Delivery day - 'St. Bernards Residential Care Home'

Hello Everyone!

Thank you all so much for the wonderful comments about my visit to Longmore Nursing Home,  (please see earlier post) they were very much appreciated!  I'm so pleased you read about my visit, it was so nice to be able to share it with you. The Blankets were really very well received by Zoe and the Staff and I was most grateful to them for allowing me some photographs to share with you. 

Thank you also to Zoe who telephoned me the other morning and said how much she liked the SIBOL web-site. So that really made my morning too! I'm very pleased also today because she has very kindly left a message in the comments for us. So please go back a post and have a read.


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On Wednesday I telephoned another Home to ask whether they would like a donation of 9 of our 'Sunshine Blankets.  I  rang St. Bernards Residential Care Home in Olton. 

Earlier that morning I sorted out which Blankets to take with me.

I love seeing the Blankets sitting pretty with their ribbons tied on!

Then in lovely piles .................

Beautiful edgings and pretty Butterflies.......

Ready to go now......

I set off to St. Bernards Residential Care Home which is only a very short way from my home.

A beautiful house set back from the road, where I met Ann and the Staff.

On arriving  I sat down and had a chat with Ann. I  explained why I started the project, in Memory of my Grandmother.  I told her how Ladies from all over the World have become really interested in my project, and how absolutely amazed I have been with the kindness and generousity from you all.  I showed her my SIBOL leaflet which I have been handing out on arrival (which I will show you soon) and she thought the Blankets were lovely.

I went out to the car and took the Blankets back into the Home, Ann and the Staff gathered around. They took such a lot of interest in our Blankets.  I showed them different Squares and they absolutely loved them. I explained about our themes and it was so lovely to be able to show our Blankets to them. Ann and her Staff were  amazed!

Then I was shown into the Conservatory where the Christmas tree was standing, this is where I met some of their  Residents.  The Residents took such a lot of interest in our Blankets too and just couldn't get over the beauty of them. Once again I explained that the Squares are sent to me from all over the World.

This is where I met Alice.  Alice is a lovely Lady and she very kindly agreed to having her photo taken with me. Ann sat down by the side of her and presented her with one of our Blankets. 

It was so nice to speak to the Residents and on my way out I asked Ann if she would have one more photo!

I think this is a really lovely photo of Ann.  I had a word with her before I left about who she was going to give the Blankets out to. She will give them out to the Residents who need them the most,  I will leave that for Ann to decide, perhaps once again Residents who do not have any visitors!  

I can't tell you how much the Home welcomed our Blankets, they thought they were lovely and it gives me such a thrill on leaving  to know that we have all done a good job and most importantly that I know where our Blankets have found their new homes and of course the people who will hopefully love them as much as we do!

I'm so thankful to Ann and Alice who allowed me these photographs. As I explained to Ann  I feel an obligation to you all. It gives me such  a lot of pleasure to share them with you and hopefully the Home will be checking in too!

From the Home 'Thank You!'

From myself 'Thank You!' 

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I don't know whether you have noticed but in the side bar there  is a link to Luna's blog.  Luna has very kindly said in one of her comments that if you want to go over to her blog there is a 'free download in Spanish' of the Jan Eaton 200 Block book.  How kind is that?  So for you that need the book in Spanish, please do pop over and say hello to Luna.  Once again this is our SIBOLETTES helping each other!  Very kind of you Luna thank you so...much!

Once again I'm afraid I haven't finished the Jan Eaton Blanket, you will have to bear with me.  You know I have been having a busy time delivering the Blankets.  It's not just the delivering of the Blankets, it's the writing up too, so you can all see what I've been up to!

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Please don't forget either helping the Children in America that are suffering with Cancer, Beverley and also Brenda have mentioned this worthwhile cause. If you go to SIBOLETTES CHALLENGES in the side bar. Under Beverleys name, you will find details there. Thank you! They require 6" Squares. Would you be interested? I hope so.

 Bye for now!                                                        



Delivery day - 'Longmore Nursing Home' / Wednesday's Update Squares from Belgium!

Hello Everyone!

Thanks for visiting SIBOL today.  I have wonderful news for you all. 

Yesterday I rang Longmore Nursing Home near to where I live and I asked Zoe - The Manager if she would like a donation of 9 of our Sunshine Blankets.  Zoe  told me that she was short of Blankets and would be happy to receive them.  I arranged to call in at 2.30pm,  I had to drop my  Daughter back at work first.

