Mission Statement

Operations for Bridge and Beyond will cease on Dec 31, 2021, last mailing date should be Dec 24th

GOAL FOR AFGHANS

Afghans
Goal: 30
Start: #24
Current: 26
0.8666%
START
END

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Helping Hands

Helping hands are always appreciated. If you've been a reader here on the blog previously, you no doubt are aware we have helping hands behind the scenes. Helping hands that don't necessarily knit and crochet. I thought I tell you a bit about them, as we have many new readers here that may not yet be aware. We have our good friend Rae. Rae with a couple of ladies from church prepare hot meals on Saturday mornings to distribute to those living under the bridges, living outdoors-homeless here in Ohio. Rae delivers our hand knit, crocheted, and loomed hats, scarves, and mittens (and store bought socks) at the same time she distributes her hot meals to those in need. Additionally, she works in 2 free clinics and hand delivers are hand made items there to mothers and children.

My brother Chuck, and SIL Jan often provide a storage place for me and our knitted and crocheted items of warmth. I delivery bags of wonderful goodies from you to them, who deliver them to Rae; as they belong to the same church. This saves me time and space and is greatly appreciated.  The less time I spend running items around, the more time I have to talk with you here about them, to knit and crochet myself, and to promote the need.

A while back I met a woman named Lynn at a Sausage Party. She also feeds the homeless and those in need through Holy Family. She picks up donations from me and delivers them on her weekly volunteer days to Holy Family. Again giving a hot meal and hand knit or crocheted hats, scarves, mittens, slippers to those without. Those in need of warmth both physically and emotionally. I appreciate her time and effort helping us reach those in need, while saving me much needed time.

I'm able to make deliverys to Faith Mission on a more regular basis with the help they provide above. Faith Mission provides temporary housing for Mothers and Children who've been abused and or homeless as they work to get them into permanent housing and become more stable; as well as night by night shelter for men in a separate location. I make deliveries with your thoughtful donations to both of these facilities. The squares provided by you, through Give a Square; assembled into afghans go to Nancy's Place at Faith Mission for those Mother's and their children. While Give a Square is currently dormant, I am continuing to make and deliver afghans in addition to hats, mittens, scarves, and slippers.

Thank you to all our helping hands, those with and without yarn in them.

**April's focus will be unveiled tomorrow, please check in.**

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Milestones, and Where We've Come From

WOW, as of the writing of this post (remember their scheduled ahead and in que), we're only 16 posts away from blog post 400! Wow, what a milestone from the beginning of this blog. That many blog posts represents so much to me and I hope it does to you as well. It represents the number of wonderful big hearted knitters, crocheters, and loomers out there giving of themselves to help others. That makes me feel very warm inside. Surely it does you as well.

As of the writing of this blog posts there were 144 followers of this blog. Are you one? If not, would you pop up there and add yourself (fellow bloggers).

Where we've come from
I've often posted information about how many members, how many donations etc we've had at a given point and time, which shows how we've grown. But, the other day I received an email which I think represents where we've come from in a different manner and wanted to share it's thought with you. The other day I received an apology from someone who'd asked for my address, as she planned to donate, but ended up not donating (thus the apology).  She was encouraged by what she saw here from caring people like yourselves to look in her community for a way of helping. She hails from the state of Oregon. I don't have the state of Oregon listed as a state where donations have come from (though someone might have before we started documenting that). Would have been nice to add that state, however....she has no need to apologize. She's found a need, a homeless situation in fact in her area. One she was unaware of before. She is still helping, just there and not here. Opening someone's eyes to what they can do to help someone....anywhere is in fact a signal, I believe in how far we've come. Margi if you're reading this, the very best of luck to you in your endeavors.  If you get to the point where you have a blog or webpage or something along that line, please sing.  I'd be happy to add a link here to help support your cause.  Regardless of wear homelessness exists, it hurts.  Some climates perhaps are harder then others on folks living in the elements, but many people are in need.  We all must do what we can, when we can.

There are many ways to help, certainly by knitting and crocheting, but don't forget if you're not a crafter, you CAN still help. You can blog about the cause, you can tell friends and neighbors and co-workers. You can print and post flyers (see tab across top of the blog). You can send socks (though Sock it to Me Month is about over, we collect socks ALL YEAR LONG). You can visit, read, and comment frequently here on the blog to help encourage those doing the knitting and crocheting and improve the blogs SEO. You can explore your community and lend a hand, perhaps at a local food bank or soup kitchen. Giving of yourself, your time, your talent is a very rewarding life. The men, women, and children who are homeless-cold and hungry NEED YOU.





2011

Scarves 167
Hats 236
Mittens (gloves)59
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 13
Squares 188
Sweaters 5

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Scarves Galore

Thank you Gail B from VA four your wonderful and thoughtful donation of 15 scarves and 3 hats. I'm sad to say the photo of your donation was one of those eaten by the computer. (see yesterday's post please)_. Thank you also for helping me with the location in your state of Virginia I was having trouble identifying/reading. All are appreciated. I am sorry I don't have a picture for you all to see of her donation. Looked a bit more since yesterday in hopes I'd find those missing photo's, but....no luck.

