Our SIBOL TOTAL IS 1376! Thank You!

Slideshow of Sunshine Blankets (Click on Left/Right Arrows).

Challenge Blankets
I'm Sue and can be contacted on
sueatpigsty@virginmedia.com

It is so important that email addresses and names are enclosed with your donations of Sunshine Blankets, Shawls and Butterflies please. Thank you!

Butterflies LINK


'Crochet keeps our hands busy so our minds can rest. It is a gift to help quiet the world around us, if even for a moment. To create -- and think of those we create for --is a quiet prayer of hope, love and dreams all wrapped up in a hook, a book and a ball of yarn. Author Anonymous. Thanks Cynthia.
SIBOL Blog
I NO LONGER ACCEPT KNITTED OR CROCHETED SQUARES. I DO HOWEVER ACCEPT MADE UP BLANKETS FOR THE ELDERLY IN CARE HOMES. I'D BE VERY HAPPY TO RECEIVE YOURS! THANK YOU! 'SIBOL' is a charitable outlet for your Crocheting and Knitting Skills why not join us? Together we are 'Sending a ray of Sunshine into the Lives of the Elderly.' All enquiries please contact Sue on sueatpigsty@virginmedia.com Thank you!
Please Note

Please may I remind you to enclose your email address with parcels delivered to my home. If I don't acknowledge receipt it's because I can't find your address. Thank you.


Total 1384 Thank you!




Thursday 30 September 2010

Ta - Dah! Introducing SIBOL No. 31! 7/7 'Blue and White' theme.

Hi Everyone!

I would like to thank you all for the gorgeous Blue and White Squares that I have received for our Challenge. I have finished the seven SIBOL Blankets now and I'm really pleased how they have come out. I have had such fun making them up.  The different shades of Blue, the different patterns have just been so interesting.
I'm just over the moon with them. 

As I have said before many times, I could not make these Blankets without your help and I am most grateful to you all.

Ta - Dah! Introducing SIBOL No. 31! 7/7 'Blue and White' Theme!! I'm done!





Thank You!

Squares arrive from Australia and New Zealand!

Hello Everyone!

Well it's  a better day here in the UK, the sun has actually brightened everything up now!

I'm so pleased to be popping in to show you some great Squares that I have received today from
Aussie Maria  (Australia) and Alice & Raymond (New Zealand).

Well fancy that you were both flying the same way over to the UK! It's such a pleasure to receive your Squares this morning.  Great too that you have taken part in our Challenges.

Maria thank you for your Squares.  I just love the varigated yarn you have used. It's lovely. The Christmas Squares have come up lovely using it. There is something about red, green and white isn't there? So Christmasy! Also a great Square for our Bonfire Challenge and then a lovely white one too. I am so grateful to you.

Such wonderful varigated yarn! Look at these Christmasy colours! Love it!



Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.


Thanks Maria, I hope you enjoyed looking at your Squares!

Next we have Alice and Raymond from New Zealand. Golly our Squares for SIBOL do travel! If you add up all the miles these little beauties do, unbelieveable. No wonder why they  need a bit of a rest!  Your Squares are lovely Alice and Raymond it is really nice of you to make such pretty Squares. I do love the Flower ones, but hey I love them all!

Such pretty Flower Squares!

I'm very pleased to be making you your Slide Show Alice and Raymond enjoy! Thanks for the Squares! Gorgeous.



Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.


Thank you both for the beautiful Squares.

Well 30th September has arrived. Our deadline dates for the Challenges. We have the 'Jan Eaton' one still open if anyone wants to choose a block.  Hopefully, our Challenges will start again next year. I will do my best now to make up some more blankets ready for November. 

The 'Strawberry and Cream' theme should be next, but I am thinking I will do the Bonfire ones and then Christmas as it's approaching that time of year. Thank You all for your wonderful support on these Challenges. I know from emails I get everyone is enjoying them so....much!

I know you can't wait for the next Challenges to begin.  I know it's hard, but I'm sure there will be plenty of Christmas Crocheting going on now to keep you busy. If you still want to send the odd Square that is fine, but as I say the Challenges apart from the Jan Eaton one have now ended.  If you have Squares in the post don't worry. You know it takes me a while to get through these Challenges my end.

I've absolutely loved making the Sunshine Blankets, The Flower Blankets, The Blue and Whites are NOW FINISHED!!! Yippee.  If there is any odd Blue and Whites that are not in the Blankets this is because there isn't enough to make up another one. So I will use them in the Men's coming up.

My Ta - Dah will be tomorrow!

As I'm just posting this today, I see that Manda's Challenges have given you 'a Challenge' Please take part! Thank you for this! I have to do the Bonfire ones first, so if you want to have a go please don't worry!

Also Isolde, you are a tease!  I'll be looking forward to these Squares too!  Thanks for the great post!

Bye for now......

SIBOLETTES CHALLENGES - Mystery C.A.L hehe

Are you stuck with what to do for the Christmas challenge?
Fancy a super quick project designed by me? hehe
Here goes...... you will need red ,white, and green yarn :)
A size 5.5mm hook told you it would be super quick haha
end result 6" Christmas square :0)
U.S terms
1,   Take either your red or white yarn and using the magic ring method chain 3 and DC 11 into ring and slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3 (12 sts)
2,   chain 3 and DC into same space, DC x 2 into each stitch all round (24sts) join to 3rd chain at the start of the round, cut yarn and join green

3,   Slip stitch into top of joining chain, and chain 3 then 2 DC into next stitch  continue round 1 DC  2DC to the end and join to 3rd chain of begging chain 3
4,   chain 3 and DC into next stitch Dc into following stitch and 2 x DC into next continue all around 1 DC 1 DC 2 DC  join to 3rd chain of beggining chain 3 cut off green yarn and attach the colour you started with.