I am really pleased she came home for lunch because I asked if she would take a photo of me 'just for the record!' I had been busy all morning getting the Blankets ready to take with me.

                                             9 of our beautiful Blankets all ready to go!

Here I am!

I went along to see Zoe and was invited into her office.  I told her why I wanted to start the project  because of my Grandmother and I also told her about YOU!

I  had a lovely chat with her, and she was most interested in hearing about the Squares. She couldn't believe that they came from all over the World as far as Australia and New Zealand to America, Canada and Puerto Rico! 

I made a point of telling her how each and everyone of you have taken my project on board and how much you have been enjoying it. I told her all about our Challenges and how very talented you all were! I couldn't have made so.... many Blankets if I hadn't of had the support from you all.  After we chatted I went outside to bring the box of Blankets in.

 I took the box of Blankets into the Reception of the Home and Zoe and all the other Staff just loved the Blankets. They thought they were absolutely gorgeous!  Once again I explained about our Challenges and showed her for example 'The Seaside Challenge - Beach Picnic' which they absolutely loved  and I also  showed her the Blankets by Posy Linda 'Butterfly and the Blanket called 'Damaris'.  If you remember these Ladies sent me enough Squares to make a whole Blanket!  The Staff thought they were really nice.

I had asked Zoe earlier if I could possibly have a few photos of her accepting the Blankets. I explained this was very important to me because I felt a certain obligation to you all for helping me with the project.  I wanted you to see where the Blankets had found their new home.  She couldn't have been more happier, so we walked through to the Conservatory part of the Home, to where the Christmas tree was standing!  On the way I said hello to some of the Residents and Zoe handed a few of the Blankets out to Ladies who needed them.  This really made my day as you can imagine because it was so nice to see who actually received them! It was nice to chat to the Residents because this made it all seem so worthwhile!

Here's a photo of Zoe and myself standing by the Christmas Tree!

Just at the other side of the Christmas tree was one of the Male Residents.  It was so nice to 'personally' hand him one of our Blankets.  I met his Wife too, and I actually read one of our SIBOL Gift cards to him.  I can't tell you how very interested the Gentleman was and also his Wife when I started reading your names out to them!  It also turned out that many years ago the Gentleman had actually had a workshop for his tools in my road, so we had a lot to talk about!  I have to send their thanks on to you Ladies, they were so...grateful to you all!  His Wife mentioned about having his Name Label put on, so this is probably something else we can do in the future!

I went over to the other side of the room afterwards and Zoe had handed out 'The Irish Sunshine Blanket' to a Lady sitting in her chair.  So I went over and said hello to her.  Zoe had explained about how everyone had made the Blanket but I went over it again.  We had a lovely conversation about Knitting and Crocheting.  You know when the Residents heard about which Countries had taken part they were so amazed! To think that these Squares had travelled all these miles! They simply couldn't get over it.  I said to them that I hope the Blankets bring a lot of warmth and enjoyment to them, and a smile to their faces knowing that each and everyone of you had done your own little part in bringing some comfort to the Elderly.

Quite importantly........The Residents asked me to thank you!  Quite a few said please thank everyone concerned.  So from them to me.   'THANK YOU!'

I had a  cup of tea and spoke to the Residents for a bit longer and then it was time to leave.  Before I left I asked Zoe and the Staff if they wouldn't mind having their photo taken. 

It's turned out to be a smashing photo and I'm sure you would all like to meet the Staff  who made my visit so nice. 

I know Zoe and her Staff will be reading the SIBOL site so once again thank you all for making my afternoon so special! I am so pleased you liked the Blankets, it's been an absolute pleasure to make them for you and I really hope the Residents get a lot of enjoyment from them.

Thank you very much for showing me around and for the hospitality!

From all of us at SIBOL,

Have a lovely Christmas!

You are all doing such a remarkable job yourselves for our Elderly folk and it was a pleasure to meet you all!

UPDATE WEDNESDAY

I'm very pleased to be showing you some Squares that came in from Belgium this morning. ATheeC (Tinka) and her Daughter 'Anneline' very kindly sent me these pretty Squares for our SIBOL project. 

Tinka has picked up her Crocheting after many years after reading about SIBOL, and it's so nice that she has also taught her Daughter Annelinde too!  Isn't that nice when Mother and Daughter share an interest together!

It's nice too that Annelinde has had a go at making one of the little Christmas trees. You will see it in the Slide Show I have made for them both.

Sit back Tinka and Annelinde and enjoy looking at your Squares and thank you so much!

