Crocheted goodies being donated

Thank you Mary H from Ohio for this thoughtful and abundant donation of crocheted goodies. There are 11 brightly colored scarves, sized nice the kids, a pink shawl that I believe one of the ladies/Mom's at one of the 2 family shelters will enjoy wrapping up in, and a Candy Corn Colored crib sized ghan to brighten and warm one of the young children for our project, "Welcome Home" for The Homeless Families Foundation. Nice work Mary, keep up the good work.



2011 Donations:

Scarves 396+11=407
Hats 903
Mittens 247
Socks 318
Squares 551
Rain Ponchos 208
Cotton Washcloths 338
Sweaters/Poncho's 10
Slippers 100
Afghans 43+1=44 (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, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

This is day 30 in our Jack Otis Memorial Month, tomorrow starts our focus for squares. Please read the details before your knit/crochet/loom and mail. Thank you.

This post is #565...can you believe how fast we zipped by our last mentioned milestone of 400 posts? WOW. Each posts represents the hard and wonderful work you all do, as each post highlights a day of donations from someone...impressive isn't it! Give yourself all a pat on the bag for stellar work.

*****Please avoid open and lacy stitches, if you can see your hand through the item, and or poke your finger through...it's too lacy and not warm enough. *****

Reminder that posting comments helps the blog. How you might ask? Increased comments helps our search engine placement. When we place well in the search engines more folks can find us to help us which in turns means we can help more people. So, please please please. I know many of you visit, and read. Be brave, leave a comment, let us know you were here. Encourage each other and admire each other's work. Be friendly and get to know the other wonderful folks who help. It truly does help the blog which in turns help those we're reaching out too. You do not need to be a blogger to leave comments. Simply type your comment and click the drop down box that says name and url and leave url empty if you don't have a blog. Please use the name and url instead of anonymous. Anonymous doesn't tell us who was here and often ends up in the spam folder which in turn does not help the search engine optimization.

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!

Donation from Canada

Three warm and very soft knitted hats and a pair of knitted mittens from our newest pair of helping hands, Bonnie B (Panther from Rav) from Canada! These hats are nice and stretching and will fit a good range of head sizes. One can leave the brim rolled once as the orange and brown hats are, or double roll it as the darling turquoise print one is. Thank you so much Bonnie for your thoughtful and well made donations, they are greatly appreciated. Hope to see you here on Bridge and Beyond often.

Today and tomorrow left in our month long Jack Otis Memorial Month. Many thanks to all who read the story about Jack, and my other classmate and friend Bill. I'm always interested in learning others personal stories to share with you all. It's important to understand the homelessness does effect people we know. If you have a story you can share, please email at:
sandycrochet@gmail.com.

**Reminders:
Please include a note with your email, on line profile page and or ID's with your donations so I can contact you to let you know your thoughtful donation arrived.
Things to avoid in your knitting and crocheting: white, lacy stitches, and knotting and cutting your yarn.
***Working calendar lists each of the monthly highlighted items for this past year. I will be posting a new one for the upcoming year of 2012, please stay tuned.
****The blog is updated often, so please take time and read guidelines, some items may have changed since you began donating based on the groups we are donating too.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 386
Hats 900+3=903
Mittens 247
Socks 318
Squares 551
Rain Ponchos 208
Cotton Washcloths 338
Sweaters/Poncho's 10
Slippers 100
Afghans 43 (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.

December's focus will be squares, please check guidelines before you knit or crochet. Please email me with any questions regarding those guidelines and or times to mail squares.

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!

Help for Ohio's Homeless from New York

Our good friend AnneMarie has done it again with has, slippers, scarves, and mittens. A variety of sizes and a variety of colors. Awesome work AnneMarie.

AND, 31 more packages of ponchos and 6 dozen more pairs of socks! She sent 3 boxes and as I was opening and photographing here and there to catch up from being out of town, I didn't get all her's together. You may have seen the first installment of socks and rain poncho's HERE.

AND 43 packages of hot packs, most good for up to 8 hours according to the packages and some good for up to 18 hours according to the packages. Awesome donation, and really awesome idea. I must look the next time I'm at Sam's and see if I can get something like this in bulk?

Many many thanks AnneMarie for your thoughtful donation, and your continued support for our folks in need here in Ohio. Please keep up the good work.

Day 28th for our Jack Otis Memorial Month. I would still be interested in sharing any stories you all might have regarding homelessness having a face. Please emaill me if you have a story to share.

December's focus will be squares. Please read details regarding size and color in the side bar or across the top of the blog.

