You must pop in to see these beautiful SIBOL Squares!

Hello Everyone!

Wow! I'm a happy bunny today! I have had beautiful Squares arrive  and I'm absolutely over the moon!
I would like to thank joyce28 (UK), Kianie (UK), makingtracks (UK) and Fiona (Netherlands)  for the great selection of Squares they have sent in!

You know I have been desperately trying to get in Squares for the Landscape Challenge, well I am very pleased to say we are doing extremely well now. I have started working on the ones already received. Without me babbling on let's take a look at them!

First of all we have joyce 28. She has very kindly made two Squares for our Jersey Challenge. joyce wow! I love both of them. What wonderful ideas!

The first one 'Trees' simply beautiful. I love the trunks of the trees and I love the cute Flowers!

Isn't it pretty!

The next one 'Sea, Sand and Sun'. I think this one reminds joyce of her recent holiday. It simply is such a wonderful idea! Wow!

I am really grateful to you joyce for doing these extra Squares for me, it's very kind of you. I'm sure everyone loves them. It's the colours in the Squares I think that stand out. Simply gorgeous! I am 'well chuffed!' as we say here in the UK!

The next Square is from makingtracks (UK) The idea for her Landscape Square came from this. Isn't it beautiful? A really good idea. The whole point of the Landscape Challenge is ....what would you see from your window? If it's a garden scene that's brilliant! You have made a terrific job makingtracks and thank you so much for helping me out on this Challenge.  Let's take a look at this beauty now!

Oh I do get excited when I see these Squares come in! I love to see where you have got your inspiration from! Simply amazing, what fun!

Kianie (UK) has very kindly made four Squares for our Challenges. One for Lunas' Challenge 'One Heart From Around The World' and the other is the Letter 'Y' for the Olympic Blanket. I am really happy too because Kianie has made two fantastic Squares for our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge.

Blackpool Tower is a famous Landmark here in the UK. If you would like to find out more about it then please follow the link. Kianie has found inspiration from this tall building and if you scroll down you will see what she has come up with.

Wow!

Good isn't it?

The next Square is Darwen Tower here in the UK.  If you would like to find out more then please follow the link.

Kianie has made a beautiful Crocheted Square, gathering inspiration from this monument.  Let's see what she has made now.

Amazing Kianie! In her note with the Squares she wrote,

"Just thought I would share with you the story of Darwen Tower. It is our local landmark situated on Beacon Hill overlooking the town of Darwen (Lancs).

The tower was built to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria (Also known as The Jubilee Tower). From the top are fantastic views and the tower can be seen for miles around.   It is a much loved landmark with the people of Darwen.

In 1947 during gale force winds the dome was blown off and was not replaced until 1971.  This time the wooden dome  was replaced with a fibreglass one.  This dome came off during strong winds on 11th November 2010.  A sad day for the people of Darwen.  When I was making the Square for the challenge. I was undecided as to whether I should add the dome or not.  I did add the dome as I knew that a replacement was being made.  I finished the Square on Thursday 12th January 2012. I took my mum shopping into Darwen Town Centre on Friday 13th January and to my surprise and delight, we witnessed the new dome being put into place with the help of two helicopters.  A case of being in the right place at the right time as we had no idea that the dome was being replaced on Friday morning!"

If you'd like to read more follow this link to the BBC News.

I think your story is amazing Kianie! Just as you are making the Square for the Challenge. I am so pleased that making this Square for SIBOL has meant such a lot to you and no doubt you showed your Mother the Square too. I bet she loved it and I'm sure you will both always remember this special day! How fantastic!

Kianie also sent Squares in for Lunas' Challenge 'One Heart From Around The World'.  It's lovely too.

Also a 'Y' for our 'Olympic Challenge'. This one has worked out beautifully! I must check sometime because I think there are some more Letters we need.

It sounds as though you have had great fun with these Challenges Kianie. I really appreciate your help on them all.