I am still assembling Squares for the Jan Eaton Blanket.  There's a lot of work involved in this one, so I hope it's not too long before it's finished.  I will be putting another Block List up in the Side Bar as soon as it is finished I know you are longing to go on to the next set 26 to 50.

Thank you all so much for the wonderful comments on my visit to 'Longmore Nursing Home' I will do one of my special posts acknowledging you all, thank you!

finally ...

Look:


They finally have made their way to Mrs. Twins! The four squares I made some time ago. They have been waiting patiently for several weeks until they could fly to the United Kingdom and Sue's place.


Hey, look:


Who's tail is that? Sneaking into the package? What or who is joining the squares on their journey to a SIBOL-blanket?



Oh, it is la Zouzita with the red tail. And she is meant for Sue! Maybe to watch her join squares. Or to accompany her on her mission giving out blankets.
She might bring some magic with her ... Our youngest daughter believes her la Zouzita can help het sleep. Wonder what this little la Zouzita can do for our Sue !

Anyway, squares on their way to you Sue!!

St. George's invite us to watch a play

Hello Everyone!

When I visited the Nursing Home on Monday 'St. George's', Magda invited me back this evening to watch a play they were putting on for the Residents. 

So this evening  my Husband and myself  went back arriving at 7.00pm.  We were offered Wine and Sherry and we sat down to watch some actors perform 'Beauty and the Beast'.  It was a brilliant performance and there were plenty of songs to sing a long to!

Here are some photos I'd like to share with you.

After the play finished we had this

Two bowls each of the most beautiful Curry I have ever tasted and also mince pies! After that they held a Raffle.

Magda thanked me in front of everyone once again for our Blankets. I even had to stand up!

When she came over to me she said that they had given two Blankets out and the rest would be given out Christnas Day, I thought that was ideal.

When we got back home my Husband took a photo of me for our Blog.

We both had a lovely evening, and Magda said I could pop back any time.

I thought you might like to read about our evening out.


The Ladies interested in doing a Square for the Children in America, hold on to your Square until we have the address sorted out. We may be sending to Brenda, but it makes sense to send direct to the Charity concerned. I'm waiting to hear back from Brenda, thank you to all that are interested. Have a good weekend everyone!

Blankets sent to the Nursing Home/Are you interested in helping Children in America?

Hello Everyone!

Today I'm saying thank you for all the lovely comments, it's so nice that you have taken the time to reply on my visit to the Nursing Home.

These were the Blankets donated to St. George's Home on Monday. Thank You!

'Guy Fawkes Delight'




'Christmas Spirit'




'Strawberry Sundae'




'White Blossom'




'Spring Wattle'



'Full of Love'



'Ring 'O Posies'




'Wedgwood Willow'




'Flower Magic'



Beautiful Blankets for a beautiful Nursing Home 'St. George's'.

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I was asking for ideas on my post the other day. I was wondering how you would like to see SIBOL 'progress'.   Brenda (itty bitty0063)  sent me a mail and she was asking if we would consider sending a group batch of Squares to help a Charity in America helping  Children with Cancer.   Now all the details are below in this link. Would you like to read it yourself, see what is involved and let me know whether you think this is a good idea. Just leave me a comment below the post.  

http://thiseclecticlife.com/share-a-square-2010-faq/ she is trying to
make 150 blankets for children with cancer and at last count still
needs close to 8000 squares (she makes them with 80!!! 6 inch squares
in each) it would be kind of cool to say SIBOL sent "these" squares
this is totally up to you.

I was thinking of sending a Group package on behalf of SIBOL of 80 Squares. One from each person if I can. Each Blanket will have 8O different Squares from 8O different people. I will only send 80. Now if you want to send anymore on yourself you will find the address on the link. So anymore received will be used for SIBOL. I'm not being funny when I say that, but I really have my own Charity work to look after. That takes an awlful lot of time for me (and money).

If any Squares come in for this Charity in America, I don't feel that I can 'showcase' each Square like I do the SIBOL ones. I  will not be putting them on Flickr (keeping a visual record so to speak) and I don't think I will be taking photos for SIBOL Blog. Maybe one when I have collected the 80.

I feel so strongly about the Elderly.  It would be nice to help out other Charities from time to time, but I don't really want this being a massive part of SIBOL, although it is 'Sunshine International Blankets of Love'. 

I hope you all have a nice weekend. I'm off to St. George's Nursing Home on Saturday evening with my Husband because Magda has invited us to watch a play which  she has organised for the Residents.

Bye for now

In reply to your wonderful comments!