Sock it to Me Month will soon be over, and April will kick off our focus on rain. Though if you're in Ohio you probably wonder how we could possibly have more than we've already had.

2011

Scarves 152+15=167
Hats 233+3=236
Mittens (gloves)59
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 13
Squares 188
Sweaters 5

Can you help spread the word by printing a flyer or two? Please check tabs across the top of the blog and add a flyer to your church's bulletin board, your office bulletin board or other area's you deem to be appropriate.

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Where Did the picture go?

3 wonderful pairs of crocheted mittens were donated by Jodi from Pa. She's donated before and we're thrilled to have her continued support. Though I know I took a picture, it's been eaten I believe by the computer. It's possible I may at some point find it, but to date, I can't find it in any of the appropriate files. I had major computer updates the day before and am missing several photo's. I assume (though am not techy enough to know for sure), it got lost with multiple updates. When I got back in town, had multiple windows open on the computer indicating windows had updated, as did Adobe, and Java, and something else. Geesssssssssss.

I'm frustrated as I've spent a fair amount of time looking for the pictures I know I took. Even have them marked off my check list. They've already been donated or I would shoot another photo. As you know, blog posts are written ahead and scheduled in que, then I add pictures to several posts at a time. This happened once before to me, so I may have to alter my routine.

I can tell you the mittens were wonderfully made, nice and thick and warm. They were one of the patterns you crochet into the back loop only of single crochets and make the mitten flat with gathers at the wrists for a nice cuff and sew around the edge to create the full mitten.

Many thanks Jodi, I know your mittens were well received and am sorry I don't have the photo here to show everyone how nice they were. In addition, Jodi donated 6 pairs of socks for Sock it to Me Month!

**Still a few days left for Sock it to Me!**

2011
Scarves 152
Hats 233
Mittens (gloves)56+3=59
Socks 56+6=62
Slippers 34
Ghans 13
Squares 188
Sweaters 5

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Kaleidoscope Afghan for Faith Mission Design

Step One is designing afghans from your donated squares and rectangles. So...here's another step one with squares from Joy and MarieAnne. Every other row is the way I see this coming together, currently; though sometimes when I begin edging I change my mind a bit. The larger squares are Joy's and the smaller squares are MarieAnne. So many colors I've named this one Kaleidoscope. Debating currently whether to edge with light blue or black. Will check my stash when I get to this point and see which I like best and which I have the right amount of yarn. Feel free though to toss your idea into the ring here. Black is pretty traditional, as it off white and to date have been the 2 colors I've used least with the ghans we're donating to Faith Mission from squares from Give a Square.

**Editing this, since the time this post was written and in que, I've given it more thought, and hit a good yarn sale. Caron pounder normally 7.99 on sale for 5.99. So, I nabbed a black. Though I had a fair amount of black, it wasn't all the same black. I know you all know what I mean by that. So....instead of using my stash, I'm adding to it again. lol Leaning towards using black now, but even if I change my mind again before actually edging...the black will never go to waste. It will be used.

2011
Scarves 152
Hats 233
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 34
Ghans 13
Squares 188
Sweaters 5

Staying busy edging, joining, and designing afghans, keep checking in folks to see the progress. Cold continues to be the norm here in Central Ohio, so your warm items are still very much needed. Keep those hooks, and needles busy. We love busy hands, and remember busy hands are happy hands.


All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Designing Afghans for Faith Mission

Little Princess Afghan DesignBright Pink (hot pink), bright blue, and a variegated mix of same laid out here in a pretty traditional design (most unusual for me, lol) with colors going diagonally. These crocheted squares were all donated by our friend Liz (minnesoda in the Ville). Most of you know I like to name ghans and have dubbed this one, "Little Princess". I can see a little girl loving this, after all the colors are perfect for a young girl. With 25 squares here, the size should also be a wonderful size for a young girl to curl up under. I'll be adding borders to each square before joining which will increase the size some, and currently am thinking of a wider then normal border....but, we'll see how things progress with yarn stash color and quantity. Please stay tuned.

Been busy working on several ghans previously designed, and have been busy designing more with all your squares and rectangles.

Few more days left folks for Sock it To Me! Please check in to see what our April focus will be.

2011
Scarves 152
Hats 233
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 34
Ghans 13
Squares 188
Sweaters 5

**Well below freezing again here in Central Ohio, at the time of this scheduled post, so please keep those knitting needles and crochet hooks busy making hats, mittens, scarves, and slippers**

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Rose Garden is Completed

Rose Garden has been completed. It's still damp in above picture, as it's being blocked here after it was laundered. Such variety in this ghan. Knitted squares and rectangles, crocheted squares and rectangles. Sizes variety alot too from 5 inches or thereabouts at the small end up to around 12 inches. As this afghan for Faith Mission progessed I made a few changes from the previous design and in the works picture Here. Needed to make some changes due to size and fit. I think the previous picture shows the color better. You know how light seems to change the colors in pictures.

