my home this morning. It is from Kimbles At Home. I am very grateful for your Snowman Square Kimbles and I hope you enjoyed making him.

He has a cute red Scarf and he simply is adorable. I particularly like the Snow on the Square, let's hope we don't have the real stuff!

Let's take a look now at our English Snowman!

Isn't he cute? Thanks so much Kimbles.

Thank you all for your comments on the last three SIBOLS, I'm pleased you like them.

x Sue x

Three new SIBOLS! 120 Sunshine Blankets have now been made 3,000 Squares assembled! Thank you!

2011-12-06T16:47:00.002Z

Good Evening Everyone!

Thanks for visiting 'SIBOL' today.

I am so pleased to be showcasing three new SIBOLS. I would like to thank each and everyone of you that have contributed Squares for these Blankets. It's quite a milestone because we have now made 120 'Sunshine Blankets' and 3,000 beautiful Squares have now been assembled! Wow!

The first one has a name and it's called 'Pastels in a Paintbox!'. (SIBOL 118). The Squares have been made by Jean B and also Emily both Ladies from the UK.

If you remember Jean B sent me 'nearly' enough Squares for two Blankets. On the above Blanket I had to add a few of Emilys to make the 25. They matched so well together! Here is the first Blanket that I made with Jean B's Squares! This one is called 'Pastel Dreams'.

I am very grateful to both Ladies Jean B and Emily. I will be putting the second of these Blankets into a Slide Show at the end of this post. The Granny Squares were beautiful, all in gorgeous Pastel colours which are my favourite. I really loved making these Blankets and it's our 'Good old Granny' once again that has been made by Emily and Jean.

SIBOL 119 has also been finished. This is a Blanket full of gorgeous Flower Squares! Just take a look at the individual Squares. They are truly works of Art!. You know Flower Squares are my favourite!

SIBOL120 arrived in the post today. 'Jean Nock' very kindly assembled this Blanket for me. I send her the yarn and the Squares and she always comes up with a beautiful Blanket! Thank you so much Jean Nock! The Squares are lovely once again. Take a look at this one.

Thanks to everyone that has sent me Squares for these pretty Blankets, I love them all!

I hope you will sit back now and view the Slide Show coming up. Let's have a closer look at these 'Sunshine Blankets'.

Created with flickr slideshow.

Squares fly in from the States and Netherlands on a Saturday!

2011-12-03T12:13:00.000Z

Good Morning Everyone!

Lots of Squares to show you today!

I'm very excited because I have two beautiful sets of Squares from the States and Netherlands today, from our friends akarapacha (RAV) (USA) and Fiona (Netherlands). Both Ladies have taken part in our Snowman Challenge.

First of all akarapacha (USA) thank you so much for these gorgeous Snowman Squares. I absolutely love them as I told you in my email today. We certainly are going to have a great variety of Snowman from around the World. I am just so surprised that they have not all melted during that long journey! Your Snowman are just lovely. I particularly love the Hat and Scarf you have made. Both set on Blue Backgrounds I just love. Thank you so very much.

Let's take a look at akarapachas' Squares today!

I have made you a Slide Show because I want Ladies visiting SIBOL to take a closer look at them.

Created with flickr slideshow.

I'm sure you will agree they are lovely Squares! Thank you so much akarapacha!

The next set of Squares have come in from Fiona in the Netherlands. Not only did Fiona make Snowman Squares and Squares for our Stash she also made beautiful Butterflies and sent me a donation of Ribbon too! How very kind! Thank you so much.

Your Snowman Squares are gorgeous too Fiona, how cute they are! I love the sparkling stars too what a nice idea! What a clever way of sewing onto the double crochet Square to make the Snowman. I had quite a surprise this morning with all these SIBOL Goodies thank you very much.

I've made you a Slide Show too Fiona! Sit back and enjoy!

Created with flickr slideshow.

Thanks very much akarapacha and Fiona for making such wonderful Squares. I hope everyone visiting SIBOL today will enjoy looking at them too!

x Sue x

A surprise box arrives!

2011-12-01T18:13:00.000Z

Good Evening Everyone!

Thank you for visiting SIBOL today! I am very happy to be announcing that our SIBOL CHALLENGES have now been officially announced. I do hope you will take part!

If you would like to go over to SIBOL CHALLENGES, I have a list for you. So pick up your Crocheting Hooks and Knitting Needles and let the fun begin!

I had a box arrive today and on opening I found a Blanket. Not one that had been particularly made for SIBOL, but one that was sent to the magazine of 'Let's Get Crafting!'. The Lady (who I don't know the name of yet) sent the Blanket along to Let's Get Crafting asking them to donate to a Charity. The Editor 'Emily Davies' very kindly sent the Blanket on to me hoping that it will be of use to us.

I of course was extremely grateful. The Blanket was lovely and was made up of tiny Granny Squares in all different colours. Along with the Blanket came some loose Squares too which I hope I can crochet or sew together and add them to our Blankets.

I have mailed Emily and asked if I could have the Lady's address to write and thank her, but I have a feeling they won't because of 'data protection' but we will see. I did say if she wasn't able to send it, would she kindly pass on my thanks.

It's very kind of the Lady and also Emily so thank you both very much.

I have taken a photo but it's indoors and I'm not sure how this will look. But here goes.

Thank you for visiting SIBOL today!

x Sue x

Squares from the UK/News about our New Challenges.

2011-11-30T14:28:00.000Z

Good Afternoon Everyone!

I have some pretty Squares to be showing you this afternoon. They have arrived from sistersestina (RAV). A beautiful Butterfly takes centre stage today. How nice is this Square? Simply gorgeous! Some other Squares too for our SIBOL Stash! Thank you so much. Let's have a look at them.

Aren't they lovely? I am very grateful to you sistersestina.

Well it's the 30th November today. 'Happy 50th Birthday dear Bruv! if you are reading me. 'If?' A milestone today for my dear Brother who I love very much. I hope you have wonderful celebrations.

It is the 1st December tomorrow and I am very pleased to be telling you that my new Challenges will be 'going live'. They are all finalised and I do hope you think they are okay!

At present our SIBOL CHALLENGE Blog is closed. I don't want you to have a sneaky peep now do I?
Also our SIBOL -The Archive Blog is closed too.

But they will both be back on air 1st December. Let's have some fun with our new Challenges and I am posititive they will be generating some beautiful Squares for SIBOL!

Thanks for visiting me today, and please tune in tomorrow to our SIBOL CHALLENGE Blog.

x Sue x

Your Local Landscape & Knit Today Squares arrive from the UK!

2011-11-29T21:01:00.003Z

Good Evening Everyone!

Welcome to SIBOL!

I have two sets of Squares arrive today from Jessiebonbon (Rav) and Barbara both ladies from the UK.
Thank you both so much.

The first set of Squares are 'Simple Squares'. The pattern was put up in the 'Knit Today' magazine and they were suggesting that their readers send them to SIBOL. I was over the moon that they recognised our Charity work for the Elderly. Barbara very kindly emailed me for the pattern and today I received four Squares which are just lovely. The colours are beautiful and these will go towards our 3rd Knit Today Blanket.

So pretty, pastel colours are my favourite! Thank you so much Barbara for sending them to me.

Let's take a look at the first two 'Knit Today' Blankets we made.

'Somewhere Over the Rainbow'.

The other 'Knit Today' was made by joyce28 which came out beautifully. She very kindly made and donated the Blanket to SIBOL. It's called 'Lilac Patch'.

I still need 14 Squares to finish the 3rd and final 'Knit Today' Blanket if anyone is interested please email me Sue on sueatpigsty@talktalk.net

The other set of Squares are from Jessiebonbon (Rav) who has very 'quickly' put together a Square for our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge. I have put this Challenge up early because I want to get the Squares in as soon as possible. It's basically, 'What do you see when you look out of your window?'. Jessiebonbon sees flowers in her garden, a cat, a butterfly, a road too of course with cars which are tiny buttons! How cute. I love this Square so much and it is the first to arrive for this Challenge. If we manage to make a Blanket for 'Your Local Landscape' it will be sent to Jersey to take part in the Jersey Textile Showcase next year. Afterwards the Blanket will be sold by the Organiser and all proceeds will be given to Mencap. Now if you would like to take part please pop over to the SIBOL Challenge Blog.

Good isn't it? Now for the other Square Jessiebonbon sent to me. This one is lovely too.

I would like to thank you both very much.

I hope you enjoyed looking at the new Squares today. May I remind you our Challenges begin 1st December, not long to go! I'm getting nervous now. I do hope you will like them.

x Sue x

Snowman Squares fly in from the States and here in the UK!

2011-11-28T17:17:00.001Z

Good Evening Everyone!

FIRST OF ALL I CANNOT ACCEPT ANY EMAILS AT THE MOMENT SORRY.

I must thank you all for the wonderful comments jenniferanne has received over on Flickr and also here on SIBOL. 'Carols in the Cathedral' is such a remarkable Blanket. Each Square was so lovingly made by jenniferanne and such a lot of thought went into it. I'm sure she would like me to thank you all for the kind comments.

You probably know that we are in the process of collecting Squares for the second Snowman Blanket. The first made by mandas' challenges was such a great sucess and some Ladies didn't have chance to take part. So I offered to do a second. We still have spaces, so if you are interested please pop over to Ravelry and put your name down. Please follow the link.

That brings me to the Snowman Squares I received in the post today. One Snowman all the way from the States and the other here in the UK. Let's take a look at the 'American' Snowman.

A Lady over on Ravelry 'swfirefly' has very kindly sent me a Snowman Square. It has travelled all the way from Florida and I'm pleased to say it hasn't even melted! Amazing!

What a cute Snownan! I particularly like the Fringes on the Scarf and the pompom hat. His orange nose too is just great. I love to see these Snowmen come in because they are all so individual. He has been made beautifully. Thank you so much swfirefly. I am so pleased you enjoyed making him.