Hello Everyone!

Well what a week! Thank you all so much for the wonderful comments that I have received.  I am just over the moon this week after my visit to St. George's Home, where I delivered 9 of our Blankets.

ed4448
Thank you so much for your comments Cathy. I am so pleased you liked the photo of me sitting with the Blankets in the Conservatory at home. It did take us a couple of attempts to get one with me smiling! I usually end up with my eyes shut. But this one wasn't too bad out of the bunch. I'm so pleased you went over to the Blog and read about my day.  Very nice of you to help me Cathy.

itty bitty0063
So nice of you to comment Brenda. Yes the Home were very pleased to receive the Blankets, I am so pleased they were received well. I hope the Residents enjoy them as much as we have making them. I'm sure they will. They will certainly keep them warm in this cold weather we are experiencing. 'Not that the Home was cold at all though!' Thank you for your help and interest.

bonsall
Yes it was  a nice Home, local to me near to our Retail Park. You were thanking me in your comment for all I do.  Thank You too, because you have been very supportive to me. I appreciate the Squares you have sent very much.

Elizabeth Cat
A moment captured in a photograph - Yes you are right. What would we do without our photographs? Yes I am pleased to be able to once again show you where I delivered the Blankets.  You remember I went up to Cheshire earlier in the year too. (see the link in the side bar) I'm so thankful to you Elizabeth for the great help I have received from you.

Salma70
I appreciate your comments Salma.  Salma suggested I used the Butterflies as a 'trade mark' for our SIBOL Blankets. She suggested I always attach them to the Blankets, so this is what I do.  They could be hung anywhere in the Residents room, perhaps on a door knob, or even left on the Blanket.  Salma has also come up with a few names for our Blankets and it's nice that she has given me advice. Thank you Salma.

roomontheleft
Well thank you Marilyn.  There is only so much you can crochet for yourself.  After making ripples last year, and lots of pink and peach carnations, I felt it was time to do something else.  As I always think of My Grandmother I had the idea back in December 09 that I would like to make Blankets for the Elderly, so I waited until January to put the idea out on the 'Mrs Twins' blog.  I was amazed that Ladies in the Crafting Community thought the idea was a good one. The Squares soon started coming in, and as you know I thought about making 6! 44 now! Thank you Marilyn for your comments and your help.

Quoin
Thank you so much for leaving a comment.  If it hadn't of been for you Nettie I would not be making the Butterflies, because I first of all saw them on your wonderful blog. Great tutorials on there.  I am so pleased you wanted to become a SIBOLETTE and thank you too! I agree with you SIBOL has definitely brought us all together. Friends around the world uniting in Friendship and Craft! At the same time we are helping the Elderly Folk in Nursing Homes. I still cannot get over the kindness and generousity of Ladies all around the World.

Colorbook
Thank you Helen. I was worrying a little about the distribution of the Blankets myself. When you have a room of say 30 people how would you determine which people to give the Blankets too, not upsetting anyone. The Home in Cheshire decided to give the Blankets out when the new people arrive. I like the idea
of giving the Blankets to people who don't have visitors, the ones who sit for hours not seeing any family.  Of course there are also special occasions, and what a brilliant way to celebrate a 100th Birthday. I am so grateful to Marjorie's family for giving us permission to take the photograph. It was nice to present Marjorie with a very special gift. I remember when my Grandmother was 100, she hit the front page of the local news. She had a photo taken with my Mother, Aunt and Uncle. Also her favourite Football Club sent her a signed photograph of the team with all the autographs. Of course she had her telegram from the Queen. Such a lot of flowers too. Her room was filled with the most gorgeous flowers. Such lovely Squares from you Helen thank you!

wiLDaBoUtCoLoR
Thank you for your kind comments Ellen. We have all worked so hard this year and everyone has taken such an interest in my project, it's only right that I take 'the end' photos to show you.  When I was speaking to Magda I said that I felt an obligation to my Friends to take a few photos of the Home receiving them. She was only too pleased to allow me to do so.  I also told her how everyone has been so kind sending Squares from all over the World.  Thank you for your help too!

Karin aan de haak
Yes I agree with you Karin, it is a moment we have been waiting for. There will be a few more too! I still have Blankets to deliver. I need to space them out a little because I have things to do at home. I haven't even done anything for Christmas yet.  I have always been so happy to receive your Squares, you have always met my Challenges wonderfully, thank you! Sweet words and hugs too!

