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

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Awesome Team Work to benefit The Homeless

knitting for homelessAbove you see a picture of scarves, gloves, and socks, right? No, not really you're seeing so much more then gloves, socks, and scarves. Blink, pour another cup of coffee, scratch your head and take another look. I see gloves, I see socks, and I see scarves...........what? What you're really seeing here is the Power of One. One person, Melody printed our flyer, added a personal note and created a group called "Knotty Knitters." This group of women hails from Massachusetts. Waving a friendly hello and welcome to these new helping hands. Hi Lucille, Penny, Melissa, Lois, and Melody! We're thrilled to have your helping hands, your wonderful donations for the homeless, and also to know you've formed a group. AWESOME! Truly this represents "The Power of One!" Melody writes their group is growing, even better; the more the merrier. What's better than folks getting together, doing something they enjoy (knitting, crocheting, looming), sharing friendships, meeting new people, AND doing good at the same time!

Thank you ladies, may your busy hands remain productive, happy. Thank you for your thoughtful donation.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 268+8=276
Hats 537
Mitts 121+12=133
Socks 91+10=101
Squares 420
Rain Ponchos 60
Cotton Washcloths 280
Sweaters/Poncho's 6
Slippers 86
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

**August has come and gone, as did our focus for men's hats. September's focus is scarves, scarves, MEN, Women, and children. MEN, remember are the ones living outdoors, Women, and children at various shelters and free clinics are in need, as our MEN at shelters. Scarves should be warm (not open stitches), and large enough to wrap around. Scarves for young children is generally not a good idea, so think older child and adults.
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, August 30, 2011

Lovely Loomed Hats

knitted loomed hatsSandie in Florida has done it again with her creative flare for looming lovely colorful, warm, and fun hats for our folks in need here in Ohio. I love how she makes her loomed hats double thickness so they're nice and warm, have good stretch and awesome colors in her designs.

I seem to be having some blog issues of late folks, so my apologize for this post not appearing until now. I typically write and schedule posts, and often have 2 weeks going in the que. Lately, I've been having trouble with scheduled posts not airing when they're suppose to. I don't know if I'm having issues or blogger is having issues. Or perhaps it's a combination of both. Soooo, I'll double my efforts to check the dates on the scheduler thingy and hope things improve.

Our good friend Sandie from Florida is having a much deserved vacation is Scotland! How awesome is that. I hope you're having a wonderful time, and look forward to some pictures on your return. Travel safe, and as always thank you for your wonderful donation and on going support of Ohio's Homeless.

2011 Donations:


Scarves 268
Hats 523+14=537
Mitts 121
Socks 91
Squares 420
Rain Ponchos 60
Cotton Washcloths 280
Sweaters/Poncho's 6
Slippers 86
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

**One more day of our August focus of Hats for Adult Men, then onto our September focus which is Scarves. Scarves for women, men, and older children. Younger children tend not to wear scarves. Sizes and colors can vary, please make them warm (without open and loose stitches). I generally make scarves at least 5 inches wide for women and 6.5 or more for men.**

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, August 23, 2011

Hurrah for Hats for the Homeless

knitted hatsThank you Pauline B from Ohio! Pauline is our newest pair of helping hands, and look at the wonderful hats she's knitted! The black hats are nice and stretchy which is good for our men. She also has a nice big brim which can be pulled down for adding warmth if need be. Look at the cool design in the striped rounded blue and black hat. Click to enlarge so you can see the detail. I love the look! Very cool Pauline. What stitch or pattern did you use?

Cool nights and early mornings are beginning to be the norm here in Central Ohio........sigh, that means summer is soon to come to an end. The wonderful warm hats, scarves, etc you all have been busy making will very soon be needed. So keep up the good work with those busy helping hands. Welcome Pauline, we're thrilled to have you join us.
Thank you all for your caring.
2011 Donations:

Scarves 268
Hats 517 +6=523
Mitts 121
Socks 91
Squares 420
Rain Ponchos 60
Cotton Washcloths 280
Sweaters/Poncho's 6
Slippers 86
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

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, August 21, 2011

RoseMarie Rocks with another Fabulous Donation

crochet donations for homeless
Once again our wonderful friend, RoseMarie's Rocks! Look at her cute cute crocheted donation. She's done her signature crocheted button flower to decorate these cute hat and scarf sets.

This post was suppose to post yesterday, apparently I missed doing something on the scheduled post thingy. Must pay more attention to that in the future. She's donated 5 darling hat and scarf sets, 2 hadbands, 2 pairs of slippers and some soap and face/body cream. I never thought about cream, but think it's a wonderful addition to our personal care packages. Think how dry we all get and our skin's protected. Great idea RoseMarie.