Donations that made this ghan possible come from Karen V, Joy, RoseMarie, and Yvonne. There were others, nameless others who donated squares from a long ago defunct group. Additionally, the yarn I used for edging and the border are left over from the yarn my DD, Christine used to make her Vacation ghan for our homeless and battered ladies at Faith Mission.

Thank you all for making this possible. All your efforts are appreciated.
Here's a close up of the border. I did not use black, though the picture makes it look like I did on the edge of the ghan or the edges of the squares, it was very dark forest green; and the scallops are dusty rose.

Work continues on your squares, so stay turned for additional design photo's and finished afghans.

2011
Scarves 152
Hats 233
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 34
Ghans 12+1=13
Squares 188
Sweaters 5

**Sock it to Me still active for a few days, please check back to see our April focus....has something to do with Rain, that seems appropriate, doesn't it?**
***Did you check out The Humanitarian Award? If not, please do so by clicking on the badge in the sidebar*** Thank you to all who made that possible
****Though Spring is a reality (somedays), we are still in need, so keep you hooks and needle flying and make hats, scarves, mittens, and slippers****

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Knitted hats for Ohio's Homeless

hats Look at these fabulous knitted hats from our long time and good friend, Bunny. Please click to enlarge so you can see the details. Bunny, as always these are wonderful, and so very much appreciated. Six knitted hats of varying sizes to warm 6 cold people in need. Not only will they be warm, but they'll be stylish.

Many thanks Bunny for your on going support, it is truly appreciated.

2011
Scarves 152
Hats 227+6=233
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 34
Ghans 12
Squares 188
Sweaters 5

**Please remember to include your name, email address or group I know you from (The Ville, Hive, and or RAV. etc. with your handmade donations.** Thank You

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Head shoulders knees and toes

crocheted items for homeless If you're as old as me you might remember the song, "Head Shoulders, knee's and toe, knee's and toes. Head shoulder knees and toes knees and toes, eyes and ears and mouth and nose....head shoulders knees and toes." That came to mind as I look at the thoughtful crocheted donation from our good friend RoseMarie. RoseMarie has covered, head, shoulders and toes. 5 hats, 4 scarves, and a darling pair of slippers. In addition, she's fashioned several cute headbands.

Remember folks all pictures on the blogs can be clicked on to see a larger version. When you need or want to see more detail, please click. I've started decreasing slightly the size of the picture showing on the blog as a means of reducing a bit how much space I'm using. Trying to stretch out the space given to us here on blogspot. Clicking above will show you the cute details of the little flowers RoseMarie has added to her crocheted hats, scarves, and slippers.

2011
Scarves 148+4=152
Hats 222+5=227
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 33+1=34
Ghans 12
Squares 188
Sweaters 5

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Knitted Scarves from Pennsylvania

knitted scarves5 Knitted scarves from our latest pair of helping hands, Mary A. from PA. Mary was recruited by her sister, Joy. (read previous post). Thank you Mary, we appreciate you and your knitting needles joining the cause. We hope to see you often here on Bridge and Beyond.

Pompoms on a scarf, what a cute and creative idea. Can't you see some little girls face showing how excited she is to wear this cute scarf!

Please check the lists. Is your name listed on the list without a blog? Have you started blogging since? If so, please leave your name and blog url so you can be added to the list of bloggers who donate. Is your state listed beside your name? If not, please leave that information in your comment here on the blog so that too can be updated. Trying hard to get everyone properly listed and added to the map, so we can see how many states we have big hearted knitters and crocheters from. Having people listed with the state they're from will also be a big aid in identifying donations.

2011
Scarves 143+5=148
Hats 222
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 33
Ghans 12
Squares 188
Sweaters 5

**Have you read about Sock it to Me? If not, please do. It's our special focus for the month of March. Click for details in the sidebar. Please feel free to ad the blog badge to your blog to help spread the word.

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Joy, spreading the word

squares 9 Great crocheted squares with cheery colors from my friend Joy. Joy is an old high school friend of mine. Some time we back we got re-connected on Facebook. I've had the pleasure of working some of her previous squares into afghans for our folks at Faith Mission and look forward to adding these to the mix.

Joy is helping us in a 2nd way too. She's recruited her sister to help knit for the cause. Sweet! Love seeing the word spread, and love getting new helping hands. Stay tuned for tomorrow's post will feature Joy's sister, Mary from PA.

Just popped in to edit this post (since as you know all are written and in que), so I could add a Thank You to Bev. Qualheim. I've added an award from her to this blog. The Humanitarian Award. I hope you all realize this award goes out to each and everyone of you who've knitted, crocheted, sent socks etc for this cause; and Rae for her hand delivery and caring to The Bridge Folks and those at the 2 Free Clinics, and to my Brother Chuck and SIL, Jan for aiding in my delivery of items to those in need. If you click on the badge in the sidebar, you'll be taken to one of Bev's blogs. Bev is well known in knitting, crocheting, and charity circles. Thank You for the award, and thank you to all who've made it possible. This is not a one man show, but a true team effort.

