Donating Socks for The Men

While at Sams the other day I picked up another pack of 12 socks for Bridge folks. Socks are always in need, summer, winter, spring and fall. Cold wet feet make everyone miserable so the need is on going.

Since tomorrow is November 1st, and our focus will be Men (the group most in need) through The Jack Otis Memorial Month, thought this would help to kick start it. October's mitten focus wasn't particularly successful so I'll also mention here Men who live outdoors need mittens to keep from getting frost bite.

As of the writing of this scheduled post, we've already experienced 2 mornings of heavy frost with about 10 nights of temps in the low 40's and 30's. Please think warm, as you think about items for our men. Please check in tomorrow for the official start of November's Jack Otis Memorial Month and our focus on Men in need.


2011 Donations:

Scarves 357
Hats 737
Mittens 143
Socks 135+12=147
Squares 516
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 90
Afghans 40 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn etc.

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!

Donations might become a Christmas Afghan

This red knitted strip (which I'm counting in the squares area), is being donated from my DD, Christine. She had some yarn left over and just felt like some knitting with nothing specific in mind. So she knitted until she ran out of yarn, figuring I could do something with it. Thank you darling daughter. Love you bunches!
Adding it to recently donated squares from Cheryl S...maybe it will become a Christmas Afghan? Hum....still thinking and need to look at all the other squares I have and see what might work. Rest assured, something will eventually pop into my brain.

Making a Christmas Ghan could be a wonderful item for Project Welcome Home for a family making the transition during the holiday season!

2011 Donations:

Scarves 357
Hats 737
Mittens 143
Socks 135
Squares 515+1=516
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 90
Afghans 40 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn etc.

**Using double yarn makes a slipper super warm and very sturdy, and or make two and put them together. Using different colors inside and out can make them reversible**

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!

Sandie's Super Soft Set Donated

Awesome brown crocheted set here from our long time friend Sandie in Louisiana. I love the color, I love that it's big enough for the men folk, and I love how super soft it is. Many thanks Sandie for your thoughtful donation. As always, your work is sooooooo nice. As we're fast approaching the month of November which will be Jack Otis Memorial Month and a focus on our Men...this is most timely.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 356+1=357
Hats 736+1=737
Mittens 143
Socks 135
Squares 515
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 90
Afghans 40 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn etc.

**Using double yarn makes a slipper super warm and very sturdy, and or make two and put them together. Using different colors inside and out can make them reversible**

When people ask me why I take time to knit/crochet? This is what I tell them. You've probably heard me say it before, but I continue to get the question....no doubt you do too.
The message behind a hand made item, be it knitted, crocheted or loomed is powerful. The message that someone you didn't know took time to make something especially for you is awesome, is powerful, is important. That's why we donated hand made items. We keep them physical warm...yes; but we offer hope because of the specialness with a hand made item. Thank you for all you do. Keep up the good work 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!

Making Jewels from Donated Squares

I've batted around names for this ghan and have finally settled on Jewels. I started out with pastel jewels, then someone said it reminded them of birthstones, which are gems, which are jewels.....right? All the squares/rectangles are crocheted except the bright purple and the mauve one. Many of the squares were donated by Cheryl S, just recently HERE; I added others on hand from others donations and
have started edging in off white/ivory, as you can see. This ghan will be donated to The Homeless Families Foundation for our Project Welcome Home.

The message behind a hand made item, be it knitted, crocheted or loomed is powerful. The message that someone you didn't know took time to make something especially for you is awesome, is powerful, is important. That's why we donated hand made items. We keep them physical warm...yes; but we offer hope because of the specialness with a hand made item. Thank you for all you do. Keep up the good work folks.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 356
Hats 736
Mittens 143
Socks 135
Squares 515
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 90
Afghans 40 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn etc.

**Reminders:
Include a note with your donation
Do not tie and cut when changing yarn, leave several inches and weave in your ends
Avoid open lacy stitches, general rule of thumb if you can poke your finger throw the stitches, they aren't as warm as they could be.
Avoid white as much as possible, shows dirt too easily
Lots of info in FAQ and Before you donate

Did you know you can click on the tags of any post and be taken to previous posts from either that individual (if you click on their name), or other posts that have those words...ie. mittens, hats, scarves, socks, etc.? That way you can always look around the blog and see other items these folks have made, or see other similar items.


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!

International Donation!!

Lovely purple crocheted set of mittens, hat, and scarf donated by Damaris all the way from Puerto Rico! AWESOME. Very nicely made, love the way you trimmed it also Damaris. Thank you so much for your thoughtful donation. I could hardly wait to open the box when I realized where it came from. I was sooooooooooo excited I told everyone I came in contact with that day.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 355+1=356
Hats 735+1=736
Mittens 142+1=143
Socks 135
Squares 515
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 90
Afghans 40 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn etc.

