Needed Donations so much Appreciated

Thank you Theresa A from Ohio our newest pair of helping hands for this thoughtful donation of socks, fabulous hand knit mittens, and rain ponchos. Thrilled to have you join us with helping Ohio's Homeless and those in need. Hope to see you here on Bridge and Beyond often. Thank you for including your notes regarding size of your mittens, that's a big help.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 109
Scarves: 34
Slippers: 24
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 7
Mittens: 84+3=87
Squares: 91
Socks: 42+5=47
Rain Poncho's 2
Cotton Washcloths 9
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves etc)

**Going full steam for our contest, remember there will be 3 winners! Read all the details in the Feb 14th blog post.**


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!

Warmth Donated from Head to Toe

Our friend RoseMarie has crocheted and donated warmth from head to toe. Hats to warm the heads, and slippers to warm the toes. Well done, as always RoseMarie. Be sure and click to enlarge picture so you can see the details of her gold scarf....very nice! RoseMarie has also donated personal care items which are always needed and so well received by all the shelters and those out in the elements.

**Sadly our list of unidentified donations are growing, please folks remember to include a note with your donation. Please include your name and email ady/blog etc; so I have a means to contact you. Even if you want to be anonymous here on the blog I need to know for record keeping who you are. Sometimes I have a return address, or a last name, or a husbands name on the return label....but I know you by your screen name, avatar, nickname from a group, blog, or forum. Please check the unidentified area to see if you're listed, or if someone you know is and shoot me an email.**

2012 Donations:
Hats: 107+2=109
Scarves: 32+2=34
Slippers: 20+4=24
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 7
Mittens: 84
Squares: 91
Socks: 42
Cotton Washcloths 9
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves etc)

**Have you gotten involved improving your chances to win one of the 3 prizes for the contest? You still have time. Details found in the blog post dated Feb 14th.**

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 Help from Ohio for Ohio Homeless

Waving hello to our newest pair of helping hands, Sue F from Ohio. Fabulous to have you join us here with your thoughtful donation. Awesome mittens (9), scarves (3) and hats (3), 9 cotton washcloths, and 12 squares. Everything is so nicely made, we're thrilled to have you and your skillful hands. Your squares will be introduced with others on hand, and for awhile they'll mingle and play...then we'll put them to work joining others as they become an afghan for Project, "Welcome Home".
Sue also sent some personal care items and a check which I'll use next time I'm out to buy more socks, many many thanks.

**Lots of information and patterns available across the top of the blog, all you need to do is click the tab**

2012 Donations:
Hats: 104+3=107
Scarves: 29+3=32
Slippers: 20
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 7
Mittens: 75+9=84
Squares: 79+12=91
Socks: 42
Cotton Cloths 9
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves etc)

To be a contest winner, you have to enter. Get busy knitting and crocheting, get busy chatted here on the blog with making comments, and blog, tweet, and facebook away. There will be 3 winners. Please read details on Feb 14th's blog post. Good luck all.

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 Hats Warm Ears and Heads

These adorable knitted hats (6) come from the state of Michigan...our newest pair of helping hands. The skillful hands belong to someone in Osseo, Michigan. I've not found an email ady or name to say thank you, but we certainly appreciate your thoughtful donation. If you see this, please make contact.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 98+6=104
Scarves: 29
Slippers: 20
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 7
Mittens: 75
Squares: 79
Socks: 42
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves etc)

To be a contest winner, you have to enter. Get busy knitting and crocheting, get busy chatted here on the blog with making comments, and blog, tweet, and facebook away. There will be 3 winners. Please read details on Feb 14th's blog post. Good luck all.

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 Camo Scarf

I always love Patton's Yarn, and had fun crocheting this scarf which was a bit over 7 foot long and 6.5 inches wide. When you knit or crochet with variegated yarns you really don't know how it's going to look, there's a surprise every couple of rows. This is nice and large for our men folk outside. Big enough to really wrap around a couple of times.