2011
Scarves 143
Hats 222
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 33
Ghans 12
Squares 179+9=188
Sweaters 5

**Is there someone you know who knits or crochets or looms? Have you told them about our mission? Is there someone you can recruit? Please help us spread the word, the need is great. Get busy chatting folks, you just never know when you'll run into someone with the ability to lend a hand. Thank You**

Just noticed this post #374...wow, we're getting close to another milestone folks. Only 26 posts away from 400! Woot Woot

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Warmth from Head to Toe

slippers, scarves, hats Thank you Pat E. from Ohio for this thoughtful donation of warm goodies. Pat has covered all areas here with her knitted hats and scarves, and slippers. The hats vary in size and color and will warm 7 more heads. We've all heard the saying about keeping the poles of the body warm from head to toe. She's done just that with 5 super warm pairs of slippers. Her slippers are made with double thickness yarn. The knitted scarves are nice and soft, fluffy and wide enough to really keep someone warm chest and neck. Fabulous!

Pat E. and I have chatted previously via email and she's donated before; but this time round felt like the bonus round. We got to meet face to face. It's always a bonus for me getting to meet someone face to face that I previously only knew here on the net. We're hoping to plan an outting to one of the city parks to knit/crochet and chat. Looking forward to nicer weather before we make plans.

2011
Scarves 141+2=143
Hats 215+7=222
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 28+5=33
Ghans 12
Squares 179
Sweaters 5

**Have you checked the alpha listings of folks who help without blogs? Have you since started blogging? If so, please leave your blog url so we can add you to the bloggers list. Please refrain from using white for your donations folks, the dirt factor. Thanks**

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Slippers provide comfort and hope for Faith Mission

clippers Thank you Patty L from Ohio for these 2 cute pair of crocheted slippers. Slippers provide 2 types of warmth. The provide warmth in terms of heat for tired cold feet, and the provide a Big Bear type of comfort, knowing someone somewhere made these specially for you. Who doesn't love to take off shoes and put on a pair of slippers to relax? These slippers will be welcomed I know at Faith Mission.

Faith Mission for those who maybe new to the blog provides temporary housing to abused and or homeless mothers and their children. Such a worthy cause.

Thank you Patty L. for your thoughtful donation.

2011
Scarves 141
Hats 215
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 26+2=28
Ghans 12
Squares 179
Sweaters 5

**Sometimes my allergies go bonkers when I open thoughtful donations from pet loving homes. If you could take a minute to remove as much of your furry friends fur/hair as possible, I'd really appreciate it. No doubt some of our folks in need may also suffer from these annoying allergies. I often use one of those lint roller things which seems to work well. Thank You.

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Hand Delivered Afghan

orange afghanYou often hear people say, "Oh...I don't do Facebook". I was one of those who thought it was primarily geared towards the younger generation. Then one day maybe a year ago? I decided to join. I started out slowly, but before long was making all kinds of connections. First I was connecting with my old high school classmates which was lots of fun; then some folks I know from knitting and crocheting groups and on and on. Through this social network of growth, I was able to connect with most folks interested in knitting and crocheting to help others. Patty S. from Ohio is one of those connections. One day she was to be in town on business and we were able to get together. What fun, meeting someone face to face that I'd communicated with on line through Facebook.

The above orange afghan is another donation Patty S from Ohio made in person. She was in town only briefly to visit, but carved out time enough to drop this afghan for Faith Mission off at my house! Such fun, meeting people face to face and at the same time being able to help others.

Thanks Patty for your ongoing support and help. It's appreciated.

Sooo, the moral is, Facebook is not just for the younger generation. It's not just a place to play games. It's a great place to make connections.

2011
Scarves 134+7=141
Hats 215
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 26
Ghans 11+1=12
Squares 179
Sweaters 5

**Reminder to refrain from white and off white when you can, the dirt factor for those without ability to do laundry.**

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Ohio's Homeless Love Scarves

scarvesThank you Melisa! Melisa is our newest pair of helping hands, and a fellow Ohioan. Welcome, thrilled to have you join us here. 7 knitted soft scarves will be appreciated by those in need. I love the shade of blue, it reminds of Spring which I keep hoping will arrive.

We work to warm men, women, and children with our knitted and crocheted hats, mittens, scarves, and slippers. Through the efforts of many pairs of helping hands we make a difference in someone's life...each and every day. Thank you ALL!

2011
Scarves 134+7=141
Hats 215
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 26
Ghans 11
Squares 179
Sweaters 5

**Often people ask what patterns, stitches etc are best suited for Ohio's cold homeless in need. I generally say no specific pattern; but ask that you refrain from open lacy stitches as they simply aren't warm enough for the long cold Ohio Winters. Open lacy stitches also don't wear well or hold up as long when heavily used. Typically the next question is what's an open lacy stitch. Something you can see through, something you can easily put your fingers through. If you're in doubt that your stitches aren't solid enough, try using a smaller crochet hook or knitting needle size. Smaller hooks and needles make for smaller tighter and warmer hats, mittens, scarves, and slippers. Hope that helps answer some of the questions**

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Knitted Hats warm Cold Heads

knitted hatsEighteen knitted hats from our friend minnisoda (Liz) over on The Ville. Eighteen previously cold heads will now be warmed. These eighteen people will feel better all over knowing someone cared enough to make them warmer.