5,   chain 3 and into same place DC chain 2 and 2 x DC next stitch DC next stitch HDC then SC into next 7 stitches followed by HDC, DC , 2xDC chain 2 2xDC
continue as follows to end DC, HDC, SC x 7,  HDC ,DC, (2xDC chain2 2x DC same stitch ) into each stitch join to 3rd chain of beggining chain 3
6, chain 3 and in (corner space DC x 2 chain 2 DC x 2) DC x 1 into each st until you reach the corner again and repeat ..... join to 3rd chain of beggining chain 3
cut off chosen starting yarn

7,   with last colour yarn the colour you haven't used yet ;)
Slip st  and chain 2 then HDC into each st and either 5HDC into corner or 2DC chain 2 2DC in corner, the choice is your's :0)

join to chain 2 of beggining chain and tidy up ends on the back
Decorate the green with ribbon, buttons seed beads etc ;)

Hope you give it a try my pictures of said mystery C.A.L will be posted by Sue when she recieves them hehe
Enjoy much Love Amanda xxx
Ive tried to make it as simple as possible but if there's anything your unsure of please do comment one of us should be able to help you xxxxx

a little peek

I just wanted to share with you a little peek of the new squares I crocheted for SIBOL:


In just a few days a bigger post and a beter view!
X Isolde

Wednesday 29 September 2010

'A special SIBOL Square!

Hello Everyone!

Another wet miserable day here in the UK today.  Nevermind....

Here are some pretty Squares.... Now there is a Story behind one of these Squares.  ATheeC (Flickr) (Tinka) was inspired to pick up her Crocheting hook after 15  years when she found the SIBOL Blog, simply amazing!
Her two Daughters started watching her and asked her to teach them.  Well...I am so pleased to be showing you a Square which ATheeC's younger Daughter has made.  I am absolutely over the moon.  I have several 'Mothers and Daughters' who crochet for SIBOL and I just think that is so nice. ATheeC's other Daughter is left-handed.  Kate is back off holiday now so I  am sure she would be able to give you some good advice if you need it.   Here is her Daughters contribution to SIBOL!

There is a lovely story behind this Square. See below.

Isn't it just so good! Thank you so much.  I am very pleased to say you are now a 'SIBOLETTE!'.



I am of course most grateful for  ATheeC's Squares too! They are gorgeous.  Look how she has labelled all these gorgeous Squares.  Our labelling seems to be taking off I think.  This does help me when I'm sorting the Squares out and makes it so much easier!  Wonderful Squares for our Challenges.  All fantastic. ATheeC also made her very first 'African Flower' Square. Thanks to the Diagram pattern of pertinitaco!

I would also like to show you the beautiful handmade card that ATheeC sent to me. Isn't it just lovely? Strange it's all blue and white!


I do hope you will both enjoy your very own Slide Show now. Thank you to both of you.








Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.


Have a good day!

P.S. Thank you to our 200th Follower Today! Welcome! and of course our other ones too!

Tuesday 28 September 2010

Squares arrive from Spain and the UK.

Good Morning Everyone!

I'm stopping by to show you some beautiful Squares that have come in from pertinitaco (Pilar)  (Spain).
She has been so...busy making Squares for our Challenges. I bet you are longing for a look! She's made
one for the Jan Eaton Challenge No. 13 'Circle in a Square', Bonfire Squares, Black and White Squares
and also Christmas. They are so pretty..... and she wrapped them up beautifully, what a nice idea!

Pretty little packages from Pertinitaco! Your Squares have arrived today! Thank You!

If you look very closely at the Christmas Squares, in the centre of one of them is one of her famous Bumble Bees. He is wearing a Christmas hat, and he's carrying a tiny red sack! How cool is that! He is so...cute.Take a look at the others too because they are really great! I love them.

Gorgeous Bonfire Squares an assortment of colours for this Challenge. Really remind me of Bonfire Night.
Then we have a great selection of Black and White Squares too. I just love them all Pilar, thank you so much.

Here's your very own Slide Show, enjoy and Thank You!




Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.
 
 

I also had a beautiful 'Jan Eaton' Challenge Square come in from Pol (MSE Forum) UK.  She chose 'Colourful Bobbles' No. 20.  This Square is so pretty. I love all the different coloured 'bobbles', simply beautiful. Thank you Pol!
'Colourful Bobbles' for our 'Jan Eaton' Challenge No. 20. Beautiful colours!

Have a nice day everyone!

Monday 27 September 2010

Monday Squares from the UK!

Hello Everyone!

Well it's certainly a miserable day here today in the UK. Wet, dull, miserable. Nevermind we have some Squares to brighten the day.

First of all is anyone having problems with 'Blogger?'  I've been getting 'service unavailable' all weekend. I'm unable to comment and blogs aren't opening. So...annoying!!

I would like to thank Jane so much from Australia. She has very kindly allowed us the pattern to the Butterfly Square. She has also made a fantastic video tutorial so I do hope you will check the previous post out. I can't thank her enough. Her Squares are just gorgeous.  The volume on the video is just perfect, instructions are clear.  Well done Jane!  I can't link you at the moment with Janes' blog. But go to the previous post.