Fiona over in the Netherlands has been working extremely hard for our Challenges too. She has made three Squares for our 'Knit Today' Challenge. I am afraid this Challenge has now closed because I have got 25 Squares for it now. But if you are in the process of making any then please send them in for our SIBOL Stash!

Aren't they lovely? Great colours in these Squares.

Fiona has also made a beautiful Square for our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge. With her Square she told me where her inspiration came from. I would like to share it with you!

"The Fields of Flowers around the center of Haarlem, Lisse. We are calling it 'de bollenstraeek'. I saw it when I went to visit my Grandmother she lived in Haarlem. It's my point of view I saw it when I travelled with the train."

I am finding these Challenge Squares so...interesting. Not only are we getting beautiful Knitted and Crocheted Squares but I am also learning about 'your part of the world!'.  It's so lovely that we can let others know too  a little about the Square and why a certain place has inspired you!

I love how you have crocheted the sky and grass! Tiny Flowers too, I love the detail.

Fiona's last Square is a Jan Eaton Block. It's called 'Blocks &  Shells' and it's Block No. 80 in the Jan Eaton 200 Block book. This is such a delicate pattern, and I love the colour you have made it in.

Well it's taken me quite a while to write this post in between getting the evening meal and picking my 82 year old mother from work! Yes that's right! 82! She's amazing!

I have really enjoyed receiving the Squares and reading where your inspiration came from to make the Squares, and I will crack on now with getting these Squares ready to make the Blanket. The Blanket has got to arrive in Jersey by the end of February so I must get a move on. Let's hope it raises some money for Mencap.

So in closing many thanks for visiting SIBOL. I do hope you have enjoyed looking at these gorgeous Squares and if you would like to check out our Challenges then please do!

Olympic up-date and a Jan Eaton Square arrives!

Hi Everyone!

I am very pleased to be showing you a very pretty Jan Eaton Square. This is Block no.100 'Pastel Delight'. It has been made by Big Blue over on Ravelry. Thank you so much for this lovely Square, great colours and such a pretty Square. If anyone wants to take part in this Challenge then please pop over SIBOL CHALLENGES all the details are on the web site.

At the moment I am working on the 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge. The Squares are coming in now and if you have any ready and are sending soon then please let me know. This particular Blanket is going off to Jersey to take part 'hopefully' in the Jersey Textile Showcase 2012. After the event the Blanket will be sold to raise money for Jersey Mencap which is a very worthy cause.

I have also took some photographs this morning of our Olympic Squares. Now I am still collecting for these and if you want to take part then please pop over to SIBOL CHALLENGES once again. My deadline is end of March but I am going to start working on these within the next few days. I probably won't be making so many 'Sunshine Blankets' at this very moment in time because I really need to start working on the Olympic one and of course finishing the Landscape one.

Would you like to see the current Olympic Squares? Here they are now!

I do hope you will stay tuned into SIBOL, within the next few weeks I have about a 100 Flags arriving from our friend akarapacha in the States. Her Squares are amazing too!

Now these Squares will be put into a special Charity Blanket with the Olympics in mind. When the Blanket is finished it will be sold on EBAY to raise money for the Alzheimers Society here in the UK. I thought appropriate as it is connected to the Elderly.

So if you are interested in either the 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge or the 'Olympics London 2012' Challenge then please pop over to our SIBOL CHALLENGES web site.  Thank you very much for visiting SIBOL today!

x Sue x

Squares from the States and UK arrive today!

Good Afternoon Everyone!

I am very pleased to be showing you some new Squares which have arrived today. The first set of Squares have come all the way from the USA from our dear friend Luna! Thank you Luna! I'm sure you will love these Squares. Luna has made a great set of Heart Squares for our 'One Heart From Around The World' Challenge. They are just so pretty! Along with some beautiful Granny Squares. Great yarn Luna! The Hearts are in different colours and each one is superb! Let's take a look at them.

If you'd like to have a go please pop over to SIBOL CHALLENGES.







Created with flickr slideshow.

I  hope you enjoyed watching Luna's Slide Show! Thank you very much Luna!