As always thanks for your ongoing support of the cause, your skilled caring hands, and your friendship. Everything is so appreciated.

Hard to believe we're coming so close to the end of the month of August, and our focus of men's hats. Were does time go? We've begun to have some cool spells at night, while still having hot and humid days. Those cool nights, sadly are a reminder of what's to come for our folks in need. So, please keep those crochet hooks, knitting needles, and looms busy busy busy.

Thank you all for your caring.
2011 Donations:

Scarves 263+5=268
Hats 512+5=517
Mitts 121
Socks 91
Squares 420
Rain Ponchos 60
Cotton Washcloths 280
Sweaters/Poncho's 6
Slippers 84+2=86
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

***Oh my, just went back about 8 posts and correct our hat total, when I looked at this and it said 212, I thought...that's not right, knew you all had made more then that, went back and found where I had typed wrong...it was when I had to keep retyping this everyday while on vacation and using hubby's computer. For some unknown reason it would not let me cut and paste, as I always do when I add the new numbers.***

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, August 18, 2011

Team Work

misc. crocheted itemsThis is a donation of possibilities from Sandie in LA. I say possibilities because Sandie and I often collaborate and work as a team. She sometimes has what she terms are odds and ends, starts, examples perhaps from teaching a crochet class. She knows I'm a bit crazy and put things together. In an effort to clean out a space for son, some things had to leave their craft room. Above are 2 hats, possible 2 scarves and 4 stripes, or 4 stripes. I might want to use those fun stripes scarves/stripes to mix with squares....thinking stages here. The black I think will work folded over as a cowl, and there's a pretty blue square.

For tabulation purposes I'm counting it this way 2 hats, 2 scarves, 1 neck warm/cowl, 4 stripes, and 1 square.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 261 +2=263
Hats 510 +2=512
Mitts 121
Socks 91
Squares 419 +1=420
Rain Ponchos 60
Cotton Washcloths 280
Sweaters/Poncho's 6
Slippers 84
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

As always Sandie's items are beautifully crocheted.


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, August 16, 2011

Donations for Ohio's Homeless

donations for homelessDonations for Ohio's Homeless and others in need prove how big hearted knitters, crocheters, and loomers are. See what I mean! Take time and look around here on the blog and you'll be amazed with the wonderful giving people who knit, crochet, and support Bridge and Beyond. Psmflowerlady (Tammy M) has done it again with 7 squares, 5 cotton washcloths, 4 pairs of mittens, 2 rain ponchos, socks, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, a knitted poncho (super soft), and a scarf!

AWESOME....I tell everyone I met about how good I believe are, and how much good I believe they can do and are willing to do. People who donate to help others, to help people they don't know are AWESOME.
crocheted donationsWanted to show you show you a close up of this particular square. I love this diagonal pattern...Tammy, do you have directions for this you can share?

2011 Donations:

Scarves 260+1=261
Hats 510
Mitts 117+4=121
Socks 90+1=91
Squares 412+7=419
Rain Ponchos 58+2=60
Cotton Washcloths 275+5=280
Sweaters/Poncho's 5+1=6
Slippers 84
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

There's also a cute soft bunny which some small child will love.

Eleven more days for our August focus of hats for men.

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, August 15, 2011

Squares of Many Colors Donated

crocheted squaresNo doubt you've all heard of The Coat of Many Colors, well.............these are the squares of many colors. Seriously...look at all the fun colors crocheted by our friend Gail B in Virginia. Awesome! I'll have fun putting these together. Solids, and stripes and lots of different sizes. Thanks so much Gail for your on going support. We appreciate you!

We've had some cool nights of late, damp and cold despite the fact it's August. Strange how the weather can turn on a dime. We've shut the windows, as it's a bit nippy. No doubt our friends living outside in the elements are just plain cold when this happens. No doubt either that some are wearing our hats and scarves right this very minute. It's easy for us, I think with the protection of a roof over our heads to not realize these nights that bring relief from the air conditioner for us, don't really bring relief to our homeless out in the elements. So, perhaps our focus of hats for men is really not off base for what is traditionally The Dog Days of Summer. Keep your hooks and needles flying folks it's been feeling very fall like I'm afraid here, which sadly probably means cold weather isn't far behind. Sigh........