Been busy continuing to work on afghans from your squares, as of the writing of this scheduled post, working away on Mother Earth, stay tuned. **Edited this to add, since this post was scheduled Mother Earth has been completed, and as of last night finished another one...you'll have to keep checking in for the reveal; as it's post is also in que. Will be starting on Kaleidoscope today.**

Have you checked the working calendar lately. I've added several more months worth of focuses. Remember, with the exception of squares; we collect everything all year long....the focus of something each month is to highlight what's needed...and to aid you if you're wondering what to make. Please check the tabs of each item for details on colors and size requirements.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 98
Scarves: 28+1=29
Slippers: 20
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 7
Mittens: 75
Squares: 79
Socks: 42
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves etc)

**Contest.....you could could be one of 3 winners....get involved. Read details listed on Feb 14th post.**
To date People who've donated and have their name in the hat (part 1) are: Damary's, Karen B, Sherry K, Bonnie R, Bonnie B, Sandie in Florida, Diana K, Sally, Kathryn V, Patty L, Bail B, Otterbein's Stitches to Share.

People who have their name in hat 2 are: Bonnie R, Diana K, Otterbein's Stitches to Share, Damarys, Karen B, Sherry K, Sandie in Florida, Kathryn V, and Gail B

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!

Kaleidoscope, Childrens Play

Remember the fun you had as a child with a $.59 cardboard Kaleidoscope? That was the first thing that came to mind when I designed this afghan from these colorful little squares. They are indeed smaller squares then I typically get (size 7-10 inch being the requirements). These have been in my stash of squares for a good long while. The other day I decided it was time to dump squares out of the containers and do some designing.......also a good way to remind myself what I had on hand. As you probably know, I'm constantly working on assembling but always several designed and in que. I'll add several rows to these to make a nice child sized afghan for our project, "Welcome Home".

I also like to design ahead so I can grab a bag to edge for car rides, travels, and lunch at work. Particually when the squares are the same size, they make for a good grab and go project.

I could edge and join in pink...would look really girly then; or green or brown to make it more masculine? But, there's always ivory which would make it...either? Thoughts on this? Then again, black would be more like a Kaleidoscope wouldn't it? But, is black ok for a childs afghan?

Love some input on this, as I'm almost done (should be later today), with the current ghan I'm working on, and planned to do this one next.

***Here's a review of people involved in the 3rd portion of the contest (runs from Feb 14th-March 14th, please click HERE for details).
SSeger, Sue, Patty L, DaMaris, Allyson, pmsflowerlady, Sally, Sherry K., Liz, AnneMarie, Yvonne, Emma, Sandie P, Joy D., Jessica, Jen, RoseMarie, Harvest Hill (Jason), Sandie in Florida. Remember the more you chat, the more chances you have to win!
*****Emma I'm not finding you in my records, have you donated...I don't want to miss anyone, please make contact so I can get this corrected.

Tomorrow updates for part I and II of the contest.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 98
Scarves: 28
Slippers: 20
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 7
Mittens: 75
Squares: 79
Socks: 42
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves 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 Makes Possibilities

Thank you Nikki S for this thoughtful yarn donation. Yarn donations make possibilities, yarn could become hats, scarves, afghans, and more. Yarn might get used here, and might be added to prizes for one of our contest for our hard working big hearted knitters and crocheters who donate needed items. The brown,tan,white variegated yarn is much appreciated and my mind shifted in creative gear as soon as I opened the box.

**Speaking of contest.........hey folks, we've got one going right now. It started on Feb 14th and runs til the middle of next month, do check it out. Details on the 14th's post.**

2012 Donations:
Hats: 98
Scarves: 28
Slippers: 20
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 7
Mittens: 75
Squares: 79
Socks: 42
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves etc)

***Size and color requirements for all items listed in tabs across the top of the blog, as well as patterns (some of which have been used in the donations received).***

Did you know, we...Bridge and Beyond hit publication again? Please read the post 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!

Spectacularly Smashing Slippers

LOOK, then click the picture and look again. Remember clicking the picture always makes it larger for you. Spectacularly Smashing Slippers..........I felt like talking with S's, lol But, seriously look at these lovely slippers, so many sizes, so many designs, so many colors. Our good friend and supporter AnneMarie has done it again. Special thanks AnneMarie for attaching the slippers together with a lovely tag indicating size and sex........that's a huge help in getting these to the right people. The 2 pairs of Mary Janes (the blue and pink) are ADORABLE!

Thank you and please keep up the good work.

**Remember to avoid white and off white folks in your donations (except for a bit of trim), as it's hard to keep clean and laundry is difficult for those without**

2012 Donations:
Hats: 98
Scarves: 28
Slippers: 9+11=20
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 7
Mittens: 75
Squares: 79
Socks: 42
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves etc)

***Size and color requirements for all items listed in tabs across the top of the blog, as well as patterns (some of which have been used in the donations received).***

CONTEST: Have you gotten yourself entered yet? If not, what are you waiting for. Details in sidebar.
To date, those who's name is in the hat for sending a donation are: Damarys, Karen B, Sherry K, EA from Phily...except we need to know who you are--please make contact, Bonnie R, Sandie in Florida, Diana K, Sally, and Kathryn V.