We have also had a very pretty Square arrive from Pippa (UK) today. Pippa chose to make No.92 'Victorian Lace' for our Jan Eaton Challenge. This is such an interesting Block, I'm so pleased you took part in our Challenge Pippa.  Also many thanks for the Stash Squares! I love them all!

I'm sure you love them too!


The third set of Squares are for our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge. Two beautiful Squares are from Craftymizz (UK). These two are very interesting Squares and are brilliant for our special Charity Challenge.
The first one is of 'Durdle Door' in Dorset. I have given you the link if you are interested in reading about it. Here is a photo too. Craftymizz you have captured it beautifully! Thank you so much!

The other Square is of 'Denford Canal'. Another brilliant Square for our special Challenge. Once again captured beautifully Craftymizz! I love them both thank you so much! They will both be great for our 'Your Local Landscape' Blanket which will be sent off to Jersey Textile Showcase 2012.

An exciting day today! Thanks to Luna, Craftymizz and Pippa. Your Squares are very much appreciated.

I will continue working on our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge now.

x Sue x

Challenge Squares on a Saturday!

Hi Everyone!

Well our Landscape Squares are coming in and I am really optimistic that we can make a successful Blanket for  the Jersey Textile Showcase in March. They are all wonderful Squares and I am really grateful to you all.

This morning I had a wonderful Square from Tina. This is such a pretty Square with a combination of Crocheting and Knitting! The Square she has made for our Landscape Challenge is 'Winchester Cathedral'. Just take a look at this little beauty!



It's brilliant and I love it. I have now received 16 Squares which I have worked on and I am waiting for the rest to come in now!

I also had some great Squares from jean nock who has very kindly  made some 'One Heart From Around The World' Squares for our SIBOL Challenge. She has also sent some Squares for our Stash.

Thank you very much indeed, I love them!




Created with flickr slideshow.

I am most grateful to both of you thank you!

Have a good weekend everyone and thank you so much for your comments about dear Molly too!

x Sue x

A tribute to Molly and Squares from the UK!

Good Morning Everyone!

This is quite a sad post for me to write today. I had a mail from Molly's husband Jay last night as I expect many of you have too. He was informing everyone in Molly's address book that she had sadly passed away. After suffering numerous health problems.

She passed on Jan 06, 2012 in the Hospice House in Rapid City SD and was cremated by her wish. 

As you know SIBOL was formed in February 2010 and dear Molly was our very first 'SIBOLETTE'. It was such a joy to receive her beautiful Squares from the States, back in those early days.

Not only did she crochet beautifully she also gave me a lot of help with the SIBOL button on our web site, and also helped me with the name for SIBOL along with other friends.  She had been quiet in Blogland for some time and I know she had been poorly.

Molly was such a lovely kind person, nothing was too much trouble for her and I'm sure we all valued her friendship.



On behalf of myself and our 'SIBOLETTES' I would like to send our condolences to Jay and his family at this very sad time.

http://crochetingmyworsted.blogspot.com/


On a brighter note I have Squares arrive today from makingtracks (RAV).  Lisa has very kindly made a Square for 'Your Local Landscape' which I desperately need to finish the Blanket and the Owl Challenge. These Squares are just wonderful.  Along with the Challenge Squares I have received a lovely Heart Design Knitted Square and also a few Knitted Squares for our SIBOL Stash.


This is what Lisa wrote about her Landcape Square!

"I called it “sunny outside” because when I laid in bed staring out the window on Friday trying to think what I could do, this is exactly what I saw. :)"

Let's have a look at her other Squares now! I love them all.



Created with flickr slideshow.

Thanks for visiting SIBOL today and I'm really sorry I have had bad news to share with you.


x Sue x

Squares from the States and a letter of thanks to our SIBOLETTES!

Hello Everyone!

I am so glad you have popped into SIBOL today because I have some great Squares to show you! They have come from manosa in the States. These Squares have been made with lovely yarn, I'm sure it was so lovely to work with and the colours are just beautiful. I particularly like the pink variegated yarn. Great patterns too. I love them thank you manosa! I am so pleased you are enjoying making the Squares for our SIBOL project.