The other thing is 'Mom's Blanket'.   Thank you all very much for your kind comments, I shall be letting you know around November.  At the moment she is saying she would rather it go to a Nursing Home near to where my Grandmother lived. So I'll let you know thank you.

Many thanks for all the wonderful Squares.  Our Challenges apart from the Jan Eaton are coming to an end on the 30th September. If you are in the process of making Squares for these Challenges please send them in. Of course I will be accepting Squares 'any colour etc.,' after this date  if you still want to use any of that spare yarn up but the actual Challenges will end the 30th.  I think everyone will be wanting to do their own Christmas Crocheting and Knitting, I don't want to hold anyone up.  I'm really so grateful to you all you have been so....very supportive and I can't thank you enough.

Then I will be making the Blankets up ready for delivery in November to the Nursing homes. But as you know I really want to carry this on in 2011, if you still want to! Then the Challenges will start again, so we need ideas!

I am very happy to show you some Squares that came in from 'Pink Flower' Rachael (UK)  I do hope you will visit her blog.

Wonderful Squares from Rachael for SIBOL. Thank You!

Rachael, I am pleased to show case your Squares in your very own Slide Show!



Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.


Aren't they just lovely? Thank you so much Rachael, have a good day everyone!

'Stained Glass Butterfly Square' for SIBOL.

Stained Glass Butterfly Square
© 2010 Jane Griffiths www.papillongold.blogspot.com
With permission for (SIBOL) to use http://sunshineinternationalblanketsoflove.blogspot.com/ This is a charity pattern, created especially for SIBOL . It is provided to you free, with the hope that you will make one or more of these and send it Sue. Email her at :  sueatpigsty@talktalk.net for her address
This pattern may not be published on the Internet or made available for download for a charge or fee.
Finished items using this or based on this pattern may NOT be sold. Please do not change the pattern and claim it as yours. This pattern is strictly not for profit, NO proceeds are to be made from this pattern.
Feel free to distribute this file FREE OF CHARGE *IN ITS ENTIRETY*. I.E this section must be included.

Materials required (Amounts are approximate)
8ply wool: 40m or 13 grams colour A (something bright)
6.5m or 3 grams of cream or white – (Colour B) M or grams of Black – (Colour C)
70cm black (extra ) for body (or 120cm for 2 bodies), 4mm crochet hook and wool needle.

Row 1 and 6 to 9 should be the same colour (A),
Row 2 and 3 are white (Colour B)
Row 4, 5, 10 and body are black  (Colour C).

Final size of the square is approx 15cm (6") square.
Tension is 3 rows or 4 trebles to 2.5cm (1")
Use the size hook you need to get the required size.
Dtr= double treble Tr= Treble Ch=chain

Round 1……….USING COLOUR A
Chain 3 and join with a sl St to make a circle, ch 5, work (1 dtr, 1 ch) 11
Times into circle, join with a sl St into 4th of beginning 5chain = 12dtr ….tie off (3.5cm)

Round 2………..USING COLOUR B (background colour CREAM OR WHITE)
Join new colour in a chain space, ch 3, (2 tr, 2ch, 3tr) in the same space, Ch1,
*miss next 2 ch1 spaces, (3 tr, 2ch, 3tr) into the next (third) ch space, Ch1,
Repeat from * twice
Join with a sl St to top of beginning ch3... (4 corner clusters)
Slip stitch across to corner 2ch space (5cm)

Round 3……….(Ch 3, 2tr, 2ch, 3tr) in corner space
(ch3, 1 tr, ch1, 2tr) in corner space……*work 1 tr in between each of next 2
Trebles, 1 tr into 1ch space, 1 tr in between each of next 2 trebles , Join with a sl St to
Top of beginning ch3. Slip stitch across to corner space (7.5cm)

Round 4…... ( CHANGE TO COLOUR C)
(ch3, 1 tr, ch1, 2tr) in corner space……*work 1 tr in between each of next trebles,
Next corner space is…………2tr 1ch 2tr, continue as before from ...* until all
Sides have been completed, join with a sl St to top of beginning ch3.
Slip stitch to corner space (9cm)

Round 5 repeat Round 4 (using colour C )

Round 6 to 9…... ( CHANGE TO COLOUR A)
(ch3, 1 tr, ch1, 2tr) in corner space……*work 1 tr in between each of next trebles,
Next corner space is…………2tr 1ch 2tr, continue as before from ...* until all sides have been completed,
 Join with a sl St to top of beginning ch3. Slip stitch to corner space

Round 10…... ( CHANGE TO COLOUR C)
(ch3, 1 tr, ch1, 2tr) in corner space……*work 1 tr in between each of next trebles,
Next corner space is…………2tr 1ch 2tr, continue as before from ...* until all sides have been completed,
 Join with a sl St to top of beginning ch3. Slip stitch to corner space
Fasten off. Leave a 40cm tail for sewing squares together.
Embroidery for Butterfly Body
Point A: top right hand corner stitch of row 2 - the middle white/cream treble
Left side
Point B: top right hand corner stitch of row 2 - the middle white/cream treble
Right side
Point C: underneath the top right hand corner stitch of row 2 (1st cream/white
Corner)
Point D:bottom left hand corner stitch of row 2 - space in middle of the corner
Using black wool,
Come up at Point A leaving a 7cm tail at the back,
Put the needle down at Point B and come up at Point C catching the loop between
A and B, pull the thread through and down towards you to form a V.
Put the needle down at Point D and come up at Point C, pull the thread through
and repeat
Put the needle down at Point D and come up at Left side of centre ring, go down
on the right side of centre ring.
Fasten off and weave in ends.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwWeMiZPSRA

Saturday 25 September 2010

Ta - Dah! Introducing SIBOL No. 30! (6/7 Blue and White theme) 'Betty Blue'

Hello Everyone!