Those who's name are in hat 2 for a chance to win so far are (those donating either slippers or scarves): Bonnie R, Diana K, Damarys, Karen B, Sherry K, Sandie in Florida, Kathryn V.

Chatty Cathy portion, 3rd hat chances so far are: SSeger 5 chances, Sue 2, Patty L 2, DaMaris 3, Allyson, 3, pmsflowerlady 6, Sally 5, Sherry 3, Liz 1, AnneMarie 1, Jason 1, Yvoone 4, Emma 1, Sandie P 1, Joy D 1, Jessica 1, Jen 1, RoseMarie 1, Damaris 1. **Emma and Jason I need to know if you've donated, I don't find you in my records and would like to get that corrected, please make contact.

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!

Scrub a Dub Dub

Think how good you feel when you take a bath or shower. Think how bad you feel when you don't. Something as basic as washing is so easy to take for granite when you have a roof over your head. People who are homeless don't have that luxury. That's right something we take granite is a true luxury to them. When we receive personal care items like this soap and cream from our good friend, and supporter RoseMarie it's luxury. These items are distributed to our family shelters (The YWCA, The Homeless Families Foundation, and Faith Mission), they are distributed to the Mens and Women Shelters provided by Faith Mission, and they are provided to the men and women living outdoors.

Many thanks RoseMarie for your thoughtful donation.

**Reminder folks, please avoid lacy stitches in your knitted/crocheted items. If you can poke your finger through...it's probably too open and therefore not as warm as it could be. We strive for warmth and durability**

2012 Donations:
Hats: 98
Scarves: 28
Slippers: 9
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 7
Mittens: 75
Squares: 79
Socks: 42
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves etc)

***Don't forget to get yourself involved in the contest, there will be 3 winners. Details posted in the Feb 14th blog post.***

WOOT Woot....How exciting is this folks, new helping hands, students and faculty from Otterbein College knitting and crocheting. They've been busy working for our cause through their group, Stitches to Share. They've mentioned our group in their article as one of the groups they're stitching for. Thank you Otterbein Community.

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 Red Marble Scarf

This knitted scarf is more of The Marble Yarn I talked about (shades of gray scarf), a nice acylic, softer then many I've worked with bulky and therefore works up nicely on size 10 or 10.5 needles. I love the way the shades emerge in this yarn. It's a nice size ball/marble at 314 yards in a skein and priced about $13.00 a skein in case you're interested in trying it yourself.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 98
Scarves: 27+1=28
Slippers: 9
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 7
Mittens: 75
Squares: 79
Socks: 42
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves etc)

Contest Details on the 14th post..., and or in the sidebar - you still have time to get in on the action.

Thus far people who's names are in hat 1 are: Damarys, Karen B, Sherry K, EA unknown person from Phily

Hat 2 so far includes: Damarys, Karen B, and Sherry K.

Hat 3, chatty cathy names are: SSeger, Sue, Patty L., DaMaris, Allyson, pmsflowerlady, Sally, Sherry K, Liz, AnneMarie, Jason, Yvonne, Emma, Sandie P, Joy D, Jessica
**Jason and Emma....have you donated? Didn't see you in my records and want to be sure I didn't miss 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!

Donations for Toes and Fingers

Mittens and gloves keep fingers and hands warm and socks keep feet warm and dry. Taking care of the tips of our extremities here. Thanks so much Yvonne for this wonderful donation, we certainly appreciate it. The personal care items are also great.

Folks these mittens are so nicely made, soft and warm. Yvonne included a note for us (you know how I'm always wondering what pattern someone used), she used Bev's "The Mitts" pattern and the bright pink wrist warmers/fingerless gloves (I really never know what to call them or what's more accurate) are from a pattern on Ravelry called "Easy Fingerless Mitts" by Roxanne R. Richardson. Thanks Yvonne for including that info, I'm sure I'm not the only one who appreciates it.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 98
Scarves: 27
Slippers: 9
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 7
Mittens: 70+5=75
Squares: 78+1=79
Socks: 35+7=42
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves etc)

Have you read about the contest? If not, please do. Scroll back to the 14th for the info. Get rollin and get your name in the hats....3 prizes will be awarded. Have fun and good luck all.