**When someone asks you why take time to make something special for someone you don't know, I think the perfect answer is, "Hope is powerful, giving someone a special hand made item made special for them, gives them Hope."

2011 Donations:

Scarves 395+1=396
Hats 888+12=900
Mittens 242+5=247
Socks 258+60=318
Squares 551
Rain Ponchos 146+62=208
Cotton Washcloths 338
Sweaters/Poncho's 10
Slippers 98+2=100
Afghans 43 (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!

Help for Ohio's Homeless from The Sunshine State

27th Day of Jack Otis Memorial Month

Thank you Phyllis G from Florida, The Sunshine State for this thoughtful donation for Ohio's homeless. Phyllis knitted 11 hats, and 11 scarves in a variety of colors and sizes and included 11 pairs of navy blue adult gloves. This is a wonderful donation for the men. Mostly dark male colors, and sizes appropriate. We appreciate your on going support Phyllis and look forward to seeing you here on Bridge and Beyond often with your skillful hands.

Do you belong to a group? A social group, a group at work, or school, or church? Could you print our flyer and post on the bulletin to help spread the word? If so, please do. We'd love to spread the word further, to obtain more helping hands. The more helping hands we have, the more people we can help. Through the last several of years, we've grown and have been able to help additional groups in need. I hope that continues, as the problem of those needing help certainly continues to grow. More and more families need us. We help Men, Women, and Children. We help people here Franklin County (central Ohio), and we help people in Vinton County. We help those living on the street, we help those that live in temporary shelters, we help those who get a hot meal here and there, we help those get a night here and there in a shelter. The list is on going. We need and appreciate your help with the hand made items (knitted and crocheted, and loomed). We need and appreciate your help spreading the word of the cause, be it on your blog, on facebook, on twitter or on your a bulletin board. Thank You!


2011 Donations:

Scarves 384+11=395
Hats 877+11=888
Mittens 231+11=242
Socks 258
Squares 551
Rain Ponchos 146
Cotton Washcloths 338
Sweaters/Poncho's 10
Slippers 98
Afghans 43 (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!

Warming Hands is Colorful

A warm, and very colorful donation of 10 pairs of mittens here from Patty L from Ohio. (gloves) A good variety of sizes here to warm different sized hands. The kids will love them. Thank you Patty for your thoughtful donation.

This is Day 26 in The Jack Otis Memorial Month. 4 more days folks, you still have time...keep your hooks and needles flying. It's cold and the men are in need.

**Reminder for those knitters and crocheters who furry pets like to lay on your donations, please do your best to remove the dog and cat hair...those lint roller things work well. If your items are washable, washing them in cold water and fluffy dry (I never use hot, even when the label says it's ok), also helps. Additionally, washing items is a great way to soften some of the rougher yarns. This helps all the recipients with allergies, as well as me when I open the boxes. THANKS**


2011 Donations:

Scarves 384
Hats 877
Mittens 221+10=231
Socks 258
Squares 551
Rain Ponchos 146
Cotton Washcloths 338
Sweaters/Poncho's 10
Slippers 98
Afghans 43 (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.

***Reviewing our numbers above makes me wonder if we can heat 500 for scarves? Or 300 for mittens? ***

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!

Fabulous Knitting being Donated

Thank you Pat E for this thoughtful donation. Knitted wonderfulness here folks! Take a look at the darling little sweater, the 10 pair of fabulously made mittens in lots of different sizes, and a red scarf! Lovely, truly lovely Pat. Much appreciate your continued support of the cause with your knitted donations. Keep up the good work!

2011 Donations:

Scarves 383+1=384
Hats 877
Mittens 211+10=221
Socks 258
Squares 551
Rain Ponchos 146
Cotton Washcloths 338
Sweaters/Poncho's 9+1=10
Slippers 98
Afghans 43 (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.

This is Day 25 for Jack Otis Memorial Month. If you've missed reading about, please click on his picture in the side bar.

Next month, Dec we're once again activating "Give a Square". Please read about it, also in the side bar before you make your squares. Sizes, colors, purpose etc all the info is there.

TIPS:
If you like to keep track of your donations, print the blog post where your's are highlighted.
Use double thickness when knitting or crocheting slippers for extra warmth and durability
Avoid white yarn for the dirt factor
Avoid lacy, open see through stitches and patterns. We're going for warmth and durability. If you can poke your finger through your stitches, try a smaller hook/needle and or different stitch.
Avoid tying a knot and cutting your yarn when you change colors or add new yarn, ALWAYS leave tails of several inches and work them into your work.

