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.
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!
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!
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 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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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 :)
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!
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!
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.
Donations of Sunshine Blankets/Shawls/Butterflies can be accepted between these dates.
1st March to 30th November 2016. Thank you.
I am often asked if there are 'collection points' around the country. Some Ladies find the cost of postage too expensive. There is a way round this. Why not make your Sunshine Blanket and donate it to your 'local' Care Home? If you want to contact me for a a pdf 'label' I will willingly send it to you. You can do this on behalf of our Group 'SIBOL' if that would help you. On the understanding that you would send me a photo of your blanket and the name of the Home where you have donated it to. I can then count this in to our totals.
Lists of Care Homes are available by contacting me.
This would be a great way of getting Sunshine Blankets to the Elderly in other parts of the country and not just 'Birmingham'.
If I can help you please contact me
I'm Sue on sueatpigsty@virginmedia.com
Thank you.
'May our 'SIBOL' Butterflies continue to flutter!' Please take yours!
Come over and chat with us on
I'm proud of what we have achieved. View some of our 'Sunshine Blankets!'
'Let's Knit' Sept 2016.
'Yours' magazine Sept 2015
'Let's Get Crafting Knitting and Crochet'
Issue 38. January 2015.
'Knit Today' issue 103 October 2014.
'Crafty' November 2013.
'Simply Crochet' Issue 10.
Simply Knitting 'April 2013'
Knit Today - February 2013
Simply Knitting January 2013
'Let's Get Crafting!' Issue 31. 'Knit and Crochet Made Easy! April 2011
'Inside Crochet' - April 2011.
Crochet Today - March/April 2011
'Let's Get Crafting!' Jan 2011. 'Our letter was published!.
'Inside Crochet' June 2010 - Issue 8.
Thanks Mia Self.
Total Pageviews
Thanks dear Pilar!
'SIBOL CREATOR!'
Flickr
SIBOL Squares From Australia By Annette Young.
I hope these Squares, Find their way to you, They're made with love And Friendship true. And though the miles And seas divide, Our crafting love Is just as wide. So make some Squares, For Mrs Twins, To spread some warmth And give some grins. When we give Squares, That we're proud of, We show we care With warmth and love. So, when crafters unite, Hooks and threads they twirl, For those in need, You mean the world. Annette Young. June 1, 2010.
The Lost Stash by Sally 'Chunky Hooker'.
Whilst rummaging in the scrap cupboard, I heard a plaintive cry " She never looks in our little bag, Can you tell me why? " A voice replied, "We're old and tatty, A little bit worn out, Our colours dull, our fibres matted, Now don't give me that pout!" "But I want to be a 'Sibolette', I really, really do! To be part of a Sibol, Made by the lovely Sue. It's my destiny, my dream, my fate!" The voice was getting higher, "I may be old but it's never too late, I'm not ready to retire". "Oh gosh", I thought, That sounds like me, Slightly worn, with a dodgy knee. So I'm off to college, A Diploma to gain And the voices of the Lost Stash? "Sibolettes" they became!
Welcome to 'SIBOL'.
NOTICES
When sending BLANKETS to me could you please make sure you enclose
Your Name Your Address Your e-mail address Your blog if you have one and Internet name Your Flickr User Name
So I can acknowledge receipt of your work please. Thank you.
What would the SIBOLS be saying to Squares?
Bethel of Bethania said...... Welcome to your new home...... nice lady lives here...... She will play with you often...... feel you, smell you, admire you. She will then let you have a wee rest.... then introduce you to some more new friends!.... You will love what she does with you..... She will give you a new life..... So new little friends don't be afraid....... all will be well!........
Thank you Alhana!
Alhana is passing on this Award not to 12 blogs, but to the Ladies on the 'group blog' on SIBOL for making Granny Squares for Charity. Well done Ladies!
London 
'Crafty' November 2013.