**Reminder to please send animal free donations. That is to say, please remove furry friends furr with a lent roller and or launder your items to aid not only those who receive your donations with allergies, but....me as well. Truly helps my allergies.

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 for those in Need

Jessica S. from New Jersey crocheted this purple square and sent along this tan cap to keep a head warm. The purple doesn't show up well, not sure what it is with the colors blue and purple; but it seems often they show up differently-colorwise on the blog (not just mine, others too), but it's a nice dark purple and will start mingling with other squares, you know get acquainted until such time I do some more designing of ghans.

Thank you Jessica for your thoughtful donation.

I'm happy to see our followers number is growing, that's always good news. If you blog and you're not currently a follower, please click follow this blog...we appreciate it. It helps us grow. Speaking of growing, I'm happy to report we're listed as one of the charities on all free crochet, please click HERE, to check it out. The more places we can be linked the better chance we have at spreading the word and getting more helping hands......that of course gives us the ability to help more folks in need. I'm thrilled to be listed, and hope you'll check it out. You can join, free and take advantage of some wonderful patterns.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 97+1=98
Scarves: 27
Slippers: 9
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 7
Mittens: 70
Squares: 78+1=79
Socks: 35
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, 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!

Knitted Mittens so Adorable

This is post #644, can you believe we're almost to 650!

Cute x 2. Look at these cute little knitted mittens for small hands donated by our friend Susan S in St. Louis. Aren't they adorable! Her note indicates she was using up some small balls, but they look like they were made "special".

Amazing what talented caring people can do. You all amaze me each and everyday when I open mail.

Many thanks Susan for your thoughtful donation, 2 children will be happy to have their hands warm and look cute!

The list of unidentified people donating continues to grow, please check the sidebar to see if your donation is one of the unidentified ones. Please check to see if you might know who any of these people are. PLEASE PLEASE, save me time searching and searching and include a note with your name, your email ady, blog url etc. so that I can notify you when your donation is received even if you wish to be anonymous on the blog, simply let me know that. I spend lots of time looking through emails, blog posts, members in various on line groups and forums to find matches.


2012 Donations:
Hats: 97
Scarves: 27
Slippers: 9
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 7
Mittens: 68+2=70
Squares: 78
Socks: 35
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, etc)

Lots of updates regarding size, colors and fibers in tabs across the top of the blog, please read folks before you knit or crochet so your items meet the requirements and help those in need. Many thanks!

Did you read about the Contest that started on February 14th? If not, please do, there will be 3 prizes awarded.
Chatty Cathy portion has the following commentors so far: SSeger, Sue, Patty L, DaMaris, Allyson, pmsflowerlady, Sally, Sherry, Liz, AnneMarie, Jason, Yvonne, Emma. Jason and Emma...have you donated? I didn't find your name, can you help me out?
Donations names in the hat so far are: Damarys, Karen B, Sherry K, and unknown person EA from Philadelphia (please make contact EA)
Names in the hat for donating a scarves so far are: Damarys, Karen B, Sherry K

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!

Faith Mission Thanks You

Folks we've donated many times to Faith Mission through these last couple of years to the men's area, the family area, and to Nancy Place. Last year we directed our afghans to Nancy Place for the Mothers living there in temporary shelters. Often we receive verbal thanks you when deliveries are made; sometimes they take time out and write a thank you. I know none of us do what we do for the written thank you's, but I did want to share this with you all.

The time to care for homeless and those in need is great, and thank you's are nice; but it's certainly understandable why written thank you's don't come everyday. We would all, I know, rather precious time be spent to care for those in need.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 97
Scarves: 27
Slippers: 9
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 7
Mittens: 68
Squares: 78
Socks: 35
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, etc)

List of unidentified people donating continues to grow, please check the sidebar to see if your donation is one of the unidentified ones. Please check to see if you might know who any of these people are. PLEASE PLEASE, save me time searching and searching and include a note with your name, your email ady, blog url etc. so that I can notify you when your donation is received even if you wish to be anonymous on the blog, simply let me know that. I spend lots of time looking through emails, blog posts, members in various on line groups and forums to find matches.

**Are you participating in the contest? Details on Feb 14th blog post, or scroll back.**

One of the groups we help is Homeless Families Foundation, take 11 minutes and watch this video

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!