I have made a Slide Show for you!








Created with flickr slideshow.

I'm sure everyone will agree they really are pretty Squares!

A NOTE OF THANKS.

On November 15th 2011, I delivered 18 of our 'Sunshine Blankets' to St.Michaels' Home for the Elderly in Olton.  Practically all of these Blankets were ones which we had made for our Picture Square Challenges. Yesterday I received a mail from a Lady called Sandra. Her Mother is a Resident in this home and she received a Cupcake Blanket on Christmas Day. If you remember the Manager Julie was going to wrap each Blanket up and give them out to every Resident.

Sandra was so kind to write and thank us all and I thought it would be nice for you to read it. I have had permission to share it with you.  If you would like to read about my visit then please follow the link

 
Dear Sue


Can I on behalf of my mother Mrs Ellen Mincher, a resident at St Michaels home in Olton, thank you very much for the wonderful blanket (with the cup cake design) you gave her at Christmas. It is fantastic workmanship and I understand from Julia that you provided one for each resident.


I have noticed that the blankets have generated a talking point and interest amongst the residents as they compare the different designs.


Once again can I thank everyone involved with this wonderful work.


From Sandra Hollyoak.


I am always very grateful to everyone that contributes Squares for our SIBOL project. These Squares travel thousands of miles  from as far as Canada, USA, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. The talent of Ladies from all over the world never ceases to amaze me. Each Square is always so well received by myself and with your help we are making some fantastic Blankets for our Elderly in the UK.  I am very grateful to you all. When I get a letter like this one, it just makes our work so much more worthwhile!  Thank you to everyone and also many many thanks to Sandra who very kindly sent me the mail.

I am at present starting working on the Challenge Squares for the 'Your Local Landscape'  Blanket. Hopefully this Blanket will raise some money for Mencap when sold. So if you could get your Squares in as soon as possible please I would be most grateful to you.

I think that's all for now, thank you for visiting and for your very kind comments as always.

x Sue x

'Angel of the North' Square for our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge arrives today!

Hi Everyone!

Talk about excited! That's what I am today. I have received another gorgeous Square from jenniferanne (SCOTLAND) for our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge.  I still have a few places left on this Challenge but if you want to take part you must really make the Square right away if you could please.

This Square shows the 'Angel of the North'.  Now I have found a link and if you would like to find out more about it then please pop over. jenniferanne has captured it once again so beautifully and once again if you are worrying that you can't make involved Squares it really doesn't have to be! A simple design on a blue and green background is just so ....effective! I love this Square and I am most grateful to you jenniferanne!

Let's take a look at it!

Oh now don't laugh, here's my attempt!

Thank you so much for popping into SIBOL. If you want to have a go then please mail me Sue on sueatpigsty@talktalk.net

x Sue x

Interesting Challenge Squares and a donated Blanket arrive today!

Good Evening Everyone!

I apologise for leaving it late to post, I have been rather busy these last couple of days.

Thank you so much for the lovely Squares I have received today! Let's take a look at them now.

First of all I have Diemie (Netherlands). She has made a very pretty 'Jan Eaton Square'. This one is no. 83 and it is called 'Diamond in a Square'. I absolutely love the variegated yarn used in the centre. Why not have a go at this particular Block?  It has come from Jan Eaton's 200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws and Afghans'. This is a wonderful book with very clear instructions and colourful photographs. This book is very popular indeed.

Thank you very much for sending in this Square Diemie, I really love it.

Next we have jenniferanne. jenniferanne has made some great Squares for  'Your Local Landscape' Challenge and I am very pleased to be showing you them.

The Square I am about to show you is the 'Iron Bridge'. I have given you a link if you would like to find out more about it if you are visiting SIBOL from abroad.  jenniferanne has worked so hard on these 'Your Local Landscape' Squares and I think she has captured the bridge remarkably well indeed. I love the colours she has used and I am so grateful that you have 'challenged' yourself!

