Donating Crocheted Cotton Washcloths

 Pretty, and bright, and cheery.  Look at this neat collection of cotton washcloths from our long time supporter, Sandie P from Louisiana.  Lots of variety in colors, sizes, and styles.  If I had to pick a favorite it might be a toss up between the pink and blue and or the yellow and green.  Remember you can always click on the picture to enlarge so you can see details better.  Interesting stitches, Sandie.  Care to tell us how you did that?  AND, look at the little blue one on the far right bottom.  I put it there, sorta by it'self so you all could see it.  It's double.  Wondering if there's a name for this pod like design?

 Here it is where tugged a bit at the 2 sides so you could see what I mean.  I bet that would make a great scrubby for the tub and or doing dishes.

Thank you Sandie, come again....soon.

**Got a challenge for you all, do you know a quilter?  Please invite a quilter from your personal life, from your blog mates, from facebook, Ravelry, Crochetville etc. to come join us and use their quilting skills to make a quilt for project Welcome Home, and or quilted scarves.**


2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  63
Scarves: 50
Socks: 30
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 11
Rain Ponchos: 2 
Cotton Washcloths: 14+12=26
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers etc aren't tabulated


All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Crocheting and Donating to Keep Homeless Warmer

RoseMarie has been busy again crocheting away.  See her signature mark on the hat, headband, slippers, and scarf?  She's also included a couple of cotton washcloths, some personal care items, and another of her cute little bag that can hold tissues, soap etc.  Thank you RoseMarie for all your support.

**Got a challenge for you all, do you know a quilter?  Please invite a quilter from your personal life, from your blog mates, from facebook, Ravelry, Crochetville etc. to come join us and use their quilting skills to make a quilt for project Welcome Home, and or quilted scarves.**


2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  62+1=63
Scarves: 49+1=50
Socks: 30
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 10+1=11
Rain Ponchos: 2 
Cotton Washcloths: 12+2=14
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers etc aren't tabulated


****Are you aware of our addition of accepting quilted scarves, and quilts?  Are you up to speed and a member of our new Facebook Group?****


All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Warm Scarves for the Homeless

Thank you Mary H from Ohio for these 7 crocheted scarves.  They're nice and warm and will be very much appreciated by those who wrap them around their necks.  We appreciate you're on going support and hope to see you here again soon!

With the end of January coming upon us wanted to let you know that February will continue to focus on feet.  We'll continue with our slipper focus and add socks.  Hope to get a working calendar up pretty soon folks, stay tuned.

**Remember folks you don't need to be a blogger to post a comment.  I really encourage you all to leave comments, it helps the blogs placement with search engines AND we all love the support of kind comments about each others work.**

Need some Inspiration?  Turn on your sound and check this out.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-gQLqv9f4o

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  62
Scarves: 42+7=49
Socks: 30
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 10
Rain Ponchos: 2 
Cotton Washcloths: 12
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers etc aren't tabulated


****Are you aware of our addition of accepting quilted scarves, and quilts?  Are you up to speed and a member of our new Facebook Group?****


All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Knitted Hats to Keep Homeless Warm

 5 Awesome knitted hats from the talented needles of our Marie P in Tennessee.  These hats are super soft, nice and warm, and very stretchy.  I love when hats are nice and stretchy...helps them fit a variety of head sizes.  Special thanks for adding the size tags, it is soooooooo appreciated.  Not just by me when I sort and bag items to determine where they go; but also at the receiving end in the various shelters etc.

I particularly like the variegated blue mix in the upper right of the picture.  Very pretty!  Keep up the good work Marie.  Look forward to seeing you here again soon and often.

**Remember folks you don't need to be a blogger to post a comment.  I really encourage you all to leave comments, it helps the blogs placement with search engines AND we all love the support of kind comments about each others work.**


2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  57+5=62
Scarves: 42
Socks: 30
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 10
Rain Ponchos: 2 
Cotton Washcloths: 12
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers etc aren't tabulated


****Are you aware of our addition of accepting quilted scarves, and quilts?  Are you up to speed and a member of our new Facebook Group?****


All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Warmth Donations for Ohio's Homeless from Texas

Thank you Maria R from Texas for this thoughtful donation.  The Shawls will be such a nice item for the women to wrap up in and keep warm.  Folks the shawl with fringe (a triangle shawl) is actually a pretty purple, though in my picture on my computer it looks blue.  There are 3 other wraps/shawls...rose, the black and rose mix, and the green in front of the purple triangle one.  These are so nice and soft and large enough to be wrap around ones shoulders for warmth.  Top left in the picture are 4 scarves.

Thank you Maria for your on going support, it's greatly appreciated.  Hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond.

**Remember folks you don't need to be a blogger to post a comment.  I really encourage you all to leave comments, it helps the blogs placement with search engines AND we all love the support of kind comments about each others work.**


2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  57
Scarves: 38+4=42
Socks: 30
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 10
Rain Ponchos: 2 
Cotton Washcloths: 12
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers etc aren't tabulated



****Are you aware of our addition of accepting quilted scarves, and quilts?  Are you up to speed and a member of our new Facebook Group?****


All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Donating Knitted Hats for the Homeless

 Thank you Joan A from Michigan for these lovely knitted hats.  They are soooooooo warm and soft and I love the colors.  Joan A is our newest pair of helping hands, thrilled to have you join us.  Joan's blog has been added to the list, and her RAV profile page (ShirleyUjest) is added to that list.

Hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond.  Great hats!