AnneMarie's Donation

How cute, and adorable and soooooooooo perfectly timed is this heart square afghan from our friend AnneMarie. I love the colors, the design, and the workmanship!!! As Mary Poppins would say practically perfect in everywhere. Remember by the time you read this scheduled post this adorable afghan has already been donated and is being used by some little girl who's now happier then she otherwise would have been. A cute blanket all for herself. These heart blocks are a perfect follow up on the contest that was announced yesterday. Please scroll back and read details. Remember you do not need to be a blogger to participate.
And, AnneMarie didn't want to leave out the little boys in her thoughtfulness. This wonderfully crocheted shades of blue ripple is perfect. The dark color is not black folks but dark blue...not sure why, but sometimes dark blues don't show up as dark blues well on the computer.
Her 10 hats will warm a variety of sized heads and her ever popular hand warmers will be so greatly received by those living out in the elements, as well as those in the shelters. Many thanks AnneMarie for your on going support of our cause. It is so very much appreciated. Please keep up the good work.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 87+10=97
Scarves: 27
Slippers: 9
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 5+2=7
Mittens: 68
Squares: 78
Socks: 35
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, hot packs etc)

**Please use a lint roller and or launder your donations if you let your furry friends camp out on the warm items. Those of us with allergies surely appreciate it**

DETAILS for Contest 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!

Construction completed on Red Brick

Ta.....Dah....Red Brick is cemented. It's done folks. There are knitted squares, and crocheted squares. There are granny style squares, and sampler style squares. There are squares of lots of different sizes, AND rectangles included in these afghan. I cemented the afghan with red. There are squares here from lots of different people. Look and see if you can find one of yours, as this ghan was assembled from new and old squares; the initial design was a while ago. However I thought I needed a few more squares to make it the appropriate size, and so held for awhile. As often happens during construction, blue prints and construction plans change. Here's a review of the construction progress.

Here's the first design
Here's the 2nd design after adding about a dozen additional squares

After adding edging and joining, here it is in the works. Some squares got several rows of edging, some got none, and some squares got moved a bit here and there to fit together a bit better as the ghan grew.

Once completed it's was added to our donations for The Homeless Families Foundation as part of our project "Welcome Home.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 87
Scarves: 27
Slippers: 9
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 4+1=5
Mittens: 68
Squares: 78
Socks: 35
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, etc)

With the completion of Red Brick, and this being Valentine's Day, it seems appropriate to share the love. Therefore, I'm launching another contest to share the love of yarn and yarnie things. Starting today, everyone who donates from now until the 14th of next month (March 14th), get's their name tossed in a hat. The winner will receive yarn/yarnie things for their prize. One chance per person. One drawing, one winner here.

Since this contest covers half the month of February (slipper month), and half the month of March (scarf month), each person who donates either of those items get's their name tossed in the hat for a chance. Example you donate socks, hats, and a pair of slippers....your name is in for the above drawing; AND your name is in the 2nd drawing because you donated a pair of slippers. This is a 2nd drawing, and a 2nd prize.

3rd part of the contest is The Chatty Cathy portion. Every comment made on the blog from the 14th of February to the 14th of March gets your name tossed in a hat, if you blog about our blog/cause/ and contest you also get your name tossed in. If you facebook or tweet about it, be sure to send me the link....this too gets your name tossed in the hat. Likewise discussion on RAV, Crochetville where you talk about our cause etc. your name goes into the hat. The more you chat, the more opportunities you have to win. Please leave comments throughout the blog, only one comment per post. If however you're posting a new comment on a post you previously left a comment on...the new comment will count. **PLEASE remember you do not need to be a blogger to leave a blog comment. Type your comment, click the drop down box under the comment and select name and url, leave the url space blank...that way your name does appear.

3 Drawings, 3 winners..........starting right now.

*Please take time and refer size and color requirements listed on tabs 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!

Scarves from Mother and Daughter

Valentines Day, February 14th announcement and details of next contest to be announced.

Marushka and her daughter knitted these lovely scarves. 3 I believe are double strand or perhaps bulky yarn. All 4 are beautifully made. Marushka and her daughter make a good team. Glad to have you both join us here on Bridge and Beyond as our newest pair of helping hands. We hope to see you here often. This fabulous Mother Daughter team hail from the state of Tennessee.

