Wednesday 31 March 2010

100th Post Giveaway/Luna and Louises' Squares have arrived today! Come on in and have a look!

Hi Everyone!

My 100th Post Giveaway is still going on. It's not too late to take part.
Please leave a comment on 'Mrs Twins' blog, Flickr mail me, or sueatpigsty@talktalk.net That's all you have to do! Last entries in by 3rd April 11.00pm. Winner will be announced 4th April.

Can I just say a big thank you to Luna from Texas. She has sent me the most beautiful batch of Squares this morning. All different colours, grannies and flower squares. All so lovely. 22 in all! Please have a look at the Slide show, I've had a lot of fun again today taking photos to show you.

Luna, Texas, USA. Thank you!

Then to top it all, I had a package from Handmade in Gibraltar, Louise! She has sent the brightest Squares for our 'SIBOL' Project. Really sunny Squares! I'm over the moon with the Squares from Louise and I'd like to thank you so...much too! What fun!

Bright and colourful squares from Gibraltar Louise! What fun! Thank you! Beautiful Squares!

I have updated the Slideshow today, so you can see all the Squares from Luna and Louise.

Thank you both very much! I hope everyone enjoys looking at them!


Have a good day everyone!

Tuesday 30 March 2010

100th Post Today ! - Just realised. Postie has been overworked today with Square deliveries!

Hi Everyone!

100th Post on Blog Today!Thank you everyone!

If you leave a comment on 'Mrs Twins' you will automatically go in to my draw. Closing date 11.00pm 3rd April. When I will probably get Mr. Twin or one of the 'Little Miss Twins' to pull out that lucky name! So please leave a comment on my blog or email me sueatpigsty@talktalk.net or Flickr mail me Flickr Mrs Twins. Thank you.

I'm pleased to say I have two Ladies who think they can put the Knitting patterns to some use, so I'll be posting out tomorrow for them.

I thought you would like to see the Squares that came in today.  Mrs Moneypenny from MSE Knitting Forum UK, WilLDaBoUtCoLoR -  USA,  Pattygloria -  Canada,  Sandy - Teacup Lane USA. Thank you to all. My Postie was certainly kept busy today, and so was I! Loved it.

mrs moneypenney belongs to the MSE Forum in the UK. She very kindly sent me some 'Sunny Squares for the SIBOL project' this morning. They do a lot of Charity Knitting and Crocheting. Thanks so much they are lovely!

Mrs Moneypenny's Squares. (UK).

wiLDaBoUtCoLoR, Louisana  Your Squares arrived today, beautiful patterns! Thank you!


WiLDaBoUtCoLoR's Squares (USA).

Sandy, Teacup Lane Thank you your beautiful Squares have arrived today all the way from USA!

Sandy - Teacup Lane. (USA).


6 Squares from Pattygloria in Canada. Beautiful Squares for the 'SIBOL' project. Thank you very much!

Flickr PattyGloria (Gloria) - Canada.

Here's the updated Slide show for you all to see.


Sunday 28 March 2010

Ta - Dah! - 'The Irish Sunshine Blanket' /100th Post Giveaway!

Hi everyone!

Yes, I have a Ta - Dah today! Introducing you to 'The Irish Sunshine Blanket'.  I finished the edges off on Sunday and as I was sitting there Mr.Twin said he thought the Blanket had an Irish feel to it. I think because of the green edging, and after uploading it on to Flickr Stricksusi, Susanna named the Blanket for me. 'The Irish Sunshine Blanket'. So this is what I have called 'SIBOL no. 5!'. I'm really pleased how it's come out once again. But of course it's all thanks to you! Such wonderful colourful Squares.

I walk out into the Garden looking around to see whether any of my Neighbours are looking through their windows. Today I was caught out! :( Oh well never mind!

Ladies you know how to do this now! Please 'add note' to your Square. My Husband thinks this has an Irish feel to it. The green I think. Stricksusi has just named the Blanket 'The Irish Sunshine Blanket'. Thank you!

I would like to thank 'Maytaurus'  from MSE for her Squares which are on this Blanket. I do hope she's following my blog so she can see a photo.  Also hello to Pippa S if she's visiting me from there. Maytaurus, Linda and Kathy have sent me Squares over the past few months . There's no deadline on Squares as I will be making the 'Sunshine Blankets' all year. But the themed Blankets 'sun theme' runs until 21st April.  I appreciate all the Squares that I receive and as you all know they will be made into Blankets for the Elderly in Nursing Homes and Charities, even the 'Sun' themed Blankets will be sent to Nursing Homes. The themed Blankets just give us an added interest.

