People Pulling Together Truly Can Accomplish GREAT Things!

We've hit the end of another month here on at Bridge and Beyond. I thought it appropriate to show you all what you've accomplished. Hold on to your hats ladies and gentlemen. Anyone and Everyone who things they can't help, who thinks doing something of value is up to someone else needs to see this. PLEASE encourage others to read this.

Today is April 30th, the last day of our April Showers Project. Tomorrow is May 1, the beginning of our Comment Contest.

This blog started on December 1st, 2008 and over time what we've collected has changed a bit which plays into the numbers. Have a look.

HATS, 368 +592+274=1,234 crocheted, knitted, and loomed hats have been donated by big hearted people like yourselves. These hats have been lots of different colors, lots of different sizes, and lots of different designs. Each of these hats has been given to someone in need. Some to men and women living outside in the cold elements of Central Ohio; truly homeless people who otherwise might not have stayed alive through the long bitter months. Some have been given to mothers and children being treated at 2 free clinics. These folks may have a roof over their heads; but many don't have heat and are barely a step above being homeless. Some have been given to mothers and children living in temporary housing who were abused and or homeless. Some to families obtaining a hot meal from Holy Family as they wait in line out in the cold. Some have been given to school children who come to school despite not being properly clothed against the elements. 1,234 hats made by your loving hands from Dec 1st, 2008 til today, April 30th, 2011.

SCARVES, 147, 340, 171=658. These scarves like the above hats have been knitted and crocheted and distributed to the same groups so desperately in need. Scarves can be wrapped around necks, across faces and mouths, put on top of hats for added protection. Scarves can help supplement a light weight jacket.

MITTENS, 66+151 +66=283 pairs of warmer hands.

SOCKS, 79+101+ 74= 254. Socks serve many purposes. Sometimes people need to change to a clean dry pair because their feet are wet and cold. Sometimes they need to add a 2nd pair to try to get a little additional warmth. Socks are needed 12 months a year, even during the warmer months for those folks who are homeless.

SLIPPERS: 34+37=71. Slippers like socks can help warm cold feet and are so very much appreciated by men spending a night in the shelter when perhaps their socks can be laid out to dry. They're needed by women and children living in temporary housing and provide comfort for all with little heat in the homes.

Afghans (ghans) 10+29=39. Afghans made from squares you've donated, as well as full afghans have been provided to Faith Mission for Mothers and Children who often have very little. Afghans can be used for comfort, and hope as well as needed warmth in temporary housing whether used on beds at night or to ward off drafts when thermostats are so low they're not keeping warm. Afghans have also been donated to Pine Street Inn, another group that serves to protect the homeless and abused so desperately in need.

SQUARES, 238+214=452 knitted and crocheted squares have been donated in order to make afghans for the those folks listed above.

PONCHOS 43. Ponchos don't replace a roof over someone's head, but they do help protect one against the cold wet rain. If people are able to stay dry, they will be more comfortable, more warm; and that's very important in trying to stay well.

You may be ONE person, but you can and do make a difference, the proof surely is listed above.

And since we're celebrating because of a number, the milestone of reaching 400 posts (this is now post #405), I'll through out some other numbers you might find fun to know. We have 45 people who've donated, and or helped who blog, or have a membership on Ravelry or Crochetville, or The Hive. Additionally we have 91 people who've donated who've found us on the net who're are not part of those above groups. Thus far we have identified that donations have come from 29 states which is 58% of the country...see map at the bottom of the blog.

This blog's received several awards which make me happy, hope you all realize you're a part of these. The top 100 crochet and knitting blogs, Humanitarian Award, Honest Scrap and Humane Award. You can click on any of these in the side bars.

Since we've started highlighting a specific item each month we've had The Rainbow Project, Give a Square, Toasty Tootsies, Sock it to Me, and April Showers. Stay tuned as I'll be announcing the May highlighted item next.

If you notice the tabs across the top of the blog you can click to get lots of questions answers with The Things you should know before you donate section, a flyer you can print to distribute, and patterns you can use.