Secondly, the next Snowman has arrived here from the UK. A Lady over on RAV once again called 'Jessiebonbon'. Jessiebonbon not only sent a Snowman Square but also a pretty Square in icey blue I call it. I think this Square will be lovely in the Snowman Blanket too.

This Snowman too has a comical look on his face! A great big smile he's pleased to arrive at SIBOL HQ I think to meet all of his new friends. A great Scarf with blue fringes and once again a great nose!

Let's take a look at Jessiebonbons' Squares now!

I'm sure you noticed the SIBOL Butterfly too! Why not have a go? I'll give you the link. Our friend Nettie gives a great tutorial. She lives in Australia. Why not make some and send them to SIBOL!

It's so nice to receive your Squares swfirefly and Jessiebonbon. Thank you both so much! I'm pleased you enjoyed making them.

Well don't forget to check out our SIBOL Challenge Blog on 1st December for our new Challenges. I hope you find something that you will like to have a go at.

Bye for now

x Sue x

'Carols in the Cathedral' a new Ta - Dah! and also Squares and News from the UK!

2011-11-26T18:05:00.010Z

Good Evening Everyone!

I am so excited today because I have a new Ta - Dah! for you! This one is SIBOL 117! This one has travelled to SIBOL HQ all the way from Scotland. A very kind SIBOLETTE over on Ravelry 'jenniferanne' has very kindly designed, made and donated this beautiful, beautiful Blanket to SIBOL! Such a lot of thought has gone into it and I have asked jenniferanne to give us some details, I'm sure you will want to know. Let's first of all have a look at the finished Blanket.

'Carols in the Cathedral'.

I am so in love with this one!

jenniferanne explained how she thought of the Blanket.

The idea for the blanket grew out of itself and my love of the windows and stonework in old cathedrals. I have turned my lovely local wool shop into a builders’ merchants haha. I’ve been in for “stonework grey”, “wood” for the front door, “concrete grey” for the “pointing” and “lichen green” embroidery thread for the old stones. (I took the half sewn up blanket to show them, and they were thrilled with it. My craft group want to post a picture of it on their website too.)

The squares I used were designed by Jan Eaton (bobbles triangles); Priscilla Hewitt (Velvet & lace for the Rose window, Antique pearls for the door, Gothic square for the black & white windows,and Maze for the “granny style” blocks); Melanie Stiles (Window Pane for the granny style with a single cross) and the rest were just dc squares from my head. The edging is supposed to represent stone tracery or Bishops Mitres (?)

I chose the yarn for colour; most is “Special” by Stylecraft; the concrete grey is James C. Brett Top Value; the white for the Gothic is James C. Brett Twinkle; and the best find of all, I’m sure you’ll agree, Robin Double Knit “Print” for the multicoloured windows.

Jan Eaton (bobbles triangles) suggest roofs, the one over the 'front door' is a porch roof. The starry night Squares are at the 2 top corners.

Thank you for giving us details about the Squares used and indeed information about the yarn too! I am always very touched with the kindness shown to our SIBOL project and when someone goes out of their way to make a special Blanket for our Elderly folk it really is such a kind gesture. Thank you so much jenniferanne.

I am very pleased to be showcasing your SIBOL 'Carols in the Cathedral'. Thank You!.

Created with flickr slideshow.

As you know during the past few weeks I have been delivering our Sunshine Blankets to the Elderly folk in Nursing Homes local to me. All but 17 of our Blankets have left me and I am very pleased to be telling you that the remaining Blankets including jenniferannes will be leaving me during the week beginning 5th December to travel down to Dorset County Council to a Lady called Tracy. Tracy is a Social Worker and works in the Community with the Older Persons Team in Dorset.

Tracy very kindly emailed me during the week and congratulated us on our work with the Elderly in Nursing Homes. She also brought to my attention that there are many Elderly folk out in the rural areas of the UK who desperately need help keeping warm.

I'm sure she won't mind me taking an extract from her email.

"The last couple of years has been bad for winter, especially for the elderly people that live rural (our area has a high population) they struggle to access basic services. It really is true Sue that people who live in the community do not put fires on as they are frightened of bills they sit in the cold for hours and hours, it is tragic, heart-breaking and sad. We never ever get used to loosing the people we work with, it is especially difficult when they die alone.

Sue, in the community there is a genuine need for your blankets, a genuine need that will help keep people warm and as they wrap it around themselves I am sure they would not feel so isolated."

I really appreciated this email and after chatting to some of our SIBOLETTES, I am extremely pleased to be sending the remaining Blankets to her. The whole purpose of SIBOL is to help the Elderly and the vunerable. Our 'Sunshine Blankets' are given to the Elderly in Nursing homes but I think we can also help these people who 'desperately' need them. So this is what I shall be doing. When the Members of her team visit these vunerable people with food supplies they will be distributing our Blankets to them. I'm sure our Blankets will go a long way to helping them keep warm! Thank you Tracy for contacting me.

These are the Blankets that will be leaving for Dorset very soon.

I would also very much like to thank Pamela (UK) who very kindly sent me two Knitted Squares today. They are both really nice. The one an 'Olympic Square' shows 'Archery'. I can't tell you how excited I was when I saw the Square. We are busy collecting for the Olympic Challenge which ends March 12th and hopefully we will be able to sell the Blanket on Ebay to raise money for Alzheimers here in the UK. If you are interested in making Squares for this particular Challenge please pop over to our Challenge Blog.

I love your Squares Pamela, thank you so much for sending them to SIBOL.

Let's have a look now.

jenniferanne, Pamela and Tracy thank you all so much!
I do hope you have enjoyed reading the latest on SIBOL. Have a good weekend everyone!

Thanks for visiting.

x Sue x

Squares from the UK arrive today!

2011-11-24T13:53:00.000Z

Good Afternoon Everyone!

Thank you for visiting SIBOL today.

I am very pleased to be showing you some Squares that have arrived today from Anne here in the UK. Anne has contributed to SIBOL for some time and I am very grateful to her. The Squares are lovely and once again go into our 'Sunshine Blankets!'.

Let's take a look now.

Lovely aren't they?

I have also had a yarn donation from Violet who works with Mr. T. Thank you so much that's very nice of you. Great colours I shall be able to use these balls on our Olympics Blanket.

Well I think that is all for now, thank you for visiting SIBOL and have a good day!

x Sue x

CHALLENGE ANNOUNCEMENT LADIES! /Squares on Wednesday from the UK.

2011-11-23T00:48:00.002Z

Jersey Textile Showcase 2012.

Recently I saw an advert in one of the magazines advertising ‘Jersey Textile Showcase 2012’.

Apart from competitions they hold each year,
(OUR BLANKET WOULD BE CLASSED TOO LARGE TO ENTER FOR THE COMPETITION) *

they also have work on Exhibition which they then sell to raise money for ‘MENCAP’.

I propose to try and make a Blanket which would be put on Exhibition.

The title would be ‘YOUR LOCAL LANDSCAPE’.

The title can be taken as widely as you wish.
It could be whatever you see out of your window.

Some people living near the sea might be producing work in Blues.

If you live in the Country you could be producing work in Green’s

Or if you see a Garden, you could be producing a piece of work in mixed colours.

You could if you wanted to make it up! No one would know!

So imagine your 6” Square is your ‘Window’

What do you see out of your 'Window'? Where ever you live!

PLEASE CROCHET OR KNIT A 6” SQUARE.

With your ‘view’!

This might be a hard Challenge.

I am announcing now because I think we need to get started on it. This was on my list for you.

SQUARES HAVE TO ARRIVE AT SIBOL HQ BY 7th JANUARY PLEASE.
So Squares have to be made as soon as you can please and sent to me.

sueatpigsty@talktalk.net

For my address.

I have been promised by the Organiser Pat that she will take photos of the Blanket on Exhibition for us and also let us know how much the Blanket was sold for. I would not be able to get to Jersey, and she has said she would do this for me.

I do like to do these special Charity Blankets. I hope we can do more of them.

So Ladies why not have a go!

Thank you!

Any queries please contact me
Sue on sueatpigsty@talktalk.net

NEW SQUARES

I am extremely happy to be showing you these pretty Squares which Sue has sent in. Sue lives here in the UK, and I'm really pleased that she has made them for SIBOL. Not only has she made the Squares for our Group, but also a cute Butterfly.

If you want to have a go at the Butterflies, our dear friend in Australia Nettie from NetsPets put the tutorial up on her Blog and I am often telling her how the Butterflies have become our SIBOL Trademark if you like.

Would you like the link? Here it is. Why not make some Butterflies and send them to SIBOL if you want a change from Squares? I will be very happy to accept them and put them in my Butterfly 'Stash!'. It saves me a lot of time if I have Butterflies already made up. So when a Blanket is finished I can instantly attach them.

Well you've got the link now, have a go!

There is still time to vote for our Blog on the Inside Crochet web site if you enjoy visiting us here on SIBOL. I'm very happy to say SIBOL has been nominated as 'Favourite Craft Blog 2011'. We are up against some fabulous Blogs which I hope you will also check out. The closing date is 30th November if you are interested thank you so much!

I think that's all for now. Have a think about this wonderful Challenge!

x Sue x

Squares from the States and a new SIBOL 116!

2011-11-22T11:55:00.001Z

Good Morning Everyone!

I am very pleased to be showing you the latest Squares which have flown in from the States. Kay has very kindly sent in two Squares for our second Snowman Blanket. Mandas Challenges very kindly made the first which I have donated to a local Home. The Snowman Challenge was very popular and I decided to do a second. We still have spaces if you are interested.

Let's have a look at them.

The Snowman has a really cute nose and I love the Blue and Red background! If you would like to take part please follow the link to RAV. The white Square will be put in the same Blanket. Thank you ver much Kay!

Now for our Ta - Dah!
Introducing SIBOL 116!

Another SIBOL Blanket! I would like to thank Jean B for the Squares she donated a while back to SIBOL. I have now put them into a Blanket and have called it 'Pastel Dreams'. I do hope you like it. The Squares were so pretty, I love these colours. I still have some Squares left and will put these together as soon as possible.