**Reminders:
Include a note with your donation
Do not tie and cut when changing yarn, leave several inches and weave in your ends
Avoid open lacy stitches, general rule of thumb if you can poke your finger throw the stitches, they aren't as warm as they could be.
Avoid white as much as possible, shows dirt too easily
Lots of info in FAQ and Before you donate

Did you know you can click on the tags of any post and be taken to previous posts from either that individual (if you click on their name), or other posts that have those words...ie. mittens, hats, scarves, socks, etc.? That way you can always look around the blog and see other items these folks have made, or see other similar items.

The message behind a hand made item, be it knitted, crocheted or loomed is powerful. The message that someone you didn't know took time to make something especially for you is awesome, is powerful, is important. That's why we donated hand made items. We keep them physical warm...yes; but we offer hope because of the specialness with a hand made item. Thank you for all you do. Keep up the good work 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!

Homeless, Cold Children in Need THANK YOU!

If you read our blog on a regular basis you know we help many groups. We donate our hand knit and crocheted items to 2 family shelters (The YWCA, The Homeless Families Shelter), we donate our items to 2 free clinics (that care for women and children on the West Side of town), we donate our items to Holy Family (who passes out items to those in need along with a hot meal). Lynn the lady who delivers our items to Holy Family during her volunteer hours also distributes our items to several other areas in need. One such location is Broad Street Elementary School who's children have great need. Many who attend are in fact homeless, many in dire circumstance. It's very difficult to obtain a necessary education when you cold, and hungry and fearful about where you'll be sleeping the night. Though I know we can't take care of all their needs, we can make an important difference with warm hats, scarves, and mittens for these kids.

Here's a nice note from the principal I wanted to share with you all. AND add my thanks to you, for all the work you do.
------------------------------------------
West Broad Elementary
2744 West Broad St.
Columbus, Oh 43204

CCS Mission: Each student is highly educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in a global community.

October 14, 2011


To Our Friends at Bridge and Beyond,

On behalf of our students and staff, I would like to extend our sincerest gratitude for your donated hats and gloves. Our students are often deprived of clothes and essentials at home and the burden of supplying materials for all of our students becomes very costly. Your generosity and kindness will bring smiles to many students. Those students that receive your materials will surely be grateful and appreciative. It eases the minds of those students that are not prepared with warm clothes to be given them during the cold winter season. I am impressed with your dedication to the children and the neighborhood.

Again, I thank you, my staff thanks you, and most of all, the students thank you.

Sincerely,


Pete Kurty, Principal

and

The staff and students of
West Broad Elementary School
-------------------------------------------
*this is a cut and paste of an email attachment I received, so the spacing is a little off, but I wanted you all to see it*

Highland Elementary School is another school in need that our friend Lynn made a delivery too. Additionally, some donations went to St. Vincent DePaul in Vinton County. Vinton County is one of 29 counties in the state that fall into the Appalachian area. These area's are the poorest in the state. I am hoping donations will continue at such a level that we can continue to spread our wings like this and go "beyond". Vinton is in the brown area when you look at the above map. Franklin, is the county where our clinics, shelters, and Bridge folks are ...that's the orange area.

Asking everyone who reads this today....Please tell at least one person about our cause. Tell them in person, tell them in an email, tell them about it through Facebook, your blog, Twitter. Thank you!

October is mitten month, let's see if we can boast those numbers, still a little bit of time left in the month; though please remember..........we collect them all year long.

November's focus will, Jack Otis Memorial Month, please keep checking in (men will be the focus).

2011 Donations:

Scarves 355
Hats 735
Mitts 142
Socks 135
Squares 515
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 90
Afghans 40 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn etc.

**Reminders:
Include a note with your donation
Do not tie and cut when changing yarn, leave several inches and weave in your ends
Avoid open lacy stitches, general rule of thumb if you can poke your finger throw the stitches, they aren't as warm as they could be.
Avoid white as much as possible, shows dirt too easily
Lots of info in FAQ and Before you donate

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!

Donated Squares = Rainbow Bright Afghan = Happy Little Girl

You may remember seeing these donated squares (thank you Cheryl S) and afghan start HERE. Here is another afghan that by the time you read this scheduled post has already been donated to our Welcome Home Project for The Homeless Families Foundation. Bright and cheery, I think Rainbow Bright (you know how I like to name all the ghans), should bring a smile to a little girls face.

While December is the month to donate squares, if you're mailing other items and want to include them with your hats, scarves etc. to save postage, please feel free to do so.

We have a few more days in October for our Mitten Focus, and November will be The Jack Otis Memorial Month, with a focus on Men. Please keep checking in.