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 from The Peach Tree State

Thank you Marilyn P from The Peach Tree State (Georgia) for the donation of these 10 hats. Some of the hats are crocheted, others I think knitted...probably on a loom? Nice variety of size and color here folks. Marilyn is our newest pair of helping hands. Welcome Marilyn. Love having you help us warm Ohio's Homeless. Hope to see you on Bridge and Beyond often.

Marilyn is an artist folks. She paints, hop over to her webpage. You can find her link in the sidebar listing of those who donate with blogs.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 383
Hats 866+10=877
Mittens 211
Socks 258
Squares 551
Rain Ponchos 146
Cotton Washcloths 338
Sweaters/Poncho's 9
Slippers 98
Afghans 43 (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.

This is Day 24 in The Jack Otis Memorial Month. Do you have a story you can share with us?

December's focus....squares. Details can be found in the sidebar (Welcome Home), and Give a Square, as well as in the tab area across the top of the blog.

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 Knitted Adorable and Warm Hats, AWESOME

Our friend Becky P from Washington (ppeatknits on RAV), has done it again. Look at these adorable knitted hats! Wonderfully made, cute as can be and such fun cherry colors! Not sure what type of yarn Becky used, but these hats are soooooooooo nice and soft, the kids who wear them will love them for sure. They'll be warm and cozy and be stylin!

I love how people in the knitting, crocheting, and looming communities connect. Becky and I both knit in a charity group called The Oddball Baby Blankets and got acquainted through that group on RAV, and she then extended her charity knitting to include our need here on Bridge and Beyond. I love that. It happens frequently with our on line friends.

Many thanks Becky, keep up the good work!

2011 Donations:

Scarves 383
Hats 861+5=866
Mittens 211
Socks 258
Squares 551
Rain Ponchos 146
Cotton Washcloths 338
Sweaters/Poncho's 9
Slippers 98
Afghans 43 (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.

This is Day 23 for The 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!

More Donations for Girls

Day 22 for Jack Otis Memorial Month

Our friend RoseMarie with her signature flowers has crocheted 3 pairs of slippers, a hat and matching scarf that the girls will enjoy. She's also donated some personal care items (deodorant, toothpaste and shampoo), and a headband. The colorful circles will be nice starts to squares to add to one of ghans for Project Welcome Home.

The yarn will be sent to our friend Anna. Thank you RoseMarie for supporting our cause and showing your support to our friend Anna, who was open enough to share her story with us awhile back. I know she started right in on the yarn I sent and will welcome this addition.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 382+1=383
Hats 860+1=861
Mittens 211
Socks 258
Squares 551
Rain Ponchos 146
Cotton Washcloths 338
Sweaters/Poncho's 9
Slippers 95+3=98
Afghans 43 (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.

*For those that like to look and work ahead, Decembers focus will be squares. Please read the details before you stitch and mail.*

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!

Seven Sensational Hats Donated

Day 21 of Jack Otis Memorial Month

Seven Sensational Hats knitted and donated from Shirley's skillful hands. The beauty of knitted ribbed hats is the variety of heads they'll fit. Ribbing is particularly stretchy. A nice variety of colors and designs too. Check out the cute barets! Very nice details Shirley. Many thanks for your thoughtful donation. It is greatly appreciated. Shirley is from the state up north, Michigan. She's our newest pair of helping hands. Wonderful to have you join us in helping Ohio's homeless. Hope to see you soon and often here around Bridge and Beyond.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 382
Hats 853+7=860
Mittens 211
Socks 258
Squares 551
Rain Ponchos 146
Cotton Washcloths 338
Sweaters/Poncho's 9
Slippers 95
Afghans 43 (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 avoid white yarn when knitting and crocheting, as it shows dirt too easily.
Please avoid knotting and cutting your yarn, always leave tails of several inches and work them into your item to avoid fraying.
Please avoid open light airy stitches. Lacy stitches aren't as warm as solid stitches. V stitches in crocheting can be too open if you like doing the V-stitch, avoid using the sc's in between and simply put your 2 dc's inside the previous row of 2dc. It still makes a V appearance but isn't as open....AND if you use a smaller hook that also helps lessen the lacy effect.

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!

Crocheted Scarves being Donated

Day 20 of Jack Otis Memorial Month

Crocheted scarves from Elaine our newest pair of helping hands. Nice long warm soft scarves donated by Elaine from Georgia. The men will love these and be able to wrap up which adds added warmth. We're happy to have you join us and look forward to seeing you around The Bridge often.

If I had to pick a favorite, believe it would be the blue and black scarf, very nice!