2011 Donations:

Scarves 260
Hats 510
Mitts 117
Socks 90
Squares 387 +25=412
Rain Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 275
Sweaters 5
Slippers 84
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

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, August 13, 2011

Donated Squares

squaresLook what our friend Yvonne created. Many thanks Yvonne for your skilled hands, and your thoughtful heart with your continued support and donating for the homeless. Awesome as always. Her squares are knitted corner to corner. Her warm fluffy scarf on the right is knitted.

knitted squareHad to take a separate picture of this one.....I LOVE these colors. By now, most of you probably know I love color. Isn't this bright and cheery! What type of yarn is it Yvonne? Do you remember the name of variegated?

2011 Donations:

Scarves 259+1=260
Hats 510
Mitts 117
Socks 90
Squares 377+10=387
Rain Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 275
Sweaters 5
Slippers 84
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)


**If you missed reading a wonderful note from Faith Mission, Becki (3 days ago), please please scroll back, or click HERE. This note is for all you who've helped the cause.**

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, August 12, 2011

Stupendous Scarves from Sandie

crocheted scarvesHere's 2 lovely, soft, and warm scarves crocheted and donated by our long time friend and supporter, Sandie (the one in Louisiana...remember we have multiple Sandie's). Look at the fun stripes with such a good color combination on the left. That scarf was crocheted lengthwise, while the pretty purple one next to it was crocheted width wise.

Sandie's work is always top notch! Many thanks Sandie for your on going support, it's greatly appreciated.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 257+2=259
Hats 510
Mitts 117
Socks 90
Squares 377
Rain Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 275
Sweaters 5
Slippers 84
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

**If you missed reading a wonderful note from Faith Mission, Becki (2 days ago), please please scroll back, or click HERE. This note is for all you who've helped the cause.**

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, August 11, 2011

Helping Hands from The Peach Tree State

crocheted items for homelessJoin me in thanking and welcoming Diana K from Georgia, our newest pair of helping hands. Diana has donated 2 blankets (I think they're woven ?), crocheted scarves and slippers, toothbrushes. I also think the bright scarf on the left side of the photo is woven? Sing out and let us know Diana. You might need to click to enlarge folks to see the draw string style slippers she crocheted. Diana, can you give me an idea what age group these would most likely fit? Thought perhaps your pattern told you? I like to label items and or divide them when I get them ready to be donated to the various locations in need.

If you didn't get to read the lovely note from Becki at Faith Mission, please scroll back to the previous blog post. I'd love everyone who's ever donated to be able to see it. I also think I'm gonna borrow the quote she listed as her favorite....it just seems so very appropriate. "Be The Change you Want to see in the World", I want to put that some place prominent here on the blog.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 246+11=257
Hats 510
Mitts 117
Socks 90
Squares 377
Rain Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 275
Sweaters 5
Slippers 68 +16=84
Afghans 31 +2=33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

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, August 10, 2011

Faith Mission accomplishing with your Help

Folks been a few days since I've posted, am still trying to play catch up after being out of town for about 10 days. PLEASE stay tuned for more beautiful thoughtful donations from your caring hands. I have boxes to open, photographs to take and blog posts to write; hoping to get rollin this afternoon.

I wanted to share this sweet email with you, as it's directed to all of you who've helped with your donated knitted, loomed, and or crocheted items throughout these past couple of years. Congratulations to each and everyone of you, and please keep up the good work!
--------------------

Dear Sandy and ALL the donors to Bridge and Beyond:
My name is Becki Duncan and I am a volunteer at Faith Mission in Columbus, Ohio. About a year ago I found information online about Bridge and Beyond. I had been knitting scarves and wanted to donate them, but I wasn't sure where to do that. When I read about Bridge and Beyond it was exactly what I had been looking for and I boxed up my scarves and sent them to Sandy. At about the same time I started volunteering at Faith Mission. So I have been lucky enough to see the direct impact that items made with so much love can have on those affected by homelessness. I just want all of you to know how much your ongoing donations and support of Faith Mission mean to everyone here. Not only the clients, but the staff and volunteers as well. At a time when there are so many people faced with unimaginable challenges, it only takes a small gesture to make all the difference in the world.
One of my favorite quotes is "Be the change you want to see in the world". Thanks to all of you for doing just that.
Much love to you all,

Becki Duncan


2011 Donations:

Scarves 246
Hats 510
Mitts 117
Socks 90
Squares 357+20=377
Rain Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 275
Sweaters 5
Slippers 68
Afghans 31 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

We often knit and crochet and loom for people we do not know personally, and will never meet, and we don't see them wearing our warm items, but..........they are received with open arms and so very much needed and appreciated. Thank you Becki for taking time to communicate with us.