AND starting tomorrow you can start commenting away to win a fun $40.00 shopping spree at JoAnn's thanks to a special secret donator. Click HERE for all the details.

Yes, people pulling together can truly accomplish great things. 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!

PONCHO's for the Homeless

PONCHO's. Awesome ponchos. psmflowerlady made a lovely comment where she indicated she would be spending part of the money she would otherwise have spent on sweets for Easter to buy Poncho's. Look at this wonder group of poncho's. Thank you Thank You Tammy! 27 Poncho's in all. This will be a huge hit.

This is April 29, and we've one day left in our April Showers project. That's not to say if you're able to send poncho's later we won't need or want them. As with our hats, scarves, mittens, etc we will continue to collect all items through out the year; but like to highlight a particular need each month. I'm very pleased with the 43 poncho's we've collected to date and Thank everyone who participated.

**Have you read about our $40.00 shopping spree at JoAnn's? If not...please do, so you too can have an opportunity to win May's Comment Contest and enjoy the $40.00 shopping spree at JoAnn's.

2011
Scarves 171
Hats 274
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 68+6=74
Slippers 37
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 16=27=43

**Please check back on May 1 to see what May's project will be.

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!

Socks are always a hit for the Homeless

Always happy to receive more socks. The Bridge folks really enjoy getting new socks as do the men at the shelter. Many thanks psmflowerlady on RAV (Tammy) for your thoughtful donation. Dry feet makes such a difference in someone's comfort.

**Two More Days left for April Showers, details in the sidebar**

****Please read about the details of the Comment Contest, and stake your claim on the $40.00 shopping spree at JoAnn's. What crafter wouldn't be thrilled with that as the winning gift, click in the sidebar or on the words Comment Contest.


2011
Scarves 171
Hats 274
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 68+6=74
Slippers 37
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 16

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!

New Helping Hands, Afghans for Faith Mission

Doesn't this afghan look like a big Easter Egg! Lovely Spring Colors. This log cabin style afghan was crocheted by Joanie B in Ohio. Joanie is our newest pair of helping hands. Welcome Joanie, we're thrilled to have you join us and hope to see you around The Bridge often. Joanie is a friend of our friend Cindy whom I know you'll remember when I say Cindy and Rebeccah...the mother daughter team! Thank You Joanie for joining us, and Thank You Cindy for spreading the word and recruiting another pair of helping hands.
Another awesome afghan from our newest friend Joanie. Again many thanks! These ghans will be well received by those in need at Faith Mission.

**3 More Days for April Showers** Details in the sidebar.

***Yesterday the announcement regarding our month long celebration of our milestone of 400 posts was posted. Along with the details of the blog comment contest you don't want to miss! PLEASE scroll back to read all about it.***

2011
Scarves 171
Hats 274
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 68
Slippers 37
Ghans 27+2=29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 16

**If anyone is trying to post a comment and been unable to, please email me at sandycrochet@gmail.com. Over the last 2 days 2 people have indicated they had trouble. One of those has since been able to, so assume it was a weird thing. The 2nd one, well; not sure. Just don't someone not to be able to join in on the fun for the upcoming comment contest. Have had various people checking/testing this with a variety of computers, computer systems, and browsers and they report all is fine.**

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!

Celebrating with a Comment Contest

Yesterday we hit a special milestone of 400 blog posts here at Bridge and Beyond. Through the generosity of a special secret donor I'm happy to tell you how YOU can win this $40.00 JoAnn Gift Card. What can one do with a gift card from JoAnn? Wow, the skies the limit. If you knit or crochet or loom, you can buy yarn, books, or patterns. If you scrapbook you can buy special papers, decorations and other materials. If you paint, make jewelry, flower arrangements, do woodworking, sew, felt you'll love spending time picking out wonderful items for your craft of choice. I'm sure I've left something out. I know I can spend hours going up and down the rows looking, thinking, and planning what to make at JoAnn's, so know whomever wins the contest will have fun making their selections.