Let's take a look now

I've made a Slide Show for you Jean.

Created with flickr slideshow.

This Blanket will go with my last delivery very soon! So we made this one just in time. Thank you!

My new Challenges will be announced 1st December so I hope you will check out our SIBOL CHALLENGE Blog on the 1st December.

Thank you for visiting SIBOL today!

x Sue x

A surprise on a Friday!

2011-11-18T14:05:00.002Z

Hello Everyone and thanks for popping in to SIBOL!

Well this morning my Postman arrived pretty early and left a parcel on the floor of my porch. I wasn't expecting anything. On opening I found a great pile of Squares and some beautiful Butterflies. Who from?
Our dear friend 'jean nock'.

Don't you think they are just splendid? I think both Squares and Butterflies are just 'perfect'.
But not only did I receive Squares and Butterflies, I also received a beautiful Blanket which she had made completely herself. She had made this and donated to SIBOL. I am always so grateful for Squares and Butterflies but to receive a whole made up Blanket is just marvellous. I'm sure you will agree it is so 'vibrant'. The border really finishes the Blanket off beautifully. I am just so overwhelmed 'jean nock' with your kindness shown to our SIBOL project.

Now let's take a look at these gorgeous Squares closer.

Truly, truly beautiful. I love it. It will be put with the other two boxes of Blankets I have ready for next weeks delivery. This has arrived just in time, oh I am so touched by your kindness. Thank you so much.

I have made a Slide Show for you now but of course it's for everyone else too.

Created with flickr slideshow.

I would love to remind you about the voting taking place over on Inside Crochet. If you think SIBOL is worthy of a vote, please follow the link. It is for 'Favourite Craft Blog 2011'. Thank you!

Thanks so much for popping in and please go back and read previous posts thank you!

x Sue x

Calling all SIBOLETTES - (Help Wanted Please!).

2011-11-17T12:36:00.003Z

Calling all of our 'SIBOLETTES' PLEASE!

Hi Everyone!

I have been approached by 'Knit Today' magazine here in the UK to send information to them because they want to do a feature on us as wait for it 'Club of the Month'. Well I know we are not an 'ordinary' club that meets in a cafe, hall or other venue but we do have our own 'internet club' don't we?

I have been asked lots of questions, and I have my own answers but I would be very interested to hear what you thought too!

PHOTOS
1) They are asking for photographs of my Members. Now would you like to send me a close up photo so I can make a mosaic and send it to them please? I would have to put on Flickr and then go to Big Huge Labs to make the mosaic and then send it up to them. So they can put it in their magazine.
sueatpigsty@talktalk.net
So if you have sent me a Square and belong to our 'SIBOL' Group then please send one.

Next Question is......

2) What does our club mean to you?
I need to get a few quotes please Ladies. Thank you.

3) 'Do you have any dreams/future plans for our club?
I have written a reply to this question on email, but I would be very interested in hearing how you think our club could progress in the future. What would you like to see for SIBOL? What sort of things would you like to see us doing?

Would you like to email me
Sue on sueatpigsty@talktalk.net

With a photo
and your quotes?
Or if you want you can leave them at the bottom of this post in the comment box.

Thank you to everyone that has left me a comment on the Blog and over on Flickr. I am so pleased you have enjoyed hearing about my deliveries. There will be more very soon!

Please don't forget to vote for our blog. For 'Favourite Craft Blog 2011'.
Over on Inside Crochet. All votes would very much be appreciated.

Thanks Ladies and don't forget to email me please?

I would really appreciate your help on this one. Of course it is to my SIBOLETTES I am asking but really anyone who takes an interest in our work would be most welcome to send a quote too!

Thank you so much.

Sue x x

Would you like to vote for our Blog? Please click on the Link to Inside Crochet. Thank you! Inside Crochet are asking for your 'Favourite Craft Blog 2011'. Do you think SIBOL is worthy of a vote? We'd be so grateful to you!

'SIBOL's Delivery Day (2). St. Georges Home for the Elderly.

2011-11-16T19:07:00.002Z

Good Afternoon Everyone!

May I first of all say thank you from myself and all of our 'SIBOLETTES' for voting for the SIBOL Blog! Inside Crochet are holding a competition to find 'Favourite Craft Blog 2011'. SIBOL has come in the top 5, and the winner will be announced on 30th November. SIBOL really would love your votes please! So if you enjoy looking at all the beautiful Squares and indeed 'Sunshine Blankets' and reading about our Deliveries then please vote for us once again. I do try to keep the Blog regularly updated with new Squares and news and I 'just love' to show the work of our wonderfully talented Ladies from all around the World!

The link to Inside Crochet is here. Thank you! (Also top right of the Blog, click on the Button!).

Now for my second day of Deliveries.

I am very happy to be telling you that I have now delivered our second batch of 'Sunshine Blankets'.

At the end of last year I delivered our 'Sunshine Blankets' to St. Georges' Home for the Elderly in Shirley, Solihull. It was nice to hand over the Blankets to the Manager 'Magda' then. Our Blankets were so well received. Well I said last year that I would take in some more for them. So I telephoned this morning and arranged to go along and meet 'Magda' once again.

First I had to take a photo of our Blankets before leaving 'Two Times'.

This Home is near to our retail park and once again didn't take me long to get there.

Magda had been on holiday for two weeks and today was her first day back at work. So as you can imagine she was busy with paperwork and catching up. But nevertheless she said I could go and drop the Blankets off.

I walked in holding a box full of our 'Sunshine Blankets' and Magda kissed me on the cheek. I always get such a lovely friendly welcome whenever I go there. Thank you Magda.

I told Magda how many Blankets we had made now and how Ladies in our Group are just so kind that they wanted to make their own Blankets to send to me too. She thought it was lovely. I also showed her our 'Snowman Blanket'. As I knew she was pushed for time I left one of the Gift Cards open showing the photo of the Snowman Blanket. I asked her to have a look at the Blanket when she had more time. Magda and one of the Ladies who worked at the home both looked at the photo and a quick look at the Squares on the Blanket and said how beautiful it was. Magda thought it would be a good idea to offer it as '1st Prize' in their Christmas Raffle. Well I was really pleased with that as you can imagine!

Magda agreed to have a photo taken with me. This is never a problem at any of the Homes. I explain how important it is to me to show you where the Blankets have gone to. I think the photo has come out lovely.

Magda has invited me to their Christmas Party and she is going to ring me with the date details nearer the time. How kind is that!

It is always so nice to deliver the Blankets on behalf of our Group. Magda was just so pleased to accept them and she said they will be so very useful to her Residents. It makes me feel so good inside to know that our work is greatly appreciated. Magda could not have thanked us all enough. So from Magda 'Thank you!'.

It was lovely to see Magda and a member of her Staff, they both remembered me well and our beautiful Blankets. They honestly loved our Blankets and I would like to thank each and every one of you who have sent me Squares. To be appreciated is just so lovely, don't you think?

I left Magda with the Blankets and I said I would speak to her soon. I then went on to visit my Mother.

I would also like to say that I have sent some of our Blankets through the post to a friend, who is going to deliver them on our behalf. I am unable to get to the people who I would like the Blankets to go to so she is going to do it for me. They are disabled Elderly people who desperately need Blankets to use with their wheel chairs. As my friend 'Glynis' sent me enough Squares for three Blankets it is these Blankets that will be given.

I am positive these Blankets will be useful to them. I do like to hand out myself but on this occasion I am unable. I have enclosed our contact details if needed.

So another successful 'Delivery Day'. I am not sure whether I will be out again this week, it will probably be next week now. I still have two boxes of Blankets left but I am still awaiting to get in touch with Managers of two Care Homes who have been unable to take my calls.

'SIBOLETTE's' - Thank you so very much for your hard work.

Thank you Magda for accepting our 'Sunshine Blankets' on behalf of our Group and thanks to everyone that has voted for us. (We still need more though please!) and thank you to everyone that supports my project by sending me Squares. I cannot thank you all enough!

Thanks for visiting 'SIBOL' today and I shall be back soon with more Deliveries so stay tuned!

x Sue x

Delivery Day (1) St. Michael's Home for the Elderly.

2011-11-15T17:31:00.006Z

Good Afternoon Everyone!

First of all the nominations are in at Inside Crochet and I have just received an email from Adrian. It says.....

Just thought you would like to know that your blog was in the top five most nominate for 'favourite craft blog of 2011' that Inside Crochet magazine are currently running.
We are holding a vote at the moment (you can view this on our blog: http://www.insidecrochet.wordpress.com/ and the winner will be the blog with the most votes at 9am on Wednesday 30th November.

The winning blog will receive a write up in IC with a review of the blog and I was wondering if you would be interested in telling our readers a few words about yourself/your blog as well? The runners-up will also receive a small piece of editorial advertising their blog so we're hoping to get a small quote from each of you as well.

Wow! This is wonderful! Thanks to each and everyone of you who have nominated our SIBOL Blog. Now the voting begins. If you think our SIBOL Blog is worthy of a vote, would you please follow the link to Inside Crochet! Thank you so much!

Delivery Day (1)

As you can see from the Header picture, we have now completed another set of 'Sunshine Blankets'. I cannot believe how many we have put together in just a few months. This simple is 'AMAZING!'. Thanks to everybody that has sent me in Squares!

Each of the Blankets is 'unique' my Husband says. When I do that final crochet stitch I hold it up and say well do you like it? He says, 'Each one is unique Sue!'. He is right because each and everyone of them are different.

I cannot thank you enough for sending me the Squares and taking part in my Challenges. The Blankets are beautiful.

It is a long process from when one of my SIBOLETTES sit down to make the Square to it arriving at my home . They have a little rest before they meet their chums. Well let's face it some of them have travelled thousands of miles as far as Australia and America haven't they? They sit patiently waiting until they can be put into a Blanket. Sometimes waiting for enough of their 'same colour' or waiting for our Challenges to be made up. This is the time I like best, when I know our 'Sunshine Blankets' are piled high and they are ready to be delivered to the Nursing Homes.