How you can help-- even when your knitting and or crochet time is tight
Visit the blog, read, spend time, and post comments. Remember you do not need to be a blogger to leave comments. Simply type your comment, click the drop down box under the comment area that says name and url, leave the space for url empty. Please use this option and not anonymous. Anonymous comments often end up in the spam folder. Visiting, reading, spending time, and commenting help the blogs placement. Helping the blogs placement in search engines helps us be easier to find, being easier to find gets us more helping hands. More helping hands=more people in need we can help. Please share our blog link with your friends, family, and co-workers...even if they aren't bloggers or knitters or crocheters.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 355
Hats 735
Mitts 142
Socks 135
Squares 515
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 90
Afghans 39+1=40 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn etc.

Please read how you can help if you've not read it recently, also check out FAQ, 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!

Slippers, and Socks, and Scarves Oh My !

Wowzer, another great donation from the hook of Annemarie in New York. 4 wonderful, soft, and large scarves, 2 hats, 3 pairs of slippers, and 12 pairs of socks. Annemarie...you rock!

Thank you, thank you, for your thoughtful donation. Please keep up the good work. By the way, these slippers are the first I've seen like this (I think from memory), what pattern did you use?

Mitten monthly is fast approaching an end, if you're busy knitting and crocheting mittens you still have time.

*Remember to include a note with your donation with your name, address (state), email ady, blog url, facebook profile, RAV profile etc; so I can let you know your donation arrived, get things properly documented. Please review the 3 lists here on the blog. Is a state listed by your name? Still have lots without....please let us know by leaving a comment so we can get states added to the map. You do not need to be a blogger to leave a comment, click name and url and leave url blank. Please do not use anonymous. To aid with unidentified donations a section has been added to the right side bar*

2011 Donations:

Scarves 351+4=355
Hats 733+2=735
Mitts 142
Socks 124+12=135
Squares 515
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 87+3=90
Afghans 39 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn etc.

**We've added 2 family shelters to our mission-- the list of people we help. Making the list as follows:
Bridge Folks (primarily Men) who live outdoors
Nancy Place through Faith Mission (all women), some of whom have been abused as well as homeless
Faith Mission, Men and Women (mostly Men)
2 Free Clinics, Women and children NO Babies
Holy Family (who pass out warm items along with a hot meal)
The Homeless Families Foundation, Men, Women, and Children....families(temporary housing for 47 families)
The YWCA Family Shelter, Men, Women, and Children....families(temporary housing for 100 families)**
As the list of those in need grows, I'm hopeful that pulling together we can grow our donations to meet the need. I'm hopeful we can spread the word, find more helping hands, and knit and crochet enough. Please help, and know it does matter!!

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!

Donating to Family Shelters in Need

Thank you Jeannette J for this thoughtful donation of 3 crocheted scarves, 3 fleece throws, 1 pair of slippers, 2 crocheted hats, and sock yarn (4). These throws went to our Welcome Home project for The Homeless Families Foundation. The grey and white perfect for a family homewarming gift. I marked the other 2 for a young boy which is great cause we had a couple of afghans suitable for little girls.

Folks be sure and click to enlarge the picture so you can see the nice detail on the brown hat upper right that matches the scarf. Very nice!

About 1 week left of October Mitten Month.

Next up November, Jack Otis Memorial Month (a focus on men, a personal story, putting a face on homelessness).


2011 Donations:

Scarves 348+3=351
Hats 731+2=733
Mitts 142
Socks 124
Squares 515
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 86+1=87
Afghans 36+3=39 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn.

**Several days I mentioned another addition to our mission, supply warm knitted/crocheted/loomed items for homeless families through a 2nd Family Shelter, The YWCA Family Shelter. They give temporary housing to 100 families. Items needed for Men, Women, and Children. Having recently added not 1 but 2 family shelters to the list of the many we aid, I'm hopeful for increased participation. Can we find more helping hands? Do you know someone who could help? Help us 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!

Soft, Stylish Scarves Donated

5 Soft, Stylish Scarves crocheted and donated by Jenn S in Ohio. Awesome. Notice the blue on the far left (remember all pictures can be clicked to enlarge), it's made from granny squares! Very nice, very creative Jenn. Thanks so much for your ongoing support and your thoughtful donation. Very much appreciated.

Folks, I'm pleased to say donations have come in steady enough I feel like we can, once again expand our mission to be able to help more people. The YWCA has a family shelter, run similar to The Homeless Families Foundation. Families are given shelter and essentials for a period of time and with help move from temporary housing (the shelter) to permanent housing. Our friend Rae will be making deliveries to them. This family shelter provides temporary housing for up to 100 families. It was only a short while ago I expanded our mission to include The Homeless Families Foundation with a large donation from our summer stock pile, and am hopeful we'll be able to continue to grow to provide for this 2nd family shelter as well.

Help us grow, tell your friends, your family and your co-workers of the need. See someone knitting or crocheting, ask them if they could help. If you have a blog, please include our badge, and or blog post with a link here. Facebook and tweeting are also very helpful. Thanks for all you do, let's keep up the good work helping these families get back on their feet and avoid being homeless.

Thank you!