2011 Donations:

Scarves 379+3=382
Hats 853
Mittens 211
Socks 258
Squares 551
Rain Ponchos 146
Cotton Washcloths 338
Sweaters/Poncho's 9
Slippers 95
Afghans 43 (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.

Tips:
Please avoid open airy and lacy stitches, as items made with these types of stitches aren't warm enough for those living in the elements. Not sure whether or not your stitches are lacy? Can you poke your finger through and or see your hand through the item? Try going down a needle or hook size, it can make all the difference. If the skein suggest size I hook go down a size to H. We want our items to be warm and sturdy.
For those wanting to keep track of their donations, you might consider printing the blog post where your items are posted.


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!

Keeping Homeless Warm and Dry

Day 19 of Jack Otis Memorial Month

How high can you count? 6 doz socks (5 x 12) and 31 packs of double ponchos (62) from our good friend AnneMarie. Poncho's and socks are needed and appreciated all year long, but especially this time of year when being cold and wet can be disastrous for those living outdoors and those living in temporary and or insufficient housing. Being cold and wet is unhealthy and uncomfortable. So many thanks AnneMarie for your thoughtful and very useful donation for Ohio's Homeless.

Tips: Using double yarn makes nice thick, sturdy warm slippers.
Photograph and print the blog post to keep track of your donations if you need it come tax time.
Do not tie and cut when changing or adding yarn. Please leave a tail of several inches and work your ends in.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 379
Hats 853
Mittens 211
Socks 198+60=258
Squares 551
Rain Ponchos 84+62=146
Cotton Washcloths 338
Sweaters/Poncho's 9
Slippers 95
Afghans 43 (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.

**For those that like to work ahead, December's focus is squares. Information regarding size, color etc can be found through tabs across the top of the blog; as well as following the Welcome Home badge in the sidebar**

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!

Magnificent Mittens Donated

Day 18 of Jack Otis Memorial Month

Magnificent Mittens knitted and donated by our friend Sally (galsal on Rav). These mittens are wonderfully warm and super soft, and so well made. Many many thanks Sally....one of these days I hope to be able to knit mitts as well as you do. Thank you for your thoughtful donation and your on going support! The round containing holds 8 toothbrushes as well........thank you!

Please hop in tomorrow to see a pyramid of hope and kindness! You really don't want to miss it.

Have you read about my friend and classmate Jack Otis? If not, please do. Click on his picture in the sidebar. Being homeless has a face, one we all need to be aware of. Homeless people need us, need the warm we give with our donated knitted and crocheted items....AND they need the hope we offer them for a better time........the knowledge that someone cares, that they are thought of.

Thank you all for what you do, it's appreciated. In addition to your knitting, crocheting, and looming, could I ask that you help further by spreading the word. Tell someone about the need today.......a friend, a co-worker, a fellow blogger, someone on facebook, a neighbor, someone at church, or the grocery store were you shop. Each person you tell, is helpful. They may help us, they may know someone who can.


2011 Donations:

Scarves 379
Hats 853
Mittens 207+4=211
Socks 198
Squares 551
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 338
Sweaters/Poncho's 9
Slippers 95
Afghans 43 (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!

A Powerful Pile of Practical Goodness for the Homeless

Day 17 of Jack Otis Memorial Month

WOW...look at this powerful pile of practical goodness for our homeless in need donated by our friend Alexis! Those of you who visit and read the blog often know I sometimes go bonkers with the words...powerful pile etc. lol But, seriously......it's true. Donations for Ohio's Homeless is indeed a very powerful thing to do, AND this is quite a pile! Hats, scarves, slippers, cotton washcloths, squares for ghans, and socks.

Thank you Alexis for your on going support of our cause, it's greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work.

Folks....look at how our numbers are growing and growing. Each and every stitch helps someone in need, be they a man on the street, a woman or child in a shelter, or a homeless family living in temporary housing to keep from being on the street. We've added several groups to those we help so it's important and necessary to see those numbers grow. You are all fantastic!

2011 Donations:

Scarves 376+3=379
Hats 832+21=853
Mittens 206+1=207
Socks 185+13=198
Squares 543+8=551
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 335+3=338
Sweaters/Poncho's 9
Slippers 91+4=95
Afghans 43 (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!

Pink Pentuna in the Works

Day 16 of Jack Otis Memorial Month

You may remember seeing some of these squares when my friend and classmate Connie sent her donation. I've spaced them out alternating the 2 color combinations. Rather then making more of the circle squares, I thought it would be faster to edge and join to get this ghan out to some little girl for our Project Welcome Home. I've named it Pink Petuna. The squares with centers of purple are edge with a row of green and 2 of pink, while those with green centers are edge with purple and 2 of pink. I'll then join them in pink and do a border. Believe that will make a nice size ghan and still have some yarn left from Connie's donation for other projects.