All Beautifully tied up with Ribbons and Gift Cards made!

I first of all rang St. Michael's Home for the Elderly in Solihull. I asked to speak to the Manager, her name was Julie. I explained I ran an on-line Crocheting and Knitting Group and I enquired whether she would like a donation of our Blankets. I said I had 12. I arranged to go to the Home straight away. It was only a ten minute drive, so with my Blankets ready I set off.

I had driven by this Home many times, it was such a lovely house. It's set on a corner of a side road and main road near to the Olton Railway Station.

I first of all went and introduced myself and was met by the Staff and Julie. I handed Julie one of our SIBOL brochures and while I went out to the car to collect the Blankets Julie had a look at the web site.

Julie loved the Blankets and I explained how we had our Challenges. She agreed to having her photo taken which was lovely. I explained it was very important to me to 'have a photo' for our Blog.

We were talking about Christmas and Julie said how she would like to wrap the Blankets up and give them out as presents on Christmas Day. I thought this was a great idea and I said I would take up another 3 Blankets to her so everybody could have one! She had 15 Residents altogether. So I went straight back home to pick up another 3.

Can you imagine the Residents' faces on Christmas Day! The Blankets are certainly going to be great talking points!

I was greeted by very friendly Staff and Julie was so kind to accept our 'Sunshine Blankets'. I do hope that they bring lots of Happiness and Smiles on Christmas Day and throughout 2012!

I would like to say a Big Thank you to everybody that helps me with my project. The Squares are just so lovely and we are making fabulous Blankets for our Elderly Folk. It's so lovely to have the priviledge of working with your gorgeous Squares!

Thank you to St. Michael's Home for the Elderly where it was great to meet the Staff and Julie.

Thank you Julie for accepting our 'Sunshine Blankets'.

Julie has emailed me I thought you would like to read her note.

Hi Sue

Thank you for the beautiful blankets that our residents will enjoy.
I will wrap them up for Christmas gifts for our residents .

Much appreciated
Kind Regards
Julie Buckley
St Michaels Home
Solihull

Thank you Julie

Please pop over to Inside Crochet now and vote for our Blog! All votes will be very much appreciated thank you!

Thanks for visiting 'SIBOL' today!

x Sue x

Snowman Squares arrive today from Australia and the UK!

2011-11-12T11:14:00.001Z

Hi Everyone!

We are making a second 'Snowman Blanket' because the first one was just so popular. If you would like to take part, you will need to follow the link over to Ravelry and put your name down please.

I am very pleased to be showing you two Snowman Squares which have arrived today. The first is from Jenni over in Australia. Jenni has made a beautiful Snowflake Square. This really has come out lovely Jenni thank you so much and golly it took no time at all to arrive here at SIBOL HQ all the way from Australia.

Here it is....

The second Square is from BrendaS2 here in the UK. Brenda has made a cute Snowman with a lovely smiling face, a great hat and beautiful red Scarf! Reminds me so much of being at home when I was little making Snowman out in the garden! What fun I had with my brother. Lumps of coal for his buttons. So cute, thank you Brenda.

Thank you Brenda and Jenni very much indeed!

If anyone would like to make a Square. Please follow the link over to Ravelry. Please leave your name and say you'd like to take part. If you have already made a Square please don't enter again. Thank You!

I would like to thank everyone for nominating SIBOL as 'Favourite Craft Blog 2011'. Inside Crochet are holding the voting and if you think SIBOL is worthy of a nomination then please click on the button at the top right of the SIBOL Blog. The closing date is 14th November. Everyone at SIBOL would very much like your nominations, thank you!

Thanks to everyone that has left a comment on the last four Blankets. If you haven't seen them then please go back a post.

Have a great weekend everyone, thanks for visiting our SIBOL Blog today and I do hope these Squares have given you some 'crafty inspiration!'. Pick up your Crocheting Hooks and indeed Knitting Needles and have a go, don't be shy!

x Sue x

Four Ta - Dah's for you!

2011-11-11T21:04:00.000Z

Good Evening Everyone!

Thank you so much for visiting 'SIBOL' this evening.

I have four new Ta - Dah's for you and I am so happy to be showing you. Three of them have been made by myself and the fourth by jean nock.

Now the three Blankets I have finished are from Squares which have been donated by Glynis. Glynis is the Daughter of Alice. Alice is in one of the Homes I visit. I am very grateful to Glynis because she sent me enough Squares to make up three Blankets and I still have some left over. Such a variety of Squares, beautiful colours, and great patterns. I have to say I have been workng my socks off to get these three Blankets finished in time for the deliveries. I am so pleased they are finished. I think these three Blankets and the one from jean nock which she kindly made up will now be the last Blankets made before my deliveries. I am running out of room now. I have five boxes stacked up in my bedroom full of beautiful, beautiful Blankets and what did Mr. Twins do the other day? Knocked the whole lot flying! Our bedroom is rather like a storage area. I think I shall have to deliver sooner next time. Anyway I sorted the Blankets out and really they are ready for the off apart from now doing a few more cards for the latest Blankets. But on the whole I am ready to go. .......Time allowing.

Oh, let's have a look at these Blankets shall we?

Thank you so much Glynis for the beautiful Squares. I have had enough for three Blankets and still have some left over. Here they are.

SIBOL 111

SIBOL 112

SIBOL 113

Pretty aren't they?

SIBOL 114 has been assembled by jean nock who often helps me out. I am very grateful to you. I would also like to thank everyone who has contributed Squares for this Blanket also!

jean nock has made a lovely job of this Blanket, it really is quite pretty. When Squares arrive at my home. I bag them up into colour groups. When I have enough we make the Blanket up. I think the variety of Squares in this Blanket look really good together and I love the border than jean nock has crocheted up.

I have made a Slide Show now showcasing our four new SIBOL's.

Created with flickr slideshow.

Thanks to everyone these Blankets are amazing! I love them.

If you have enjoyed looking at the Squares and indeed the Blankets on this Blog and you think our Blog is worthy of a nomination for 'Favourite Craft Blog 2011' which Inside Crochet are holding then 'please' nominate 'SIBOL'. There is a link over on the right hand side of the Blog. Our 'SIBOLETTES' work extremely hard all year round making the most gorgeous Squares for our Blankets, and it would be so nice to be recognised! It is so nice to be able to showcase the Squares and the Blankets in our SIBOL Blog! What a crafty bunch of Ladies we have all over the World! Thank you!

Have a great weekend everyone!

x Sue x

Squares from Spain and the UK.

2011-11-09T14:28:00.001Z

Good Afternoon Everyone!

I am very pleased to be showing you some Squares which have arrived from Miren in Spain today. They are really pretty as you will see.

Miren has made crocheted 4 Squares in one with a little Flower, I think these are my favourites. They look so different with the colours she has used. I also received other Squares from Miren which are made beautifully too!

Let's take a look at them now.

I have made you a Slide Show, now take your time and look at each Set of Squares, they are so lovely!

I have to say Miren, my emails are coming back like a Boomerang! Please contact me again on email and let's see if we can sort the problem out! Thank you. I have left a comment on your blog to say your Squares have arrived too! Miren's blog is just so interesting. Why not pop over and take a look!

Created with flickr slideshow.

They look so different with the colours Miren has chosen. Thank you so much for sending them to SIBOL. I know you have enjoyed making them!

I have also had some 'beauties' arrive from Charlotte (Sharky Knows). today! I am so pleased to be showing them to you. Each Square is just so pretty! I am very grateful to you Charlotte I know you are busy getting things ready for your new arrival! Only 6 weeks away, how exciting! Thank you for finding the time to make them for SIBOL! Take a look at these!

What wonderful Squares today! Thank you both so...much!

May I remind you ......If anyone has NOT made a Snowman Square and you would like to take part in our second 'Snowman Blanket' please follow the link to Ravelry/ and put your name down. Thank you!

I have my Daughter at home this week so we are doing fun things together. Next week I hope to do my Blanket deliveries!

Thanks to everyone that is supporting our SIBOL project and if you think our Blog is worthy of a nomination for 'Favourite Craft Blog 2011' which Inside Crochet are holding please follow the link and nominate us. It would be so nice for the wonderful talent of Ladies from all over the World to be recognised with one of the leading Crocheting magazines here in the UK! The button is over to the right at the top. Thank you so much! I know the Ladies in our Group would be terribly grateful to you! Me included!

I think that's all for now,

Have a good day,

x Sue x

The Snowman Challenge (2). Would you like to take part? / Mondays Update Squares from the UK.

2011-11-06T20:02:00.004Z

Good Evening Everyone!

I am very grateful to Amanda of mandas' challenges for putting this beautiful Blanket together. The Squares we have received from all over have been absolutely fantastic and I would like to thank each and everyone of you!

The 'Snowman Challenge' Blanket has worked out so well and we have had such a lot of wonderful comments here on SIBOL and also on Flickr and RAV! I would like to thank each and everyone of you!

You will be very pleased to know that I am going to announce 'Snowman Challenge 'Part 2'.

I have been asked by Kay if we could make another one. She would very much like to take part in this Challenge, so I have decided I will try and make another one up.

I am very busy at the moment getting the Blankets ready for the Homes (which I hope to deliver week after next) but I will try my very best to get Squares in for this second Blanket and also 'try' and make the Blanket up myself.

I can't promise that the second Blanket will be ready to deliver this year. But I will try. If we can't get it ready I will certainly give out for next years Christmas.

So......this Challenge is open to ANYONE WHO HASN'T ALREADY SENT IN A SQUARE FOR THE SNOWMAN BLANKET.

I'm afraid if you have already sent a Square, please do not send another one.

Do you need any inspiration?

Please have a look at this gorgeous Blanket.

To enter please go over to RAV and put your name down on the thread.

So have a go, if you haven't already done so.