Now, how can you win? For the month of May, visit and comment. You heard right, visit and comment. You're only limited by how many blog posts are here, which as you know is 400. You can comment once per post starting on May 1. So, even if you've already posted a comment on a particular post, you can comment again on that particular post....only once per post from May 1 through May 31st. Post a comment here to say you're in, then come back and go to town. For every 2 posts your name is added to the hopper again, so the more you comment the more you increase your chances. The winner will be pulled from a hat, or maybe by random.org. The latter is quicker; but there's something fun about the hat....so, we'll see. Example, add a comment here that's your first chance, add 2 more comments on 2 other blog posts and that's another chance.

My blog settings are such that I am notified via email for every comment, even on older posts; so your comment won't be missed.

You might be wondering how to find your way back to old posts? Several methods exists. Firstly, you could start with the current blog post and simply go backward. Or, you can click on the blog titles in the recent blog post area where I've altered it to show 25 titles. You might also click on each of the 3 posts listed under each blog post where the thumbnails exist and say you might also enjoy, which if you look at what's showing when you scroll through just the first page will get you to 18 posts.

This will be fun to celebrate our milestone, and help the blog's placement with visits and comments; making it more visible to those looking to find a charity to knit or crochet for. Additionally, everyone likes to receive comments on their hard work, it encourages them to make more. So enjoy yourself, make others feel good about their donations, help the blog, AND improve your changes to win a fun filled shopping spree at JoAnn's.

Feel free to spread the word on your own blogs, in your knitting or crochet groups, on RAV, Facebook, or Twitter.

2011
Scarves 171
Hats 274
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 68
Slippers 37
Ghans 25+2=27 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 16

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!

Colorful Stripes to Warm those in Need

This bright, cheery, and colorful crocheted afghan comes from our friend, our young friend Rebeccah. I love how bold and bright it is.
Likewise, this 2nd ghan she also crocheted and donated for our folks in need at Faith Mission. Sorry this 2nd picture is a bit blurry. You're not seeing double, there are 2 ghans and their not the same. The are both bright and cheery and stripes, but they are different.

Thank you Rebeccah for your ongoing support and thoughtful donation. I know the 2 people who receive these are going to be thrilled, and warmed both physically and emotionally.

**Drum roll please folks, this is blog post #400!** Don't forget to check in tomorrow for the special post announcing our special celebratory contest. You really don't want to miss the details.

***5 more days for our special April Showers Project, you do still have time to get your poncho's in the mail***

Though the calendar tells us all Spring is here, the weather has only started to warm up, so the need to warm our homeless still exists. Please keep your hooks and needles moving along. Hats, scarves, mittens, and slippers are still needed and appreciated. Thanks for all you do for others so selfishly.

2011
Scarves 171
Hats 274
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 68
Slippers 37
Ghans 25+2=27 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 16

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!

Hats, Fabulous

Eight, fabulous double yarn loomed hats! Such nice colors, so nice and soft, and double yarn to make them really nice and warm.............what could be better? Thank you Sandie in Sunny Florida for your ongoing support and thoughtful donation. It is needed, and very much appreciated.

The colors are more vivid then the picture shows. The hat in the upper right is Scarlet and Gray, Buckeye Colors, which the picture really doesn't show well.

*This is post #399.........we're almost there folks. When we hit our milestone of 400 posts, I'll announce our special contest and prize, so get ready. Tell everyone. I want everyone who's donated these past 3 years to know about it. I'll be blogging about it, Facebooking about it, Tweeting about it, and hope you all do too. You really really don't want to miss it.

**This is April 24th, that gives you all 6 more days to participate in April Showers. It gives you all 6 more days to tell your friends, your neighbors, your family, and your co-workers about Spring Showers. Remember non knitters can participate. Remember non crocheters can participate. Remember non-loomers can also participate. Men, women, and children can participate. Spread the word--blog about it, talk about it, tweet about it, Facebook about. Spring is nasty, cold, and wet when you're living outdoors. April Showers is a program everyone can feel good about. Click in the sidebar for details please and thanks.**

2011
Scarves 171
Hats 266+8=274
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 68
Slippers 37
Ghans 25 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 16


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!