The second Square for  this Challenge is depicting our British farmland. A quite rural  Square showing our patchwork fieds! The fields are complete with pond, ploughed field, corn etc.,  I think this is so nice and I think it's a brilliant idea.

I still have places left in this Challenge. My idea was that I would try and get the full 25 Squares. They are rather slow coming in and I am limited with time. The Blanket will be sent off to Jersey Textile Showcase 2012 and it is to be exhibited 'I hope' and then sold to raise funds for Mencap. I have been promised photographs by the Organiser. If you think you can rush me a Square then please pop over to our SIBOL CHALLENGE Blog. This will give you all details, thank you. Sue on sueatpigsty@talktalk.net with any queries.

Thank you so much jenniferanne for supporting me. I really appreciate your help.

I have beautiful Squares now from Beverley who has very kindly sent them in for our Challenges.

'Owl Challenge'

'Musical Challenge'.

Do you remember the rhyme?

Hickory Dickory Dock!
The Mouse ran up the Clock!
The Clock struck one,
The mouse ran down,
Hickory Dickory Dock!

'Nursery Rhyme' Challenge.

'Faces Challenge'.

Brilliant Squares aren't they?  I love them all. You have met the Challenges really well indeed! Many thanks Bev!

Coxabey over on RAVELRY has very kindly made and donated  a Blanket which she didn't need. 'Of course I will accept it!', I said. I do hate to see Blankets go to waste if they are not needed. Although this is not our usual 25 Squares that doesn't particularly matter. An Elderly person is just going to love putting the Blanket over their knees. So thank you very much indeed. I have made a Slide show for SIBOL 123!




Created with flickr slideshow.

It's called 'Fruit Bowl'. I love this Blanket and I particularly love the centre Squares, thank you so much for thinking of SIBOL Coxabey!

Coxabey also sent in some Squares for our Challenges. Namely 'Jan Eaton's Challenge' and the 'Wiggles' Challenge. Also a couple of Squares for our SIBOL Stash! Thank you very much indeed!

Well that's it for today. Thank you to all the Ladies that have sent me in Squares for our Challenges and also for the lovely donated Blanket Coxabey! It's so pretty!

Thanks for visiting SIBOL today. Oh before I go, could I welcome all our new Ladies over on RAVELRY and also our new Followers on our SIBOL Blog. It's very nice to have you along with us.

x Sue x

Squares from Scotland the UK!

Good Evening Everyone!

I am very pleased to be showing you some gorgeous Squares which have arrived today!

The first one is for our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge.  I am 'really desperate' to get in some more
Squares for this particular Challenge and if you think you would like to take part then please do so. I am trying to make a Blanket up which is going to be sent to Jersey Textile Showcase 2012 to be held in March.
Our special Blanket will 'hopefully' be exhibited and then sold to raise money for Mencap which is a very worthwhile Charity. But.....I need more Squares!

Do you have a favourite view that you think you could possibly put into a Knitted or Crocheted Square? Do you live near to a famous Landmark? Why not have a go?  Let's take a look at jenniferannes' Square which arrived today!  She has beautifully made the Forth Bridge in Scotland. She has used DK Acrylic yarn and the bridge itself is made from shirring elastic! What a fantastic idea. She took inspiration  from a photograph of the Forth Bridge, and she has captured it so well! The water is so very interesting, the shades of green and blue and then we look upwards to the Bridge which is just magnificient. The detail is 100% spot on!

Thank you so much jenniferanne, I love your Square!

If you think you could help me along with this one, then please email me. Sue on sueatpigsty@talktalk.net so I know what numbers we are expecting.   I have to send the Blanket off in February so I really need these Squares in as soon as possible please.

Jean Nock has also sent in some interesting Squares today. She has made some for our 'SIBOL' Stash and also some for the 'Knit Today' Challenge. I only need 3 more Squares to finish off our third 'Knit Today' Blanket so if you would like to have a go then please mail me sueatpigsty@talktalk.net  I am still waiting to see if 'Knit Today' feature our other two Blankets.

She was also very kind to send in some pretty Butterflies, thank you so much Jean Nock I love the Squares and the Butterflies!