I posted earlier today when I had some Squares come in from Joyce28, so I do hope you will go to the previous post and have a look at the gorgeous selection of Squares Joyce28 sent SIBOL.  They are lovely.

I have a Ta-Dah! for you today.  I'm going to introduce you to SIBOL No. 30. This is the 6th Blue and White Blanket. There is one more to go. I have to thank you all for the wonderful 'Blue and White' Squares, they are so lovely.   I have loved working with them all. As I say there is one more then I will move on to something different.

Lulabelle1967 wanted to name this Blanket 'Betty Blue'.  Great name Louise. Here goes I hope you like it!

You know what you have to do Ladies! 'please add note' Thank You!




Now I start Number 7 (SIBOL 31).

Bye for now and thank you!

Squares from the UK arrive today!

Hello Everyone!

Having a nice Saturday? It's  a lovely morning and I'm so excited to be showing you  these beautiful Squares from Joyce28 in the UK. 

We have a lot of Crocheted Squares but it's always so nice to receive Knitted ones too!  Joyce28 has very kindly sent me a wonderful  selection of Squares.  They are just so lovely!  Joyce28 has been busy knitting for a few of our Challenges as you will see.  She's made a lovely Christmas tree for our 'Christmas Challenge' along with a Square which I think has a 'modern' design. Also two great Squares for our 'Bonfire Challenge'.  The Squares are just perfect. Also two for our 'Black and White' Challenge.  I don't want to say anymore I want you to see them for yourselves!

I am so pleased you enjoy visiting us here on SIBOL Joyce28 and that you enjoy our Challenges.  Our Challenges will be coming to an end soon.  I think this will give you time for your Christmas crafting. We will
still have the Jan Eaton one running though and I will still be accepting other Squares you might want to make but the actual Challenges will be stopping until next year.  I will be needing ideas for other Challenges so if you can think of any please let me know.

I'm babbling again. I bet you can't wait to see the Squares from Joyce28. So here goes.....

Joyce28 I am showcasing your beautiful Squares thank you so....much. I love them. I'm sure everyone else will.


Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.


Enjoy the weekend everyone. I know what I will be doing!! It begins with C.............!  :)

Friday 24 September 2010

Lots of Squares from the UK today!

Hello Everyone!

I'm very pleased to be showing you three lots of Squares that came in today! They are all so beautiful. I just want to thank Marion, Pippa and Stephanie.

As you can see over in the side bar we have a 'Jan Eaton' Challenge on at the moment. Do you know Jan Eaton's book? Details are over in the side bar.  Now there are 200 Blocks in her book. We decided to do a Challenge. All you have to do is to go to the Block List at the beginning of her book Choose a number, between 1 and 25. Check the Square hasn't gone by looking on the Block List over to the right in the side bar.  Email me sueatpigsty@talktalk.net and let me know which number you have chosen.  I will make a note, and alter the website accordingly. When I have received all the Squares I will make a Blanket up for the Elderly with these Blocks.

Now if this idea is successful, we will go on to the next 25 Squares out of the book. So please have a go. Many thanks to Pippa and Stephanie for sending their Jan Eaton Squares today along with other ones.
All the Squares received today are just lovely.

We will start with Pippa.


Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.


The Jan Eaton Square was the Lilac and Purple one. It's the Corner Granny Square No. 7. Thanks so much Pippa. All the Squares are lovely.

Now we go on to Stephanie from the UK also.

Stephanie it's very nice of you to send some Squares for SIBOL! You are a new SIBOLETTE! Welcome!
Your Square for the Challenge is 'Openwork Square' and it's No. 10.  ~Thank you very much for the other Squares also.  I was saying over on Flickr that I think Stephanies' Squares seem to have a Vintage feel to them. What do you think?

Stephanie here is your Slide Show.


Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.


Did you spot the Jan Eaton one? It's the purple one. Simply gorgeous, thanks so much for sending Squares for SIBOL. It's so nice to welcome you.

Marion over on Flickr has sent lots of Squares for SIBOL.  Today she sent these beauties! Now I think these will be perfect for our Challenges coming up. I have the Bonfire Challenge in mind for Marions' Squares in particular. Along with the 'Black and White'.  Gorgeous Teddy ones too! Thank you so much.

Sit back Marion, here's your Slide Show!


Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.


Last night I finished SIBOL No. 30, but the weather hasn't been too good today, so I haven't taken photos yet. But I will as soon as I can.

Thank you all so very much for your wonderful emails. It's always nice to know that you enjoy SIBOL! Have a lovely evening everyone and thank you to Pippa, Stephanie and Marion for the gorgeous Squares received today, I am so grateful.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Thursday 23 September 2010

Squares from the USA!

Good afternoon Everyone!

It's another nice day here in the UK.  I've just been outside because I've just received some Squares from ed4448 on Flickr! 'Cathy' has sent me a lovely set of Squares and in the centre there  are  the cutest little flowers  with petals too! I've just taken them outside to do some 'Garden' shots, they look so pretty amongst my Geraniums.  Great colour combinations I just love them thank you so much Cathy.