Marushka's blog has been added to the blog log, please do visit and welcome her.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 87
Scarves: 23+4=27
Slippers: 9
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 4
Mittens: 68
Squares: 78
Socks: 35
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, etc)

**This is post #640! Wow, that doesn't seem possible. As of the writing of this scheduled post on Jan 21st we've grown in followers too, from 184 to 187. Love that and hope we continue to grow with followers, visitors, commentors, and donations.**

PLEASE always include a note with your donations with your name, email ady, blog url etc so I have means of contact. Even if you wish to be anonymous with your donation here on the blog, I need a way to contact you, to let you know your donation arrived. Please review unidentified section of this blog with those donations still needing information.

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 MotherLoad of Mittens

WOW! 50 pairs of beautifully knit mittens from Judy C. from Pennsylvania. Look at the wonderful variety of sizes and colors she provided us. A very special thank you too Judy for labeling them so nicely for me. I greatly appreciate that. She has them labeled by size, adult, child etc., and has them attached to each other. Fabulous all the way around. Thank you Judy, our newest pair of helping hands for your beautiful work. Hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond.
Wanted to take a 2nd photo so you could see some of the mittens close up. They truly are awesome!

**Is your donation listed in the unidentified section of this blog? If so, please please make contact.**

2012 Donations:
Hats: 87
Scarves: 23
Slippers: 9
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 4
Mittens: 18+50=68
Squares: 78
Socks: 35
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, etc)

**Reminder please avoid knotting and cutting when you make a yarn change. Always work in tails of at least 4-5 inches to avoid item unraveling. All tails except final tail for squares should be worked in.**

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

Donation from The Island of Enchantment

Thank you Nancy O from San Juan for this thoughtful and much appreciated donation. Nancy is our newest pair of helping hands, and is a friend of our friend Damaris. We love having you join us and hope to see you here often at Bridge and Beyond.

As I look out the window at the results of last nights snow and freezing rain, I wondered what the temperatures were there in Puerto Rico. The website I found said it was 81 degrees as I was writing this scheduled post on Jan 21st. WOW, that surely sounds nice. Puerto Rico has been on my wish list of places to travel to. I also wondered how far away it was............drum roll please. 1,791 miles separates San Juan and Ohio's capital city of Columbus. And to think this is our 3rd donation from that wonderful Island of Enchantment.

Waving hello, welcome, and thank you to Nancy........and to our friend Damaris for spreading the word.

**Reminder folks, if you let your furry friends lay on your knitted and crocheted donations, please use lint roller to remove pet hairs...if that doesn't work, please launder items. Those of us with bad allergies thank you. Plus, you save me tremendous time laundering items before they can be donated and speed up getting the necessary items to those in need.**

2012 Donations:
Hats: 87
Scarves: 23
Slippers: 9
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 4
Mittens: 18
Squares: 78
Socks: 15+20=35
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, etc)

**Have you read all the updates? If not please do, constant changes and additions in the tabs area; as well as the working calendar.**


Trying to contact a donator from Osseo, Michigan....if you're out there, please make contact

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 California

What an interesting and cheerful crocheted afghan. You all know how I like to name the afghans I put together from your donated squares, well the minute I laid this one out to photograph I though Spring Garden. I didn't crochet this lovely reminder of Spring Gardens, Elizabeth R from Oakhurst, California did. It's sized nicely for a family afghan and will be a wonderful house warming gift through our project "Welcome Home" Program. Elizabeth....you hoo...if you're out there, would love to have notified you of it's arrival, but after checking through my data base, my emails, various forums/groups etc I'm a member of, Facebook etc I was unable to locate an email ady for you.
Elizbeth has been busy folks. As our newest pair of helping hands look at this wonderful donation. Hats, scarves, and slippers/booties in lots of different sizes and colors. Some are sets. Many thanks Elizabeth, we're thrilled to have you join us, and hope to see you here on Bridge and Beyond often.............do sing out and leave your email ady for me.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 75+12=87
Scarves: 13+10=23
Slippers: 3+6=9
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3+1=4
Mittens: 18
Squares: 78
Socks: 15
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, etc)

**Still looking to identify unknown crocheter, please if this donation is from you, make contact. Click HERE to see donation.**

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 all the way from Puerto Rico

Our friend and supporter Damaris has sent another lovely donation all the way from Puerto Rico! How awesome is that folks. These matching sets of knitted hats and crocheted scarves will make someone not only warm, but stylish too! So nicely made. And so truly appreciated. Many thanks Damaris for your thoughtful donation. Please keep up the good work.

