I joined a group on Ravelry back in August 2013 called the Global Square Exchange. It is a fab group of ladies from all around the world who swap squares both crochet and knitted… the beauty of this group is that there is no pressure or time deadlines and you can just dip in and out as life lets you… which gives the whole group a really relaxed feeling, which is definatley what I like about it the most.
So off I went about swapping squares from all around the world. Some from very far away…..
some from a bit closer to home!
Squares from all arond the Globe, India, Australia, USA, Germany and Finland as well as the UK.
My only request was any colours, any design! Which was a big thing for me as I love to plan out colours and designs and keep lists and make lists and generally be in CONTROL!!
I cant describe the lovely excitement that rises in you when the postman drops that little parcel through your door, or how a carefully placed parcel on the kitchen table enthuses your energy after a long day at work. It is joyful!
To see what has been created lovingly especially for you, each square stitched and parcelled up, sometimes with extra goodies such as tea/ coffee, postcards or a little letter, stitch markers, ribbon, buttons, recipies, bookmarks, patterns, pens, stickers for the boys and sometimes even yarn itself, caused me to feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
I think too, I should mention how oozingly happy it is to make someone a parcel also. To send it off and then to wait to hear that it arrived and that its owner is as delighted as you are. So all round happiness. Everyone could use some more of that!
Slowly my squares were accumlating in number and I stored them in an allocated basket, wandering honestly if I would ever put them together, or if I would ever have enough to make a blanket. I decided I wished to make a camping blanket as if I’m honest, I thought that the randomness of the squares, although individually beautiful, would not coordinate into a handsome blanket, so a tent may be the perfect place for such an object, where usefulness succeeds prettiness. HOW WRONG WAS I!!!
I honestly dont think I ever imagined that random squares could make such a beautiful blanket, not only is it beautiful, it is quirky, bespoke, and totally gorgous!…. I am definatley taking it camping, and then definatley keeping it on show and snuggling in it!
This blanket has become very special to me…. perhaps because it has connected me with people around the world whom I shall never meet, but who have become special to me through this project. And I have learned that planning and order have their place…. but actually to surround myself with the things that I love, whether they match or not makes my life richer x
Crochet blog 
What a delightful post to read! I’m chuffed that your blanket has turn out so lovely! Looks very cozy! x
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Thanks skoggy… it’s all down to you x
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This is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. You must be very proud!
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thank you Cheryl… I do love it, it’s a very special blanket x
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Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon on a
daily basis. It’s always helpful to read through content from other writers and use something from their web sites.
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This is really inspiring. How I wish there are still groups like this out there. I’d love to join in 🙂
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If you are a member of ravelry (if not it’s easy to join and free!) then you can join the GSE group and begin swapping squares straight away. It is so much fun to do. I think there is a link in the post to the group, but as I say you would have to join Ravelry to access it :)….just checked there wasn’t a link, but I have just added one in the post so you can go and take a peek xx
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Thank you so much! I’m a ravelry member already. I’ll check it out! Excited to start!:)
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fabulous… I know you will enjoy it as much as I did… I use my blanket all the time and I just love it x
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Gredtings from Idaho! I’m bored aat work so I decided
to check ouut your website on my iphone during lunch break.
I enjoy the knowledge you present here and can’t wait to take a
look when I get home. I’m surpised at how fast your blog loaddd on my mobile ..
I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, excellent site!
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Thanks for stopping by… I’m glad you liked it here, hopefully it made your lunch break feel longer and your Monday a little shorter xx
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I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly.
I’m quite certain I will learn plenty of new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!
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My spouse and I stumbled over here from a different web address and thought I should check things out.
I like what I seee so i am just fkllowing you. Lookk
forward to looking over your web page for a second time.
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How absolutely wonderful! I would have loved to be a part of this! How did I miss it!!! Simply gorgeous! I shall use it as inspiration for a blanket I will be making from donated squares for the 67 Blankets for Mandela Project https://www.facebook.com/groups/67blanketsnelsonmandeladay/
regards, Charlene
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I will have to take a look at that project….you can still make a friendship blanket as the group is still active on Ravelry….there should be a link thing in my post but if not the group is called the global square exchange
Xx
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