We're a third of the way through our current month of August and it's focus of warm hats for Men, keep your hooks and needles flying.

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, August 7, 2011

Square this, not Math

Square this, makes me think way back to school days and math class. Argh...math class not a favorite for me. This however is different, this talk of squares gets me very excited. My math teachers would probably be pleased to know I do use some of the math I learned from them when I put together beautifully made squares from you all to make afghans for those in need. These fabulous squares are from Jennifer S, in Ohio. 20 fun squares here that will make my job of assembly fun, easy and. Many thanks Jennifer for your wonderful and thoughtful donation. Keep up the good work. It's greatly appreciated.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 246
Hats 510
Mitts 117
Socks 90
Squares 357+20=377
Rain Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 275
Sweaters 5
Slippers 68
Afghans 31 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

August's focus is hats for men. Hats for men who are homeless (our Bridge folks), men who are homeless (through Faith Mission), Men living in temporary housing through the family shelter. Think dark male appropriate colors, and adult sizing.

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, August 5, 2011

Dare to be Square, it's Cool

crocheted squares Thank Bunny for your on going support of our cause. Bunny has been knitting, crocheting, and donating to Ohio's Homeless since the beginning of this blog and this project. I'm very grateful for her support, her skilled hands, her big heart, and her friendship.

A cute knitted hat and 8 squares are pictured above, all will be put to good use, as always.

August is typically a hot month around the country and so it may be hard to think warm, but in our continuing effort to stay ahead of the need, we're doing just that. We're thinking warm hats, warm hats, suitable color and size for adult men. Men who live outdoors need warm hats about 9 months of the year in this area of the country. Some of the hats collected during our August focus will go to our Bridge People when Rae prepares and takes food to them on Sat mornings, others will go to Faith Mission to distribute when men come and go with a nights lodging, and others will go to The Family Shelter I've begun to mention that house 50 families.

Think dark colors, and naturally nothing lacy or open.

2011 Donations

Scarves 246
Hats 509 +1=510
Mittens 117

Socks 90
Squares 349+8=357
Washcloths 275
Sweaters 5
Slippers 68
Afghans 31 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

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, August 3, 2011

Donated Squares and Blankets for those in Need

fleece blankets Two cute fleece blanets that have been decorated with a crocheted edge. The kids will love these, warm, soft and cute. How cleaver Jen J from Mass. Click to enlarge the picture so you can see her edge.
squares 18 squares that will make there way into a ghan to comfort and warm someone in need at either Faith Mission or the new family shelter (keep checking in to read more about it). Squares of a variety of sizes and colors, some knit and some crocheted. In addition Jen donated a hat, and a cowl...the cowl is particularly nice, please click to see it's detail.

Many thanks Jen for your thoughtful donation. It's very much appreciated.

Received a good number of squares during the focus month of July and now here we are in August. Where does the time go? August's focus will be hats, hats for men. Think large, warm, and dark colors appropriate for men living outdoors in the elements and those that get a night here and there in a shelter.

*Edited this post, as I got Jen S (Jennifer)from Ohio and Jen from Mass mixed up in my posts.
2011 Donations
Scarves 246
Hats 508+1=509
Mittens 117
Socks 90
Ghans 29+2=31 (2 went to our friends at Pine Street)
Squares 331+18=349
ponchos (rain ponchos) 58
Cotton Wash Cloths 275

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, August 2, 2011

Cotton is clean and comforting

cotton washcloths Thank you missilebird (RAV), Jen for these 5 cotton washcloths and fleece hat. Very much appreciate your on going support for Ohio's Homeless and those in need.

A cotton cloth ? Someone asked me the other day, as I was knitted what's all the fuss about a cotton cloth. The brief version is of course people need washcloths to get clean. But, those of us who knit and crochet and donate understand it's so much more then that. Yes, you get clean with a cotton cloth (June's focus), but you also know someone made something special just for you. Cotton is comforting, tired, hot or cold skin.......skin that's been out in the elements, skin that doesn't have the advantage of daily baths and showers needs to be treated kindly. Hand knit and hand crochet cotton washcloths do just that.

Thanks to all who continue to use their time, their energy, their skills, and the money to knit and crochet to help others. You are AWESOME!

2011 Donations
Scarves 246
Hats 507+1=508
Mittens 117
Socks 90
Afghans 29 (2 of which went to our friends at Pine Street)
Squares 331
Poncho's 58
Cotton Washcloths 270+5=275

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!

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?