2011 Donations:

Scarves 343+5=348
Hats 731
Mitts 142
Socks 124
Squares 515
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 86
Afghans 36 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn.


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!

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

5 Cotton washcloths (crocheted), 22 pairs of slippers (crocheted), all different sizes and several sexy styles! Cheryl S doubled her slippers. She made what would be 2 pairs, put them together (one inside the other), did several rows of crochet around the ankle part which made them nice and thick and warm. Others she lined with felt by sewing in a lining...very cool ideas here Cheryl. Love how they turned out. Please to enlarge so you can see the various styles, the cut little brown teddy bear ones, and see how she made the double slippers a different color inside so they can be reversible.
This is a nice thick ghan that some child/teen will love. It's suitable for a girl or a boy and has been donated to The Homeless Families Foundation for our Welcome Home Program. This is also crocheted.
Who doesn't love the traditional Log Cabin Quilt Design! Awesome. This ghan was also donated for our Welcome Home program and will be wonderful for any family as a true Welcome Home Gift.

In addition to this lovely items, Cheryl also donated 2 pair of mittens, 14 hats, 4 ponchos, and personal care items. On the day these photographs were taken, something went berserk with my camera and or when they were loaded to the computer, as the picture for those items is gone. This happened also to 2nd picture taken of Carol S's donation. I really am bugged and have no clue what went wrong. I've only had that happen a couple of times over the last couple of years. Weird and irritating. I also note the items and the amount donated so use that when calculating our numbers. Additionally, she included 4 bandana's and 1 black long john shirt.

Many thanks Cheryl for your thoughtful donation, keep up the good working. Work is continuing on Snow Cone, the ghan being made from some of the squares Cheryl donated. Scroll back a few days to see it.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 343
Hats 717+14=731
Mitts 140+2=142
Socks 124
Squares 515
Rain Ponchos 80+4=84
Cotton Washcloths 318+6=324
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 86
Afghans 34+2=36 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn.

TIP: Think warm, sturdy and durable for your donations please. Please avoid special care fibers.

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!

Sixty Hats donated from The Luscious Loomer!

60 Hats in bag, 60 hats in the bag
Take one out to give it out, 59 hats in the bag
59 hats in the bag, 59 hats in the bag
Take one out to give it out, 58 hats in the bag....come on sing with me. Sing good though please, lol!

60 Loomed hats from our good friend, Frank, the one I've named the Luscious Loomer. 60 kids will now have warm heads. AWESOME! Frank I think maybe I asked last year, but don't remember. Which size loom do you use for your hats? I divided this up for kids and teens at the Y's Family Shelter, and the kids at the free clinics. I posted some info about sizing and color the other day (sizing info from Bev's blog). I wanted to tell people which size to use for adults, so assume it would be the one larger then the size you use? Or are there 2 sizes above the one you use? Can you fill us in, thanks.

As always Frank, many thanks for your thoughtful donation and your continued support and friendship.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 343
Hats 657+60=717
Mitts 140
Socks 124
Squares 515
Rain Ponchos 80
Cotton Washcloths 318
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 86
Afghans 34 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn.

Did you notice, we've added additional states to our list of places where our wonderful donators live. Scroll down and check out the map. Is your state noted? If not, please check the lists here on the blog to see if I have the state you're from...if not, please sing out. Trying to get everything documented. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have every state represented with a big hearted knitter or crochter or loomer!

TIP: Please remember to leave tails and tuck them in vs knotting and cutting. 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!

When Squares Grow Up, what do they Become?

These 17 crocheted Christmas colored squares donated by Cheryl S from Michigan will grow up into a Christmas Afghan. How perfect that will be for one of our families leaving temporary housing at The Homeless Families Foundation to make their way into permanent housing. What a true "Welcome Home" gift that will be. I may use just these squares, I may see what in my stash wants to join in.
And these 2 groups of squares also crocheted and donated by Cheryl S...the group closest to you, 8 colors and 20 squares most likely will be a ladies ghan for our Welcome Home Project. Possibly having other squares join them, possibly on their own. Very much still thinking stages there; but the 5 bright colors I grouped together in the upper right corner are 24 squares that started growing up almost immediately after I opened the box. Wham, this has to be a ghan for a little girl...I could see it immediately, it called out to me and has in fact already been named. Snow Cone. The bright green is lime, the yellow lemon, the pink would be cherry, the purple of course is grape, and the orange...........orange.
See...told you it's growing up fast. I quickly spread the squares and came up the traditional diagonal afghan, searched my stash for a color I liked with it and started edging and joining with a blue. Not really navy, sorta a dark aqua-ish blue. Edging adds about 5 inches to the length, as you can see, and about an inch in width to each strip. Once it's all joined, I should have enough to do a nice wide border. Snow Cone will make some little girl feel loved. What a wonderful "Welcome Home" gift this will be.

Thank you Cheryl for your support and your thoughtful donation, keep up the good work.

