Top 100, this is sooooooo AWESOME

*****Only 3 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW*****

Looky! I applied awhile back for this award/link and am thrilled to say we've been approved. Bridge and Beyond is now listed as one of the top 100 crochet and knitting sites. Many thanks to you all for keeping this site going, for spreading the word and increases the number of people we can help, one stitch at a time.


I've added the badge to our sidebar and if you click here or there you'll be taken to the site. Now because I often don't totally understand all techy things, I need some help getting our banner to be displayed. Anyone know how to do that? I know how to add a picture from my computer and then add the url; but the space there only has a spot for the url? Help please and thanks.

*****Only 3 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW*****

2010
Scarves 174
Hats 288
Mittens 38
Socks 59

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

Tipping my hat!

*****Only 4 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW*****


Two wonderful hats, thank you Joyce! Joyce crocheted these nice soft hats. I'm not sure what type of yarn they are but they feel wonderful. Two lucky people will be warmer and more stylish! I believe she's used back loop here to give such a nice ribbing effect.

Joyce is from my memory our 2nd fabulous crocheter from the state of Louisiana. Tipping my hat to you, Joyce. Many many thanks for your thoughtful donation. It is greatly appreciated.

*****Only 4 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW*****

2010
Scarves 174
Hats 286+2=288
Mittens 38
Socks 59

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

French Mittens, and Hats

*****Only 5 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW*****

This donation comes to us all the way from France! Seriously, the country France, the one across the big water!! Thank you Sacha. I met Sacha recently on The Hive and am thrilled to say this is the 2nd helping hand for our homeless we've gotten through connections on The Hive. YIPPEE!

All items are knitted. Sacha sent 4 pairs of mittens, 4 hats, and one headband.

Hope everyone is enjoying summer as it's nearing an end, busy with yarn and needles and hooks, and hope you all know how much your hard work is needed and appreciated. Remember every single item keeps someone warm, gives someone hope. There is no donation too small.


*****Only 5 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW*****

2010
Scarves 174
Hats 282+4=286
Mittens 34+4=38
Socks 59

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

Thank You Sandie in Florida

*****Only 6 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW*****

Sandie in Florida found us through our listing on knittingforcharity.org. YIPPEE. We've gotten help from that listing before which makes me feel good.

Sandie loomed 15 hats of varies sizes, and very cool colors. You're gonna have to take my word for how cool they were, cause I had a picture snafu. No clue where my picture went. It was on the camera, but it didn't get transferred correctly to the computer. Meanwhile one I had previously posted, and deleted is somehow still on the card??? Argh.

I was able with the variety of sizes to put some hats in the bags for the kids at the clinic and some for the homeless folks under the bridge. The items have already been passed on, so therefore I'm not able to get another photo.

Many thanks Sandie for your thoughtful donation. We're happy to have you join us and look forward to more of your generous donations.

Edited to add
SAVED, thank you Sandie. I sent an email asking if she had taken a picture and thankfully she did so here's Sandie's picture of her awesome hats.
*****Only 6 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW*****

2010
Scarves 174
Hats 267+15=282
Mittens 34
Socks 59

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

Hello and Thank You, High School Friend

***Only 7 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW***

Firstly, let me apologize for the wacky photo. I cropped things that shouldn't be in the picture but wasn't able to do a very good job of it. (well actually I couldn't figure out to crop just the part I wanted so I erased them)

Hello HS Friend Donna. I graduated way way back in the dark ages, 1969 from high school. Through the beauty of the internet and social groups on Facebook I've been having a great time connecting with my former classmates. Donna and I re-connected and she offered to help our cause. YIPPEE! She knits, as does her 91 year old mother. How cool is that. Bright pink, light pink, and Tangerine colored scarves were knitted by Donna's mother, Helen. Thank you Helen! The other 5 scarves Donna knitted.

We met for lunch which was great. We spent some time catching up, had a nice lunch and she passed these 8 scarves along to me. They've already made the next leg of their journey. I handed them off yesterday (well this past Sunday, cause this is a scheduled post so by the time you read it...).

Welcome to the group Donna, we're happy to have ya. She's already working on another scarf, can you see me smiling?

We both had a yummy salad.

We're both looking forward to getting together again.

***Only 7 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW***
2010
Scarves 174+8=182
Hats 267
Mittens 34
Socks 59


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

Cyndy's Soap

***Only 8 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW***

24 Bars of fabulous, wonderful soap. Soap might not be something you think of everyday; but it's something we use everyday....multiple times a day in fact. You have soap at the kitchen sink, beside the bathroom sink, in the shower, and probably by the washer and dryer. If you're homeless, you don't really have that luxury. Think how good you feel when you get out of the shower. Ahhhhhhhhh. Sometimes the shower helps wake you up, sometimes it soothes tired sore muscles, sometimes it cools you off, sometimes it helps with the pain and stiffness of Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. None of these situations exist if you're homeless.