As you know posts are scheduled ahead and this project is packed as I write this for a out of town trip, in my carrying on bag; so plan to work on it a lot while gone.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 376
Hats 832
Mittens 206
Socks 185
Squares 543
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 335
Sweaters/Poncho's 9
Slippers 91
Afghans 43 (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!

Donation Delivered in the Driveway

Day 15, Jack Otis Memorial Month
Thank you Cheryl G from Florida for the 11 knitted washcloths and 23 knitted hats. Cheryl is out newest pair of helping hands. Cheryl and I were classmates and therefore she too was a classmate of Jack's. Bill's too.

Cheryl was in town for a wedding and was able to hand delivery this donation. Wished we could have visited more, but I was zipping to the hospital. Still was wonderful to see her again, even though briefly there in the driveway.

Many thanks Cheryl for your thoughtful donation, hope to see you often here on Bridge and Beyond.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 376
Hats 809+23=832
Mittens 206
Socks 185
Squares 543
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324+11=335
Sweaters/Poncho's 9
Slippers 91
Afghans 43 (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!

Put your hands together for Mittens

Day 14 of Jack Otis Memorial Month


Fabulous mittens! These are all crocheted. Love the nice long cuff on the blue and gray pairs. That adds extra warm. So nicely made, Suzy D. And those nice large warm black, red, and gray ones are awesome! I've got to find some time to get some more patterns added to the site, would love to add the patterns you used. Are they patterns I can post?

Tip: Remember to leave tails of several inches when changing yarn and tug your ends in while you're crocheting and or knitting. Avoid tying a knot and cutting, almost guaranteed to unravel.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 376
Hats 809
Mittens 200+6=206
Socks 185
Squares 543
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 9
Slippers 91
Afghans 43 (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!

A Square Here, a Square There makes for a warm Afghan

Day 13, Jack Otis Memorial Month

Yippee, another afghan for our folks at The Homeless Families Foundation for project, "Welcome Home. This afghan is made from mostly crocheted squares. The squares come from about 3 different people. The bright purple squares are knitted. I edged each square with 2 rows of single crochet, used a version of join as you go with darning needle and yarn vs crocheting them together. I like that using a darning needle and stitching them together as they lay flat makes the join flatter then when they're crocheted together; but I'm not sure I'd use this method again. A lot more ends to work in at the end.
Here's a close up of the border. I've used this border alot in making afghans, it's one of my favorites, it's not open, or lacy, but adds some interest to the edge. Once all the squares were put together, I did 2 rows of sc around the outside of the afghan, then the decorative shells type row.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 376
Hats 809
Mittens 200
Socks 185
Squares 543
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 9
Slippers 91
Afghans 42+1=43 (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!

Wrap up in a Crocheted Scarf

Wrap up in this crocheted scarf from our long time supporter and friend Sandie from Louisiana. Sandie's work is always so well done. This scarf is both warm and soft. Many thanks Sandie, please keep up the good work.

This is day 12 folks in our month long focus on men and their needs. Have you read about my friend Jack Otis? If not, please do. Do you have a story you can share about homelessness?

I'm going to share a 2nd story with you about another high school friend who was educated, successful in several areas including owning his own business. A horrific car accident changed all that. After one uses up insurance, short and or long disability, and no longer has a job nothing remains the same. He had brain damage, making further employment a problem. He was a heartbeat away from being homeless. A good friend took him in and gave him lodging. That gave him time to get back on his feet enough not to be homeless. He has never regained his former level of success or employment. A car accident, something that could happen to anyone of us.

When you see a homeless person on the street, please think about what you might do to help. Please don't look away, as if you don't see. That person has a face, and that person is or was someone's loved one. You don't know what their personal story is, you don't know what brought them to this point in their life.

Homelessness does indeed have a face. Please keep your hooks and needles busy and do what you can to help those less fortunate. They are someone's son, daughter, Mother, Father, Aunt, Uncle, friend, or former classmate. Just like my friends Jack and Bill.


2011 Donations:

Scarves 375+1=376
Hats 809
Mittens 200
Socks 185
Squares 543
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 9
Slippers 91
Afghans 42 (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!

Colorful Socks and Gloves

Day 11 of Jack Otis Memorial Month

Look at this pile of colorful socks and gloves. The young girls are really covered here. Pinks, Purples, Blues, Reds and more. Annemarie...did you break in and take a whole shipment? lol

These 32 pairs of socks and 45 pairs of gloves will be divided up between the free clinics and the family shelters. Can't you just see the girls smiling and styling! Many thanks Annemarie for your continued support.