Mia Self
I have been so touched by the kind comments too Mia! It's taken  me all my time to read them. Absolutely amazing how everyone has read my post about the Home and left the most generous comments.  Yes Friends from all over the World have come together since January helping me make my project work, even though we are from all corners of the World we have that special thing in common 'Crocheting, and of course  a bit of Knitting!'.  But it is these Crafts that we all have in common and it is amazing how we are making a difference.

Dutzie 
Joyce thank you so  much for your comments too. Oh dear we are upsetting you too!  You say you've been tearful also! What are we all like? We are a sentimental lot! As I said to Magda at the Home, we all have Mothers, some of us unfortunately have lost them, but we always think of them. Fathers too. There were actually quite a few Men at the Home, I said Hello and chatted to a few of them. I am so pleased you are following our project and thank you for your kind words.

Manda's challenges
Thank you for your comments. I know the Blankets did look pretty.  When I was getting them ready I stood back and thought to myself 'Yes, they do look nice!' I was proud of them. I said to the Carer at the Home I am quite sad to see them go, but this is why I wanted to do them.  I am actually running out of room now! Well when I first started the project I only ever expected traditional Granny Squares I've been amazed at that too, because our Challenges are certainly bringing the best out of everyone! I showed Magda 'Pilar's Bumble Bee' in the centre of one of the Flower Squares she absolutely loved it. The talent of all my Friends is just fantastic! I was happy to share the photo with you, it's all the different stages of the SIBOL project, isn't it?
Thank you Amanda too for your contributions!

Thanks to everyone that has tagged the photo of me in the Conservatory as one of their favourites! Salma70,
ciocia Mercedes, Loving The Vintage, Dutzie, bonsall, Manda's challenges and Karin for the great 'Just for you' clip art!

I hope you don't mind me acknowledging everyone this way.

Ruth Marie
Yes the photo of Marjorie, myself and Magda was lovely, I thought that too! I just couldn't wait to show you all. Isn't it lovely that we can share these things. I appreciate your comments and your help and I'm so pleased you enjoy looking at the SIBOL web-site. I enjoy doing it.

Saskia @ Crafty Valley
Words in your comment Saskia, 'feeling a bit like a secret millionaire!'. We have a programme in the UK called 'Secret Millionaire!'. I know what you mean. I just felt very honoured that I was allowed to meet the Residents. Magda showed me around the Lounge where the Residents were sitting and it was so nice to say hello to them. I even had a chat with a Family visitor about her crafting at the local Women's Institute.  We got on to the subject of Baby Blankets whether places would accept them or not. She suggested I rang the Womens Institute organisation because she thinks that at one time they did actually make some and was able to donate them. I told her about the problem we had with Childrens Hospitals etc., and the Blanket that we was going to make a while back.  Thank you for your Squares too!

The Garden Bell
I agree with you Kate the visit was quite 'touching'.  I felt that too when we gave the Blanket to Marjorie. I never would have thought that I would be giving one of our Blankets out to such a special Lady. It was a pleasure to meet her. Thank you for your support too Kate, beautiful Squares and beautiful yarn.

Luna
Thank you for such sweet words Luna. That is right what you said. We can see where the Blankets are going to. It's so nice that we work all year round with our Challenges, swapping ideas, helping each other with patterns etc., then when finally the Squares are made into Blankets we are able to see where they actually go, and who actually receives them. I know this project is very dear to you and I am truly grateful for your support over the months. Thank you!

Emma Kate
Thank you for your kind comments too! I am so pleased you want to continue helping with our project. Emma was telling me a group of her Friends are hopefully going to send some Squares in the New Year. I was explaining to her that our Challenges have stopped for a short while. This will give me chance to give the Blankets out and to catch up a little.  I do have to sort out the Squares I have got at home, before I can announce any new Challenges. I have to see what colour Squares I will need. I know for a fact that you are all enjoying the Jan Eaton Square Challenge. I am sorry I am keeping you waiting with this one.  It's been such a busy time at home with family commitments and I did really want to finish the Strawberry and Cream Challenge too.

 I will definitely be  putting up another Jan Eaton (2nd Part) Challenge. I just want to get this one finished first. I am progressing with it though, so please bear with me.

If anyone has got ideas for Challenges please pop over to our Flickr Group and leave their thoughts. 
Thank you Emma for contacting me recently and leaving a comment on SIBOL, very much appreciated!

Debi Y
Always lovely to hear from you Debi! I am so grateful for your continued support  and your kind comments on my visit! Thank you.