Sometimes our folks living under the bridge have the ability to clean up, but to do so; they need soap. Periodically I've put together packages of soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, lip balm and other things to help them have a day or two of feeling better.

I am thrilled and believe they will be too. Cyndy from Straddle Creek Shop whom I became acquainted with because of The Hive makes handmade soap and has graciously donated 24 bars of her wonderful soap for our homeless folks in need. I will be adding this to personal care packages.

I hope you'll hop over and check out her webpage, order yourself some of her fabulous soaps. Particularly anyone with sensitive skin, or those interested in chemical free products.

Thank you Cyndy for your generosity.
***Only 8 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW***

2010
Scarves 174
Hats 267
Mittens 34
Socks 59

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

Lovely Knitted Hats

***Only 9 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW***
11 Lovely Knitted hats for our our homeless and folks in needs. WOW, thank you Sandra. The kids are gonna love these adorable warm hats. I'm particularly fond of the spiral stripes and must look into what pattern that is. I've added Sandra's blog link to our blog log, hope over and say hi. I'm sure you'll enjoy your visit at Thistle Cove Farms was Sandra knits, spins, cooks and many other things.
Thank you also Sandra for yarn donation. I've already begun knitting with the pink. It's 3 ply, so a bit lighter weight. At the moment I think it's headed to be a baby blanket for one of a couple charities, depending on it's finished size. If not a baby blanket, I believe it would make a wonderful Kidney Kozy.

Many thanks for your thoughtful donations.

Keep up the good work, one and all. Busy hooks and needles and happy hooks and needles; and you know the cold weather will be upon all too soon.

***CLICK TO ENTER THE CONTEST, only 9 blog posts left!!***

2010
Scarves 174
Hats 256+11=267
Mittens 34
Socks 59

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

Anne Crochets for the Homeless

Look how adorable these little mittens are! Had to get a close up picture for you. Anne G, our newest member sent a box full of lovely goodies the other day.
Hats, hooded scarves, and mittens. You know how excited I get when we get mittens. I bet you can see me clapping! She's got a wonderful selection of colors and lots of different sizes here. I was able to separate hats and mittens for the homeless under the Bridge (adult sizes), and some for the cold kids and Mom's treated at the two clinics. So many beautiful items here to warm and help so many. Anne G, you rock!

There never seems enough time to make as many things as we want or need; but we keep at it one day, one item, one stitch at a time. Remember YOU ALL truly are appreciated and YOU ALL do indeed make a difference.

Thank You, Thank You.
2 hooded scarves, 8 hats, and 15 pairs of mittens.

Many many thanks Anne and welcome to the group. We're happy to have you and your crocheted goodies.

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE CONTEST AND WIN FREE YARN, ONLY 10 POSTS LEFT TIL WE HIT THE BIG MILESTONE OF 200 BLOG POSTS!!


2010
Scarves 172+2=174
Hats 248+8=256
Mittens 19+15=34
Socks 59

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

Our Friends at Pine Street

Above crocheted afghan is now done and mailed. You've seen this in a couple of stages. This is made up of squares and rectangles (various sizes) from my DD, Sandie and her DD Kate, Alma and several from anonymous givers from previous groups that disbanned and sent me their odds and ends. It measured about 56 x 52. I had the cream I did the initial edging with in my stash; and the navy came to me about a week ago from Emily (on RAV) who was de-stashing.


This corner to corner afghan is knitted. Actually my first knitted ghan. Believe it measured right around 48 x 48. The yarn in this ghan came from a variety of people before making it to my stash. Donated yarn from my DD, Bunny, and Rae's mother. Lydia and Tony bought me yarn in exchange for me helping them out, one with genealogy and one for making a blanket for a grandchild. In addition to the above 2 ghans, I mailed a few 9 x 9 squares that Alma and I made to our Friends at Pine Street. These will be used as housewarming gifts for homeless who will have a roof over their heads. What a cause to celebrate.

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE CONTEST AND WIN FREE YARN, ONLY 11 POSTS LEFT TIL WE HIT THE BIG MILESTONE OF 200 BLOG POSTS!!

2010
Scarves 172
Hats 205+43=248
Mittens 19
Socks 59

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

A Soapy Connection

ONLY 12 POST LEFT BEFORE THE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN, LINK FOR BLOG CONTEST FOLLOWING THIS POST

Through The Hive ( click here to you read my previous post), I've met Cyndy. Allow me to introduce her to you. Cyndy makes soap. She loves all forms of crafting; but is especially fond of old time homesteading types of crafts. Certainly making soap is that.

