'Never Ending Tutti Fruitti!'

Good morning everyone!

 I'm very happy to be showing you a blanket that has arrived this morning from beang over on RAVELRY. She has very kindly made and donated a gorgeous Granny blanket. Just look at the colours in this blanket! I do love the variegated yarn used and I think it looks so pretty in my conservatory!

The centre square is so.....eye catching! I love it. beang has also made some pretty Butterflies to go with the blanket and some Flower embellishments too! Thank you so much.

Before I show you the Slide Show beang has also made a wonderful Musical square for our Challenge.

A pair of maraca's a fantastic idea!  Many thanks for this square beang!


Created with flickr slideshow.     Another blanket for our Elderly ! This one is Number 253! Wow!   Thanks so much Beang!     x Sue x

We're in 'Knit Today!!!!'

Good afternoon everyone and thanks for popping in to 'SIBOL'.

I have some very good news for you today. We have been featured in 'Knit Today' October 2012 issue.

A few months ago Kate Horwath contacted me and asked if she could do a telephone interview about our Olympic blankets. Of course I jumped at the opportunity. 'Knit Today' have always been so supportive of our work and it was a pleasure to answer her questions and send along some photographs.

You can imagine how happy I was this morning to see our beautiful blankets in the magazine.

I would like to thank Marie Parry and Kate Horwath for contacting me with regard to the article but I would also like to thank everyone that sent in squares for these particular blankets. We were certainly very successful with this particlar Challenge and it was an honour to work with your beautiful squares. They simply were amazing!

 If you click on the photo it will take you to Flickr then to enlarge the photo,
Click on the photo.
Click on 'Actions'
Go to 'Sizes'

You will be able to read it better.

Thanks so much everyone.

Did you know that the 'Art of Crochet' was back in the shops? The first issue is only 99p.

I had an email from a Lady this morning asking me for my address, she had 100 squares for me. Of course I was really really happy to hear this, but unfortunately I had to explain that we have a 'Square Stop' on at the moment till January.

I asked if she could possibly make the squares up into blankets for us and she was only too pleased to do so.

I am really sorry about this but I have 14 bags of squares left here plus Challenge squares and I really need to put a hold on accepting squares until January 2013. I am determined to get these bags made up before I take any more.  Quite a few Ladies on RAVERLY are helping me out assembling them which is really so lovely of them.

Of course Ladies are making their own blankets for 'SIBOL' while I am doing so and of course I am terribly grateful for these too!  It's a great way of keeping my numbers up while I'm busy assembling these squares.

If you are interested please pop over to our SIBOL CHALLENGE Blog.

So.....if you are visiting 'SIBOL' through the 'Knit Today' magazine today this is my current situation.
Any queries at all please feel free to contact me Sue on sueatpigsty@talktalk.net

The Olympic blankets shown today were from a recent Challenge but of course we are busy throughout the year making blankets for our Elderly folk in Nursing Homes. To-date we have made 252! Thanks everyone!

I hope you like the article!

x Sue x

Busy Tuesday!

Hi everyone!

Yes a busy Tuesday with lots to show you.

First of all I had a Heart Square arrive from Bev here in the UK. This really is an usual filet Square. It's nice to try something different and this is going to look great in our next Heart blanket.

Thank you so much Bev.

I also had a visit from pippa and her husband this morning which was lovely. She bought along a bag of goodies!  Some lovely ribbon from her Mother at Rowheath House which was just so....kind!

Some Squares from Grace at Rowheath House which was  also very kind of her. Grace had her arm in a brace when we visited and she was telling me how much she loved  to Crochet. I said well when you are better you are quite welcome to make us some Squares. It gives Elderly people a purpose don't you think? I was very pleased to receive these Squares. Grace has doubled up on the yarn which makes them just so lovely to squeeze!  Beautiful Squares I love them. Thank you Grace.

pippa also bought a beautiful Flower blanket from Linda. She met up with Linda when she was down in Devon a few weeks ago. I love the Flower centres, beautiful colours for this blanket. It really is going to make someone's day a happy one!  Thanks so much Linda.

pippa has been helping me with 'take a bag' too. She very kindly made up two blankets which once again will be loved by our Elderly folk. 

Let's take a look at the first one.  What lovely fresh colours in this one!