I am getting the Blankets ready for deliver and at present I am making up Blankets from Squares that Glynis sent in. Her mother resides at one of the Homes I have visited. They are pretty Granny Squares and I am pleased with the progress.

Have a lovely evening everyone!

UPDATED MONDAY 7/11/2011

I am very pleased to be showing you some Squares that arrived today from BrendaS2. BrendaS2 has made a gorgeous Olympic Square showing the 'Sailing' event which will take place near to where she lives in the UK. What a good idea! I love these sailing boats, a fantastic Square thank you!

I also received two Knitted Squares from her too. One has a lovely Heart knitted into the Square, and I love the pattern on the other one, but I don't know much about Knitting so I can't help you there. Anyway both Squares will be put in to my SIBOL Stash thank you so much B!

I have made you a short Slide Show sit back and enjoy and have a look at the other two Knitted Squares which are simply lovely.

Created with flickr slideshow.

Thanks for visiting 'SIBOL' today!

x Sue x

Our Snowman Blanket SIBOL 110! /Do you enjoy our SIBOL BLOG?

2011-11-04T19:27:00.002Z

Good Evening Everyone!

A wet evening here in the UK too.

Well the nights are drawing in and it is so good that we have our 'Sunshine Blankets' to cheer us up! I do hate these early dark evenings. What is nicer than to sit by the fire and Crochet or Knit for SIBOL?

I am so pleased this evening to be showcasing you our 110th SIBOL! The Ladies over on Ravelry have been making Blankets up for SIBOL while I have been concentrating on getting the Blankets ready for the Nursing Home. One of the Challenges they came up with was the 'Snowman Challenge' suggested by Amanda 'mandas' challenges'.

The Squares have been arriving from all over and Amanda has very kindly taken on the Challenge herself to make up the most beautiful Snowman Blanket. Well this morning the Blanket arrived back at SIBOL HQ, and I am very pleased to be now showing you the finished Blanket.

Each and every Square in this Blanket has been made lovingly by Ladies who enjoy our SIBOL Group. If you are new visiting SIBOL our new Challenges will start 1st December. I'm sure you would like to have a look at the Blanket now. 25 Squares all with the Snowman theme in mind.

Let's have a look at them now.

If you have made a Square for this Blanket please do click on to the photo which will then take you to Flickr. Click on the photo over there and then go to 'Actions' and then 'add note'. Drag the box over to your Square and label your name. This really is a stunner. I am so pleased how it's turned out.

Now if you have enjoyed looking at this wonderful Blanket and you think 'SIBOL' deserves a nomination for 'Best Craft Blog 2011' would you like to click on to the 'Inside Crochet' Button over to the right of this Blog please?

Ladies from all over come together to help the 'SIBOL' project. I am never ever disappoointed when I set a Challenge because the talent and creativity of Ladies is just marvellous. They certainly all put their thinking caps on to rise to the Challenges and it's always so nice to see what they come up with.

So thank you if you would like to nominate us, I know all of our 'SIBOLETTES' would be extremely grateful to you. To be recognised by 'Inside Crochet' would just be super!

We certainly have a very crafty blog!

If there is anything I can help you with please contact me
sueatpigsty@talktalk.net (Sue)

Thanks for visiting this evening and have a good weekend and I'll leave you with The Snowman Slide Show!

Created with flickr slideshow.

x Sue x

Do you enjoy SIBOL?

2011-11-04T13:53:00.001Z

Hi Everyone!

Inside Crochet on the following link is asking everyone to nominate their favourite craft blog.

Well......yes you know what I am thinking! Do you think SIBOL would have any chance at all?

Would you like to nominate our Group and our blog!

I am sure you would.

Wouldn't that be absolutely lovely if we were in with any sort of chance?

What another wonderful way to celebrate our 100th SIBOL!

I know there are some wonderful blogs out there, and I love them all too, but please give SIBOL a thought!

Please follow the link and mention our group!

http://insidecrochet.wordpress.com/2011/10/29/nominate-your-favourite-craft-blog-of-2011/

Thank you very much!

x Sue x

Ta - Dah! Our 109th SIBOL!

2011-11-02T11:28:00.000Z

Hello Everyone!

Thanks for visiting SIBOL today!

First of all may I thank everyone for their kind comments on the previous two posts. It was really nice to get our Group mentioned in Inside Crochet and indeed Simply Knitting. So thank you to everyone that has left a comment, whether it be on here or indeed RAV or Flickr. 'Thank You!'.

I would also like to thank the Ladies on RAV for helping me decide on names yesterday. We had a fun afternoon thinking of names for some of the Blankets which I was getting ready for the Nursing Homes. My storage boxes are full to the brim of Blankets I think I must have 40 which have to be delivered. So that just shows you how hard our Group has worked this year. It doesn't seem that long ago either that we made the last delivery. Time flies when you are enjoying yourselves! I am still in the process of making the Gift Cards and checking the Blankets over (the last minute check I call it!).

Before I show you our 109th SIBOL, I get many emails telling me how SIBOL is inspiring them to try new Squares and I thought with Christmas soon approaching I would go back to last year and show you some of the Christmas Blankets we made. The nice thing about SIBOL is that Ladies 'inspire others' and if you see a Square in one of the Blankets please enquire how to make it. I will do my best to get you some answers!

So let's take a look back now at our beautiful Christmas Blankets from last year.

This is SIBOL 36 'Christmas Blooms!'.

SIBOL 37 'Tidings of Comfort and Joy!'

SIBOL 38 'Christmas Spirit'

Really gorgeous Christmas Blankets made last year.

As a Group we have some really talented Ladies, always keen to try new Challenges. On 1st December my new Challenges will be announced. It never fails to amaze me how crafty you all are! Whether the Squares are Knitted or Crocheted if I suggest a Challenge it's not long after that the Squares start coming in! You may pick the design out of a book, you may make it up yourself. However you put the Square together it just shows what a 'crafty' bunch of Ladies we are. So I do hope you will like my new Challenges. They may be a little harder this year, so please stay tuned to SIBOL!

If you have any ideas for Challenges you might like to suggest please leave them over on RAVERLY

Now....we have our 109th Ta - Dah! and I am so happy to be showing you!

These 25 Squares arrived some months ago and they have been patiently waiting to be put into one of our Blankets. The Squares were beautifully made by Corien (Richtje RAV). Corien has made such gorgeous Squares I am sure you will agree. They are all in beautiful pastel colours, each Square so different. If you look closely there are tiny Butterflies too.

Corien, I think it is only right that you name the Blanket please? I had such fun making this one up. I do hope you like it!

Of course Corien I have made you a Slide Show thank you so much for making these Squares and sending them to SIBOL!

Created with flickr slideshow.

I told you the Squares were nice! What a beautiful Blanket!

Please pop over to RAV if you are interested in our SIBOL Group. We have SIBOL Square Swaps each month and there is always plenty of discussions going on!

I think that's all for now. I will be back if I receive any Squares today!
Thanks for visiting SIBOL today!

x Sue x

Two magazines in one weekend!

2011-10-30T10:03:00.002Z

Hi Everyone!

I'm back with more good news! Yesterday our Group were lucky enough to be featured in two magazines! I posted yesterday about 'Inside Crochet' so please go back a post and have a read and also we were featured in 'Simply Knitting!'. Both magazines were fantastic write ups for our Group and I do hope we can get more interest from them.

Today I would like to show you the article featured in 'Simply Knitting' Issue 87. If you click on the photo it will take you to Flickr and you will be able to enlarge the artictle. I am so grateful to both 'Inside Crochet' and 'Simply Knitting' for wonderful articles about us. I do hope the articles will generate more Squares for our Group and especially our Olympic Blanket Challenge for next year.

There is always quite a bit going on over on our Ravelry SIBOL Group. Why not pop over? Perhaps you would like to take part in our SIBOL Swaps? Everyone are most welcome. We have lively topic board threads and everyone is welcome to join in the fun over there! We discuss anything from new Blankets to the latest TV news!

See you over there!

Thanks 'Inside Crochet' and thanks also to 'Simply Knitting'.
Thanks everyone for visiting SIBOL today!

x Sue x

Good News SIBOLETTES!

2011-10-29T16:31:00.005+01:00

Hi Everyone!

I am just the proudest person out! Congratulations to all of my SIBOLETTES! Why? Read on....

Today I picked up my copy of Inside Crochet Issue No. 24. I am really pleased because on page 11 there is a fantastic write up about our Group! Not only does it mention our work for the Elderly in Nursing Homes but also a great photograph of our Olympic Squares! I am terribly proud of you all, what a great Group we have!

If you would like to read the article please click on the photo. It will take you to Flickr. You then have the option 'Actions'. Go to 'Sizes'. The photo will be enlarged even more! Thank you!
I really do hope this article will generate lots of Olympic Squares from anyone reading Inside Crochet!

I am just the happiest person today! Thanks to you all as I said I am so...proud of you all!

x Sue x

Squares from Scotland!

2011-10-28T12:29:00.001+01:00

Good Morning Everyone!

Thanks for visiting SIBOL today and thanks too for the comments on the last SIBOL Blankets. I had such fun making them.

Today I have received some squares from jenn1feranne (Scotland). I would like you to have a look at these Squares, they are just so pretty.

The first 3 are based on a pattern by K. Ferguson they are called 'Highland Rose'.

The next 4 called 'Irish Rose' are based on a free pattern by Priscilla Hewitt.

I have a soft spot for Flower Squares. These are simply beautiful. I love all of the colour combinations and the tiny leaves make these such pretty Squares! jenn1feranne read on our blog that Flower Squares were so popular with the Elderly that she thought she would make some. I am so pleased you did! Thank you so much!

I'm sure everyone will love these Squares.

At present I am making a Blanket up with Squares from Corien in the Netherlands. I hope it's not too long before I can show you.

I do hope you will have a good weekend,

Thank you for visiting SIBOL Today!

x Sue x

Our new SIBOLS!

2011-10-26T21:32:00.001+01:00

Good Evening Everyone!