Helping from Head to Toe

Thank you Yvonne for helping warm our homeless from Head to Toe. Poncho's have hoods, and socks help warm the feet. With this thoughtful donation of 6 pairs of socks, 4 ponchos, and a pair of slippers you're helping our homeless truly head to toe! The slippers are knitted with double yarn, so are nice and thick and warm. Many thanks!

7 More Days of April Showers, folks. Still plenty of time for you to get in on the action and help keep a homeless person in need dry.

**This is post #398, only 2 more to go until we reach milestone 400. PLEASE don't miss it, a special announcement for a contest you really don't want to miss will be announced.**

***Reminders, tuck in ends when you change or add yarn, stay away from open-see through type stitches (if you're able to see your hand through your projects, try going down a size with your hook to obtain a tighter and warmer item). Though we highlight an item each month, we continue to collect hats, scarves, mittens, and slippers all year long. When you come visit the blog, please leave a comment so we know you were here.***

Thank you to all for all do.

2011
Scarves 171
Hats 266
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 62+6=68
Slippers 36+1=37
Ghans 25 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 12+4=16

**Have you printed and posted a flyer to help spread the word about Bridge and Beyond? Please let me know where you posted them. Love to add the information here on the blog. Did you know we have a flyer? Click on tab in the top of the blog.

Thank you for your patience as I work to catch up from being away. Donations in que from: Sandie in Florida, psmflowerlady, Rebeccah, and Joanie. Please stay tuned.

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!

Hats and Scarves oh My

Crocheted hats and scarves from our friend RoseMarie. She always decorates her donations so cute with the little flowers with button centers. I've yet to make one...flower that is; though plan to. Thank you RoseMarie for your ongoing support, it is greatly appreciated. Thanks too for the link for the video for how to make the flowers. I saved it somewhere (hopefully when I have time to make one, I'll be able to find it, lol).

*8 more days folks for April Showers, you still have time to read about it and to participate, please click in the sidebar
**Remember folks, you do not have to be a blogger to leave comments, simply type your comment, then click name and url in the drop down, leave the url space blank, type your name in the name area and hit publish. We love having you visit and read, but if you leave a comment we'll know you were here. AND, comments are helpful for the blog's placement in search engines, which helps us be more visible to potential knitters and crocheters who might like to add their helping hands to our cause. Don't be shy, do leave us comments.
***Have you checked the lists (both with and without blogs), is there a state listed by your name? If not, please leave a comment as to what state you're from. Trying hard to get everyone properly documented. Would like to update the map at the bottom of the page. Have you scrolled down to see the map? If not, please do. Knowing what state you're from is helpful when I'm trying to match up donations that come without notes. Thank you.

When we hit post #400 a special announcement will be made. This is a contest to celebrate our milestone. You REALLY don't want to miss it folks, so please keep checking in. This is post #397, so only 3 more posts to go!!!

2011
Scarves 168+3=171
Hats 262+4=266
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 62
Slippers 36
Ghans 25 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 12

Thank you for your patience as I work to catch up after being away. Donations from psmflowerlady, Yvonne, Sandie in Florida, Joannie, and Rebeccah waiting in the wings in que.

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!

Ponchos are Perfect for our April Showers Project

If you've been following this blog awhile, you no doubt know we highlight a need every month with a special project, a special blog badge/button. This month, April is no different. This month may be best known to all as April Showers bring May Flowers, but..........only if you've got a roof over your head to keep you warm and dry. If you've not yet read about our April Showers project, please take time to do so. Click above, and or click on the badge in the side bar. This is an easy project, a project all can help with...even our non knitters and crocheters.