Created with flickr slideshow.



I do collect Butterflies for our 'Butterflies' stash. The usual ones we make are from Nettie  but of course if you would like to make any other type then please do and then send them to SIBOL. Pop over to Netties Blog she has a great video tutorial!

Thank you Jean Nock and jenniferanne, I am most grateful to you and I would love other Ladies to join in this Challenge.

x Sue x

Squares from the UK!

Good Afternoon Everyone!

A very wet and windy day here today in the UK!

I am very happy to be showing you some Squares which have just arrived from Zoe here in the UK!
She had made a Square for our Challenge 'One Heart From Around TheWorld' which has come out beautifully, I love the colours she has used. Also some Squares for our Stash which she has taken from Edie Eckman's book.

First of all let's have a look at Zoe's 'One Heart From Around the World'

Luna will love this Square thank you Zoe.

Here are the other Squares now. The Butterfly was taken from '100 Flowers to Crochet &  Knit' this really is so cute!



Created with flickr slideshow.

The Edie Eckman Squares are No's 95, 113, 114. I love them thank you Zoe.

I'm very grateful to you and another Square for our 'One Heart From Around The World' Challenge, great.

x Sue x

Challenge Squares fly in from the States and the Netherlands! Would you like to take part in a special Blanket for Mencap?

Good Morning Everyone!

Thanks so much for visiting 'SIBOL' once again today!

I am very happy to be showing you some Challenge Squares that have arrived from Debi in the States and also Corien (Richtje)  in the Netherlands.  I am very grateful to both of you for sending in Squares for our Challenges.

Debi has very kindly sent her very own 'Wiggles' Square. I do hope you will pop over to her Blog and say hello! Her Crocheting is just wonderful and her posts are so interesting!  Debi has made the 'Wiggles' Square in two shades of pink. The Square is so pretty I love it.  The Squares that are coming in for this particular Challenge are just so pretty and it is nice to see what colours you are using.  If you would like to have a go then please do so. Details are over on SIBOL CHALLENGES.

It really is a gorgeous Square thank you Debi!

The other Squares have arrived from Corien in the Netherlands. Corien has taken our Challenges on board and she too has made some wonderful Squares. A lovely Jan Eaton Block No. 98 'Old Vienna', Wiggles Square, Knit Today Squares, Luna's Flower Square and also Squares for our SIBOL stash.
Such lovely Squares in very nice colour combinations. Let's take a look now.

Let's have a look now more closely in your Slide Show!





Created with flickr slideshow.

I do hope you have enjoyed looking at the Squares today, they really are lovely.

I am desperate to get in more Squares as soon as possible for our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge. The idea is to make a Knitted or Crocheted Square with a view in mind.  What would you see from your Window? We have had some great ideas come in already would you like to see some of the Squares?

These are the 'Your Local Landscape' Squares which have already come in for this special Charity Challenge for Mencap. Do you get the idea now? Do you think you could make a Square for this Challenge? All details are over on SIBOL CHALLENGES.  I really would like to get the 25 Squares to enable me to make this Blanket. I am rather pushed for time too. I will need to get the Squares in as soon as possible as I have to make the Blanket and send it off to Jersey.

This Blanket if successful will be sent off to the Jersey Textile Showcase March 2012. It will be on exhibit and the organiser Pat has promised me photographs. When the event is over the Blanket along with other items will be sold and all money will be given to a worthy cause Mencap.  I won't be able to go myself, I have never ever flown! Quite terrified at the thought too but as I say photographs have been promised by Pat.

I do hope these Squares have inspired you to have a go! I really would welcome your Squares!

Thanks so much Debi and Corien, and thanks for visiting 'SIBOL' today.


x Sue x

What to do with that 'unwanted' yarn! UPDATED 3/1/2012 SQUARES FROM CANADA AND THE UK!

Hi Everyone!

I'm sure as it is the start of 2012, everyone is having a de-clutter and making room for their new 2012 yarn!
The question is what do we do with our old 'un-wanted/un-used' yarn! Well I have some ideas for you!