**edited, as you know my post are always written ahead, placed in que in the schedule...so, as I type this edit I can tell you, the more I worked on this little girls ghan, the more I decided it needed a different name...nix snow cone (though I may use that again on another ghan), This ghan is now named "Rainbow Bright". **

2011 Donations:

Scarves 343
Hats 657
Mitts 140
Socks 124
Squares 454+61=515
Rain Ponchos 80
Cotton Washcloths 318
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 86
Afghans 34 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn.

For those who like to plan ahead, I've added November to our working calendar it will be a focus on men through The Jack Otis Memorial Month. Hats, Scarves, Mittens, Slippers, for men. Naturally socks. Keep checking in for more details.

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!

Meeting Fellow Bloggers who Donate

It's always so fun to meet face to face after first getting to know someone here on line. That's the case with Nikki S, who's blog is theonlynikki.com (check sidebar). We chatted on line, then we meet unknowingly the first time. That is to say we hadn't planned to meet each other. Through my work, Nikki came in and was.......crocheting, conversation insued, naturally. lol

Thanks Nikki for these 4 scarves, much appreciated keep your hook on the move, hope to see you soon, both here on line and in person.

TIP: If you're making slippers, use thick yarn, or double yarn for a nice thick slipper. You could even make 2 slippers and stitch them together one inside the other for a nice thick and warm, as well as sturdy slipper. They could be reversible if you use 2 different colors.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 339+4=343
Hats 657
Mitts 140
Socks 124
Squares 454
Rain Ponchos 80
Cotton Washcloths 318
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 86
Afghans 34 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn.

For those who like to plan ahead, I've added November to our working calendar it will be a focus on men through The Jack Otis Memorial Month. Hats, Scarves, Mittens, Slippers, for men. Naturally socks. Keep checking in for more details.

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!

Mickey Mouse

This is one of 8 cotton packs sewn and donated by our newest pair of helping hands, Carol S from Indiana. I put some of her other donated items inside to take an up close photo so you could see the bag easier, then it was laying flat with all the other donations. However, something happened to the photo with everything laying out. When I transferred photo's from the camera to the computer...argh.

She donated 11 hats, 3 pairs of mittens and 8 cute bags that I plan to use for personal care packages. There were a couple of pretty flowered ones, and these cute cute cute Mickey Mouse ones. Adorable and very practical.

I'll add soap, hand made cotton washcloths, toothbrushes, toothpaste etc to these and they'll go to The Homeless Families Foundation as part of the Welcome Home Project. As families move from their temporary housing into permanent housing, they'll receive an afghan made from our squares/and or full ghans donated; along with a personal care pouch to help them celebrate the move.

I'm sorry you all don't get to see the hats, they were knit and so nicely made; as were the mittens. I would gladly re-photograph them, but since posts are written and in que, by the time this was written the items had already been donated.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 339
Hats 646+11=657
Mitts 137+3=140
Socks 124
Squares 454
Rain Ponchos 80
Cotton Washcloths 318
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 86
Afghans 34 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn.


** October is mitten month**
***November will be Jack Otis Memorial Month**

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!

Hospital Scarf

Started this dark green (tealish) crocheted scarf while my Dad was in the hospital (ICU), needed something to keep my hands busy, something easy, something I didn't have to count. This green scarf is made from some of the green yarn donated by Laurie HERE. It's nice and large for the men folk. I like adult scarves for men to be substantial, so this one is 8 3/4 inches wide, 6 foot long, with a starting chain of 29 stitches.

TIP: Please leave tails of several inches after changing yarn and work them in, do not cut after a knot.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 338+1=339
Hats 646
Mitts 137
Socks 124
Squares 454
Rain Ponchos 80
Cotton Washcloths 318
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 86
Afghans 34 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn.

October is Mitten Month

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!

Knitting 4 x 4 for Homeless

Suzann from Tennessee, SSeger on Rav knitted and donated 4 scarves and 4 cotton washcloths. The scarves are varying sizes and a couple are knitted I believe with double yarn which will make them especially warm. The cotton washcloths are the standard corner to corner design. I've often wondered how many items we've all made together in that popular corner to corner method...be it knit or crochet, washcloth, or dishcloth, or ghan, or baby blanket. Always such a winner!

Many thanks for your thoughtful donation, it's greatly appreciated. Please keep up the good work.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 335+3=338
Hats 646
Mitts 137
Socks 124
Squares 454
Rain Ponchos 80
Cotton Washcloths 315+3=318
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 86
Afghans 34 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn.

**Have you checked our map recently? Is your state represented? Is your state listed with your name either on the bloggers list, the non bloggers list, or the Facebook/Ravelry list? If not, please leave a comment and let me know what state you're from. Do you see a state not represented where you know someone? Can you encourage that someone to join us? It's been awhile since we've gotten to add a new state to our list of those who donate.**

***A couple of additions to the working calendar have been added, have you reviewed it lately?***

Donation in que from: Nikki, Carol, Frank, Jenn, Jeanette J, Cheryl, AnneMarie, Sandy

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!