Thank you minnisoda from The 'Ville' (Liz in Minnesota) for these 8 ponchos, they are greatly needed, and very much appreciated. We have 10 more days of this special project, so please pop over to your local grocery or drug store and pick up a handful of these small lightweight ponchos and help keep a homeless person dry. Being dry is important, it's also hard to accomplish when living outdoors in the elements.

This is post #396 folks, only 4 more posts until we hit another milestone here on Bridge and Beyond, 400 blog posts. Those 400 posts excite me because it's representative of how much giving you've all done. Each blog posts highlights thoughtful donations from you. Some are knitted, some are crocheted, some are loomed. In the early days of the blogs I blogged here and there, and often grouped several photo's and several donations together. I later switched to the current process of highlighting a donation from one person at a time. I hope you share my excitement with this 400th post close at hand. PLEASE keep checking in....there will be a special blog post announcing a special contest. You really don't want to miss it.

Thanks for your patience, as I work to catch up with all the wonderful donations that came while I was away. (in ARUBA if you want to read about it) Stay tuned for donations from psmflowerlady, Yvonne, Sandie in Fl, RoseMarie, Rebeccah, and Joannie.

2011
Scarves 168
Hats 262
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 62
Slippers 36
Ghans 25 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4+8=12

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!

Boxes and Packages = Donations = Happy!

These 6 packages arrived while hubby and I were out of town at a wedding and then on vacation. Wanna guess what's in them? My fabulous trusty neighbor always takes such good care of your thoughtful donations in my absence. Six, count them. Six packages of goodies. Please stay tuned as I catch up with photo's and appropriate posts with donations from Rebeccah, Jaonie B, RoseMarie, Tammy (psmflowerlady), Sandie in Florida, Yvonne, Liz (minnisoda from Rav).

If you've not yet checked out April Showers, please click in sidebar and read all about it. A wonderful, and easy way to help. A way our non knitting and non crocheting friends can help.

This is post #395 , only 5 more til we hit 400! Can you believe it? PLEASE keep checking, when we hit post 400, I'll be announcing a special contest and you don't want to miss it. Pass the word.

Thank you all for continuing to support those in need with your efforts. Truly, they are greatly appreciated.

2011
Scarves 168
Hats 262
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 62
Slippers 36
Ghans 25 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4

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!

Mittens make me smile!

Thank you Sally in NJ. Look at these fabulous mittens folks. 5 Pairs of wonderful soft, fabulously warm knitted mittens in several different sizes. AWESOME! And 2 cute cute cute pairs of slippers, also knitted. I love the colors in the slippers. The yarn colors aren't something I've come acrossed before. What type of yarn is it? Also, the yarn you used in your mittens is really very nice, what did you use? Always nice to learn about a new type of yarn. Might give me an excuse to go buy more yarn, lol.

April Showers is our month of April's focus. Have you read about it? Please check our sidebar for details. Is this something you can help us with? Do you know someone who'd like to help who doesn't knit, crochet, or loom? Please do what you can to get them involved. Sumps pumps have been running full steam now for a couple of weeks with the amount of rain this area has had, so a poncho..........would be truly well received by those living outdoors in the elements.

2011
Scarves 168
Hats 262
Mittens (gloves) 61+5=66
Socks 62
Slippers 34+2=36
Ghans 24+1=25 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4

**If you mail something but haven't heard back from me in a couple of days, please zap me an email. We've had 2 members wondering if their items made it safely to me. One had forgotten to include a note so I didn't know whom she was to sing out, and one...........was out there floating and floating in the postal world for quite some time. It's always good to check on your items. In addition, If I'm not here to take in your thoughtful donations, my trusty neighbor does; but I then may be delayed in letting you know. So, please always feel free to check with me via email.

**If you crochet and or knit, please check the last couple of days posts. I've left some entertainment for you. Don't want you to miss it. Turn on your sound, and don't have a drink in your hand when you listen and watch. Enjoy.....but keep knitting and crocheting, please and thanks. Wink...wink.**


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!