I am very happy to be showcasing our new SIBOL's this evening.

First of all I have a beautiful Blanket made up for me by jean nock. I am always very grateful for your help and I'm sure everyone visiting SIBOL this evening will agree with me the Blanket has turned out beautifully.

What a stunner, thank you so much!

I have been working extremely hard these last few weeks making our Challenge Blankets up. I'm very happy to be telling you that they are now all completed and I am in a position to show you all.

The Blanket coming up is SIBOL 102. 'Two of a Kind' Challenge.
I am very grateful to the Ladies who have sent me Squares for this particular Challenge.

Two of everything! I love the Squares thank you all!

Next is SIBOL 103' - 'Winter Wonderland' (1)
I have to say this Blanket was quite tricky to do, as not all the Squares were 6". I have tried my best.

Then we have 'Winter Wonderland' again. This is the 2nd Blanket in this Challenge.

These two Blankets had the most beautiful Squares thank you to everyone that contributed them to SIBOL.

We move on to 'The Textured Challenge' SIBOL 105.
These Squares were all so different, and certainly had a great touchy feel to them.

Then we have SIBOL 106 - 'Two Tone Blue Challenge'.

All the Blues in this one......

SIBOL 107 - 'Flower Blanket' is next.

Although this wasn't a Challenge it was a Blanket I wanted to get made up for the Nursing Homes because the Elderly love the Flower Squares. I'm sure you will agree this one has come out lovely. I am very pleased with it.

Then lastly we have the 2nd 'Watermelon' Challenge Blanket. This is SIBOL 108 believe it or not!
I really like this one too!

I have now made you a Slide Show where I have put all of these Blankets together. So make yourself a cup of tea or coffee and sit and have a look at all these beautiful Squares.

I am in a very priviledged position to be able to work with your Squares. It is a sheer joy! I am very pleased I have finished the Challenge Blankets now. I do hope you like them. Thanks to everyone that have sent me Squares for these Challenges I am most grateful to you.

I'll leave you with the Slide Show, thanks for visiting SIBOL!

Created with flickr slideshow.

Squares from the UK!

2011-10-26T12:16:00.000+01:00

Good Morning Everyone!

I am very happy to be showing you some pretty Squares which have arrived this morning from Emily here in the UK.

The one Square has a most gorgeous Flower crocheted on and it's made in a beautiful shade of red.

Isn't it lovely?

Then we have some other Squares too which are also in lovely colour combinations. Just take a look at these gorgeous Squares.

I really like these colours. Thank you so much once again sending Squares to SIBOL Emily, they are very much appreciated.

I shall be back later because I am now in a better position to show you our Challenge Blankets. I think you had better make a cup of tea because you are going to be looking at them for a long time!

Thanks Emily, thanks everyone for visiting SIBOL today!

x Sue x

and the SIBOL GIveaway Winners are?........

2011-10-22T11:32:00.002+01:00

Good Morning Everyone!

This is the post you have all been waiting for.

Thank you to everyone that has very kindly put their names down in our 100TH SIBOL Giveaway! We have had a fantastic response and yesterday 'Little Miss Twins' (2) 'Hayley' my Daughter very kindly helped me pick out 6 Lucky Winners.

It is with great pleasure to announce the Winners.

The 1st Winner is

'LUNA! (USA)

Congratulations!
You win a 'Crocheting' Book!

The 2nd Winner is

'Lotti02' (UK)

'Congratulations!'

You win a 'Crocheting' Book!.

The 3rd Lucky Winner is

Mioliere (France)

'Congratulations!'

You win a 'Knitting' Book!.

The 4th Winner is
'WildaboutColor!' (USA|)

'Congratulations!'
You win a 'Crocheting' Book!

The 5th Winner is
'Brendash' (UK)

'Congratulations!'
You win a 'Knitting' Book!

The 6thWinner is
'joyce28!' (UK)

'Congratulations!'
You win a 'Knitting' Book!'

These gorgeous Books are on their way to you! (Well on Monday they are!'.)
Congratulations to you all!

Thanks to everyone that has put their names down for this special SIBOL 100 Giveaway!

I'm sorry there couldn't be more winners!
Have a happy weekend everyone!

x Sue x

Friday Squares.

2011-10-21T21:46:00.000+01:00

Good Evening Everyone!

First of all may I apologise for being quiet....it hasn't been intentional I have just had a really busy couple of days at home.

I am so grateful to everyone that has left a comment on SIBOL, Mrs Twins, Flickr, emails and MSE. I'm so pleased that you have enjoyed looking at the 100th SIBOL. Wow! What a week it has been! I couldn't wait to show you the Blanket it was made so beautifully.

My Giveaway Winners will be announced tomorrow (Saturday).

I'm sorry this is a short post but it has been a busy day once again.

I would like to thank Knitter Nan (MSE) (UK) for gorgeous Blue Knitted and Crocheted Squares. They have been made beautifully, thank you so much.

Also jean nock for some lovely Challenge Squares. We have Olympic Squares, Knit Today, Luna's Squares, Red, Blue and White Squares.

I'm sure you will agree these are lovely too.

jean nock also made some pretty Butterflies for my 'Butterfly stash!', will be very useful thank you so much.

It is nearly 10.00pm, and I will be back with the Giveaway Winners very soon!

Thanks very much jean nock and Knitter Nan!
Love your Squares.

x Sue x

Our 100th SIBOL Ta - Dah! Please pop in.....

2011-10-19T00:20:00.006+01:00

Hello Everyone!

Thank you so much for visiting ‘SIBOL’ today!

This is a very special day because today we are celebrating our 100th SIBOL!
That’s 2,500 Squares assembled! Plus 33 ‘Friendship Blanket’ and 56 ‘Royal Wedding Blanket.

I just cannot believe we have now made 100 ‘Sunshine Blankets’!

My project was first announced on my ‘Mrs Twins’ blog on 2nd January 2010. It was one of those evenings where you can’t sleep and you decide to go on the computer. I remember being excited about a new magazine hitting the shops called ‘The Art of Crochet’ and I first of all started writing my post about that. But.... then I decided to tell you all about my idea. This is what I wrote on that very first post.

By the way, something I want to get started this year is my Charity Crocheting. My Grandmother lived to the fine age of 103. She was very very dear to me. She lived on her own and looked after herself right up until the day she passed away. Cooked and bathed herself, knew everything about History, Sports and Politics. She was so loved by everyone. Even the local school children thought very kindly of her. I always think she was very fortunate to be in good health yet I know there are many others who aren't and who are in Nursing homes. Often they don't have any visitors.

As my Grandmother was so dearly loved by me, I just thought that I would like to help a Charity for the Elderly by making blankets and donating them to give them some comfort. I'm wondering..........whether anyone would like to help me. I'm thinking of making blankets comprising of 6" squares Crocheted or Knitted. If you have a spare bit of wool and would like to make a 6" square, one at least, maybe more if you wish. Would you like to email me for my address? When I've got enough for 'several' blankets I will sew or crochet them together and then send them along to a local Charity for the Elderly.

Now please note how I say ‘several’ Blankets! Little did I know then that my idea would be so successful!

On January 26th the first Squares arrived from Molly over in the States, and then soon after Squares from Karin, Brenda, Kim, Helen ‘Colorbook’, Amy Woo, Rita, Kate, Cathy, Wintertells, Kathy, Linda (Chalky), Pilar, Aishwarya, Damaris , Bethel, Elizabeth Cat, Susanna , Maria, ‘Louise’ in Gibraltar started arriving.

I couldn’t get over the response at the time. Simply ‘amazing!’. We soon started making our Blankets the first one being called ‘The Never Boring Afghan’ because the Squares in it were just never boring to look at!

On 28th February our ‘SIBOL’ web site was started I thought it was best to have somewhere where we could showcase our Blankets.

The name was decided jointly with Ladies all over the World. ‘Sunshine’ because we hoped our Blankets would be like sending a ray of sunshine into the lives of the Elderly. ‘International’ because we have an international group of Ladies in our Group, ‘Blankets’ because that’s what we make and ‘Love’ because each and every Square has been made ‘lovingly’ from each of you!

It was just so much fun to put the Blankets together. On April 25th ‘Butterfly’ was made. Squares all 50 of them were sent in by dear Posy Linda over in the States. I decided to put 25 of them in to a Blanket and I decorated the Blanket with Butterflies! Posy Linda was asked to name the Blanket and Salma said we should use the Butterflies as a ‘SIBOL trademark’ which we have been doing ever since. With all my thanks to Netspets.

We soon started thinking of themes the first one being the ‘Sun theme’. This was so much fun and others followed soon after.

We took part in a competition to celebrate the Royal Wedding and we were fortunate to win first prize £50.00 worth of yarn from ‘Great British Yarns’. What an achievement that was!

Our Royal Wedding Blanket was such an achievement for not only myself but all of us as a Group. We even managed to get on CNN’s website, and our Blanket was used as a Header picture on Flickr’s Group ‘The Peoples’ Royal Wedding Album! I was so excited when they asked if they could use our Blanket. Not to mention various magazines that we have been lucky enough to be mentioned in!

It was all down to Ladies all around the World who very kindly took part in this special Blanket.

Not only have we had themes for Blankets but Ladies have been just so kind not only making enough Squares for a whole Blanket, but also making the Squares and the Blanket and then sending to SIBOL HQ ready to be delivered to Nursing Homes.
These ‘acts of kindness’ have really brought so much joy and I can never thank you enough.

Dear Aishwarya asked me one day if I would like a Ravelry Group started up. Well I had left various threads on other Groups before mentioning ‘Square Donations’, but to be honest I have always found Ravelry a little hard! But she was so kind she organised everything herself for me, even SIBOL SQUARE SWAPS! I left everything in her most capable hands and she has made a wonderful job. So thank you very much Aishwarya. Look at our Group now ‘thriving!’.