Donating Pink Poodle for Project Welcome Home

A traditional pattern, knitting corner to corner (like so many of us do for grandma's favorite washcloth), with a bit of a different twist here. Used 2 different skeins of JoAnn's Sensations Boucle', one the black, gray, and light pink combo AND the 2nd skein was the brighter pink and white combo. Knitted on size 8 this seemed to take forever and I was hoping it would be a bit larger. It appeared like it would be when I started the decrease....but sometimes its hard to measure well when things are still on the needle. Edged with about 5 rows of both single crochet and double crochet to give the ruffle border and you can see how much the colors change.

This will, I hope brighten some young girls eyes and be a nice "Welcome Home", as part of our Project Welcome Home through The Homeless Families Foundation.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 335
Hats 646
Mitts 137
Socks 124
Squares 454
Rain Ponchos 80
Cotton Washcloths 315
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 86
Afghans 33+1=34 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn.

*Did you read the helpful hints and guidelines about color and size? If not please do, scroll to 10-9-11

**Have you checked our map recently? Is your state represented? Is your state listed with your name either on the bloggers list, the non bloggers list, or the Facebook/Ravelry list? If not, please leave a comment and let me know what state you're from. Do you see a state not represented where you know someone? Can you encourage that someone to join us?**

***A couple of additions to the working calendar have been added, have you reviewed it lately?***


Donations in que from: Suzanne W, Nikki, Carol, Frank, Jenn, Jeanette J, Cheryl, AnneMarie, Sandy

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 hues to Warm the Homeless Donated

6 fun, funky, bright and cheery scarves...scarves of many hues to warm the homeless donated by Paula K from Missouri, "The Show Me State". All the scarves are crocheted, some width-wise, some length-wise. A couple of the scarves are double thickness. Thank you Paula for your thoughtful donation. People will be warmer which just goes to show....we can and do make a difference with our craft each and everyday.

Whether you're from Missouri or some other state, let's all show em. Let's keep our needles and hooks flying and produce hats, scarves, mittens, slippers, afghans/squares to donate to keep the homeless warm.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 329+6=335
Hats 646
Mitts 137
Socks 124
Squares 454
Rain Ponchos 80
Cotton Washcloths 315
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 86
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn.

*Did you read the helpful hints and guidelines about color and size? If not please do, scroll to 10-9-11

TIP, Wondering if your item is too light, too airy, or too lacy? Can you easily poke your finger through it, see your hand through it? If so, it's probably not as warm as it could be for the homeless


Donations in que from: Sandy, Suzanne W, Nikki, Carol, Frank, Jenn, Jeanette J, Cheryl, AnneMarie, Sandy

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!

Simply Scrumptous Scarves Donated

See.........simply scrumptious scarves donated by Liz (minnisoda in the ville). 6 Scarves, 2 hats, and 6 fabulous cotton washcloths from our friend Liz. Hats and scarves are crochet, the washcloths are knitted. Yippee skippy........warm, soft, and so nicely made. Hugs for your help Liz, it's much appreciated.

Liz is currently working on an afghan too..........can hardly wait Liz to add it to our Project Welcome Home.

Many thanks for your thoughtful donation.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 323+6=329
Hats 644+2=646
Mitts 137
Socks 124
Squares 454
Rain Ponchos 80
Cotton Washcloths 309+6=315
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 86
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn.

*Did you read the helpful hints and guidelines about color and size? If not please do, scroll to 10-9-11

TIP, Wondering if your item is too light, too airy, or too lacy? Can you easily poke your finger through it, see your hand through it? If so, it's probably not as warm as it could be for the homeless

Donations in que from: Paula K, Sandy, Suzanne W, Nikki, Carol, Frank, Jenn, Jeanette J, Cheryl, AnneMarie, Sandy

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!

Matching Sets To Aid Ohio's Homeless are Donated

Thank you Sherry K from Ohio for this fabulous donation of 3 matching scarves and hats. I've specifically laid out the hats differently to show you the versatility in this style hat. The black hat lower right is fully open....it might look long to you; but for larger heads this is nice and if someone wants to really pull it down there's enough to do so.

Notice the blue variegated one is the same style/patterned hat but the brim is rolled 1 time. The brim helps the hat fit a slightly smaller head while at the same time provides double thickness over the ears.

Look top left and you'll see the pink hat which opened is longer then the black hat and can be rolled twice for a nice thick wide brim. Again the thicker brim over ears can be additionally warmth, and if the hat is slightly too large rolling the brim the brim can help to make it fit.

Sherry I'd love to add this pattern to our pattern area here on the blog, if you're able to share with us.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 320+3=323
Hats 641+3=644
Mitts 137
Socks 124
Squares 454
Rain Ponchos 80
Cotton Washcloths 309
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 86
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn.