Turn on Your Sound, Grab your Yarn, Part II

Yesterday I shared some fun special for you crocheters (if you missed it do scroll back and check it out). AND today, more fun in store for you Knitters! Turn on your sound, grab your yarn, your needles (and your hooks), and enjoy.

Fun for Knitters


2011
Scarves 168
Hats 262
Mittens (gloves) 61
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 24+1=25 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4

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!

Turn on Your Sound, Grab your Yarn!

This was posted elsewhere and I thought it truly too good not to share with you all. Turn on your sound, probably best you not be drinking while you're listening. This is guarantee to put a smile on your face. Sooooo,. what are you waiting for grab your yarn, grab your hook, (and or knitting needles) and let the sound carry you away.

Crochet It Away

**Be sure and pop in tomorrow, something fun for The Knitters!

2011
Scarves 168
Hats 262
Mittens (gloves) 61
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 24+1=25 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4

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!

Little Princess on it's way to Faith Mission

These lovely pink, blue, and variegated squares were made by Liz (minnesoda in The Ville). I'm happy to say we have another ghan on it's way to Faith Mission. These squares were all the same size which made working on them pretty quick...well quick when speaking about making ghans. lol I edge them all in off white and used the join as you go method of crocheting them together. I rather liked this method on this particular ghan. I struggled with what to do for the border, but am pleased with the result. It's fairly wide and the ghan grew nicely in size to a 54 inch square.

Still have several ghans that have been designed to put together, and still squares on hand to do some more designing with, so a little reminder folks to not send any more squares at this time. I've continued to receive squares, but Give a Square has been dormant since January. I want to work my way through some on hand before I'll again activate that program. Please continue to make squares, just hold them until I sing out it's time to mail again.

April Showers is in full swing, and given the amount of rain we've had the last couple of days I want to stress how much a poncho can help those living out in the elements. Please take a moment and read all about this months focus, April Showers. THANKS

2011
Scarves 168
Hats 262
Mittens (gloves) 61
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 24+1=25 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4

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!

Why Home Made?

Sometimes people ask me why homemade vs store bought? Several reasons really. Homemade is special. Homemade is a way to truly give of yourself. The person who receives your handmade item knows you spent time, knows it's a piece of you. It's my believe, and that of many knitters and crocheters that's helpful in giving them a warm feeling inside. I know a store bought item can bring about physical warmth, but I don't believe it can bring about the same kind of emotional warmth that a hand knit, hand crocheted, or hand loomed item can.

We do ask for store bought vs hand made socks, because they often can't be well cared for, and people need to change their socks to try and have dry warm feet is a chore.

Please continue knitting, crocheting, and looming your thoughtful donations of hats, scarves, mittens, and slippers for Men, Women, and Children all year long. As you know, these posts are written ahead, and in que. When this post was written it was raining cats and dogs, and then some. Making me once again think about our current focus, April Showers. Please, take time and read about it in the sidebar. This is a wonderful opportunity to help people, an opportunity where non knitters, non crocheters, and non loomers can join in.

This is post #390, getting closer and closer to 400.

2011
Scarves 168
Hats 262
Mittens (gloves) 61
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 24 (2 went to Pine Street)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4

**Reminder to avoid the use of white as much as possible, tuck in your tails, include a note with your email, blog url, computer avatar/ID etc. with your donations.**

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!

Clapping for helping hands for the homeless

Three knitted hats, 2 knitted pairs of mittens, and 26 crocheted squares/diamonds and sampler type squares arrived the other day; from Lynn, a fellow Ohioan. Lynn H. is our newest pair of helping hands who found us from being listed on The Lion Brand Charity List. I always enjoy learning how people find us. The darling gold knitted set is soooooooooo cute. Love the mittens being attached, brings back memories of when my daughter was young. Don't think they make them like that anymore, but should. Sure keeps you from losing a mitten when the kids take them off. Thank you.