She is in the process of donating some of her fabulous handmade soap for our friends in need under The Bridge. You may recall how I periodically put together soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and other personal care items to accompanying our much need hats, scarves, and mittens. I'm thrilled. Not only is she big hearted by donating, but this soap is made from all natural materials no chemicals and is therefore healthy for our skin (and there's). Cyndy started her soap hobby back in 2003, and in 2009 it grew into a business. She grows her own ingredients in her garden in Northwest Illinois. She and her family personally use everything they make. Please visit her webpage to see all the wonderful handmade soaps available, be sure and tell her Sandy sent ya.

Welcome to our team of people helping the homeless here in Central Ohio, Cyndy. I'm so happy we've connected because of The Hive


**Still time to enter yourself for the free yarn give away** Click on Still time for the info on the contest
**Stay tuned for final pictures of the 2 ghans going out in the mail tomorrow for Pine Street
****Donation pending from Anne
2010
Scarves 172
Hats 205+43=248
Mittens 19
Socks 59

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

Our Homeless Friends need Helping Hands

Have you noticed this new Icon/Badge in my side bar? I hope so. The Hive is a new place to hang out, make connections, and have fun. By making connections I mean connect with other cool crafters like yourself. Some knit, some crochet, some mold clay, some sew, some work with wood, others paint, others bead and on and on and on. Some are hobbyist like me, others professionals, some are artist, others are manufacturers. It's new, it's fun, it's easy.

Always looking for ways to spread the sad news that homelessness exists, and the happy news that we can and DO, make those who are homeless a little more comfortable. We strive to make them realize they are not forgotten. We strive to make their lives better, one stitch at a time. AND we do, each and every day with hats, mittens, and scarves lovingly knitted, loomed, or crocheted by caring crafters. I've joined The Hive.

You can too. Click on the Badge in my side bar, or the Red Words The Hive above. Join, have fun, help me spread the need for more helping hands to help us help the homeless. You can do more then that too. You can enjoy seeing what others work on, you can connect via blogs with folks who share some of your other hobbies. I know most of you do more then crochet or knit. I know many of you try to balance selling your beautiful hand crafts as well as spend your time donating to worthy causes. You can promote your ware's there also.

If you join, be sure and tell them Sandy sent you, and don't forget to connect as followers there.

Corner to Corner Ghan is done, for our friends at Pine Street, and Bit's of this (stage 1 HERE) and that is in it's last stages. I'm hoping to finish it in the next day or so.
You can see once I edge everything to even up sizing a bit with off white (in the previous picture, stage 2 Here), I decided it needed a little something else. Sections of similar sized areas were edged with navy, working now on connecting those pieces then will decide about some final edging. I think the projects changed quite a bit as it's progressed.

**Still time to enter yourself for the free yarn give away**
2010
Scarves 172
Hats 205+43=248
Mittens 19
Socks 59

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

Edging and piecing together

This is the second stage, stage I here. You can see it's coming together a bit more now that things are edged, or in this picture almost edged. Some squares and rectangles reguired 2 rounds, some 3 and some only 1 to make them fit. Several required a bit more than that. But, it's working. I had taken this photo a couple of days ago so am actually now further along in that this part of the edging is done. It's actually now more pieced together. Will keep you posted. My goal is to finish this in the next couple of days in order to get the 2 ghans out in the mail together to Pine Street. Goal...might not make it, but it's the goal I'm working towards.

**You still have time to get yourself entered in the blog contest and win free yarn.
2010
Scarves 172
Hats 205+43=248
Mittens 19
Socks 59

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

Before Blocking a Knitted Afghan

This is my completed corner to corner ghan. My first knitted ghan. I do enjoy knitting; but typically crochet ghans. This ghan is knitted corner to corner using the very basic dish cloth pattern starting out with casting on 4 stitches and ending up with 4 stitches before the bind off. I meant to count how many stitches were on the middle row before I began my decease but didn't. Knitting always requires blocking while crochet usually doesn't. One of the reason's I tend to crochet ghans more then knit them. However, I like the mindless ease of the corner to corner ghan and even when just using the basic stitch think the corner to corner business adds to the over all design of a ghan, adds interest I think. It also makes using up odds and ends easier as you don't have to worry about having enough yarn to make really long rows all the time. I didn't count the number of rows before changing colors, changed when I felt like it, or when the yarn looked like it might be running out. You can see some of the colors were repeated, some not. Even where the colors repeated, I might have stopped because I was at the end of that ball. Sometimes you have multiple little balls of the same color.

A good portion of this yarn was from my stash, some was donated by Dear Bunny, some from my DD, some from Rae's Mother, some from Lydia, and some from Tony. So, while I did the knitting, it seemed like a group project to me.

After putting it in the laundry, I blocked it for several days while I was working on the Bits of this and that ghan which will also be for our friends over at Pine Street.

**You still have time to get yourself entered in the blog contest and win free yarn.


2010
Scarves 172
Hats 205+43=248
Mittens 19
Socks 59

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