Thank you Liz for your thoughtful donation.

**Liz, you might quess is from the state of Minnesota which has now been added to the map (please check it out on the bottom of the blog) . Adding Minnesota to our donation map gives us a state count of 28 for a 56% participation. How cool is that folks! Love seeing where everyone is from. Please take a minute and see if you're represented. HOW?
1. Look at the two lists (alphabetical lists) of people who've donated with and without blogs. Make sure your name is there.
2. Is the state you live in listed with your name? If not, please leave a comment so I can update the list and the map.
3. Wouldn't it be awesome to have everyone who's donated listed.

Thank you all for your support by knitting, thank you all for your support by crocheting, thank you all for your support in reading the blog! Keep up the good work.

2011
Scarves 134
Hats 197+18=215
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 26
Ghans 11
Squares 179
Sweaters 5

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Brrrrrrr it's cold outside for Ohio's Homeless

knitted hats

Thank you Trudy from MD for these warm knitted hats and scarf for Ohio's cold homeless in need. It's plenty cold with a good amount of winter still with us as we look forward to Spring here in Ohio. For homeless, without a roof over their heads-- winter lasts even longer. To those cold with minimal heat living is temporary housing, or those who spend a night here or there in a shelter, warm knitted hats and scarves (and or crocheted) are still very much in need.

Thank you Trudy for your ongoing support, and thoughtful donation.

Today is day 15 of "Sock it to Me". If you've not yet read about this months focus, please do so. If you can help us by adding the badge to your blog, tweeting about it, or linking from Facebook...please and Thanks! The beauty of this months focus is, everyone can help. You don't need to be a knitter. You don't need to be a crocheter. Everyone young, old and in-between can help with socks. So, let's get busy and SOCK IT TO ME and see how many pairs of feet we can warm.

2011
Scarves 134
Hats 197
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 26
Ghans 11
Squares 179
Sweaters 5

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Rose Garden Afghan for Faith Mission in the Works

Rose Garden AfghanForest Green, Lime Green, Kelly Green, Olive Green, Celery Green, Hot Pink, Light Pink, Dusty Rose, Mauve Pink, and maybe a coral shade of pink make up this ghan in the works for our folks at Faith Mission. Squares ranging in size 5-6-7-8 and 12 inches, rectangles, granny squares, sampler style squares, crocheted squares, and knitted squares are all here. Quite a mix in this one folks.

A good number of these squares are from long ago from folks who's names I don't have, never had. You might remember I've referred to a couple of groups that disbanded and passed along squares and their odds and ends to me, before. Over time, they've been added here and there to various charity projects. Here they're mixed with rectangles from RoseMarie, some pink squares from Karen V and Joy.

The pink and green ghan was design here and has been waiting in the wings. I try to name many of the ghans, and believe with all the pink and green this can appropriately be named, Rose Garden. All the greens represent leaves and stems, and the shades of pink the roses.

Though it's hard to see in the picture the squares are being edged with dark forest green, not black as it looks in the picture. I'm joining in dusty rose. Normally I edge and join with the same color, but thought given the amount of each color I had left in my stash after DD finished Vacation ghan, I'd try this method. Thus far, I think it's working. I'm using the join as you go method on this ghan, though it's not continuous given the huge difference is sizing; this is much more piece meal then it was with Colorful Blocks Ghan.

Hoping Rose Garden will be finished in a few days as works continues on this
Reddish Brownish Ghan...that needs a name. Anyone with ideas?

**Reminder folks not to tie a knot and cut yarn when knitting or crocheting. Always leave a tail of several inches when joining new join, and work it into your work. This ensures your item won't come apart. I've had to make several repairs where items have been knotted, cut and are coming apart before I can pass along your thoughtful donations. Thank you**

2011

Scarves 134
Hats 197
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 26
Ghans 11
Squares 179
Sweaters 5

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Helping hands and hooks from Georgia for Ohio's Homeless

crocheted hats and scarvesPlease help me welcome and thank Diana K. Diana, is I believe our first pair of helping hands from the state of Georgia. Georgia, The Peach Tree State. We're happy to have your helping hands and hope to see you here often at The Bridge. Diana crocheted 3 hats, and 8 scarves for our homeless here in Central Ohio.

2011

Scarves 126+8=134
Hats 194+3=197
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 26
Ghans 11
Squares 179
Sweaters 5

This is day 13 of SOCK it to me Month. Hope you're telling all your non knitting and non crocheting friends. This is a perfect project for non yarn people to get involved and help.

Did you know you can print a pamphlet to post at school, at work, or perhaps the bulletin board at your church? It's available by clicking on the tab at the top of the blog. Please help us spread the word. Let's see how many new pairs of helping hands we can get. Remember the more people help, the more people we can help. Men, Women, and Children need us.