Thanks so much I just love these Flower Squares ed 4448! Such beautiful colour combination!

I told you they were pretty!  Here are the rest of the Squares in your very own Slide Show!


Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.


Thanks so much ed 4448! Much appreciated!

Wednesday 22 September 2010

Squares from the UK!

Hi Everyone!

Just checking in to SIBOL to show you Louises' Squares.   You will want to take a look at these because Louise has taken part in the Bonfire/Fireworks Challenge, Jan Eaton Challenge and also the Christmas Challenge.  Gosh! you have been working away Louise. The Squares are simply gorgeous. I love each one and once again 'our labelling' seems to be taking off. It's quite a good idea really because I have no doubt then knowing which Square goes to which Challenge! The Squares are all so pretty and I really appreciate them Louise.  Thank you also for the gorgeous Corsage you made me, it's really pretty, thank you!

Such a pretty Corsage for Sue from Louise! Simply gorgeous!......Thank You so much!

Louise has used some lovely colours in these Squares and I'm sure you will like them.


Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.


Aren't they just gorgeous!

I feel rather embarrassed now because I was talking about my Mother looking at the Blankets the other afternoon.  I got them all down from upstairs and she was looking at each one. She was absolutely amazed at them all.  She thought the Squares were absolutely beautiful and couldn't get over how many I had actually crocheted together.  She particularly liked the purple one called 'Alice in Sunshineland'.  The Blanket was given this name by Karin because my Mothers name is Alice and she loves purple.  When Pilar (pertinitaco) read the post she contacted me and suggested I should keep this one for my Mother.  I said I would have to ask you all.  What do you think? I feel embarrassed asking you......

Oh well thats it for today. I do hope you like Louises' Squares. Thanks so much Louise they are so lovely.

Tuesday 21 September 2010

Squares from Australia and the UK!

Hello Everyone!

Thanks for visiting SIBOL today!

I have two lots of gorgeous Squares that have arrived this morning. The first set is from Moley Makes (UK)
These pretty Squares are for our 'Christmas Challenge'.  She has made some Jan Eaton Squares. Thank you!

I'm asking moleymakes if she wants me to use this Square for our 'Jan Eaton' Challenge? Gorgeous No. 25.

 The others are 'Snowy Stripes' and 'Christmas Rose'.  Aren't they just lovely?  Such wonderful Christmas Colours, I love them.  I do hope you will check out her blog out.. Thank you so much and here's your own Slide Show!



Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.



Thank You!

The other Squares are from Jane in Australia.  I just love these Squares she has made for SIBOL. The Butterfly Squares, well Jane wrote the pattern herself and gave permission to 'Knit 4 Charities to use them. The other two Squares are African Flower Squares and No. 16 from 101 Crocheted Squares by Jean Leinhauser.  Beautiful colours, beautiful patterns. Thank you so much.  I do hope you will pop over to Janes' Blog. She has recently started over there so needs some support! It's very nice of you to make them, thanks so much!

Here they are, just lovely.....>

I can see SIBOL Ladies will go crackers for these Butterfly Squares. I wonder if she would allow others to see information about the pattern over on SIBOL - The Archive? We will have to ask her! Jane if you can share this and want an invitation to 'team blog' with us over there, please email me. sueatpigsty@talktalk.net

Jane thank you for the Squares, much appreciated. Here's your Slide Show!




Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.


Well I'm sure you will agree we have had lots of lovely Squaers once again today. Thank You!

Could I just say I have limited time at the moment this week 'family commitments' I don't think I am going to be able to blog read very much. I do hope you will understand.

Have a good day and thanks for visiting SIBOL, and of course 'Welcome to our New Followers!'.
Nice to have you.

Monday 20 September 2010

Squares and Butterflies fly in from the UK! / Help needed for one of our SIBOLETTES!

Hello Everyone!

I hope you all had a nice weekend. It's such a lovely day here today in the UK. Sun is shining and it's lovely out in the garden.  Middle of September too! Can't be bad.

BrendaS2 (my very best friend of over 10 years)  very kindly sent me some Squares today and they are just so pretty.  For the 'Jan Eaton' Challenge she chose No. 24 'Italian Cross'.  For the Square she chose to make it up in Red, Pink and the centre has Navy.  These three colours are just lovely together. Our labels seem to be getting popular on SIBOL because Brenda very kindly labelled the Square up for me following other Ladies I think.   At least I won't be getting them mixed up. All the Squares Brenda sent to me are just lovely.I particularly like the pastel coloured ones. You'll see them in a minute in Brendas' Slide Show.

BrendaS2's Square for our 'Jan Eaton' Challenge. Love the pink with the red. Tiny bit of Navy in the centre!....>

Brenda also made some beautiful Butterflies she thought they would be useful to me. They certainly will be! Thank You! The Butterflies are the same ones that I make and if you want to pop over to Nettie you will see a wonderful video-tutorial she has showing.

Pretty collection of Butterflies.

Brenda, have you a nice cup of tea ready? Are you ready for your Slide Show? Sit back and enjoy and many, many thanks!









Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.