I have also had wonderful yarn donations from several members in our Group , for this I am most grateful to you. It’s surprising now how much yarn we are getting through. It wasn’t too bad in the beginning but we are ‘stepping up our Blanket making production ’ now if you like and it’s surprising how much we do get through. This is why I am forever trying to source new supplies of yarn to help us. So thank you to anyone who has even sent me ‘one ball of yarn’ I am most grateful to you.

I would also like to thank the Ladies who have helped me 'assemble' Blankets too. it's very nice of you to give me a hand!
As I have recently said on a thread on Ravelry as a stay at home mom of 25 years I have somewhat lost confidence but with our ‘SIBOL Project’ I must say I think I am getting my confidence back. It was a big thing for me to go to the very first Nursing Home up in Cheshire. Walking through that door was quite an important step. Our ‘Sunshine Blankets’ were received so well those first half a dozen and I remember going home with my Husband Colin ‘on a high!’. The feeling was just lovely knowing that we had all come together and done something so worthwhile for the Elderly. Of course there have been other visits to Nursing Homes and all our ‘Sunshine Blankets’ have been received so well. Not only by the Staff but also the Elderly folk themselves. They just cannot believe that Squares in their Blankets have maybe travelled thousands of miles away! They have all been so terribly grateful and I always make a point of making gift cards with the names of the Ladies who have made a Square in their Blanket.

It’s so nice to chat with you on email, Flickr, Rav, and the blogs. It’s lovely to exchange ideas and help each other too.

I would like to thank each and everyone of you for your continued support. Not only have we been doing something so well worthwhile for the Elderly but we have also been having fun as a Crocheting and Knitting Group.

I am sorry for babbling on but I did want to talk abour our ‘past’ if you like on this most important day.

Follow the link now and then come back.........

Let’s get to the business now of showcasing our 10Oth SIBOL!

A short while ago I asked Ladies on Ravelry if they could think of doing anything special to celebrate our 100th SIBOL which was soon to be made.

Steph ‘Craftymizz’ very kindly offered. She put together a design and showed everyone on Ravelry. Well the first reaction was ‘Wow!’ this is going to be good. Soon after Ladies started putting their names down to take part in this special Blanket.

The Blanket was to be made up from Jan Eaton’s blocks namely Corner Square, Triangle Stripes, Bobble Triangle, Waterlily, Colourful Bobbles and Lemon Peel.

I thought at the time this is going to be something else. Well last week the Blanket arrived and at the time of receiving I was just so tearful!. It really did bring tears to my eyes because it is something just so beautiful. Each Square has been made beautifully and Steph has made a wonderful job of putting it all together.

The Ladies over on Ravelry are saying that they think I should keep this one as it’s rather special. I would be very happy to accept it and I would like to say thank you and I am going to treasure it. This certainly is a milestone Blanket and a milestone for our Group as a whole.

It is with great pleasure now that I showcase our 100th Ta – Dah! With thanks to our dear Lotti (Charlotte) who has very kindly put this Slide Show together. We even have Butterflies fluttering which is lovely.

I’m sure you will agree this is a stunning Blanket so thanks to everyone that has taken part in this special Blanket.

I do hope we can continue with our work for a long time. It is hard work to keep everything up to date but I just enjoy it so much it’s not a ‘chore’ it is a pleasure!

So in ending ‘this essay’:) thank you all so much for everything! I am very proud to have you all in our SIBOL Group you are all such wonderful Ladies, it is so nice to have you as Friends and ones which I know are always there for me.

Bye for now and enjoy our special day everyone!

Thank you

x Sue x

SIBOL project dedicated to my dear Grandmother who I loved very much and was just so remarkable. Thanks Nan x

Created with flickr slideshow.

UPDATE WEDNESDAY'S SQUARES.

These beautiful Squares arrived just now from beekeeper40 (UK) They are so lovely. The pink ones she made 20 years ago and doesn't need them. She wonders if we can use them? What do you think Ladies? Of course we can, thank you beekeeper40!

I'm sure you will agree these are really pretty Squares, all in great colours and patterns. I am most grateful to you thank you very much!

x Sue x

Tuesday's Squares from the States and UK!

2011-10-18T16:16:00.000+01:00

Good Afternoon Everyone!

Only one more day until I show you my 100th Ta - Dah! I do hope you will pop in tomorrow!

I am excited today because I have had two sets of Squares arrive. The first set are from Melanie (UK). I do hope you will visit her blog because she is in the same line of 'business' as myself 'making blankets'. Melanie assembles purely Knitted Squares to make Blankets for those abroad in need and others here in the UK. So please pop over and have a look at her Knitted Blankets.Thank you Melanie.

The other set is from our Luna over in the States.

Luna has sent four Squares for our 'Snowman Challenge' over on Ravelry. They are so lovely. Have a look at these!

I'm very grateful to Luna, not only did she make Snowman Squares she made these too!

Did you notice the 'Olympic Square?' brilliant thank yoiu!

Thanks so much Luna for sending these lovely Squares I am pleased they arrived safely!

I do hope you have enjoyed looking at these Squares. We have an exciting day tomorrow on SIBOL, so please pop in.

x Sue x

A 'Think Pink' update ...

2011-10-17T13:58:00.001+01:00

Hello all,

I'm very pleased to say that I've been receiving lots more lovely squares for the Breast Cancer Awareness blanket recently ... here are some pics:

From Annette (azshere)

From Jenni (Baamekniits)

From Lisa (bigblue)

From Dot (brownie47)

From Tash (coxabey)

Three from Hieke (hieke)

From Hazel (craftylucyloo)

From Diemie (kantjeboord)

From Ann (Kianie)

From Louise (LALLYLOULOU)

From Amanda (mandaschallenges)

From Katherine (RainbowRibbon)

I'm sure you'll agree that they're all stunning squares, and that the finished blanket is sure to be beautiful. I'm only waiting for one more square to be delivered of the ones I've been promised, but there's still room for three more participants to the blanket overall. If you would like to donate a square to this special cause, please sign up via the SIBOL group on Ravelry ... thank you :)

Lotti xx

Squares arrive from Germany today!

2011-10-17T11:22:00.003+01:00

Good Morning Everyone!

A wet Monday here in the UK.

I am very pleased to be showing you these pretty Squares which arrived today. They have arrived from Germany and a Lady by the name of Dagmar has kindly sent them to me. I'm sure you will agree they are gorgeous and I particularly love the centres on all of the Squares.

I can tell you enjoyed making them Dagmar, thank you so much for sending them to SIBOL!

Created with flickr slideshow.

Before I sign off I would like to thank Luna for posting the Log Cabin Square on to our other Blog 'SIBOL - The Archive' it is a lovely pattern and I do hope everyone will have a go at it. What different things you can do with a Granny!

I'm hoping our 100th SIBOL will be showcased on Wednesday so I hope everyone will visit us!

Thanks again Dagmar,
Thanks everyone for visiting today!

x Sue x

Fab Squares on a Saturday!

2011-10-15T16:13:00.000+01:00

Good Afternoon everyone!

I've actually had three postal deliveries today on a Saturday can you believe that? There was one important one, the early one. I received two large parcels and yes it was like Christmas all over again!

Unfortunately, I'm going to keep you all in suspense. I am not even going to show you the brown paper that they came in. All I am going to say is that our 100th SIBOL has been completed by Craftymizz and our SIBOLETTES and I'm afraid you will have to wait until next Wednesday when I do my Grand, yes I said 'Grand' Ta - dah!

I would like to thank Craftymizz for designing our 100th SIBOL, and for co-ordinating the project. I know she has enjoyed it and so have the other Ladies who sent Squares for it. I'm absolutely over the moon today and I've actually had tears in my eyes because it is just so beautiful and quite an achievement too. So please come and visit SIBOL on Wednesday next.

I bet you are wondering what was in the other parcel! Well I would like to thank Mrs. Neighbour (London) for sending me 70 beautiful Knitted Squares.
These Squares are just so pretty. She saw an article about 'SIBOL' in 'Knit Today' and she was telling me how terribly pleased she was to be able to use these odd bits of yarn up. That's what SIBOL is all about, 'using those odd bits of yarn up!'. We can all find such a use for them.

I'm sure you will agree these Squares are 'amazing' and I would like to thank her very much. I actually don't think she is on-line but 'thank you' anyway!

So if you have odd bits of yarn sitting in your basket, please think of SIBOL.

I've had such a lot of fun with Mr. Twins this afternoon. We have been outside 'playing!'. You will see on Wednesday. Oh what fun I have with my hubby! he.he.....

Well I think that is all for today. I will leave you with the second part of our 'recap' of SIBOL.

Created with flickr slideshow.

I'm off to enjoy some more of our UK sunshine today, thanks for visiting SIBOL!

X Sue x

We celebrate our 100th Sunshine Blanket next week. Let's recap!

2011-10-14T19:06:00.001+01:00

Good Evening,

Next week we will be celebrating our 100th Sunshine Blanket.

I just thought it would be nice to go back to those early days and see where we started.

The first ever Squares came from dear Molly over in the States.

Now this Slide Show is back to front. The first Squares are at the end. I can't do anything about that.

I hope you enjoy!

Created with flickr slideshow.

x Sue x

Yes our 99th SIBOL, Squares from Scotland, UK and the States.

2011-10-12T19:29:00.005+01:00

Good Evening Everyone!

Thank you so much for popping in to see our latest SIBOL. I can't believe I am saying this, but this is our 99th Ta - Dah!. We have now made 99 'Sunshine Blankets' for the Elderly in the UK. This is getting so near now to our special day!

I would like to thank everyone that has contributed Squares for this Challenge. They seem to have come together so well!

'Knit Today' a magazine here in the UK, very kindly put two patterns in their magazine a short time ago, and suggested that their readers have a go at the patterns and send them to SIBOL. The patterns were part of their special Charity Supplement. My SIBOLETTES also had a go at the pattern.

I am very pleased to say that we have had a good response. I do know that more Squares have already arrived and some more are on their way, so please don't worry if yours are not in this Blanket. If anyone wants to have a go please mail me and I will send the pattern to you. Sue on sueatpigsty@talktalk.net We will be making a third one.