**Have you checked the tabs across the top of the blog recently? Constantly adding new info in FAQ, before you donate, patterns and more**


2011 Donations:

Scarves 375
Hats 809
Mittens 155+45=200
Socks 153+32=185
Squares 543
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 9
Slippers 91
Afghans 42 (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!

Donated yarn and Squares

Jack Otis Memorial Month, Day 10

Box 1 contained yarn and cute squares from fellow classmate and friend Connie. Connie and I attended school together.................a few years back. She and I have enjoyed re-connecting on Facebook, much more regularly then class reunions. She indicated she had come across this ghan start and yarn in closet during some recent cleaning. Feeling she wanted to help, and probably wouldn't get back to this project....she forwarded it to me.
Box 2 contained more squares and yarn. 27 squares in all plus some circle starts. I plan to utilize her squares in a ghan for a little girl for our Welcome Home Project. I used the name Pink Petuna recently in an oddball blanket start through another charity group. I see that name as perfect for this project as well. Though I probably won't make all the squares exactly the way her pattern originally called for....a ghan will be made, and the yarn will be used for this and other projects for our cause. Connie was also a classmate of Jack Otis, so how fitting is this that she found and donated her goods for this month when we're honoring and remembering our friend Jack.

Thank you fellow Ohioan, Connie for your thoughtful donation. Hope to see you here at Bridge and Beyond frequently.


2011 Donations:

Scarves 375
Hats 809
Mittens 155
Socks 153
Squares 516+27=543
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 9
Slippers 91
Afghans 42 (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.

**Can you help us spread the word? Send our link with a personal message to everyone in your email box, please and 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!

New Helping Hands from Arizona for Ohio's Homeless

Jack Otis Memorial Month, Day 9

4 awesome scarves and one darling sweater from our newest pair of helping hands, Sara T (PixyKayte on RAV), from the state of Arizona. The sweater is knitted and I think 1 of the scarves it, while the other 3 are crocheted? I sent Sara a message, asking if she could share her sweater pattern. Looks like a good one, neck down...I think one piece design? Thank you Sara for joining us, and thank you for your thoughtful donation. We appreciate it and look forward to seeing you and your creations around Bridge and Beyond often.
Wanted to show you all a close up of this darling little sweater. Click to enlarge further.


2011 Donations:

Scarves 371+4=375
Hats 809
Mittens 155
Socks 153
Squares 516
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 8+1=9
Slippers 91
Afghans 42 (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.

**Can you help us spread the word? Send our link with a personal message to everyone in your email box, please and 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!

Frosty Morning Relief from Friends

Day 8 of Jack Otis Memorial Month

As of the writing of this scheduled post, it's 28 degrees, which is 4 degrees below freezing folks! This is the 2nd or 3rd morning I've noted the night temps have dipped below that cold freezing mark. It's close to 9 AM and it's not yet warmed up. White cold frost is still covering everything I can see from my windows. I'm sipping hot coffee and have a fleece on here in the house, as I wait for the house to warm up with the aid of the furnace. It's cold! I'm cold and I have the bounty of a roof over my head. Not so with the homeless who live outdoors.

Thank goodness for friends like you big hearted knitted, crocheters, and loomers. You all make such a difference. Above donation comes from our friend and fellow Ohioan, Cindy B. Lots of person care items (soap, combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toothbrush holders); which are always in need. Our Bridge folks and the shelters will be thrilled to get these items. Additionally, Cindy has donated 10 pairs of gloves and 50 hats. The colors of the hats didn't show up well in the picture. I stacked them by color. There's a group of black, navy, dark charcoal gray, light gray, and dark olive green.

Thank you Cindy for your thoughtful donation. The young boys/teens at the family shelters will be happy to receive them.

**Remember to leave tails when changing yarn and work your ends in, do not tie a knot and cut**


2011 Donations:

Scarves 371
Hats 759+50=809
Mittens 145+10=155
Socks 153
Squares 516
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 8
Slippers 91
Afghans 42 (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.

**Double yarn for slippers makes for a nice warm, and sturdy slipper. Or make 2 and stitch them together. You can make each a different color, which would make the slippers 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!

Joy to The World

Day 7 of Jack Otis Memorial Month

Singing..."Joy to the World, Joy to the fishes and deep blue sea...Joy to you and me". The above wonderful donation comes from my friend and former classmate Joy. Joy was also a classmate of Jack Otis. Through the wonderfulness that is Facebook, Joy and I have reconnected more then just when there's a class reunion. How cool is that! Many thanks Joy for your support, your friendship and your thoughtful donation of 6 scarves, and 13 hats. They are all beautifully made, and nice and warm.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 365+6=371
Hats 746+13=759
Mittens 145
Socks 153
Squares 516
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 8
Slippers 91
Afghans 42 (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.

