Challenge Squares arrive on New Years Eve!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!).

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!

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!

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!

Thank you Kathryn. (D)

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!

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

Today our Blankets were received safely in Dorset.

Yes we've been busy lately. This was my 'train of blankets'.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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