I often sit on the floor 'hooking!'.

I would also like to say that I have some free Knitting patterns if anyone is interested. They came with a magazine the other day. As I don't knit, I was wondering if anyone would like them. It seems such a shame to waste them.

The first one is for the 'Woolly World Cup'. A beautiful little Knitting pattern book and if you have boys in the family this would certainly go down a treat. The players are fairly quick to knit. One of the Footballers can be made in one weekend. Each player is knitted into a glove, medium in size. The pattern comes with instructions to make the net and football  and if you wanted  you could make a whole team!









The other pattern book is 'Beautiful Toys to Knit'. A pattern for Three sweet teddy bears, three cute chickens, and a dolls pattern 'Tilly Twirl who comes with instructions to make three mix n match outfits which are simply gorgeous. A little red coat, with red and blue pinafore. A blue and white dress with little shorts and a white jumper with blue and white striped shorts.




I'd only be too happy to send out to anyone that is interested. So could you email me sueatpigsty@talktalk.net if you are interested. I'd like to offer to two people so could you tell me which one you prefer please. Thanks.

The other thing is that I am coming up to my 100th Post! I know I can't quite believe it myself! I remember when I wrote my first post wondering what on earth I would write about. ' Mindless Ramblings' have now got me to where I am today, coming up to my 100th post shortly.  Well to celebrate I am having a 'Giveaway'.  The deadline is 3rd April at 11.00pm.  All you have to do is to leave a comment on my blog 'Mrs Twins' (this one) or Flickr mail me saying you want to be put in the draw or email me sueatpigsty@talktalk.net  A name will be drawn by Mr. Twin or one of the Little Miss Twins! So best of luck!

Bye for now and have a good day!

P.S. Please pop over to 'SIBOL'.- my 'spin off blog for the blankets' because Luna has posted a Square she wants us all to have a  go with! x

~~~~ Sue ~~~~

Saturday 27 March 2010

Elizabeth Cat sends me Squares from Latvia for the 'SIBOL' Blankets! 100th Post Coming Up! Giveaway!

Hi Everyone!

It's Happiness on a Saturday for me.  Elizabeth Cat sent me some Squares in the week from Latvia. They arrived today and I thought you might like to see them. They are so colourful and bright and just what we need for the 'Sunshine Blankets!'.  Thank you Elizabeth Cat.





 

Squares everywhere! Pretty Squares from Elizabeth Cat of Latvia. Thank you!



Thank you so much Elizabeth Cat, your Squares have arrived this morning!

If anyone would like to help me make 'Sunshine Blankets' for the Elderly.
You are most welcome!
6" Knitted or Crocheted Squares are required.
Acrylic if possible.
No panic, no rush, no deadline (Except for the themed Blankets).

When I receive the Squares I will make them into Blankets and donate to Nursing Homes/Charities in November.

I have made four Blankets so far, just finishing off another two.

I am coming up to my 100th Post.  I would like to thank everyone for the wonderful support I have received from everyone.
I'm going to have a free Giveaway!  If you'd like to leave a comment on my posts  up until  3rd April you'll be in with a chance to win. Or Flickr mail me/or sueatpigsty@talktalk.net.  and say you want to be entered   A winner will be chosen at random at 11.00pm 3rd April.

Please have a go! Look forward to receiving your comments. Enjoy the Slide show.

Tuesday 23 March 2010

Do I have to be an expert at Knitting or Crocheting to join in the fun making 'SIBOL'S?'.

Hello Everyone!

Thank you all very much for comments on 'Across the Oceans!'. I really enjoyed making the Blanket and I really do think it has a 'maritime' feel to it.

Can I just say everybody is welcome to join in our fun in making the 'Sunshine Blankets'.  You really do not need to be 'an expert' at either Crocheting or Knitting. The Square does not need to be 'perfect' either. We are all at different levels in our 'crafting'. I'm sure all our Squares will be made with Love and Compassion and they will be gratefully received by myself when I make them into Blankets and when they reach their destination.

The only requirement really is that they are 6" x 6" Square  (15cms x 15cms). (Not 6" on the diagonal) with a straight edge easier for joining. It doesn't matter what colour they are, what design either. You are just free to do whatever you feel like making. Try out that new pattern you've seen in a book or perhaps you've been sent it by a Friend. If you have Acrylic yarn that would be great, but if you haven't it's no big deal. Just use what ever you have!

I'm always so excited every day when someone new emails me and says they want to get involved. I'm only too pleased to send my address details on to them for when the Squares are ready. I get such a buzz when someone new shows an interest. sueatpigsty@talktalk.net

So please don't be shy. Don't think that you're Crocheting or Knitting is not good enough. It is, and all are welcome! You may have just started Crocheting and feel that you want to take part in a worthwhile project so it might be a simple Granny Square, that's absolutely fine. Or maybe you want to try a really involved Square from one of the many books on the shelves. Please do have a go. All Squares will be gratefully received by me.

I've found out recently that there are lots of Ladies out in Blogland who don't belong to Flickr. You know it might just be worthwhile checking it out.  You can upload your photos and it's great meeting people in the Crafting Community on there.

I'm playing a 'Board Game' over on Flickr, if you want to join in.  It's mainly for Contributors of the 'SIBOL' Blankets.  I thought it would be nice if you could all 'add note' to your Square. Shall we see if we can get a 'full board!'. Just a laugh!

Have a good day everyone!

Thank you