Maria
All the way from Australia. It's amazing how we all live so far away from each other, yet at a click of a button we are all  in each others living rooms! 'or where-ever!'.  Your comments are very much appreciated Maria and I agree Christmas seems the right time of year to give the Blankets out. I suppose a sentimental time for Elderly folk, you know remembering times when they were with their families. Well if they receive one of our Blankets they will know that we have made it with love. Thank you Maria for your help too.

Susi Karin (Brazil)
Você tem comentado algumas vezes em SIBOL agora, e eu gostaria uma vez outra vez de dizer que um grande o agradece fazendo exame de um interesse em nosso projeto para as pessoas idosas.
Eu sou assim que satisfeito lhe pense que é uma idéia boa, se mantem por favor seguir
E sometime talvez você gostaria de fazer exame da parte em escolher um nome para um de nossos cobertores!

Aren't I clever?

Kayren, Pink Daisy Girl
Many thanks for your comment. I am so pleased that you agree with us about who to give the Blankets out to. There is a lot of work that goes on but I enjoy every minute. Especially now when I can go and give the Blankets out, it has given me such a buzz. I feel as though I was meant to do it. I appreciate your comments thank you!

Karin
You said in your comment, 'I bring SUNSHINE!'.  Well everyone brought 'SUNSHINE' to SIBOL a few months ago in our 'Sun Theme  Challenge'.  The Squares were amazing, including yours. I am so grateful to you for the beautiful Squares you have sent. You've helped me in many ways too, giving me advice on how to do things. I often get stuck with technical things and Karin is always at the end of an email to give me advice.  I know you enjoy SIBOL Karin, thank you so much for everything!

April Cottage Ramblings
It was a pleasure to share my experience with you all! I just couldn't wait to write the post. Jayne -
You were asking about wool/yarn I use on a Blanket. Well I use the cheap balls of Double Knitting. I often go to the 'pound shop' where you can buy a 100gram ball for just a £1 which is great.  But the cream I often use is £2.25 in Hobby Craft.  This has just gone up a few months ago, 40p actually, which is quite a rise. I did query the price when I was at the cash desk.  The Assistant told me that the prices would be going up again in January with the VAT increase.  So I decided only last week that I was going to try and find other colours in the pound shop to use.  So I'm using white for the Jan Eaton Blanket.  I do prefer Cream. I don't know what it is but I just love Cream 'you may be bored'.  So I use just over a 100gram ball on each Blanket to edge each Square and then do one row of double crochet around the Blanket before I put the border on.

BUT in some Blankets I have been doubling up. For instance in 'Butterfly' the yarn that Posy Linda sent was quite heavy. I do love these American yarns. So using two strands of Double Knitting at the same time gave it some more heaviness. Also in 'Full of Love' Luna's Squares  and 'Blizzard Blooms'.  Damaris sent me 25 Squares do you remember Ladies a while back, I made a Blanket and called it 'Damaris' after her. I used two strands  for that one too.  Also in 'Fun In the Sun'.  OOh, and recently Rebekka's goodies sent me 50 Squares and I made 'Lilac Blooms' and 'White Blossom' I doubled up for those two.

So it all depends on the Squares really, if they are heavier I might double up so I'm using just over  two 100gram balls. Then more for the Borders. But I do tend to go for the cheaper yarn.

I have been thinking lately of ways to source yarn.  I think I'm going to put a notice up in a couple of Libraries to see if anyone has 'unwanted yarn/wool' at home they would like to donate.  You know very often Elderly Ladies have yarn at home they no longer can work with. It may be their hands they have trouble with or even their eyes aren't as good as they used to be. My neighbour recently gave me a bag of odd bits which she had from her Mother-In-Laws House Clearance.  Friends too are helping me 'you know who you are!' I am always so grateful.

But there must be lots of yarn in peoples houses' just sitting there not being used. We could do so much with it. It seems such a waste. I have even put up a notice on-line 'months ago' in a local Ad-site, but haven't had any response.  I'll let you know how I get on with the Libraries.

Thank you Jayne, for leaving a comment. I'd be pleased to hear from you if you have any other ideas.

The Girl
Thank you for reading about my visit. I have three more deliveries to make, so I will be letting you know and hopefully seeing some more photos! I'm so pleased you saw the post! Thank you.

Anja
Your Squares have been lovely and I am most grateful for your help. Yes let's hope we can continue to make some nice Blankets! Thanks for your comments!

Isolde
You are still experiencing postal problems, oh dear! I'll look forward to receiving your Squares thank you.
I'm so pleased you saw the post of my visit. Thank you!