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Sensational Slippers and Socks

slippers and socksSecond day in a row I'm focused on S's. Sensational Slippers and Socks from Sarah S in New Jersey. Sarah's S donations are taking care of last months's project, Toasty Tootsie's, and this months project, SOCK it to ME!. Sensational, scrumptious, and sweet! Sorry folks my brain is on roll with S words. Did you see yesterday's S word post?

These crocheted slippers are super heavy and will therefore be nice and warm. Nicely designed, and very well made. Many thanks Sarah S from The Hive for your ongoing support.

I've updated our map and lists again folks, please take a look. Remember all blog posts are written and are in que, with a new post each and everyday. As of the writing of this post we have 27 states listed as locations were our fabulous knitters and crocheters donate from which is 54%. Let's keep growing the list. Please check to see if your name is listed on the list of folks with blogs and the list of non bloggers. If I know where you're from it should be listed with your name. If's it's listed there, you are represented on the map. If it's not listed there, please leave a comment so I can update both. Wouldn't it be fabulous to have all 50 states represented! This is fun, seeing where everyone is from and it will also aid me in identifying donations when they come without notes, and or with different names then I may know you as.

2011

Scarves 126
Hats 194
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 48+8=56
Slippers 23+3=26
Ghans 11
Squares 179
Sweaters 5

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Scrumptious Scarves by Sandie, Sweet and Warm

crocheted scarvesSandie (in Louisiana) is a long time supporting of our cause of helping the homeless here in Central Ohio. Sandie's work is always very well done and always interesting. Look at these wonderful scarves. She has some that are manly, and some that are sweet. They are all scrumptious. They are all nice and heavy, non lacy open stitches so super warm. Hum, how many S's can I use? Super Scrumptious Sweet Scarves by Sandie? lol Ok, my mind is tripping out or something.

Kidding aside, many thanks Sandie for your thoughtful donation, and for your long term support of our homeless so much in need here in Cold Central Ohio.

This is Sock it to Me Month. Have you read about it? Please check the sidebar for details. This is day 11 of the project.

Give a Square maybe dormant for you all mailing squares for the time being; but have you seen the updated pictures of all the wonderful afghans we've donated to Faith Mission? Click Here.

2011

Scarves 122+4=126
Hats 194
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 48
Slippers 23
Ghans 11
Squares 179
Sweaters 5

**Reminder to avoid white when knitting and crocheting for this charity, white get's dirty, and many of our folks we help are hard pressed to do laundry**

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Toasty Tootsie's Indeed

slippersLook at these wonderful crocheted slippers and slipper socks. Eleven pair of Tootsie's will now be Toasty! Thank you Suzz, these are marvelous. Sooooo nice and heavy. I really love the design you used for your slipper socks. Can you share what pattern you used for these? Click folks to enlarge the picture to see the detail of the 2 way stitches...no clue if that's a good description but I can't think how else to refer to it. Seems to make them really nice and thick. Some I believe were made with double yarn? 6 very nice hats as well.

2011
Scarves 122
Hats 194
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 48
Slippers 12+11=23
Ghans 11
Squares 179
Sweaters 5

As you probably know 99.9% of the posts are lined up in que each getting a day, these slippers came just a few days after the end of the month so they are party of our Toasty Tootsies Project. Thank you for participating. Look forward to seeing you here often on The Bridge.

Been busy putting together more afghans (working on the revised pink and green, and the red and brown). Both need to be named if anyone has an idea sing out. Will also be posting some pictures of new designs from more of your squares. Stay tuned.

The day this post was written and placed in que our map showed 26 states for 52% of the country. How cool is that. I've done some looking through blogs as I've made blog rounds from the blog log and have figured out where a few of you are from, so have edited the blog log list to reflect that, as well as added to the map. Would still love everyone to chime in. If I don't have the state you're from listed with your name on either list, please let me know by leaving a comment here. Thanks! Am hopeful with continued growth of this will aid me in identifying donations when they arrive. Additionally, it's just plain fun.

**adding link for slipper pattern HERE

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Help from the State of Massachusetts

crocheted items for the homelessThank you Jeannette, you I believe are our first pair of helping hands from your state of Massachusetts. We're thrilled to have you join us. Jeannette crocheted a scarf, 2 pair of slippers, 4 hats, and sent along 7 pair of socks! All items are nice and warm and are greatly appreciated.

Great timing on the socks Jeannette, with this months focus of socks!

If you've not had a chance please cruise around the blog, some new items have been added including a map to show where our wonderful knitters and crocheters are from. Check the lists (with and without blogs) to see if I have the state you're from. If not, please sing out so I can update. Also some new information/guidelines exist in the how can I help tab, as well as in the FAQ tab.

2011
Scarves 121+1=122
Hats 190+4=194
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 41+7=48
Slippers 10+2=12
Ghans 11
Squares 179
Sweaters 5

Don't forget, This is SOCK IT TO ME MONTH!

