Warm beautiful crocheted scarves! Karen V made the tan one with the design, the beautiful dark green, and the pretty pastel scarf. The multi-colored scarf top left and dark blue varigated scarf were made by someone in her sorority. A while back Karen and her group made a decision to help our cause and even those in her group who don't knit or crochet have purchased yarn to give those who who do knit and crochet. I love how things become a team effort. Together, I believe we can accomplish many things.

Many hands make the work lighter, and more enjoyable.

Thank you so much for your on going support, it's appreciated.
2010
Scarves 143
Hats 188
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

Socks

It's been awhile since I've posted about socks, so since I've gotten a few questions regarding socks thought it must be time for me to discuss socks. Socks are always needed, all 12 months of the year. When one lives outside in the elements, having dry feet can be quite a challenge. Even when it's not frigid, wet feet are uncomfortable. Having clean dry socks to change into can be such a blessing. Some of the folks living under the bridges might have opportunities to wash their socks; but even then getting them dry to put on again can be difficult.

When I've purchased socks I've gotten the bulk packs at Target, Sams, and Kohl's. If gotten white and dark colors. If you're busy and tight for time to knit or crochet; you can still lend a hand. Please consider donating a package of socks. They really are very appreciated.

2010
Scarves 143
Hats 188
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

For the Kids

Thank you James, what a wonderful donation this is. I always admire your knitting skills. The sweater and hat set are going to make someone really really happy. I love the two sided hat. Did you knit that in the round, changing color half way through and decrease both ends? I'm trying to visualize the method.

And the blue and green hat with the design....oh if someday I could knit that like that! These are going to the clinic for the kids, thank you for your ongoing support and thoughtful donation.

Everytime I open a donation from you all I am giddy. You are all amazing. Thank you!

2010
Scarves 141+2=143
Hats 185+3=188
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs


2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

Stripes of this and that on the needles

I don't usually photograph and show you something in the works; but felt I would this time for several reason. Firstly, this is the start of a afghan which is being knitted with odds and ends; many of which are left over's or donated from lots of wonderful people. Ok, that's not particularly news worthy, we all often use our stash, our odd's and ends. However, this is a little different because it will be a ghan; not a hat, not a pair of mittens, and not a scarf. It is though still an item to be used for charity..........AND it is still an homeless charity at that.

I wanted to tell you all about this charity; not to have you stop making hats, mittens, and scarves. PLEASE KEEP THOSE COMING. But, because I've just added an additional badge to this blog (or did a few days ago), and wondered if you all had seen it? It's a poster I've always LOVED. Rosie The Riveter. The spirit of that poster always makes me think what fabulous things women did when The Men were off fighting World War II. But, I'm getting off track and there's quite a story there.

If you click on the Badge you will be taken to their webpage, Pine Street. They take care of folks on the street, like we do; but they also house homeless. They get some folks off the street and when they get a place to live are given a house warming gift of a hand made afghan. The ghans are knitted and crocheted from 9 inch squares that are put together specifically for these folks to encourage them to continue to stay off the streets. It's a wonderful program worthy of our support. When you have yarn left after making hats, scarves, mittens etc...why not make a square or two?

This can be done individually, or if you like you can send your squares to me and I'll mail in mass as our group donation. Let me know your thoughts, and please take a minute to review their webpage.

Now a wee bit of history on this diagonal ghan I've started. The tan is from Rae's mother donation, the red from my stash, and the blue textured yarn is the same yarn I used to make a scarf with the yarn donation from Bunny. So, as I continue to work on this ghan, I'll continue to let you know how it progresses, and what each strip represents.
2010
Scarves 141
Hats 185
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

More lovely Hats

Let's clap for Alma! Look at the hat on the right, she knitted it on a loom. I remember reading on her blog that she was not going to let that loom beat her; and by George she persevered and we have this nice hat for our homeless! Well done Alma. The pretty blue on the left is crocheted. Thanks Alma for your ongoing support of our cause. We appreciate all your efforts.

Hugs and keep up the good work!