Aren't they just the loveliest Squares? I love them thanks so much Brenda and of course for  the beautiful Butterflies!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have said before there is such a lot of work to do when I receive the Squares. I email the sender,  I label them up, I take photos, I make a visual record on Flickr, I add the names to my 'square book'.  I make the Slide shows for SIBOL.  Then the 'little beauties' have a well deserved rest after their mammoth journey across the world (lucky for some!). Then they get sorted into  piles.   They sit patiently chatting to their Friends (let's hope they understand them!) and wait until they can be made in to SIBOLS! Then once made into a SIBOL, they wait again until they can be sent to their 'final home' (the Nursing Home).  When this happens as I found out a few weeks ago they are really well received and this just makes it all so worthwhile. 

It's not only the process that I enjoy but it is also receiving your emails.  In particular one I received yesterday. Do you remember these Squares a few days ago?

Thank You so much for your SIBOL Squares, they are all lovely!

They have been sent by 'Tinka'.  Flickr her User Name is 'ATheeC' from Belgium.  Tinka was telling me how SIBOL has inspired her to pick up her hook again after 15 years! Can you believe that? I was just so  interested in her mail and her comments too on Flickr that she kindly left me.   

Tinka has given me permission to show you the comments she wrote on Flickr to me.  I thought you'd be really interested in 'her story'.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tinka said.......
Ha! It's great to see my squares on your seat! They were so much fun to make. Thanks to SIBOL I started crochetting again after 15 years!
I geuss I just needed the right motivation to start with it again :) I found this SIBOL photostream a day before I left for my vacation at the coast and I loved the idea so I took my hook and some yarn along , I didn't crochet that much at the coast...the weather was TO good , but after all I came home with some finished squares. My 2 daughters saw me crochetting and wanted to learn it too! Youngest of 17 started with her own granny square blanket and finished 20 squares meanwhile.Eldest (23 ) is learning slowly because she is left handed and I said I could only show it to her how a right handed crochets...she is still struggling with her first square but she is determined to finish it !

I just thought this was so nice I wanted to share it with you. Here's a Lady who hasn't done any crocheting for 15 years and after seeing our SIBOL Blog decided to pick up her hook again! Not only did she enjoy the Crocheting but her two daughters wanted to learn too!  I thought that was lovely.  I'd be really pleased to receive some Squares from your Daughters even if it was just one!

I was telling her about Kimbles and her daughter, and there are many more Mothers and Daughters who crochet for SIBOL too! 

Now this is where you come in....... 

Can anyone help with Dutch patterns? Does any one have the graphic patterns? I have passed on pertinitacos Flickr address because she has some on her Flickr site and also Karin in the Netherlands has translated patterns  on her blog too. I mentioned to Tinka that I would ask you all.

Now Tinkas Flickr User Name is ATheeC.  If you aren't on Flickr leave me your email address in the comments box and ATheeC will contact you herself.  I would be so grateful.

I do hope you can help Tinka. Thank you.

I'll say bye for now and thanks again.

Saturday 18 September 2010

Ta - Dah! Introducing SIBOL No. 29! 'Blue and White 5/7'

Hello again everyone!



If you haven't seen the Squares that came in today, please go back a post. Squares from Karin in the Netherlands and ATheeC from Belgium. I wouldn't want you to miss them.

I have a Ta - Dah! I'm introducing SIBOL No. 29.  This is the 5th 'Blue and White' themed Blanket and I have two more to do.  So if you don't' see your Square in this one, please bear with me.  I shall be starting the others tonight.

I would like to thank everyone who has contributed Squares to SIBOL.  I am so grateful to you all. Now I especially have to thank the Ladies who have very kindly sent me Squares for the Blue and White theme. I think it was Kimbles who suggested this theme.  We had such a lot of Squares for this theme, it really was popular.

I have made you a Slide Show sit back and enjoy. Can you see your Square?

SIBOL No. 29 'Tablecloth shot! 5/7





I hope you liked the Blanket and once again thank you for the beautiful Squares!

Squares from Belgium and the Netherlands.

Good afternoon!

I hope you are enjoying your Saturday. I have two beautiful lots of Squares to show you. Are you sitting comfortably? Here goes......

First of all our 'team blogger' Karin from the Netherlands has very kindly sent me in these Squares for the Challenges coming up. They are so beautiful. 'Bonfire, Christmas and the Jan Eaton' Challenges. Do you want to see now?

My Flowers seem to be improving second lease of life. Pretty Squares from Karin!......>

I told you they were nice.  Karin also very kindly made a card to be given to the Elderly. Inside if you can see she made a mosaic of all the Squares she had made. It was simply beautiful.  Posy Linda actually suggested this idea a few weeks ago, and I am pleased to say a few Ladies have enclosed their own personal card which will be passed on to them with a 'Sunshine Blanket'.  Just a little telling about yourself makes the Blanket more personal. Such a good idea from Linda.

 Here's you Slide Show Karin! Enjoy! Many thanks for taking part once again in 'SIBOL Challenges!'.





Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.


The beauty of 'SIBOL' Squares does not stop with Karin. The beauty carries on.  ATheeC (Flickr) from Belgium has sent me in these wonderful Granny Squares. You know how I love traditional Granny Squares. They are all so different because ATheeC has used a wonderful variety of colours, and they are just so pretty.

One in particular has a gorgeous Flower in the centre.

I love this one (I love them all though!)....>

Isn't it just so...pretty!  Ooh, you know I do so love Flower Squares.