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Sisters and Friends Reaching Out to Help Those in Need

crocheted scarvesThank you Evelyn, Mary, and Gloria! Three new pairs of helping hands from Illinois. Evelyn and Mary are sisters, and perhaps Gloria is as well? 15 crocheted scarves, and a hat to warm our cold folks in need here in Ohio. Fabulous selection of colors. Many of these scarves are sized appropriate for children. By the time you read this scheduled post these scarves will already be around the neck of someone cold.

We're always happy to have more helping hands, and get new folks involved in this cause of warming the homeless. The need is great. We warm Men, Women, and Children in need.

Have made a few additions here to blog, hope you've spent some time looking around. I've also been busy putting together more afghans, as well as designing more from all your squares. Please keep checking to see how things progress.

2011
Scarves 106+15=121
Hats 189+1=190
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 41
Slippers 10
Ghans 11
Squares 179
Sweaters 5

Don't forget, This is SOCK IT TO ME MONTH!

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Potpourri of Warmth for Ohio's Homeless

hand made items for homelessThank you Kathy for your potpourri of knitting and crocheting. Kathy had delivered 8 squares, 10 headbands/earwarmers, 9 hats, and 3 scarves. Kathy is our newest pair of helping hands. YIPPEE, love getting more helping hands. Kathy and I became acquainted through Facebook. In doing so we discovered not only is she a fellow Ohioan; but she lives in a small town where I lived in my early childhool. How's that for a small world folks? She and I were able to meet face to face which is always fun. We had a nice lunch while getting to know each other a bit better. Look forward to doing that again, and look forward to more warm goodies for our homeless and those in need off her hook and or knitting needles.

Having new helping hands is good, having a face to face meeting with a new friend is awesome! From memory, I believe this is the 3rd time I've gotten to meet someone in person who was donating after first meeting them here on the blog, or in a group on RAV or similiar type on line group.

Making headway folks with identifying where everyone is from, but still working on it. Please check the lists (both with and without blogs), to see if I have the state your from listed. If it's not listed by your name I can't add it to the map. Creeping forward on that, knowing this is a scheduled post (as they all are in que), as of the writing of this post 24 states are listed on the map giving us a 48% of the country. And you'll also note we have friends abroad in addition to that.

Please read about Sock it to Me in the sidebar. It's our March focus.

2011
Scarves 103+3=106
Hats 180+9=189
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 41
Slippers 10
Ghans 11
Squares 171+8=179
Sweaters 5

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Adding Michigan to our lists of Donating States

hats, mittens, bootiesThank you Bridget for your above thoughtful donation. Not only are you our latest pair of helping hands, I believe you are the first person from The State of Michigan to donate to the cause here in Ohio. Woot Woot! That's at least true from when I started noting and keeping track of where the wonderful knitters and crocheters with such big hearts hail from. If however one of our other pairs of helping hands comes from your state, please sing out. Would love to be able to update both lists of donators (with and without blogs).

I love the darling flower you added to the pink crocheted hat. Bridgets other donations are knitted.

Adding Michigan to our map of where folks who donate are from takes us to 22 states, for 44% of the country. Thank you Bridget, glad to have your helping hands and hope to see you often here on the Bridge.

2011
Scarves 103
Hats 174+6=180
Mittens (gloves) 55+1=56
Socks 41
Slippers 8+2=10
Ghans 11
Squares 171
Sweaters 5

**One more request to identify emails for Patty L from Ohio and Adrienne from NY. Does anyone reading know these folks?**

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Colorful Blocks Afghan for Faith Mission

knitted afghan for Faith MissionWoot Woot! Another warm afghan for our folks in need at Faith Mission. If you've not read anything on this blog before you may not known, Mothers and Children live in temporary housing there at Faith Mission. These Women and Children have been homeless, they've been abused, and come to Faith Mission with very little. We're warming them physically with hats, mittens, scarves, and slippers. Beyond that we're warming them squares and afghans. In addition to the physical warm we provide, our hope is they'll have an afghan to take with them as a house warming gift when they leave their temporary housing situation and are phased backed into society in a more permanent way.

Through our program, "Give a Square" we collected squares both knitted and crocheted measuring from 7 to 10 inches during the months of November and December of 2010 and January of 2011. I've had fun designing afghans of all different sizes with these squares, and with squares I had on hand previously. The program will be activated again in the future, so feel free to continuing making squares to be ready when the call goes out to have them mailed, you'll be ready. Pictures of all ghans donated to date available by clicking on above Give a Square, as well as additional information.

The above ghan, "Colorful Blocks" was assembled from knitted squares donated by RoseMarie with sage green yarn donated by Darling Daughter, Christine. A team of 3.
close up of crocheted borderSorry this picture is a little blurry. Tried to get a close up for you of the border. This ghan measures 56 x 41. Believe color and size make it appropriate for a male or female teen, as well as adult female.

Stay tuned, as work continues on several other ghans.

2011
Scarves 103
Hats 174
Mittens (gloves) 55
Socks 41
Slippers 8
Ghans 10+1=11
Squares 171
Sweaters 5
Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Super Warm Crocheted Hats

crocheted hatsThank you Jenny S. from Ohio for these 4 super warm crocheted hats for our cold homeless here in Ohio. Love the red and black. It's always fun to see how differently colors can be arranged to get a completely different look. These hats will be extremely warm as she used nice tight single crochet stitches. The hats vary in sizes too which is always an added bonus with heads being so many different sizes.