Have you all noticed all the new tabs across the top of the blog? If not, take a look please and thanks. Lots of information regarding size and color requirements, and patterns to help you with your donations. The working calendar is also updated continuously. Currently we have the first 3 months of the year documented with Jan, Feb, and March monthly focuses listed.

**Remember, please avoid open lacy stitches, if you can see through the item and or poke your finger through the item, it's too lacy**

2012 Donations:
Hats: 73+2=75
Scarves: 11+2=13
Slippers: 3
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3
Mittens: 18
Squares: 78
Socks: 15
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, etc)

**Have you noticed the unidentified donations area in the right sidebar? Please take a look, maybe you can help identify some donations.**

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

Shades of Gray Scarf

This shades of gray scarf is basking in the sunlight coming in from the window....was sooooo thrilled to take a picture and actually have some natural sunlight. We've not seen much of it here in Central Ohio. I enjoyed making this scarf, first time using this particular yarn. It's called Marble Chunky and is machine washable. It's 100% acrylic comes in a nice 314 yard ball and does in fact look like a Marble. Well named. It's over 7 feet long so will be nice size wise for one of the men in need. I used size 10 needles and just good old garter stitch. Working on a red one now as I had purchased 2 of these Marbles. If you've not tried this yarn, think you should. The feel is much lighter weight wise then lots of acrylics are....at least knitted. Might be interesting to see how it would look crocheted. As I worked with this, kept thinking what a great afghan it would make without the need to do any fancy stitches, just knitting away and let the shading fall where it may. Might have to check out what colors are available. I don't remember how pricey the yarn was at my LYS, but from I see on line looks to run about 12.99 a marble.

Need to identify some donations: (get names and email ady's)
Need email for an Elizabeth R from Oakhurst CA
Need email for a Ruth P from Michigan AND is this the same Ruth who donated here?
Need name and email for an ? knitter from Seattle, Washington
Need name and email for an ? crocheter who made hats
Links to blog posts with these unidentified donations ( and people I have no means of contact), listed in side bar. PLEASE folks it takes lots of time to search through my data base, my emails, RAV, Facebook, The Hive etc to let you know donations have arrived. Please include a note and means of contact....even if you wish to be anonymous on the blog, I need to have a way to make contact with you, and it's helpful for my bookkeeping.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 73
Scarves: 10+1=11
Slippers: 3
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3
Mittens: 18
Squares: 78
Socks: 15
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, 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!

Feeling full of of Joy

My friend, Joy's donation has me feeling full of Joy! Corney, but true folks. The day after I designed the ghans you saw in yesterdays post (please scroll back if you didn't see them), a 2nd box arrived from my friend and classmate, Joy. Holly Cow how awesome is that! 9 crocheted hats and 2 matching scarves.....fabulous.

Once again, many thanks Joy for your on going support. We here on Bridge and Beyond appreciate you and your helping hands. Please keep up the good work.

***Hold mailing squares til next square collection date, please check working calendar for announcement; unless you're mailing other items and want to include them to save postage costs ***
2012 Donations:
Hats: 64+9=73
Scarves: 8+2=10
Slippers: 3
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3
Mittens: 18
Squares: 78
Socks: 15
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, etc)

**PLEASE check out the new tabs across the top of the blog for information regarding size, colors for your donations, along with some patterns you may use.**

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!

Designing Afghans, Mother Earth and Christmas 2

**Check details of upcoming contest, announcement on Valentines Day, February 14th**

As I started to add Joy's squares from yesterday's post to my holding area of donated squares waiting to make friends and become a warm afghan.....my mind went into over drive. I figured heck, I might as well design, tag, and bag while I had the squares in hand. I've named this one, Mother Earth, blues for the sky, browns for the earth, green trees, and other colors represent flowers. Or at least that's what I see. I also figured since I had just taken out one bag of a previously designed ghan to begin working on I had room in the designed and ready to be made ghan collection area. I see this being edged and joined in either offwhite/tan or gray. Stay tuned.
Bet you guessed this one when you saw the pictures of Joy's squares from yesterday. Once again, ahead of the game here. I must make sure to get several Christmas Ghans designed and in the wings to work on in time for next years Christmas Holiday Season. What a perfect gift for a family moving into their new home during The Holidays. As time goes on, I'll either add additional squares to this, or add enough rows to make the ghan the appropriate size.

Currently working on a ghan I've named Red Brick. It's been in the wings, partially designed, but in need of added squares...added size with some of the recent donations found exactly what I needed for it.