Please stop over and see Alma, she's going to town both with her yarn and her blog.

2010
Scarves 141
Hats 183+2=185
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

Why, part II

Why? Part One Here, please read if you missed it.

Why, part II? Because this man served his country for you, and for me; and now he needs our help. This man is not alone. Veterans makes up a huge portion of our Homeless across the country. He served us, and now it is our duty to return the service.

Please join us, help us give back to those that gave so much for us.


2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

Let's start at the very beginning

Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start, when you sing you begin with ....

Sing along, sing loud, and sing proud!

Now, since we're talking about beginnings, did you know when-where-or why scarves were first used?

I didn't, but this what I found out. Sudarium is the Latin word for sweat cloth. Back in Roman days Men used small linen clothes to wipe the sweat from their faces. The quality of the cloth denoted the man's station in life. Shortly thereafter they were worn as a fashion statement; by Men. They became more decorative.

The French really took hold and called them cravats, from the Crotian word Kravata. The French wore them around the neck, around the writs, around the waste. Soon they were made of all different sorts of fibers. Ultimately the women got involved, and the wearing of a scarf was a symbol of class and style.

The warmest scarves are made of wool, a natural fiber that breathes allowing the sweat to flow out and the warmth to remain.

The scarf has surely come a long way. Now, yes it's stylish; but wrapping it around one's throat, mouth and shoulders wards off the nasty elements and can make a difference in life of a cold, hungry homeless man, women, or child.

Grab your yarn, your hook, your knitting needles and your loom and get busy!


2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

Teaming it up, Thanks to Bunny

This is the first of items made from Bunny's yarn donation. I knitted this lengthwise with 2 strands of Bernat Illusions and size 19 knitting needles. I often don't add fringe to scarves; but felt this one needed it. The scarf is thick and spongy with lots of texture. I like the end result with the texture; though it is a bit difficult to work with. The texture makes it sorta grabby and therefore it doesn't slid easily on the needles. Knitting it lengthwise I think shows the yarns texture well.

And so...........this is what I call teaming it up. Bunny provided the yarn, and I made the scarf. Together I believe people can do almost anything.

Together you, you, and YOU make an unbeatable Team. Give yourself a high five and keep up the good work team. Let's get warmed up with a few stretches before we grab our gear.


2010
Scarves 140+1=141
Hats 183
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

The Smurfs would say Scarfin it up

The Smurfs and Gail B have something in common, they're scarfin it up! Look at this beautiful collection of crocheted scarves. Some are made with single crochet, some with double crochet, and I think a couple of half double crochet. Different colors, different lengths and widths to cover a variety of sizes/ages of those homeless they will keep warm.

Click on the picture to enlarge, I really LOVE the unusual colored pinkish-gold one. It has such a nice texture to it. Is it two strands of yarn Gail? Or is that the type of yarn? Very cool!

Many thanks for these 9 scarves, 9 more cold homeless people will be warmer thanks to you.
2010
Scarves 131+9=140
Hats 183
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

**stay turned, the first round of Bunny's yarn has been used.

Doubled it up, Darling Daughter

Double yarn, the Lion Brand Homespun (black) is from the donated yarn from my Darling Daughter. This scarf is the 3rd one I've knitted from the yarn she donated. The blue, mauve-rust, purple, and tanish yarns all from my stash are knitted worsted yarn. Some I had on hand and some donated by Rae's Mother. The center is the blue, though I think that's hard to see in the picture. I used size 13 knitting needles since I was using the two strands of yarn. It's super thick and should be nice and warm to help keep a homeless person warmer.

Though we do now have spring flowers growing and trees blooming here in Central Ohio, the homeless are indeed still cold and in need. I'm sitting here in the house with a fleece on; so you can imagine how cold they are outside without a roof over their heads. We still have frost most nights, and lots of dampness along with strong winds. It will probably be 2 more months before they aren't in need of warm items to help protect them from the elements. So, PLEASE keep those hands busy with hooks, needles, and looms.

And remember, we collect items all year long, all 12 months of the year.

Thanks for all you do.