Squares look so different when made up. A gorgeous border finishes this one off beautifully once again!

Then this one too, thanks to everyone for sending in these pretty Squares. Thanks to pippa for helping me. I do appreciate it very much!

A very colourful Tuesday, thanks for visiting today!

x Sue x

Butterflies are always needed !

Hi everyone!

This 'SIBOL' Blog is red hot! We have had such a lot to show you lately!

Please go back previous posts as we have a lot of blankets to show you.

Can I remind you if you have spare yarn in your stash, why not make some  Butterflies for 'SIBOL'. We use Butterflies to decorate our blankets and with the amount of blankets we are making and giving out to the Elderly we need to keep our Stash up. 

Here's the link to my friend Nettie in Australia.  A couple of years ago she made this great video tutorial and we started making them for our blankets. They really are easy peasy! It's a great way to use those odd bits of yarn up.

Let's take a look at 'creativegranny's' Butterflies received today!

You can label your Butterflies if you want to. Your name and where you live. The Elderly in the homes  loved choosing their favourite coloured Butterfly and they certainly were talking points for them.

CHALLENGE UP-DATE SQUARES STILL NEEDED ARE:-


2OOth BLANKET (4)

Musical (10)

Irish Rose (5)

Heart (1) Bev's on the way thanks

Snowman (7)

Owl (2)

Faces (14)

Higher numbers are desperately needed.
All details are on SIBOL CHALLENGES.


The link to my magazine clear out is here.

Have fun! Plenty to keep you busy over the Bank Holiday here in the UK. Thank you!

x Sue x

Challenge Squares arrive from The Netherlands.

Good afternoon,

Thanks for visiting 'SIBOL' this afternoon.  Today I had a large delivery of blankets and squares and I would like to show you by starting with Fiona's Challenge Squares.

Fiona has very kindly made Squares for our Challenges and they are as follows.

A Square for our 200th blanket. With my Grandmother as inspiration Fiona has very kindly made a Cowboy hat! Now you are wondering what the connection is!  My Grandmother loved reading Cowboy books and I would very often go to the Library to fetch some for her.  They were always in Large print and it was quite a game trying to get ones that she hadn't read. But we did manage to find a few.

Fiona has made a superb Square for this Challenge.

Really good idea Fiona thanks very much.

The next Squares are for our 'Owl Challenge' What beauties!

This one has an applique sewn on to the Square. Brilliant idea!

A Square for our 'Musical Challenge'. Another wonderful idea Fiona!

A Square for our 'Heart Challenge'. So pretty!

These are really good Squares for our Challenges and it has been a joy to receive them. I MUST do a count and see what we are needing now. Thanks so much Fiona.

Before I go our TV broke on Thursday. We came downstairs in the morning and we couldn't get it to come on. After making enquiries at the local electrical store we were told it wasn't worth repairing it. So Mr. Twins 'bless him' treated us both to one of the Smart TV's. Now I know they have probably been out a while we are always so....late with new technology but I especially like this TV because guess what I could see? 

Our 'SIBOL' Blog playing 'Aquarium' too! Thanks Mr. T!

Thanks for visiting me here today and could you please follow on to previous posts and catch up with the latest blankets? Thank you!

x Sue x

A lot to see on 'SIBOL'.

Hello everyone!

Thanks for visiting 'SIBOL' today.  I have been very busy receiving blankets over the past few days and we surely have received some beauties.  As I have a lot to show you I am putting each blanket on to a seperate post, so would you please take the time to go back posts and view everyones blankets? I really wouldn't want you to miss any, thank you.

This first post starts with Kate's blanket which I received today. Kate is here in the UK.

This is a gorgeous blanket made in really nice colour combinations. There is nothing like the Granny as I have said before. Each Square is made in one block of colour and don't you think when put together they all go so well together?

 I found some bright pink ribbon upstairs in my ribbon stash and I think it really suits the blanket, also some Butterflies from Katia in France which really decorate the blanket beautifully.

Kate was telling me that she loves our 'SIBOL' website and actually found our Group by googling 'Knitting for UK charities'. I am so glad you found us Kate and that you think our project worthwhile of your time. When I first started thinking about making blankets I too found it difficult to find anywhere that accepted blankets in the UK. That was another reason I thought I would start my own. I'm glad I did!