Did you know we've gone "beyond" in our mission yet again? We've extended our help and added 2 family shelters, we've added a couple of schools (through Holy Family), and we've reached "beyond" our community here in Franklin County. We've reached those in need in Vinton County. Read about it HERE.

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!

Buttons and Flowers for Girlies

Day 6 in Novembers Jack Otis Memorial Month
RoseMarie crocheted creations always have details. Click to enlarge. She makes darling flowers and now has added a new touch of little buttons. Crocheted hats, scarves, ear-warmers/headbands and a pair of slippers. The young girls will be styling for sure.

Thanks RoseMarie for your on going support, it's very much appreciated.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 361+4=365
Hats 741+5=746
Mittens 145
Socks 153
Squares 516
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 8
Slippers 90+1=91
Afghans 42 (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.

**Have you read about Jack Otis, the face of homelessness? Please take to, if you've not yet done so. Do you have a story you can share? Please email me at sandycrochet@gmail.com.**

Did you know we've gone "beyond" in our mission? We've extended our help and added 2 family shelters, we've added a couple of schools (through Holy Family), and we've reached "beyond" our community here in Franklin County. We've reached those in need in Vinton County. Read about it HERE.


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!

Fabulous Family Friendly Donations

This darling brown crocheted shells afghan is practically perfect in every way for some little guy needing a hug, needing a "special" blankie. Thank you Annemarie in New York for this donation. It's already been hand delivered for our Project "Welcome Home". Remember, these posts are scheduled, written and placed in que, so by the time you read this no doubt this has already brought a smile and needed huge to a young boy.
Another fabulous donation for our families again through Project "Welcome Home". Please click to see details in these special hand crochet afghans from Annemarie. This is perfect for families to snuggle under as they make their transition from the family shelter into more permanent housing. A wonderful house warming gift for sure!
Can you see how busy our friend Annemarie's been! 2 scarves, 3 hats, 2 pairs of mittens, and an adorable sweater. All beautifully made, all made with love and thoughtfulness. Annemarie.....love love love the sweater. What pattern did you use? Can you share it? My quess is this would be sized right for a 8 yr old? Maybe older? Just eye balling it, as they say. Would love to know what size you made so I can tag it that way.

Many thanks for your skillful hands. Keep up the good work!!

2011 Donations:

Scarves 359+2=361
Hats 738+3=741
Mittens 143+2=145
Socks 153
Squares 516
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 7+1=8
Slippers 90
Afghans 40+2=42 (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.

**Do you think it's possible for us to reach 500 scarves this calendar year? That popped into my head as I was updating our numbers. How fabulous that would be. Scarves for men, women, and children (not the wee ones...school age and up).**

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!

Yummy Donations from Yvonne

Day 2 of Jack Otis Memorial Month

Thank you Yvonne in North Dakota for your thoughtful donation. Fabulous warms socks (6) for our men..........perfect for our Jack Otis Memorial Month! A fabulous and stylish and warm scarf and hat...both are knitted, I think. Would love to have your scarf pattern Yvonne if you can share it. Love the detail in it. Remember folks you can always click to see the picture better, to enlarge it and see the details of some of the fabulous work people do. Personal care items are always needed, the 5 deodorants for the men folks will be well received.

Many thanks Yvonne for your on going support of our cause, it's greatly appreciated by so many.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 358+1=359
Hats 737+1=738
Mittens 143
Socks 147+6=153
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.

**Do you think it's possible for us to reach 500 scarves this calendar year? That popped into my head as I was updating our numbers. How fabulous that would be. Scarves for men, women, and children (not the wee ones...school age and up).**

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!

Green and Gray for The Guys

I made this simple man scarf. Dark Green and Gray, crocheted lengthwise measures just over 5.5 inches wide and 84 inches long. I don't usually make them quite that long; but crocheting lengthwise wasn't sure how many stitches I wanted to start with. I like to make them 60-70ish inches normally;( like the solid green one here) but this will be long enough they can wrap up in for added warmth. Nothing fancy here, simple double crochets, chain 250 (probably would like 225 for a good length next time round), using an I hook and Caron Pounder in the dark Forest Green, and Gray. Used single crochet to edge the scarf in green to finish it off.