Louise
I'm pleased you enjoyed reading about the visit Louise. It is nice to see where the Blankets go to and who  receives them.

PattieJ
Thank you for your kind comments. I am so pleased you enjoyed looking at the Blankets!

Clara
Thank you Clara for your kind comments. I agree with you it doesn't take long to visit someone.
I was saying to Magda that unfortunately these days people lead very busy  lives and families find it very hard to visit their Mothers and Fathers. It shouldn't be like this. They may also live a distance away which doesn't help. So unfortunately there are people who sit for hours alone not receiving visits or gifts. I'm sure our Blankets will be of some comfort to them. Thank you Clara.

Charles 
Yes I was pleased with how the Blankets turned out. We have all achieved something wonderful and I am so grateful to you all. I still have Blankets to give out, so I'm hopefully posting more photos soon. Thank you!

Kimbles
Thank you so much for your comments! I agree with you it must be very touching to receive a Blanket from people you don't even know! How cool is that! Thanks so much for your support Kim.

millie meadowsweet
Thanks for the comments, it's nice you are popping into SIBOL! Your son is an 'Activities Organiser'. Well from what I have heard in two Homes now these organisers are just so.....brilliant! They bring in such a variety of different things to do, keeping the Residents' minds active is very important. Thank you so much for your comments!

Merchy 
I know Merchy you can't help but think of your own Family. I thought this too when I was particularly speaking to Marjorie. As you know my Grandmother was 103. I held her hand just like I did my own Grandmothers.

So ...I hope you don't mind me replying back to your comments this way for a change. I have had so many I just thought it was a different way of doing it.

If anyone has any ideas how they would like to see SIBOL progress. I welcome their thoughts. Please email me sueatpigsty@talktalk.net  It's your group as well as mine!

I'll keep you informed about the next Home visits, thanks for stopping by and for the fantastic comments!


Also....

Patty gloria
Thank you very much for commenting. I appreciate your words very much. Yes I totally agree with you.
I was told that even Residents who have family near to them very rarely have visits! Can you believe that!
It's very sad. What does it take to go and spend half an hour chatting!
Thank you for your support too Gloria!

Ka
Obrigado tanto para seus comentários amáveis!

bienzfive
Thank you so much for your comments. Well everyone (including yourself) has worked very hard all year, and it's only right that you see the 'end of the journey' for some of the Blankets. Of course there are many more to make.  I'm just loving SIBOL, and I will continue as long as I can.  Thank you!

Handmade In Gibraltar
Louise thank you so much for your comments. I agree with you we are all having such a lot of fun making the Squares, sending them off to SIBOL and me too showcasing them for you all! I just love making the Slide Shows. It's also very nice that we share patterns and give each other advice etc., Thank you for your Squares too Louise.

ATheeC
Thank you so much Tinka for your comments. I am so pleased you are enjoying your Crocheting and that you are enjoying the SIBOL group. It's so nice that this idea of helping the Elderly is reaching out to everyone all over the World, and that it is inspiring them to pick up the hook and try new patterns etc., Of course you know I would be grateful for even a 'basic Granny Square' so I would not want anyone to feel that 'they are not good enough'.  I have a lot of mail saying this from Ladies and this stops them from sending a square. So whether you are a basic Crocheter or 'more advanced' everyone is welcome.  Thank you Tinka for taking an interest in my project and I am so...pleased you are enjoying yourself!

Delivery Day! - St. George's Home

Hello Everyone,

I'm so happy to be writing this post today.  My friends from all over the World as far as Australia and New Zealand to America and Canada have been supporting me all year round with my SIBOL project. Back in January I asked if anyone wanted to make and donate 6" Crocheted or Knitted  Squares, so I could make them into Blankets for the Elderly in Nursing homes in the UK.  I thought initially of making 6 Blankets if I could, to-date I have made 44.

During the past two weeks I have been getting our Blankets ready and today I visited St. George's Home near to where I live in Shirley, Solihull to hand out 9 of our Blankets.

I first of all rang the Home to ask if they would be interested in receiving our Blankets.  I spoke to Magda - The Manager and arranged to go in at 10.30  this morning.  While speaking to her I gave her the SIBOL web-site address so she could see for herself our beautiful Blankets.

My Husband Colin unfortunately could not come with me due to work comittments but he took some photos of me with the Blankets before I left.

The Blankets were ready........  It was time to leave.........