***Remember to avoid the use of white and off white in your donations (a bit here there in squares that aren't solid white or off white is ok)***

2012 Donations:
Hats: 64
Scarves: 8
Slippers: 3
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3
Mittens: 18
Squares: 78
Socks: 15
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, 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!

Crocheted Granny Square Excitement!

Look, look, and look again! Fantastic, colorful, well made granny squares from the skillful hands of my good friend, Joy. You might remember my excitement when Joy and I re-connected awhile back on Facebook. We graduated from High School together, way back in 1969. She's been a good supporter of our cause ever since. Talk about a double bonus! A rekindled friendship, and willing helping hands!

Look at all the fun colors and designs in Joy's 53 squares! You know I'm going to have fun designing afghans from these for our Project Welcome Home for our folks at The Homeless Families Foundation.

Keep up the good work Joy, and again many thanks!


2012 Donations:
Hats: 64
Scarves: 8
Slippers: 3
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3
Mittens: 18
Squares: 25+53=78
Socks: 15
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, etc)

**Asking you all, even those of you who aren't bloggers to leave comments on the blog. Let us know you were here, reading, looking around. Let's encourage each other with comments on the beautiful donations received. You do NOT need to be a blogger to leave a comment. Type your comment, click the drop down box that says name and url, leave the url portion blank. That's it....very easy. Hoping some of you who've been shy about leaving comments will help us out and give it a go.**


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 Beads for the Girls

Buttons and beads decorate these donation from our good friend RoseMarie. Crocheted hats, scarves, slippers, headband, arm/hand/wrists warmers....is that the right name for the tourqoise blue item in the upper left portion of the picture? RoseMarie has included soap and fabulous cream in her donations. The cream will be wonderful for ladies outside, as well as those at the shelters. Dry rough skin is uncomfortable, can break open and bleed and be sore; the cream will be well received.

Thanks so much RoseMarie for your ongoing support of the cause.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 62+2=64
Scarves: 6+2=8
Slippers: 2+1=3
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3
Mittens: 18
Squares: 25
Socks: 15
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, etc)

**Asking you all, even those of you who aren't bloggers to leave comments on the blog. Let us know you were here, reading, looking around. Let's encourage each other with comments on the beautiful donations received. You do NOT need to be a blogger to leave a comment. Type your comment, click the drop down box that says name and url, leave the url portion blank. That's it....very easy. Hoping some of you who've been shy about leaving comments will help us out and give it a go.**

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 Louisiana

Thank you Allyson G from the state of Louisiana for this thoughtful donation. 3 crocheted hats, 12 pairs of socks, scarf and wonderful personal care items. I love that you included lip balm. That's always sooooooooo appreciated. Being outdoors, being cold, it's awful hard not to have painful cracked lips. Allyson is our newest pair of helping hands. We thrilled to have you join us Allyson and hope to see you on Bridge and Beyond often.

February is slipper month folks, be sure and check out the patterns, tips and ideas on the slipper tab.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 59+3=62
Scarves: 5+1=6
Slippers: 2
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3
Mittens: 18
Squares: 25
Socks: 3+12=15
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, 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!

Crocheted Donations from North Carolina

Thank you Anne G from North Carolina (The Tarheel State) for this thoughtful donation of 3 hats, 5 pairs of mittens (see me clappy!), a pair of slippers, and a colar/cowl/neckwarmer/gator. I really never know what to call them. lol

Here we folks on day 2 of Feburary's focus on Slippers! Please read all the info on the tab above, if you haven't recently.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 56+3=59
Scarves: 5
Slippers: 1+1=2
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3
Mittens: 13+5=18
Squares: 25
Socks: 3
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, etc)

**Reminder folks to avoid the use of white and off white in your donations**

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

Sharing the Love with Donated Squares

Thanks you Suzann W (SSeger) for your thoughtful donation of 6 knitted squares. These squares are varying sizes and as you read this no doubt are making friends with other squares. They like to mingle, get to know one another before joining hands to make a ghan.

Work continues on both designing and joining multiple afghans folks for Project Welcome Home. Please keep checking in to see our progress.

Today we usher in February and slippers. Though last month was mitten month, we do need and collect them all months. I've added lots of information regarding slippers, sizes, colors, fiber and pattern information. PLEASE read guidelines before you make and donate. That's true of all items, as much has been added to the blog.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 56
Scarves: 5
Slippers: 1
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3
Mittens: 13
Squares: 19+6=25
Socks: 3
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, 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!