*Did you read the helpful hints and guidelines about color and size? If not please do, scroll to 10-9-11

Donations in que from: Liz, Paula K, Sandy, Suzanne W, Nikki, Carol, Frank, Jenn, Jeanette J, Cheryl, AnneMarie, Sandy

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!

Cute Cute Crocheted Hats

Our Dear Friend Bunny has done it again, look at these cute little (10) hats. These crocheted hats should keep 10 kids/teens warm and looking GOOD! One hat has a matching scarf too. Thank you Bunny for your thoughtful donation and your on going support. Both are greatly appreciated.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 319+1=320
Hats 631+10=641
Mitts 137
Socks 124
Squares 454
Rain Ponchos 80
Cotton Washcloths 309
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 86
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn.

TIP, please avoid open, airy, lacy stitches. If you can see your hand through the stitches, or poke your finger through the stitches, they're not as warm as they could be

**Did you see who won the yarn from donating scarves? Scroll back to October 8th's post.
***Did you notice the newest section to help identify unidentified donations?
****People have asked about sizing and colors............read the previous post for some helpful information on those topics.

Check the map, we're up to 66% with donations from 33 states. Spent more time going through the lists and only a few who donate who have blogs are listed without the states they represent...please sing out and let us know what state your from:
Angela, Rebecca, Ghost, Krystine, Melanie, Peggy, and Jason.

Donations in que from: Sherry K, Liz, Paula K, Sandy, Suzanne W, Nikki, Carol, Frank, Jenn, Jeanette J, Cheryl, AnneMarie, Sandy


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!

Blending in, Color and Size for Homeless

Something to think about. AND winner announced yesterday, did you read who?

When you knit or crochet for children bright fun, funky and cheerful colors work well. Kids come in a variety of sizes so hats and scarves can be varied size wise. Let's avoid white, dirt seems to find them, lol. Let's avoid scarves for safety reasons for real young kids-- younger then kindergarten age. We supply 2 free clinics, and The Homeless Families Foundation, and Holy Family, and several schools with kid appropriate items. Some children though are large, I've seen some the size of my 6 foot husband so we also need larger items, and solid colors work well for teens (particularly males).
Hat sizing does vary, but this may help you. Hats should measure 1 to 1 1/2 inches less then the head size. Some information borrowed from Bev's Blog.
Toddler head 18-20 inches length of hat - top to bottom 8 inches Child head 19-20 1/2 inches length of hat - top to bottom 8 1/2 inches Pre-Teen & Teen 20 1/2-22 inches length of hat 9-10 inches
*****remember to measure without stretching the hat, and the length measurement does NOT include what portion of the brim you'll be rolling up*****

Ladies like pretty, soft and warm. Let's avoid open, airy, lacy patterns. General rule if you can see your hand through the item, and or poke your finger through the item, it's probably not as warm as it should be. We supply items for ladies through the 2 free clinics, through The Homeless Families Foundation, Through Holy Family, and through Nancy's Place (Faith Mission). I like to make scarves for women at least 5 inches wide and at least 5 feet long.
Adult Female 21 1/2-22 1/2 inches length of hat 11 inches

Men who live outdoors, our Bridge Folks need large, preferably solid and dark colors for their hats and scarves. Dark or solid colors may not be as pleasing to the eyes when we knit and crochet; but they are more serviceable for people living outdoors. Obviously dark colors don't show the dirt as much, and dark colors can be safer. Wearing solid dark colors helps the homeless blend in, helps them call less attention to themselves which makes them safer. It helps them not be a target for the police who do harass them, it helps them not be a target to other homeless who might be inclined to steal a warm item that stands out and catches their eye. I like to make my scarves for men at least 6 feet long and around 7-8 inches wide.
Adult Male 23-24 inches length of hat 11 1/2 inches

**Have you noticed a new section has been added for unidentified donations here on the blog?**

TIP....avoid white please with your donations

October is mitten month

I've added November's focus to the working calendar, though details will follow. It will be The Jack Otis Memorial Month, it's a personal picture of homelessness and despair


2011 Donations:

Scarves 319
Hats 631
Mitts 137
Socks 124
Squares 454
Rain Ponchos 80
Cotton Washcloths 309
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 86
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn.

Donations in que from: Bunny, Sherry K, Liz, Paula K, Sandy, Suzanne W, Nikki, Carol, Frank, Jenn, Jeanette J, Cheryl, AnneMarie, Sandy

**Enjoyed visiting everyone's blog this am. Have you noticed the additional list here on the blog, one for bloggers, one for non bloggers, and now one for those with Facebook, Rav, Ville, profiles etc.**



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!

The Winner Is !!!!!!!!!!!!