Today is day 4 for SOCK it to ME, if you've not yet read about it, please do by click in the sidebar on the badge or with above link. Please encourage your non-knitting and crochet friends to get involved with this months special project. Everyone can join in with supplying socks for cold homeless feet.

Have you noticed new items in our Tabs? Please stay current as this blog is constantly being updated.

2011
Scarves 103
Hats 171+4=174
Mittens (gloves) 55
Socks 41
Slippers 8
Ghans 10
Squares 171
Sweaters 5

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Yellow Cheery Scarf

scarfA crocheted yellow and green scarf with fringe. I made this smaller then I normally make scarves thinking it would be appropriate for a teen or female adult. It's about 6 feet long and 6 inches wide, I often go wider and longer with scarves, but worked on this at lunch during work.

Still would love to find emails for Patty L from Ohio, and Adrienne L from New York.

Hope you've had a chance to check out the map on the bottom of the blog. As of the writting of this post, we have donations from 20 states, 40% of the country. There are people listed on both the blog list and the non bloggers list who's local's I don't have. If you check and I don't have your's listed, please leave us a comment here so it can be updated...both on the list and the map. It will aid me in identifying donations AND be fun to see where everyone is from who keeps their hands busy warming the homeless in Ohio.

Since this months focus is Socks, you might suggest friends, neighbors, and or co-workers who don't knit or crochet could get involved. The Sock it to Me Badge is in the sidebar, click it for all the details.

2011
Scarves 102+1=103
Hats 171
Mittens (gloves) 55
Socks 41
Slippers 8
Ghans 10
Squares 171
Sweaters 5


Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Man sized Crocheted Scarves

crocheted scarves and hatTwo awesome scarves, great sizing for our men in need and a crocheted hat from Rajani our newest pair of helping hands. Welcome to the group Rajani, we're glad to have you and your hands join us. Rajani is from PA, and so we've been able to add another state to our map at the bottom of the page. Hope you've checked it out to see if you're state is represented. Please review the lists of wonderful folks who've donated here on the blog to see if I have the state your from. If not, please leave a comment so I can update the lists (both with and without blogs), and add to our map. Currently we have 20 states where helping hands have come from. You'll note below the color coded map notations about our friends outside The States who've helped.

Today is day 2 of our current month focus, "Sock it to Me". Please feel free to add the badge to your blog and help spread the word. This is a great chance for our non-knitting and crochet friends to help us, by warming feet of those in need.

2011
Scarves 100+2=102
Hats 170+1=171
Mittens (gloves) 55
Socks 41
Slippers 8
Ghans 10
Squares 171
Sweaters 5

**Still in need of emails for Patty L from Ohio, and Adrienne from New York**

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Sock It To Me Month!

socksThat's me, rather my socked foot "kicking off" SOCK it to ME MONTH. Purchased 2 large packages of socks the other day to get's us started with March's "SOCK it to ME MONTH". Thank you Sherri I, adding your money I was able to buy both packages. AND the bonus here the regular packages contain 10 pairs of socks, but they had a special in that each contained 11 pairs....bonus! 22 pairs of clean, warm, and dry socks for those in need. This is our 2nd month in a row with a focus on feet.

Feet are so important they need to be taken care of so they...the feet can take better care of the rest of the body. Yesterday ended our February focus on slippers, Toasty Tootsie's, and as of the writing of this post we collected 8 pairs of slippers. Thanks to all who participated in that special project. I'm hopeful, we'll continue to receive slippers....perhaps some are still in transit with today just being March 1st.

As with all our special projects, Toasty Tootsie's won't go away never to be heard from again, it will for now be dormant (like Give a Square). We collect all items Hats, Scarves, Mittens, Slippers, and Socks all year long. This will be our 2nd Sock it to me Month, as we had one in June of 2010.

Socks should be store bought and primarily be for adults (mostly males); as they are the bulk of those living outdoors. The men in the shelters are also in need of socks.

I'm still in the hunt for emails for Patty L from Ohio, Adrienne L from NY. PLEASE folks another reminder to include an email, blog url, or group we might be in together as means of contact. I know many of you by your avatars from groups, or from your email which typically isn't your real name so when fabulous donations came with a real name it sends me on quite a hunt to figure out who's who.

2011
Scarves 100
Hats 170
Mittens (gloves) 55
Socks 41
Slippers 8
Ghans 10
Squares 171
Sweaters 5

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Where are You and Your Yarn From?

I'm trying to identify where everyone is from, partially for fun. Take a look at the map. Also, believe it will aid me in cases where we have several people with the same name. Please look at the lists of bloggers and non bloggers and see if I have the state you hail from. If not, please leave a comment and let me know.

Additionally, we've had help from Scotland, England, Germany Puerto Rico, Canada, and France! They don't appear on the map, but their help is still greatly appreciated.

Where The People Who Donate Come From, is your state represented?