This is Day 2 in November's Jack Otis Memorial Month. Please scroll back and read if you missed it yesterday. Homelessness does indeed have a face. If you have a story about someone one you know or knew who was homeless, or almost homeless, please share it with me via email at sandycrochet@gmail.com.

As of the writing (scheduled) of this post, coming along nicely on Jewels Afghan for Project "Welcome Home".


2011 Donations:

Scarves 357+1=358
Hats 737
Mittens 143
Socks 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.

**The weather here in Central Ohio has turned. While we still get an occasional nice day during the day where the sun comes out for awhile, we've had multiple nights with frost; and last night we had temps below the freezing mark of 32 degrees, so the cold danger months are upon us. Warm knitted and crocheted items will be needed even more**

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!

Jack Otis Memorial Month, the face of Homelessness

Meet my fellow classmate and friend, Jack Otis. By the hair style you might be able to guess the photo is from the sixty's. 1969 was the graduating year to be exact. Look at that infectious smile and twinkle in his eyes. Now for folks younger then me, seeing this picture -- you might be shocked to see someone dressed for their senior picture. Being barefoot, in casual clothes, outside leaning on a tree or sitting with the family pet was never ever done! The men always wore coats and ties, and the ladies always wore the same blouse for uniformity. Ladies could wear a fluffy cape looking thing the photographer supplied for an extra fee.

Jack Otis graduated from Whetstone High School back in 1969 in Columbus, Ohio. Unlike most of my classmates I didn't know Jack for eons and eons. We didn't attend grade school and junior high together. His family didn't live in the same neighborhood forever, like so many of us. In fact, very little is known about Jack's family. Jack lived with his Dad. None of us knew anything about his mother, except that she wasn't around. Those who knew his home life, remembered his Dad as not being a particularly stable person. Jack was new to our school, he came from someplace in Kentucky. Some classmates believe he moved around a lot.

During those high school years, classmates remember Jack as fun to be with, perhaps even a bit on the wilder side. He was full of life, a bit ornery. Not wild as in bad, but not a mild quiet, stay to oneself type of person. He liked to drink PBR (translation for the younger set, Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer). I should also add that drinking at age 18 was legal back in our day. We had what was called low beer, 3.2 and those 18-19 and 20 could drink that, but you had to be 21 to drink hard liquor and or high beer...high beer is the beer that's out now days. 3.2 no longer exists.

Jack like to drive around on old trails in his Bugged Eyed Sprite (sports car). He was chosen to be Nancy Edgars' escort for The Home Coming Court. That was a big deal, back in the day. Jack was popular folks. He was well liked, he was good looking guy...which you can clearly see from his picture.

He was born (as best I can tell from research) on June 14th, 1951. He died in the year 2000, alone and penny-less. He died homeless in the outskirts of Tucson, Arizona. He lived in a hobo camp outside the city limits and is buried in a small paupers grave in Pima County, Arizona. That area set aside in the cemetery for those without family, those who are indigent, those who have no means of another burial.

Did Jack choose this life? Did the life choose him? What happened to make this smiling good looking young man die alone and homeless? We know he chose to travel some after graduation, and for a short while, we know a fellow classmate gave him lodging in Tucson. That didn't last long, as Jack returned to the hobo camp and died sometime later. Did his sad unstable home life play into this? Who knows. But, this is the face of homelessness folks. I'm willing to bet you all have someone in your past with a similar story. He was someone's son. He was a friend. It makes me sad to know he's buried in a pauper's grave. The reality that truly anyone can be homeless is a sobering fact.

(thank you to A. Newman for taking the photo of Jack's stone, you can visit his virtual grave and leave a token if you like)
For years most of us didn't know where Jack was. Sadly, we found out when trying to locate classmates at reunion time. Would knitting or crocheting have changed things for Jack? I don't know, perhaps it would have given him hope to have a hand made item. I do know our hand knit hats, scarves, and mittens provide much needed warmth here in Central Ohio for the homeless, and can truly help someone live through a cold fall and winter and wet spring. And I believe HOPE is a powerful thing.

So, in honor of my friend and classmate Jack Otis, November will be Jack Otis Memorial Month and will focus on the needs of men, homeless men. It will focus on men who live outdoors, men who get a night here and there in a shelter, as well as Men living in temporary shelters/housing trying desperately to keep their families together.

Items needed are hand knitted, crocheted or loomed:
Hats
Scarves
Mittens
Person Care Items
Slippers
Socks (store bought)
Rain poncho's

Think warm, sturdy, color and size appropriate for adult males.

Help me honor and remember Jack and all homeless men.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 357
Hats 737
Mittens 143
Socks 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, soap, shampoo, combs, toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotions 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!