Kate tells me she only learnt to crochet this year and she found making the blanket for 'SIBOL' really good practice.  Yes I agree with you, SIBOL is a way of putting your skills to the test and I hope when we start our Challenges next year you'll have a go with those too! I am really pleased you have enjoyed making the blanket Kate, and if there is anything we can help you with please ask.  Why not join our Group over on RAVELRY?

We have a really friendly Group over there and I'm sure the other Ladies would love to give you advice if any was needed!

Here I am babbling again, let's take a look at your lovely blanket, thanks so much for making this for our Elderly folk.


Created with flickr slideshow.         Please carry on to previous posts where you will see some really lovely blankets. Thanks for visiting 'SIBOL' today!   x Sue x

Grannies Galore!

Hi everyone!

I am very pleased to be showing you this stunning blanket. It has been made and donated by 'creativegranny'. What an appropriate name! This blanket is full of beautiful grannies, all made in
a variety of colours. These Squares work so well together don't you think? 'creativegranny' must have
used every possible colour from her stash. The Squares are amazing. A grey border finishes it off as well as
using the colour between the Squares. I really think the grey is a brilliant choice of colour to compliment each Square.

'creativegranny' also sent me some Butterflies for our Stash along with a Square for our Snowman Challenge. A great little fella with a bright Scarf I just love him! Thank you also for the bag of Lavender I noticed the smell as soon as I opened the parcel.

Your kindness is very much appreciated 'creativegranny' and I'm pleased you enjoyed making the blanket for 'SIBOL'. This blanket certainly has another 'vintage feel' to it, and it's rather like Joannas' 6 blankets that she put together.

Now we have to think of a name for it! Any ideas Ladies?

Let's take a look now.


Created with flickr slideshow.     A lovely blanket thank you!     x Sue x

'Neon Lights'

Hello everyone!

I am very pleased to be showing you  a blanket that I have just made up. I've called it 'Neon Lights'. The Squares have been so nice to work with 'as usual' and I would like to thank everyone that contributed to this particular blanket. I particularly liked the bright green neon colour.

I'm going to try and get hold of the pattern for the corner Squares from Marilyn. I think they are really different.

Thanks for visiting 'SIBOL' today!

x Sue x

Busy few days here at HQ.

Good evening!

I have peace here at HQ at the moment, so I'm determined to get these blankets loaded up on to SIBOL. Mr. Twins is on holiday this week and we have been out and about and I have found it difficult to get down to my normal routine with my SIBOL work. So please....forgive me. I do like to keep on top of our Blog posts, it's so difficult if I get behind.  Over the last few days I have had half a dozen arrive all so beautiful and I've been longing for you to see them.

The question has been how do I show you them? I decided to write a seperate Blog post for each person. So please.......go back a few posts and catch up with them.

Let's start with 'The Wool Stop'. Judith very kindly sent me some Charity yarn a few weeks ago, do you remember?

Beautiful yarn thank you so much!  Judith also very kindly offered to make up a blanket for me so I sent her one of our 'take a bags'. A few days ago the blanket arrived and I would love you to see it. A lot of the squares for this blanket were made over in the States. They simply are so eye-catching! Judith you have done an amazing job on this blanket. I love it, great border too.

Isn't it nice? I love it.

Judith also sent me two other Crocheted blankets which she had put together herself and very kindly donated to SIBOL.

Trebles make up these squares, what a good idea! I love the blue and white colour combination. So striking Judith!

Let's take a look at the other one now.

This one has definitely got to be for a Man! It is just so warm, I can imagine some Elderly Gentleman with this over his knees.  Look how Judith has placed the squares in this blanket. Love the brown squares with the lighter ones mixed in. The border really finishes it off so well too!  I have found some great ribbon to decorate them and also some pretty butterflies!

I have combined all three blankets in to a Slide Show Judith, thank you so much for helping me with 'take a bag' and also for donating these two other blankets. They are all absolutely superb!


Created with flickr slideshow.


Why not visit 'The Wool Stop?'

As I have said there are a lot of other blankets to see from Liz, Marilyn and Bev, so please go back and have a read. 'SIBOL' is a place where we can be creative, and I do hope you are inspired from what you see!