Not only can you make Squares for 'SIBOL' (All details are over on our Challenge Blog) but if you want to you can do any of the following. These are 'just ideas' and please do not feel that you have to do any of them!

1.  'Make your own 'SIBOL' Blanket from 'Squares.'

Why not make a 'SIBOL' Blanket yourself? If you enjoy making Squares Crocheted or Knitted of whatever pattern and you like making a lot of them then instead of sending individual Squares to me, why not assemble them yourself?

Our 'SIBOL' Squares MUST BE 6" x 6" (15cms x 15cms).
We have 25 6" x 6" Squares in a 'SIBOL' Blanket.
With a Border of 1" to 2".
So roughly the finished Blanket will be 37"/38".
The Squares can be joined in whatever fashion you like.
Sewing them together or Crocheting them together.
The Blanket can be Knitted or Crocheted.
Acrylic please if possible.

If you are kind enough to send a whole Blanket you will go into our 'Hall of Fame' over on RAVELRY!


2. 'Make your own 'SIBOL' - 'Large Granny Square' Blanket' .
Are you new to Crocheting and feel that you have only just mastered the UK treble?
Are you confident making a Granny Square but haven't progressed to more advanced Squares?
Or maybe you find just working up a Large Granny Square is relaxing?
Then why not use that unwanted stash of yarn and make a 'SIBOL' Granny Square Blanket?

The Blanket must be 36" x 36" Square with added border.

Use any 'unwanted' yarn you have.
If you have any yarn that you absolutely hate, why not use it for this project. For example (Plain Black yarn). Even if they are 'manly' colours these Blankets will be very well received by people who need them.

You may want to make a magic ball of yarn by tying odd scraps together then just working it up to make a 36" Granny Square of various colours! Why not!
I can assure you 'SIBOL' can make use of your yarn!
It's also a good way of getting rid of your old  to make room for the new!

If you are kind enough to send a whole Blanket you will go into our 'Hall of Fame' over on RAVELRY!

3. 'Do you have any unwanted Crocheted or Knitted Blankets at home?

A 'SIBOLETTE' over on RAVELRY has recently asked me if 'SIBOL' could use a Blanket which she made and does not require for a member of her Family. Well what do you think my answer was!
Of course we can. I do hate to see Blankets go to waste. There are lots of Elderly folk who would love a Blanket to throw over their knees. So if you have have a Blanket which you now can't use for whatever reason, or you just don't like the finished item you have made then why not donate this to 'SIBOL?'. I would be very happy to accept it for the Elderly in the UK.

So guidelines are....
It must be clean.
It can be any size Blanket.
The Squares can be of any size.

If you are unsure of whether I can accept it then please contact me
Sue on sueatpigsty@talktalk.net

Of course 'SIBOL' relys on donations to keep our project running and if you have any unwanted yarn that you do not require and would like to see this go towards our work with the Elderly then please contact me for my address.  I can then distribute this to our 'SIBOLETTES' who are busy either making Squares or giving me a hand making the Blankets up!

Thank you so much and I do hope you find something of interest here today!

With your help we have now made 122 'Sunshine Blankets' all of which have been donated to our Elderly folk either in Nursing Homes or more vunerable needy people.  Thank you.


UPDATED TUESDAY 3/1/2012.

It's so nice to have postal deliveries after the New Year Holiday, and I am so...pleased to be showing you these gorgeous Squares that have come all the way from Pattygloria in Canada. These Squares have fantastic colour combinations. I just love the American yarn and I also love the centres of two of these Squares.  These Squares are beautiful Pattygloria thank you so much for sending them to me I am very grateful to you.

Do you agree with me? I'm sure you will!


Pattygloria said, "  I tried a new pattern and turn it into a granny square, for the two of them with the centre flowers, from Crochet Today Magazine, November/December 2011 by Kim Kotary."

Then I have had Kianies' Squares arrive today from the UK.

Kianie has made a Square for our 'Jan Eaton Challenge'. Why not have a go at this pretty Square? This is Block No.97 and it's called 'Eyelet Lace'.