~~~~Sue~~~~



W.I.P. Just for you to see. Your Squares are most welcome!

Saturday 20 March 2010

Ta - Dah! 'Across the Oceans' SIBOL. (4th Sunshine Blanket).

Hi Everyone!

May I thank Kim for her 'sunny Squares' which were received yesterday. They really are bright and cheerful! I didn't have chance to put them on here yesterday. Also this morning I received some really pretty Squares from Debra. I do hope you are 'tuning' in. Debra lives in Bowie, USA. Thank you very much for the Squares they have been received okay.

Kimbles Sunshine Squares! Aren't they bright and sunny! Thank you!

Kim's Sunny Squares (above)

Beautiful Squares from Debra, USA. So pretty!

More Squares from across the pond USA. Debra Thank you very much!

Debra's Squares (USA)

Now the fourth Blanket is finished. With the help of my International Friends I am very happy to introduce you to 'Across the Oceans' SIBOL.

'Across the Oceans' SIBOL.


Last night I uploaded photos on Flickr of the latest Blanket.  Pertinitaco (Pilar) was on line at the time and she suggested that we call the Blanket 'Across the Oceans' SIBOL.  She said the Blanket reminds her of the maritime flags they use on ships, like the 'signal flags'.  When you look at it yes I can see what she means. It's because of Kim's 'Anatasia X', we think.  She said the blue curly edge looks just like the sea waves.

Bethel said, " We are all across the Oceans from each other but at the end of a click in 'cyberspace!'.

Contributors:

Kate                         (The Garden Bell)  (USA)
Cathy                       (Ed 4448) Flickr     (USA)
Rita                                                         (UK)
Elizabeth Cat            (Flickr)                    (Latvia)
Brenda                     (BrendaS2 Flickr)    (UK)
Aishwarya                (Arien 156)              (Singapore)
Louise                      (Handmade in Gibraltar)
Pilar                         (Flickr Pertinitaco)    (Spain)
Michelle                   (Kim's Daughter 'Little Kimbles'.  (UK)
Kim                         (Kimbles at Home)                       (UK)
Amy                        (Amy Woo Flickr)                        (UK)
Sue (Me)                 (Mrs Twins)                                 (UK)
Jacquie                    (Bunny Mummy)                           (UK)

I would like to say that if you don't see your Square please bear with me. I seem to be colour co-ordinating! It will be shown. All Squares will be made into Blankets and donated to the Elderly.

Thank you 'Happy Saturday!'. Enjoy looking at the Squares!

Thursday 18 March 2010

Karin sends me Squares from the Netherlands. 'Lady Helsie sends Squares across the miles from Australia!' Thank you both! :)

Hi Everyone!

Postie arrived early this morning! Gosh I still get so....excited! I was just seeing my Daughter off to work and there on the porch carpet was a box. I saw the address had the Netherlands on the outside.