Thanks for visiting 'SIBOL' this evening and thanks for being patient!

x Sue x

A blanket made during Lent.

Hello again,

I have had quite a few blankets arrive during the past few days and the best way I can showcase them is to write a seperate post, I'm sorry about this. I do want to give everyone their own post.

Liz in the UK contacted me some weeks ago and told me that she was going to make a blanket during Lent for 'SIBOL' well yesterday I received it. This blanket is so lovely and is full of blues and greens. It is made beautifully and I have found some green ribbon and pretty butterflies to decorate it. I have taken some close up photos so you can see more detail. I love this blanket and it's really going to be suitable for a man or a woman. We certainly are having some great blankets arrive at HQ.

Thank you so much Liz for thinking of our 'SIBOL' project, I am very grateful to you. I have made you a Slide Show sit back and enjoy!


Created with flickr slideshow.

'Colours of Autumn' by Marilyn.

Good afternoon and welcome to our 'SIBOL' Blog.

I would like to thank Marilyn for 'Colours of Autumn'. Marilyn  has very kindly made and donated this beautiful blanket for our Elderly residents. The colours are really autumny and I particularly like how she has made the squares. The centres are in sparkly yarn and they are a granny square within a granny. I particularly like the flower squares in this blanket as you will see from the following photo.  It has such a lovely feel to it, it's so warm and cosy I love it. Decorated with ribbon and butterflies this is going to be a perfect blanket for some special person.

I have made a Slide Show for you Marilyn, thank you so much for a stunning blanket.


Created with flickr slideshow.       x Sue x

'Silver Lady' and Challenge squares today!

Hi everyone!

Thanks for popping in to SIBOL this evening.

Mr. Twins is on holiday this week and we have been out and about and I'm sorry I'm a little late showing you our 'SIBOL' goodies!

First of all I received a square from beang over on RAV. I am very very grateful for a square for our 200th blanket. I will have to do a count to see how many more I need. This square  once again is just so ideal for my Grandmother's blanket. She lived to the fine age of 103, and beang has very kindly crocheted the numbers '103'. Isn't it good? I love it. The colours are just right too. Many thanks beang. We are taking inspiration from my Grandmother.

I also received a square from Kianie over on RAV for our 'Musical Challenge'. Kianie has crocheted a superb musical note. It really is wonderful and I know it's going to look so good in our blanket for the 'Music Challenge'. Thank you very much Kianie.

baw1812 (Bev) over on RAV has very kindly helped me assemble a bag of squares.  I received the blanket back yesterday and I am very late showing you the finished blanket. I do apologise.

When the squares arrive at my home, I colour co-ordinate them. So I put all the blues together, greens together etc., These grey squares were no different. They were put together and when Bev offered to make a bag up I sent them along to her. Sometimes you wonder what they will look like made up, and it is quite a challenge in itself. But as in Bev's case she added a few colours here and there and look what she has conjured up! Yes she has waved that magic wand of hers and turned 25 grey squares in to 'Silver Lady!'. Another stunning blanket. 

'SIBOL' is a place where we can share our 'creativity' and assembling our blankets is no different from making squares for a challenge. We all have to put our thinking caps on and wonder what we can end up with! I'm sure you will agree Bev has made a beautiful job of this blanket. I do hope my photos show it off to it's best.

Here goes.....

Can you see the different colours between the squares? I think this is a really good idea, I love it. I'm very grateful to you for making this one up Bev and I love the border too. If you would like to read more please pop over to baw1812 on RAV.

I've tried to take quite a few photos let's have a look at them now!

Created with flickr slideshow.     I hope you have enjoyed the Slide Show for 'Silver Lady'. Thanks Bev!    

This morning I had a bumper delivery of parcels. As yet I have had no time to post photos on to Flickr or on to the 'SIBOL' Blog.  But tomorrow I will do my best to get them on for you.   I am very grateful to Liz who sent me a blanket, Judith who sent me a 'take a bag' blanket and two of her own that she made, also Marilyn who sent me one that she had very kindly made up.   What lovely Ladies you are to sit down and make these blankets for the Elderly folk!   I am going to take photos tomorow and  hopefully will tell you about them as soon as I can.   So stay tuned, these are really lovely blankets!   Thank you for visiting me this evening!   'Sorry I'm a bit behind this week!'.