This is day 5 for our April Showers Project, please if you've not had a chance to read about it, do so by clicking in the sidebar. Please help us spread the word. This is a wonderful way for folks who don't knit or crochet or loom to be able to help the homeless. Being wet and cold is no fun. You can help, by supplying a poncho. A friend asked this question the other day on Facebook and so I thought I'd pass it along. She asked where one finds these poncho's. I found mine at CVS in the pharmacy area along with umbrellas.

This is post #389, getting closer and closer to 400.

2011
Scarves 168
Hats 259+3=262
Mittens (gloves)59+2=61
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 24
Squares 188+26=214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4

**Reminders:

Avoid open or lacy stitches, solid stitches are warmer
Weave in your ends, please don't tie and knot and cut. Always leave several inches after joining new yarn and work those tails in so items don't come unraveled.

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!

Knitted Headbands help to warm ears

These 8 knitted headbands were donated by Kathy G. Headbands can help keep one's ear's warm. Believe these are all made with Lion Brand Homespun yarn. As you can see they'll fit a variety of head sizes since they are different sizes and widths. Thank you Kathy for your thoughtful donation. I think these will work for the girls at the 2 free clinics.

I recently switched to the new editor here on blogger for pictures etc. Not sure I like it. Are you fellow bloggers using the new or old version? Does anyone know how to alt text pictures using this new editor? Or do they no longer need to be alt texted? Does anyone know how to go back to the old editor? I think I like it better. The new one is suppose to be easier to use, easier to get your pictures where you want them, move them around etc. I'm finding just the opposite. Seems you get funny spaces here that you don't want or didn't put in??

This is post #388, only 12 more to go to reach another milestone of 400 blog posts. Wow! You all have made that possible, You all are awesome!

Does anyone know a person in Delaware Ohio who knits and crochets and donated? Received a box without a note, and not even a name on the return address. Not sure if this is another oversite or they wanted to be anonymous. I always work hard to try and identify people, so I can at least send an email to let them know the package arrived. But, I don't even have a last name on this one. If you're out there reading this, please send me an email or leave a comment here. I have no problem if people want to be anonymous, but please still include your name for me, so I can communicate.**Mystery solved**

Added another state, North Carolina to our map, check it out folks, we now have people who've donated from 29 states listed for a 58%, how cool is that. Thanks Anne G for your note, appreciate it, and added NC to your name on the list. Please folks, take a minute...find your name on the list of either bloggers or non bloggers and see if your state is listed with your name. If it isn't, please leave a comment here so I can update. You're helping in several ways when you do this. One, you're leaving a comment which is helpful to the blogs SEO placement, and 2ndly we'll be able to update lists and map which is fun, and is helpful when I'm trying to identify donations that come without notes etc. Thanks!

2011
Scarves 168
Hats 259
Mittens (gloves)59
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 24 (must have forgotten to add ghans somewhere along the line, just updated after checking all the pictures..2 of the ghans went to our friends at Pine Street earlier
Squares 188
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4

**Day 4 in our April Showers Campaign, if you've not read about it, please click in the side bar. 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!

From the Sunny State of Florida

 Our good friend Sandie down there in the sunny State of Florida had quite a venture trying to get this box to us.  She and I communicated several times.  The post office really had issues.  Delivered this to the wrong address in another city, then returned it to her.  In the meantime, she kept busy and made a few more things and a month later a new box came to me with 23 loomed hats and a scarf.  Many thanks Sandie for your stick to it-ness.  This isn't the first time the post office has played havoc with our donations.  Though the last time I had such an issue was trying to mail to another Ohio city when we had a contest and I was sending yarn.  It too, took about a month to resolve.  Soooooooo frustrating.


Sandie's hats, as you can are a nice variety of colors and sizes which is awesome.  Keep up the good work Sandie, and next time...could you please pack up some sunshine to add to your box.  Pretty please with sugar on it.


Folks we're into another month, with another focus.  Have you read about April Showers?  Please do, check the sidebar.  Thanks.