I opened the box and there was two packets of Squares. One batch for 'The Sunniest Sunshine Blanket Ever!' and the other batch was for the other Sunshine Blankets. Of course the brightest Squares were just perfect for our 'Sunshine Challenge'. I'm sure you know what that is by now. But the Challenge is that we are making 'The Sunniest Sunshine Blanket Ever!', now this was actually Karin's idea.

We are asking for the Sunniest Squares possible. They could be really bright colours, oranges, reds, yellows, etc., Or they could have a 'Sun' image. I for instance crocheted 'Little Miss Sunshine'. It can be anything related to the 'Sun'. Let's face it after all this snow we've all had we need something to lift our spirits. So let your imagination run riot with you!

When the Squares are sent to me at my Home address (sueatpigsty@talktalk.net for details). I will then make them up into a special 'Sunshine Blanket'. This will then be donated with the other Blankets to Nursing homes etc., around November time.

Are you up for the Challenge?

We need:
6" (15cms x 15cms) Knitted or Crocheted Squares.
Acrylic if possible (or anything else you have in your stash).
All Squares for this special 'Sunshine Blanket' have to have a 'Sun' theme.
Deadline for the 'Sun' Squares is 21st April.

But of course Squares can be made for the other Blankets and there is no deadline on those.

Karin also sent me some personal gifts, a blue and white apron, face mask, some choccies and a pretty card. There really was no need Karin as I have said, your help with the Squares alone is kind enough, without having to treat me too. I want to thank you for your kindness and your Squares are really pretty. I'm sure everyone will agree.


Hi ya! Please have a look at Karin's Beautiful Squares for the 'SIBOL' PROJECT! >


Karin's Squares from the Netherlands arrive today! Thank you so much Karin!

Well since writing this post about Karin. I have to say I have had another delivery this time by the Postie on foot! He comes around 12.45pm every day, bringing us the lighter weight stuff, you know those 'horrible' letters that you don't particularly want to open! Bills I mean, you'll all know about those. BUT amongst the letters was a package from 'Guess Who?' All the way from Australia. Yes, dear 'Lady Helsie'. Now thank you very much for the Squares. Helen loves Knitting but I think us Ladies are inspiring her because she is going to have some Crocheting lessons soon. Her Squares are lovely, such a nice Knitting pattern that she's used. Helen very kindly sent me a book on Brisbane too, there really was no need Helen but thank you very much. There surely are some beautiful spots in there. I will sit down quietly this evening and have a read through that.


Across the Miles from Australia. Thank you Lady Helsie! :)

Lady Helsie sent Squares from Australia this morning! Thank you so much!


I want everyone to see Karin and Helen's Squares in my Slide show now, I hope you enjoy and thank you both very much for your wonderful help.

Wednesday 17 March 2010

Does anyone want to help us make the 'Sunniest Sunshine Blanket Ever?! ' - Good News about 'SIBOL'. Pilar's Squares have arrived from Spain, please come over and have a look!

Hi Everyone!

I don't know whether anyone has signed up for  Rachel's Crochet Spot Newsletter. If you haven't I seriously hope you will go and check her site out. It's full of wonderful Crocheting information. She has articles on Charities, Tutorials, Patterns and lots of other great things. She even has a shop.

When I received the Newsletter yesterday she was asking whether anyone would like to be a 'Guest writer'.  You can write anything about Crocheting.  So I took the opportunity of writing an article about our 'Sunshine Blankets'.  She emailed me back today and has said that she will be posting the article in the next few weeks. So I'm hoping you 'll all pop across to her, get signed up, and then when the article is published you'll be able to read about our 2010 project.

I'm hoping this will get our project promoted and that we'll receive 'tons' of Squares.  I have warned Mr. Twins!

Can I just remind 'newbies' that I'm still making the 'Sunshine Blankets' for the Elderly.  Details are in the side bar of the requirements.

Also we have a special 'Sunshine Blanket' to make.  This one was suggested by Karin.  She wants us to make the 'Sunniest Sunshine Blanket Ever!'.  This has to have a 'Sun' theme.  It might be a brightly coloured Square, or even have a 'Sun' image crocheted on.  Let your imagination run riot with you! The Deadline is 21st April, so if you want to have a go please do. It's got to be a  6" Knitted or Crocheted Square, Acrylic if possible. Contact sueatpigsty@talktalk.net for my Home address. I'll be donating this special 'Sunshine Blanket' to a local Nursing home along with the other 'Sunshine Blankets' November time. 