What a pretty Block this is! It is from the Jan Eaton's book 200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws and Afghans. We are at present collecting Squares for this Challenge. There are still places available if you want to join in the fun.  Please pop over to SIBOL CHALLENGES.

The other Square has been made for our 'Your Local Landscape' Challenge. I really need to get lots more Squares in for this Challenge and I really need them quickly too! We are collecting Squares for a special Charity Blanket. This one is going off to Jersey hopefully to be exhibited in the Jersey Textile Showcase. Then it will be sold to raise money for Mencap. I am so excited about this Challenge. But as I say I need more Squares please.

What do you see from your window? Do you see your garden like Kianie? Or do you see Fields or Buildings, or maybe the Sea?  Whatever you see why not make a 6" Square Crocheted or Knitted and send it to me for this special Blanket. There are still places available. Please pop over to SIBOL CHALLENGES.

Let's take a look now at Kianies' Square!

Note the detail in this Square. Tiny Beads have been used in the tree. Can you spot the Watering Can and the cute Birdies too! What a fabulous Square! Thank you so much Kianie!

Thank you very much Pattygloria and Kianie I love your Squares!
Thanks for visiting SIBOL today!

x Sue x

A new start. 2012.

Hello Everyone,

Well things are slowly getting back to normal after the holidays and it's so nice to be posting again after the break. Thank you to everyone that has left a comment recently on 'SIBOL' and indeed for the lovely emails I have been receiving.

I really want to list places of interest today in connection with 'SIBOL'.

1. 'SIBOL' - http://www.sunshineinternationalblanketsoflove.blogspot.com/

    This is our main 'SIBOL' Blog.
    This is where I show you the new Squares arriving and also the Blankets when they are finished.

2. 'SIBOL CHALLENGES' - http://www.sibolchallenges.blogspot.com/

    This is the Blog which lists our latest Challenges.
    This is where you will find information about sending Squares to me.
    My address will be available by emailing me sueatpigsty@talktalk.net

3. 'SIBOL - The Archive'  - http://www.sibol-thearchive.blogspot.com/

    This is the Blog which stores information about some of the Squares we have used.
    Or maybe a new Square which has been submitted by a Group member.
    I am often asked 'Where do I find the pattern from for that Square?'
    Hopefully this Blog will help you.

4.  'SIBOL on RAVELRY' - http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/-sibol-/topics

     What fun we have on here!
     Why not pop over and introduce yourself?
     If you go to 'pages' at the top you will see Blankets made in 2010, 2011 and hopefully 2012!
     If you go to 'pages' you will also see new Squares when they  arrive.

5.  My favourite Place! - My 'Mrs Twins' Photostream. www.flickr.com/photos/sues_favourite_things

     This is or 'was' my personal photostream.
     At the very start back in 2009 I put my own personal crocheting on there, but of course in January 2010
     'SIBOL' came along and it's sort of took over!
     This is where you can see 'every' square that has come in for our 'SIBOL' project.
     This is where I keep my visual record.
     Why not join us over on Flickr?

We have now made 122 'Sunshine Blanket's. An amazing amount of beautiful Blankets. All of which have been delivered to the Elderly in the UK.

Thank you so much for your wonderful support since January 2010.

I am having trouble adding new Blankets to the right hand side bar for some reason on this Blog. But I am now going to give you links for our Blankets.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sues_favourite_things/sets/72157626973178499/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sues_favourite_things/sets/72157626973230689/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sues_favourite_things/sets/72157627097845074/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sues_favourite_things/sets/72157628178072559/

We have quite an exciting year ahead of us, a lot of work I have to say.

We are collecting Squares (asap) for two really special Charity Blankets.
'Your Local Landscape' Challenge (details on the Challenge Blog).
The 'Olympics London 2012' Challenge.

Our usual Challenges run from month to month.

We have SIBOL SQUARE SWAPS over on RAVELRY. If you are interested please follow my Link.

So is everyone geared up for a New Year? Let the fun begin!

Thanks everyone!

x Sue x