Last Wednesday my Mother came round to visit.  I said, 'Mom, would you like to see our 'Sunshine Blankets?' She sat on the sofa and I steadily brought from upstairs 22 Blankets.  She sat on the sofa and looked at each one. She could not get over the beauty of the Squares that you had all made for the Elderly.  She could not believe either that I had  the patience to crochet them all up together either. She even saw the 29th which I haven't show you yet, because I still have to take the photos. She thought they were all so lovely.  I even tested one out yesterday afternoon, because I was finishing off the border and I got so sleepy sitting there on the sofa that I curled up and fell asleep with my glasses on and hook in hand! It was so warm and gorgeous.So number 29 has had a trial run you might say.

Oh dear sorry ATheeC I got side tracked.  Your Flower Square just brought back to miind the gorgeous Flower Squares that we had come in for our Flower Challenge. I think the Flower Square Challenge  was my favourite so far. Perhaps another day, another year 2011 we will do more Flowers. 

Anyway, ATheeC made a gorgeous Flower Square along with some other beautiful Squares. Such pretty colours.   I would like to present to you ATheeC your very own Slide Show, I hope you enjoy and thank you so much for taking part in the fun on SIBOL! I really loved your Squares!





Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.


Thank you both so....much, it's so nice of you. Beautiful Squares from lovely Ladies!

Thursday 16 September 2010

Squares arrive from Spain and the UK.

Good Evening Everyone!

Today I had two lots of Squares arrive. 

The first set is from Alhana who lives in Spain. Alhana has sent me 7 Granny Squares and I just love these Squares.  I love the colours she has chosen and the 'traditional Granny Square' is still my favourite. Look how it looks different with a variety of colours used.  Alhana spoilt me today by sending me two pieces of her gorgeous Crocheting! Just take a look in the Slide Show.  Thank you so much Alhana it was very nice of you and I am so....grateful for your 'SIBOL' contribution.  I am so pleased you are now a 'SIBOLETTE!'

Thank You Alhana!


Here's your very own Slide Show, enjoy!




Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.


I also received some Squares today from Kinsey in the UK. She has sent me three lovely Squares for our Christmas Challenge. Aren't these flowers pretty? Take a look.  Thank you so much for the Squares and I do hope you enjoyed the Challenge Kinsey!

The Flowers look so real! ....>

Here's your Slide Show Kinsey! Thank You!




Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.

Wednesday 15 September 2010

Squares arrive from The Netherlands and Australia!

Good afternoon Everyone!

It's around 3.00pm here. I've just been taking some photos for you so that you can see the Squares that have arrived today!

Joyce from Australia has very kindly sent me in these gorgeous Squares.  Ooh, I do love pink! It is my favourite colour and the green is just perfect alongside it. We had an idea off Posy Linda the other week. She thought that when we give out the Blankets it might be nice if we gave also a little card just telling a bit about the person who very kindly donated the Square. This is what Joyce has done and I am most grateful. Joyce made the card and it's so beautiful.  Thank You! Lovely idea.

Joyce (Australia) Your Squares arrived this morning also! With a handmade card for the person who receives the Blanket with Joyces' Squares in! Thank You!

The other Square was kindly sent in by Anja from  the Netherlands. I do hope you will visit her blog too.
She has made 'Thin Lines' No. 12  from Jan Eatons book for our Challenge. Once again the colours you have chosen are really nice. It's a beautiful Square too, thank you!

Anja (Netherlands) Your 'Jan Eaton' Challenge Square has arrived today! Does anyone else want to make one for our special blanket for the Elderly? Thank you Anja!

Thanks very much for stopping by to see what's new! If you haven't chosen a Jan Eaton Square please do for our Challenge and we are still collecting Christmas Squares and Black and White until the end of September. Don't forget the Bonfire Squares also!

Have a lovely day everyone!

Tuesday 14 September 2010

Spot your Square! Blankets that went to the Nursing Home.

Hi Everyone!

Yes, I totally agree with you Marilyns' Squares were lovely yesterday.

I just want to tell you which 'Sunshine Blankets' went to Nursing Home in Cheshire last Thursday.

'Sunshine Surprise'
With thanks to

Kim, Amy, Sue, Brenda, Jak (UK), Linda (SPAIN), Bethel (AUSTRALIA)
Kate, Molly (USA), Kathy (FRANCE)




'Across the Oceans'
With thanks to  

Rita, Brenda, Jacquie, Sue, Amy, Michelle, Kim (UK),
Elizabeth (LATVIA),Cathy, Kate (USA),
Aishwarya (SINGAPORE), Louise (GIBRALTAR),
Pilar (SPAIN)




'Shining Light'
With thanks to

Vers Cythere, Dulcinea (FRANCE),
Bethel (AUSTRALIA), Karin (NETHERLANDS)
Susanna (AUSTRIA), Brenda, Maytaurus (UK),
Pilar (SPAIN), Elizabeth (LATVIA), Sonieta (SPAIN)




'Orange Grove'
With thanks to

Marg, Emma (UK), Vers Cythere, Stephanie, Dulcinea, (FRANCE),
Gloria, (CANADA), Sonieta, (SPAIN), Wanda (PUERTO RICO),
Elizabeth, (LATVIA).