The page is over on the side bar to the right if anyone wants to have a look at it. Let's have a look at the Blanket now.

I'm over the moon with this Blanket. I didn't stipulate which colours to use on these Squares, I just left it to you. I'm sure you will agree they couldn't have worked out any better.,

Oh here's me.

On Monday morning I asked one of my 'Little Miss Twins' to help me with the photo and she kindly agreed.
I have now sent this photo up to Knit Today along with the Blanket that joyce28 made for our SIBOL Group.

joyce28 also used the Squares from the pattern in the magazine. The Editor loved both Blankets and Ladies I am hoping for some good news next month 'so watch this space!'.

Here's our Slide Show now. Our 99th 'Sunshine Blanket'.

Created with flickr slideshow.

Thanks to everyone that has kindly contributed Squares for this Blanket. It's really worked out so well.

SIBOL RAV GIVEAWAY.

Could I just remind anyone that has sent me Square(s) that they are eligible for our Ravelry SIBOL Giveaway. Please follow the Link to RAV You do have to be a Member of our Group too, so please sign up.

I am hoping the Giveaway will be drawn now on 22nd October which is a Saturday. Best of Luck there will be 6 Lucky winners of Crocheting and Knitting Books.

SIBOL RAV 'SQUARE SWAPS'.

If you would like to join up for our RAV SIBOL 'Square Swaps'.
You will need to follow the Link over to RAV again.
By the 15th of this month please.

MY NEW CHALLENGES.

Will be announced hopefully 1st December.
I know this sounds a long way off, but I have the 100th Blanket event,
Giveaway to do, Blankets to get ready for the Nursing Homes which means I have the Gift Cards to
print etc., Check the Blankets etc., and 'Deliver the Blankets' in November so I am going to be fairly
busy.

I have new Challenges in mind which I do hope you will enjoy taking part with but I have things to do this end too.

There is a lot to do behind the scenes and it all takes time.

With thanks to.....

Knit Today for supplying SIBOL with some yarn for our Blankets.

Joanna for sending me this morning some 'unwanted' stash which was just so kind.

jean nock who very kindly sent me a SIBOL this morning which she has made up for us. I am most grateful to you and I will show it as soon as I can. The Blanket is gorgeous. A sneaky view.

Thank you to you all.

THURSDAY'S UPDATE!

I'm very happy to be showing you two sets of Squares which have come in today.

First we have Kays' Squares from the States. Kay has very kindly made the 'Letter L' for our Olympic Blanket, which has come out lovely. Also the 'French Flag' for our Olympic Blanket, another good one.
Also....just look at these cute little Butterflies. I am so grateful for this Square it can go towards 'The Two of a Kind' Challenge. bonsall is very kindly making me four so I can finish that set off.,

All wonderful Squares Kay. Oh yes, my Mom would love this Square in her favourite colours purple and green. I will show it to her this evening. I appreciate your help thank you so much!

Then we travel up to Scotland......jenn1feranne has very kindly sent in these pretty Squares. Oh what fun today!

We have the Letter 'S' for our Olympic Blanket, another one which she says is 'a bit flaggy!' and also a pretty Flower Square. Now this one is called The Highland Rose' by K. Ferguson. This is a really pretty Square. What wonderful colours you've used.

Thank you also jenn1feranne!

You've both kept the Postman busy today! Many thanks to both of you.

I think that will be all for today. thanks for visiting!

x Sue x

FRIDAY UP-DATE.

Very pleased to be showing you Squares which have come in from bonsall (UK) today. These are the last of the 'Two of a Kind' Squares to arrive and bonsall has helped me out because I was short.
I'm sure you will agree they are perfect. Thank you bonsall very much indeed.

So I can now make the 'Two of a Kind' Blanket up.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Sue x x

Snowman square

2011-10-11T18:48:00.001+01:00

Today i'd like to share with you a gorgeous square that has arrived from Beverley :) (Baw1812)
We've had great fun waiting for this one as she expressed to do one the same as Lotti's only different perhaps facing the opposite way hehe She then went on to tease us some more saying it may be a snowlady or a snowdude hehe such fun we've had over on Ravelry please do pop over :)
Well it gives me great pleasure to show you the snowdude complete with a pipe hehe xxx
Thank you Bev xxx

9 Spaces still available if you'd like to help make a snowman inspired square xx

More Challenge Squares!

2011-10-10T17:36:00.001+01:00

Good Evening Everyone!

I'm very pleased indeed to be showing you some Squares which Emma 'personally hand-delivered!' just a short while ago. I was sorting out my wool and a knock came to the door and it was Emma.

Emma has very kindly made a 'M' for the Olympic Blanket. It has come out beautifully! I love it. If you would like to make a Letter for our Olympic Challenge, there are still some Letters left. Please email me
Sue on sueatpigsty@talktalk.net if anyone else wants to have a go. We are doing a centre-piece for our special Olympic Blanket and I'm gathering Letter Squares! 'O L Y M P I C S L O N D O N 2 0 1 2'.

Please follow the link to read about the Letters.

I also received a gorgeous Flower Square from Emma. This was the Square that Luna was putting up on her blog. Emma has made a wonderful job, it is so pretty. If you would like to have a go at this one, please follow the link once again.

http://alunamistejidos.blogspot.com/
Luna has made a wonderful tutorial with great instructions and pictures.

Simple Squares from the 'Knit Today' magazine have been very popular too. Emma has made two Squares from the pattern I emailed her. If you would like a go please email me Sue on sueatpigsty@talktalk.net
and I will send the pattern by attachment. It is a fun pattern and Emma has used a great combination of colours to make the Square. I am sure you will agree it's so pretty.

It was so nice to meet Emma this afternoon. I quickly showed her one of our Blankets and she also looked at my Crocheting in the Conservatory. She said it was weird 'being here' after seeing my home on my web site! Her Husband was waiting for her so she couldn't really stop but I hope she pops back and has a cup of tea with me.

I really love all your Squares Emma and it was so nice to meet you.

I have made you a Slide Show Emma. You have donated beautiful Squares to SIBOL, thank you so much.

Created with flickr slideshow.

I'm sure the Ladies visiting SIBOL will love Emmas' Squares!

Bye for now

x Sue x

Ta - Dah! Introducing SIBOL 98!

2011-10-09T13:00:00.002+01:00

Good Morning Everyone!

I am extremely happy to be showing you our 98th SIBOL! Only two more to go and we will have reached our 100th Blanket.

I am sure you will agree this Blanket is gorgeous. The Squares have been assembled by baw1812 over on Ravelry. ‘Beverley’ is the Lady who kindly put this Blanket together for us. She has been helping me assemble while I’ve been making some of the Challenge Blankets up. I am extremely grateful to her and I think she really has enjoyed the process.

This special Blanket has been called 'Wishes for Wiggles'.

To the Ladies who have contributed towards this Blanket I am so.....grateful to you. I know that each Square has been lovingly made and sent to Beverley. She has enjoyed receiving each Square and she’s been on a ‘high’ ever since she started this particular project!

The Squares have all been made with two particular colours in mind....Purple and Green. I thought Flower Squares for this project and it was so nice my end to see the Squares arrive at Bev’s house and be posted on to Ravelry. The patterns for each Square have been so pretty, I am so terribly proud of you all Ladies!

Beverley had the idea to put three Squares on to the Pillow case, they look great and finish it off nicely. Thank you Bev. You’ve worked so hard with this Blanket and I just want you to know that your friends ‘fellow SIBOLETTES’ think the Blanket is ‘BEAUTIFUL!’.

If you would like to read more please visit Ravelry

Let's see some more of the Squares that came in for this special Blanket. They truly are beautiful!

Created with flickr slideshow.
I'm sure you will agree Beverley has made a wonderful job and she's had so much fun. thanks everyone!

x Sue x

A Square for our Olympic Challenge

2011-10-08T09:55:00.001+01:00

Good Morning Everyone!

Thank you for visiting SIBOL today!

I have had a beautiful Square arrive today from Beverley (UK). This Square is for the Olympics London 2012 Challenge.

I had the idea to collect Letter Squares to make the words 'O L Y M P I C S L O N D O N 2 0 1 2 '
so that we could put it in our special Olympic themed Blanket.

I am going to auction this special Blanket when it is finished on EBAY and all money raised will go to the Alzheimers Society here in the UK.

Would you like to make a Letter Square?
Please pop over to Ravelry and choose a letter.
I have patterns available so please email me
Sue on sueatpigsty@talktalk.net and I will send it to you.

All details about our Olympics London 2012 Blanket are over on SIBOL CHALLENGES.

Here is Bev's Square

If you look over to the right you will see the beautiful collection of Squares we have had already! Thanks so much Beverley I love your Square.

Have a good day everyone and thanks for visiting SIBOL today!

Squares from Scotland!

2011-10-07T09:07:00.001+01:00

Hello Everyone!

I must of all apologise to jenniferanne (Scotland) for not posting her Squares on SIBOL yesterday I had trouble logging in. So annoying when things don't work out to plan. Anyway I received four beautiful Squares and I would like you to see them.

First of all a Square which jenniferanne calls 'Spring Window boxes'. This is her own design 'experiment' she tells me and it is just so pretty in the pastel shades of yarn which she has used. Take a look at this one.

Then we have three other ones which I will show you in the Slide Show I have made for jenniferanne.

The cream one is based on 'Fisherman's Ring' by Priscilla Hewitt.

The one with the lemon diamond in the middle is based on 'Haze' by Jenn Vanderslice.

The pretty lilac one is based on 'Circle of Hope' by Melissa R Green.

Created with flickr slideshow.

I'm sure you will agree they are all lovely Squares and I am most grateful to you. I'm sorry though the light was not too good yesterday, in fact it's not too good today either which is a shame.

I may be back later if I receive any more Squares.

Thank you for visiting 'SIBOL' today!

x Sue x