I'm welcoming everyone that is new to 'Mrs. Twins' and  'SIBOL' and I hope you'll join us we're having a lot of fun over on 'SIBOL' showing the latest 'Sunshine Squares'. It's a 'team bloggin' effort and it really seems to be successful in the short amount of time we have been running. We now have 30 Followers.

Thank you.


Here's my 'Sunny Square again!'. I'm inviting anyone to join in the fun. Would you like to make a 'Sunny Square' for one of our 'Sunshine Blankets'. I hope you will pop over to my blogs and read about our challenge!'


Wonderful Squares arrived this morning from  Flickr Pertinitaco (Pilar)  in Spain aren't they beautiful?
Pilar has used some beautiful yarn in these Squares.  They have a great texture and they really are as bright as can be.  She's made 6 - 6" Squares and a beautiful 12" one too! Thanks so much for your help Pilar. I hope you enjoy looking at Pilar's Squares on the Slide show. Thank you!

Monday 15 March 2010

I've always liked Fans.

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all had a nice weekend.  I have to apologise if I'm a bit behind with things. I have been having trouble signing in and also I have a problem with my side bar. Bethel has given me some advice and I'm working on it. Thanks Bethel. She said my Blog roll is there 'right down the bottom'. Yes, that's right, right down into the deep blue sea! It is there, I just got to get it up to where it should be. Trouble is in Layout, everything is where it should be. I am wondering whether I have an error on one of my posts which is causing side stuff to go further down. 

Could I just say that please don't forget to try my 'Mrs Twins' - spin off blog. 'SIBOL'  This is a 'team blogging' effort. It seems to be such fun at the moment because we are getting new Followers every day.  This is where we are posting about the Blankets. So please check it out.

I thought I'd share my photos with you today.  Now I have to say the first photo I'm going to show you is really old. We're talking 30 years roughly. Mr. Twin and myself went off to London for the day long before we were married. We went to one of these Photographic Studios where they dress you up in the old clothes. Mr. Twin didn't want to of course, but I gently persuaded him. I treasure this photo.  Now it's not very good because I have all my old photos in a set frame on the hallway wall. I wasn't able to take the photos out, so I've got reflection on them. Sorry about that. I just want to point out the Fan I'm holding. Of course I didn't make anything of it at the time, but as my life goes on with my Husband I have noticed that Fan's seem to crop up strangely enough. I've cut him off I'm really sorry about that, but I find sharing 'my family' with the 'Whole wide World' a bit uncomfortable. I know you'll understand.
So this photo was taken in London.


I'm holding a Fan again!

When we married in June 1983, I decided I didn't want the traditional bouquet of flowers. I wanted something different. I remember writing up to a Wedding magazine and asking for a different idea. They suggested holding a Fan.  I remember going into town to try and find a Fan.  I bought one from a wonderful hat shop.  It didn't cost very much  and my local Florist attached beautiful fresh flowers for my Wedding Day.

Well here's Mrs Twins 27 years this June. I did love my Wedding Day!

Then when our Daughters were around 9 yrs of age. We went to the Granada TV Studios in Manchester. Once again I persuaded Mr Twins  'to dress up' something which he never took kindly too. Our Daughters must follow after him because for some reason that day they wasn't in the mood to dress up.  So they both stood at the side taking photos.  Well I'm pleased they did because this photo was taken by one of them. Here we are again dressed up and I'm  'holding a fan'.

This photo was taken at the Granada Studios in Manchester. I'm holding a Fan!

As I said we got married in 1983.  I have kept my Wedding dress and veil all these years upstairs in my wardrobe.  A while back when I was making my 'ripple' blankets I crocheted something without saying at the time. I decided to give my Wedding Fan a make over but with a bit of 'ripple' on it.  I crocheted some flowers and attached them on to the Fan.  So now rather than been stuck in my Wedding dress bag upstairs in my wardrobe. I have my Fan on show in my Conservatory.  I have been waiting for the better weather to come so that I can take a better photo.

Very strange to me how Fans have cropped up one way or another over the years, but I'm really pleased they have.

My Wedding Fan looking a bit battered! Well it is 27 years old. Time for a makeover!

'Before' photo. I've decided to give my Wedding Fan a make over!

I could have used more lightweight cotton, but I don't like working in it.

Getting out the Wedding Car 'with my fan!'.

My Wedding Fan (27 years later 2010)

Have a good week everyone!