**pop back to see what Gail contributed. Picture will be up in a few days.

2010
Scarves 130+1=131
Hats 183
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

I've been asked Why?

I've been asked Why? I've been asked why knit and crochet and give away my hard work? Why spend time organizing others to do the same. I've been asked why not sell your stuff and make money?

No doubt, if you're reading this you've been asked that too, a time or two. The answers may vary a bit for all of us. But, the biggest why is because I can. To elaborate-- I'm blessed enough to be able to, and therefore I should. I've been given the talent to do things with my hands; and so am giving back what I can. I'm lucky enough to have a roof over my head, a job, food to eat, and loved ones who care for me. Yes I still make a few things for my family and myself; but so many others need so much more. Maybe I'm selfish, because I think I gain as much when I give as those who are at the receiving end. It does make me feel good.

I give, because I can.

I give because
images like this pull at my heart strings. Images like this bother me. This women is someone's daughter, someone's sister, someone's, cousin, perhaps someone's wife. This wee babe, needs a fighting chance.

Why do you give?
If you're new to this site, please read about our cause. We knit, we crochet, we loom. We make hats, mittens, and scarves. We donate everything to homeless, to people being treated in free clinics in desperate circumstances. We warm children, women, and men. We do what we can. Won't you join us?

**pop back working with yarn donated by my Darling Daughter, and Bunny
2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

Donated Yarn!!!!

Homespun and Bernat Illusions Yarn donated by Dear Bunny. Not 100% certain yet how I want to utilize your donation; got my thinking cap on and will keep ya posted when I make something from your thoughtful donation. Thanks bunches Bunny!

The Bernat Illusions is highly textured so I think it will work up better knitted vs. crocheted. Or at least that's my thought at the moment. lol We'll see how that goes.

Again many thanks!
2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

Manly Scarf 2

I seemed to have lost the picture I took when this scarf was completed and it's already been passed along, so here it is when it was still on the needles. This is the 2nd black scarf from the yarn Darling Daughter gave (Homespun). It's a bit wider then the first scarf; and will probably be just a bit shorter as a result. Trying to do one skein scarf.

2010
Scarves 129+1=130
Hats 183
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

Here Come's Peter Cotton Tail....

Beautiful, beautiful as always. Bunny thanks so much for your continued support of the homeless and wonderful donations. The white hat is knitted as is the fun pink-purple scarf; and the other hats are crocheted. Bunny's work is always fabulous folks. Hop over to her blog (hehe, hop Bunny and it's Easter as I write this); and look at her wonderful creations.

Still haven't found Brodie Jo....would love to; anyone know this person?

It is finally warming up here in central Ohio during the day; but the nights are still cold. Most mornings I see frost on the ground; so your efforts to warm these homeless folks is still very much needed. Please keep looming, crocheting, and knitting. Busy hands are happy hands, and I truly appreciate each and every one of you and your happy hands!

Happy Easter

2010
Scarves 128+1=129
Hats 178+5=183
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

Better than an Easter Egg Hunt, warming the homeless!

No surprises here look at these hats and scarves crocheted by Sandie. The 2 ton green and black scarf is doubled..crocheted with 2 strans of yarn for extra warmth. Great colors and sizes. Everyday is like Christmas here when I open beautiful hats, scarves, and mittens from you all. Thank you, thank you Sandie as always we're lucky to have you help our cause.

I appreciate you all so very much, and I know all your items knit or crocheted with love and concern for others truly make an empack on those in need.

Thank you all for helping to warm the homeless, keep up the good work and Happy Easter.

2010
Scarves 125+3=128
Hats 175+3=178
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

Hey Knitters

For the knitters among us who want to try their hand at crochet, here's a very basic beginning. Everything in crochet is started with a chain stitch, so I found this video in case you want to give it a try. I found several actually; but many don't show and explain as well as I believe this one does.

Let me know if you want to give this a try. Next time I'll post the next step in crocheting which is the single crochet. The single crochet can be helpful to make an edge on anything you knit, regardless if you're knitting for yourself or for the homeless.



2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008