**winner was chosen old school, small paper torn from envelope, thus the blue**

We've had several fun and productive contest here on Bridge and Beyond. Always the purpose is to have fun, to increase blog visits, to increase items being donating and to give away yarn and other goodies. We had a mitten contest, a comment contest, and now a scarf contest.

This scarf contest ran from Sept 8th to October 8th. The purpose was to beef up numbers for adults scarves, as I thought those numbers were a bit low, and because we get far more scarves for kids/teens then we do adults. I added a qualifier that the scarves should be at least 5 inches wide and 5 feet long, though I think I stretched that a bit with the list of entrants.

Thank you to all who participated: AnneMarie, Nancy, Denise, Gail B, Paula K, Jenn S, Bunny, RoseMarie, Suzy D, Liz, and Suzanne W.

Our winner is Gail B. Many thanks and congrats Gail. Your donations have all been appreciated. Gail hails from the state of Virginia and has been donating hats, scarves, squares, and cotton washclothis since April of 2010. I have 7 posts here on the blog tagged with Gail B, with the possibility of 8....Gail, is this you? Click Here please. If this is Gail B, she's been donating since Feb of 2010. Gail has donated 41 scarves, 12 hats, 14 cotton washcloths, and 25 squares for our homeless and those in need. Did you know you can click on her name in the tag section of this post (bottom of the post), and be taken to all other posts where she is tagged? Take time and have a look back to see all the goodies she's made and donated. You can do this anytime folks, click on anyone's name in the tag area.

Have had a round of anonymous comments of late so wanted to post a little reminder to you all. You do NOT need to be a blogger to leave a comment. Simply click the drop down box that says name and url and leave the url portion blank. Please use this option so we know who you are vs anonymous. Plus, many anonymous comments end up in the spam folder.

I'll be reviewing my stash, as well as lots of odds and ends that have been donated to get a box ready, Gail send me your snail ady so I can put your winning yarn in the mail next week. Remember Monday is a holiday, so it will hopefully go out on Tuesday.

CONGRATS AGAIN GAIL, AND MANY THANKS


TIP....avoid using white when possible, and non washable wool and suede fibers please with your donations

2011 Donations:

Scarves 319
Hats 631
Mitts 137
Socks 124
Squares 454
Rain Ponchos 80
Cotton Washcloths 309
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 86
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn.

Donations in que from: Bunny, Sherry K, Liz, Paula K, Sandy, Suzanne W, Nikki, Carol, Frank, Jenn, Jeanette J, Cheryl, AnneMarie, Sandy

October is mitten month
I've added November's focus to the working calendar, though details will follow. It will be The Jack Otis Memorial Month, it's a personal picture of homelessness and despair

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!

Variety is the spice of Life

Variety is the spice of Life popped right into my head when I opened this box of wonderful goodies from our friend Suzy. Look at the variety of hat sizes and styles (17). I believe some are knitting on a loom (the red and gray ones top center?) some are crocheted top down in the round, one is knitted intarsia (black with design in the center). The scarf (2)with patches, nice and big, bright and cherry, solid stitches so it's good and warm. And a pair of mittens. Awesome work Suzi, thanks so much for your thoughtful donation. Keep up the good work.

**Speaking about Scarves, Will recheck the blog posts for the last month against my list (Sept 8th-through today), to see who's scarves qualify and post winner tomorrow. (5 inches wide and feet long qualify). Trying for more adult sized scarves (and teen), as we seem to get more for the younger set.

**Have you noticed a new section has been added for unidentified donations here on the blog?**

TIP....avoid white please with your donations

2011 Donations:

Scarves 317+2=319
Hats 614+17=631
Mitts 136+1=137
Socks 124
Squares 454
Rain Ponchos 80
Cotton Washcloths 309
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 86
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn.

Donations in que from: Bunny, Sherry K, Liz, Paula K, Sandy, Suzanne W, Nikki, Carol, Frank, Jenn, Jeanette J, Cheryl, AnneMarie, Sandy

October is mitten month
I've added November's focus to the working calendar, though details will follow. It will be The Jack Otis Memorial Month, it's a personal picture of homelessness and despair

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!

Scarves, Mufflers a rose by any other name

**Would the unknown knitters from Seattle Washington from this POST, PLEASE make contact**

Thank you Gail B! When I was a kid used to hear people call scarves mufflers.......regardless of what you call them, they are awesome. 9 scarves and 2 hats from Gail's hook, so nicely done. Nice soft yarn too!

Thank you for your ongoing support Gail and keep up the good work, Please!

**Speaking about Scarves, just 2 more days to get your scarves counted for the drawing for a box of yarn. Scarves at least 5 inches wide and feet long qualify. Trying for more adult sized scarves (and teen).

2011 Donations:

Scarves 308+9=317
Hats 612+2=614
Mitts 136
Socks 124
Squares 454
Rain Ponchos 80
Cotton Washcloths 309
Sweaters/Poncho's 7
Slippers 86
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands or yarn.

October is mitten month

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!