                                                             I arrived at St.George's Home

As soon as I stepped through the main doors, I had a nice feeling about the Home.  The Staff were most friendly and I was invited into Magda's office.  I sat down and Magda asked me if I wanted a cup of tea. I then told her about SIBOL, explaining how I had initially thought of the idea and telling her all about my own Grandmother who lived to the age of 103. I then went on to tell her how I had asked my on-line Friends if they wanted to help me.  I explained to her that the Squares are sent to me from all over the World and she was amazed. Magda said that she had looked at SIBOL, and she said how nice the Blankets were.

It was nice to chat to Magda because I found out a lot about the Home. It is such a caring environment for the Residents. Activities are organised with the  Activities Organiser and everything is done to make the Residents comfortable.  I was shown around the Home and introduced to several of the Residents, even speaking to one Lady about her Knitting.  It was lovely to see she had her wool by the side of her! Magda also took an interest in my family, I told her about my Brother living locally with his family  and how my Mother still rides her bicycle at 80!

I then went and fetched the Blankets in from the car, everyone said how beautiful they were. I asked if I could have some photographs taken for the SIBOL web-site so you all could see.  I do like to share everything with you. It's important to me that you know I have delivered the Blankets as promised.

One of our Blankets was presented to Mrs. Marjorie Turton.  Marjorie is going to celebrate her 100th Birthday next March.  Magda very kindly rang her family to ask permission for Marjorie's  photograph to be taken and to be shown on our web-site. They agreed and here's the photo.

What a lovely photo of Magda and Marjorie, thank you so much!

Magda with the Blankets.

I asked Magda how she would give the rest of the Blankets out. We both agreed that the rest of the Blankets would be given to Residents who very rarely have visitors. This was my idea back in January.  I know my own Grandmother was very lucky to have Family and Friends visiting but I know there are many who aren't so lucky.

To everyone that has very kindly sent me Squares 'Thank You' from myself and also

'St. George's Home'.

Also a 'Big Thank You' to Magda and her Staff for making me feel so welcome.

I now have to deliver the rest of the Blankets over the next few weeks.

                                             

Can you help with a name please?

Hello Everyone!

Many thanks for your kind comments on the latest Blanket.

Here now are the four 'Strawberry and Cream' Challenge Blankets for the Elderly.

I need a name please for the third one? Can you help?

This is 'Strawberry Fields'.

                                        
                                          Can you think of a good name for this Blanket please?   

'Strawberry Delight'

                                                               'Strawberries 'n Cream'

I am always so grateful for the wonderful Squares that come my way. I know you enjoy making and sending them as much as I enjoy making the Blankets up for the Elderly. Thank you.

Have a nice weekend everyone!

Squares from the UK! Ta - Dah! SIBOL 44.

Hello Everyone!

It's so nice to be popping in to say hello to you. 

Well it's pretty cold here in the UK and actually as I type  it's snowing again.  We are quite lucky where we live we haven't had it too bad but lots of places in the UK have had  loads.  It didn't stop the Postie from calling this morning though. 

A knock came to the door this morning and I thought it was a parcel arriving for Mr. Twins.  He was expecting a new jacket which he had ordered.  I shouted Mr. Twins your jacket has arrived! But then I saw my name on the front of the parcel.  I wondered what it could be.  It was from Amanda! I was amazed because inside I found this.....



Amanda had sent me 8 100gram Balls of Acrylic Yarn and 7 Squares. She wondered whether SIBOL could use the yarn as she hadn't got a use for it. Well SIBOL definitely can Amanda, thank you so much. It will be great for the Mens' Blankets. Your Squares too are so pretty, thank you!  I love the colours of the Squares and I love the patterns. I've made you  a Slide Show, sit back and enjoy now.

Thank you!

I'm very happy to be showing you the last Blanket in the 'Strawberry and Cream' set.  I have started the Jan Eaton one, but found it difficult to concentrate on it, because I knew I hadn't finished the Strawberry set. I feel I am where I want to be now, so I can concentrate.  I have had such fun putting these Squares together, they have all been so amazing. I have loved each and everyone of them, thank you all so much for your wonderful ideas.  I give you a Challenge and every time you come up with the most wonderful Squares. You are so creative!

So here is SIBOL No. 44.  Manda's challenges has very kindly come up with a name this afternoon for the latest SIBOL. 'Strawberry Fields'. Great name Amanda! Thank You.

Here's the Slide Show now for SIBOL 44. 'Strawberry Fields!'

Now it's Jan Eaton, and then the Black and White Set.

Have a good day everyone and thank you for visiting today!