**Reminders:
Please include a note with your donation with a means of getting in touch with you, be it your email ady, your blog url, your RAV, HIVE, or Facebook ID/link.


Please check the lists, is your state listed with your name?  If not, please include it here in the comments so I can get it added.


Please visit frequently, spend time, leave comments, let us know you were here.


2011
Scarves 167+1=168
Hats 236+23=259
Mittens (gloves)59
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 13
Squares 188
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4 

*This is post #387, only 13 left to reach 400, 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!

Hats to Warm the Homeless

5 Crocheted hats to warm our homeless here in Ohio from Karen H in Illinois.  Isn't it wonderful when help crosses state lines!  These 5 hats are are crocheted nice and tight with small stitches so will be nice and warm.  I love the striped one, reminds me a bumble bee!  Bumble Bees make me think of summer and warmer weather, and that makes me smile....BIG TIME!

Thank you Karen H for your thoughtful donation, it's greatly appreciated.

Have you checked out our April Showers Campaign?  If not, please do.  Click the badge in the sidebar.  Please feel free to add the badge to your blog.  Help us spread the word.

**Have you noticed the number of posts growing?  Hope so, we're getting close to another milestone.  With this post #386, only 14 more blog posts are needed to reach 400!  Wow, that really makes me smile.

**Have you added yourself (bloggers) as a followering of this blog?  If not, please do.

***Remember, you do not need to be a blogger to leave comments.  We encourage you all to leave comments each time you visit, so we know you were here.  If you're not a blogger, simply type your comment, then click name and url and leave the url blank empty.  That's all there is to it.  Visiting, and commenting are very helpful and they're both things that can be done, even for the non knitters and non crocheters out there who'd like to help.***

2011
Scarves 167
Hats 236
Mittens (gloves)59
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 13
Squares 188
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4

**Added pattern for fingerless gloves to the tabs across the top of the blog.  Looks like a nice quick and easy pattern folks**

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!

April Showers Bring Pain and Suffering

We've all patiently and impatiently awaited the coming of Spring, being tired of the cold winter, tired of the snow and tired of the ice.   We've no doubt heard the saying, "April Showers Bring May Flowers", many times and thought it was a cute saying.  However, April Showers bring pain and suffering doesn't sound so pleasant.  Cold, tired, hungry homeless people living outdoors do indeed have pain and suffer with April Showers.  Temperatures are still cold and uncomfortable, add being wet to that.  When it rains, we come indoors.  When it rains we run to our cars if we're out and about running errands.  When it rains, we grab an umbrella, boots, and or rain-gear.  When you're homeless you don't have a car to run to, a house, and generally no boots or rain-gear or umbrellas.  When you're homeless, you suffer, you get wet.  When you're wet you're colder. 

According to historic averages, this area's average low temperature is 40 degrees.  Do you know how cold 40 is when you're wet?  It's bone chilling bitter cold.  Currently we're averaging 10 degrees below normal, 10 degrees below historic norms.  Given that fact, our average lows for the month of April (if current conditions continue) would be 30.  That's 2 degrees below freezing.  Yikes.

We can't do much about the weather folks.  In fact, we can't do anything about the weather; but we can try to keep these people dry.  April's focus folks is PONCHO's.  Please consider sending along a poncho or two with your warm hats, mittens, scarves, and slippers.  I purchased 4 the other day, pictured above.  These are the light weight, easy to fold and stuff in your pocket/purse style.  Their inexpensive, and light weight to mail.  We can add these to all our donations to The Bridge Folks.

Today is April 1st, and this is not an April Fools Jokes, but an honest request.  Today, I'm kicking off our April Showers Campaign.  This is another project that non knitters, non crocheters, and non loomers can get involved in.  Please help us spread the word.  Add a badge to your blog.  Tell you co-workers, friends and family.  Tweet and Facebook it.  Let's see how many ponchos we can collect during this rainy month of April.


2011
Scarves 167
Hats 236
Mittens (gloves)59
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 13
Squares 188
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4

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!