'Dolly Mixtures'
With thanks to

Lise, Stephanie, Dulcinea, Vers Cythere (FRANCE)
Brenda, Marg, Pippa , Emma, Pol, Kinsey, Maytaurus (UK)
Kate, Angel, Sandy, Deb, Linda (USA)
Maria , Ines, Helen (AUSTRALIA)
Karin (NETHERLANDS) Elizabeth (LATVIA) Sonieta (SPAIN)




'Sunshine Blues'
With thanks to

Molly, Sandy (USA)
Brenda, Mrs. Moneypenny, Pol, Emma, Kim (UK)
Wanda (PUERTO RICO), Kathy (FRANCE), Elizabeth (LATVIA),
Maria , Ines (AUSTRALIA), Louise (GIBRALTAR)





'Sun Reflections'
With thanks to

Sonieta, (SPAIN), Kate, Sandy (USA), Maria, Maree (AUSTRALIA)
Emma, Pol, Ruth Marie (UK), Pilar (SPAIN),
Elizabeth (LATVIA), Karin (NETHERLANDS),
Susanna (AUSTRIA), Stephanie (FRANCE)



I thought you'd like to know whether any of your Squares were in the Blankets that I took to the Nursing Home on Thursday.
I have to thank you all so much.

Someone else would like to thank you too!


From The Deputy Manager of 'The Willows Nursing Home.
'Thank you so much for your visit to The Willows and I am sorry I wasn't on duty to be able to meet you. The blankets are beautiful!!!! Thank you ladies all over the world and please keep up the good work as these blankets will be much appreciated in many nursing homes up and down the UK. I will put a photo on my blog along with a link in due course, i haven't had time to photograph them yet!! '
 
Thank you very much for leaving a comment for SIBOL. I know for a fact that our 'SIBOLETTES' were
very pleased to know that the  'Sunshine Blankets' had gone to a good home.
 
That's all for today, unless any Squares come in......

I wasn't away for long. We've had Squares come in late this afternoon from Beverley in the UK. Beverley
was very organised and made little labels for her Squares giving me her name and details and tied them up with a bit of yarn. What a wonderful idea! I just love that.

She sent SIBOL some Squares for the Bonfire and  Christmas Challenges.  But also the 'Jan Eaton' Challenge. The Square is no. 3 'Square Target'.  I was made aware today from a lady on the MSE thread that there was a Jan Eaton Knitted Book too, which I didn't know.  So maybe one day we'll see if we can
make up a Knitted Blanket for the Elderly with purely Jan Eaton's Knitted Squares. I don't know that much about Knitting though. It may be fun for those of you who Knit! 

Anyway thank you so much for the Squares today Beverly, and I'm so pleased you have joined our Group! The Squares are lovely.  Here's your Slide show enjoy!





The other set of Squares were from our 'regular' SIBOL contributor Lili 4g from France.  Always a pleasure
to receive your Squares and I'm so pleased you are enjoying SIBOL, taking part in our Challenges. It's such fun isn't it?

Here's your Slide Show Lili 4g and thank you so much!




There are still Squares available in our 'Jan Eaton Block Challenge'.
Choose a Block Number
email me sueatpigsty@talktalk.net
I will see if the number has been taken.
Make the Square
Then send it to me
and I will make a Blanket for the Elderly.

Thank You!



 

Monday 13 September 2010

Squares arrive from the USA!

Hello Everyone!

I  hope you have all had a good weekend.  I'm just popping in to show you some lovely Squares I have received from Marilyn 'roomontheleft' who lives in the USA.  It's such a pleasure to receive your beautiful Squares Marilyn and you've really made my day! They are just so pretty.

 Marilyn tells me that some are made with Acrylic and some with the Merino blend. The Acrylic is Caron 'Simply Soft' and the Merino is Caron 'Country'.  The shiny ones are the Acrylic. The patterns used are the Circle of Friends and the Sunny Spread. They are just so lovely. Also Marilyn used 'Fishermans Ring' by Priscilla  Hewitt on the peach one showing in the Slide Show.

roomontheleft (USA) sent me these pretty Squares today! 'waiting for the rain to stop'......>

Thanks so much Marilyn. I do hope you will pop over and check her blog out and say hello! I'm glad you are now a 'SIBOLETTE!!'.  Sit back and enjoy your Squares in your very own Slide Show!





Oh just a bit of 'goss' (gossip) Lucy Attic 24 has a bit about her Web site in the new magazine out this weekend 'Irresistible Gifts to Crochet'.  It's telling you about her Web site and her family life.  She is also in 'Let's Knit' this weekend. 'If you didn't know already!'.



The other thing I nearly forgot to say - you know how I make the Butterflies to put with the blankets, well Rebekka_uk suggested me making Snowflakes, Stockings or Trees to put with the 'Sunshine Blankets' instead of the Butterflies especially for the Christmas Blankets. Do you think this is a good idea?
 
Then something else came into my head I wonder if anyone wants to make any Christmas Garlands for when I deliver the 'Sunshine Blankets' in November? If you do please feel free to send them in. sueatpigsty@talktalk.net  I thought it would be nice for the Nursing homes to put them up for Christmas. What do you think? Using the same ideas maybe Snowflakes, Stockings, Trees etc.,  I know a lot of Ladies were crackers on making these last year over on Flickr.

Here I am signing off and I forgot to mention the 'Jan Eaton 200 Block Challenge'.  Would anyone like to make a Crocheted Square from her book? Turn to the Block List Directory at the front of the book and choose a Block 1 to 25. Make the Block, send it to me and then I will make them into a Blanket for the Elderly.  We still have spaces!! Please let me know which number Block you choose! sueatpigsty@talktalk.net
For a full List see the side bar please. Thank you!

I do hope you have enjoyed your visit to SIBOL! Welcome to all our new Followers!

Hugs Sue x