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  55+2=57
Scarves: 38
Socks: 30
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 10
Rain Ponchos: 2 
Cotton Washcloths: 12
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers etc aren't tabulated

**The focus for the remainder of January is slippers.  AND, we'll continue focusing on feet in February.  Cold, and wet feet are miserable.  So...for the month of February we'll continue with slippers as our focus AND add socks for the feet.  Socks are store bought and should be for men who live outdoors 99% of the time.  Remember to check out the slipper tab at the top of the blog for information about sizing, colors, styles, fiber type etc.  You might enjoy using one of the patterns available there as well.   February  continues to be about feet.**

****Are you aware of our addition of accepting quilted scarves, and quilts?  Are you up to speed and a member of our new Facebook Group?****


All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Cotton Washcloths Donated for Homeless Shelters

Thank you Emily P from Ohio for this colorful array of cotton washcloths.  The shelters love getting these cotton washcloths for the folks.  Emily has also included some wonderful personal care items...something always in demand.

Emily is our newest pair of helping hands, welcome Emily.  Hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond.

Thought I mention I always collect the soaps, shampoo, lotions etc from the hotels when we travel, it's amazing how fast they add up.  Makes for a good way, without spending money to donate personal care items.  Do you travel often?  Does you hubby or co-workers travel for business?  Ask someone today to take a zip lock bag with them in their travels and bring back some goodies for you.  Sometimes you get a little sewing kit which is always nice, sometimes mouth wash...just depends where you go.

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  55
Scarves: 38
Socks: 28+2=30
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 10
Rain Ponchos: 2 
Cotton Washcloths: 12
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers etc aren't tabulated

**The focus for the remainder of January is slippers.  AND, we'll continue focusing on feet in February.  Cold, and wet feet are miserable.  So...for the month of February we'll continue with slippers as our focus AND add socks for the feet.  Socks are store bought and should be for men who live outdoors 99% of the time.  Remember to check out the slipper tab at the top of the blog for information about sizing, colors, styles, fiber type etc.  You might enjoy using one of the patterns available there as well.   February  continues to be about feet.**

****Are you aware of our addition of accepting quilted scarves, and quilts?  Are you up to speed and a member of our new Facebook Group?****


All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Helping the Cold Homeless

 Thank you Dorothy M. for this donation that includes just about everything!  3 pairs of crocheted slippers (thank you for adding tags with size), 2 packs of rain ponchos, soap, hand/feet warmers, and 2 pairs of socks.  AND  Look at those cute lavender pouches.  Remember you can always click pictures to enlarge to see them better.  I left one pouch closed and opened one and slightly pulled out items inside so you can see everything.  Inside the cute pouch is a package of Kleenex, chap-stick and hand sanitizer.  What a nice idea!

Folks, this may be a silly question; but I'm going to ask anyway.  In the past I believe I've counted the ponchos individually, thus above would be 4.  However, as they're packaged together, not easily separated likely they're given out as a pack...thus 2.  You can't really pull one out and keep it folded for use later very well.  Sooooooooo, I think from here forward I should could the packs, not the ponchos.  Thoughts?

Dorothy's been a long time supporter here on Bridge and Beyond, thank you Dorothy.  Keep up the good work.

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  55
Scarves: 38
Socks: 26+2=28
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 7+3=10
Rain Ponchos: 2
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers etc aren't tabulated

*Mentioned the other day I visited all 40ish blogs on the blog log in an effort to help spread the news, and encourage visits and comments.  Fingers crossed it helps.  AND just finished visiting everyone with a RAV profile page to do the same.  Don't want folks to forget about us, and or not be informed.   Always working to keep our name and cause out there.* 

**The focus for the remainder of January is slippers.  AND, we'll continue focusing on feet in February.  Cold, and wet feet are miserable.  So...for the month of February we'll continue with slippers as our focus AND add socks for the feet.  Socks are store bought and should be for men who live outdoors 99% of the time.  Remember to check out the slipper tab at the top of the blog for information about sizing, colors, styles, fiber type etc.  You might enjoy using one of the patterns available there as well.   February  continues to be about feet.**

****Are you aware of our addition of accepting quilted scarves, and quilts?  Are you up to speed and a member of our new Facebook Group?****

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Boxes of Donations Delivered for Ohio's Homeless

Leave town for a couple of weeks for a great vacation in Hilton Head, and when you return you get a "special delivery" from the post office.  How fun is that.

There are lots of donations here from lots of different states, all to help homeless.  Took me all afternoon yesterday too open all the boxes, take photo's, count items, and make notes prior to sending out email notifications/thank you's and posting same on our new Facebook Group Page.

Boxes and pouches arrived from: Mary H (OH), Sandra R (FL), Sarah S (VT), Wendy H and her sister Catherine (GA),  RoseMarie (TN), Joan A (MI), Sandie P (LA), Marie P (TN), and Maria R (TX).  WOW.  Many thanks to you all for your patience during my absence, it's appreciated.  We also received a couple of nice thank you letters which I'll also be posting about.  So, please keep checking in.  AND if you mailed something during the last couple of weeks and aren't listed above, please let me a comment.

As you read this post, I'll be busy writing posts for each of our wonderful donations.  Hope to see you all here reading and commenting...remember that too helps the group grow.

2013 has brought about some changes, some new ideas of ways to grow, and some new opportunities.  I do hope you'll read and keep up with all happenings here.  Truly, there's never a dull moment.  Have you noticed or taken advantage of subscribing via email?  It's in the right sidebar, thought it would be particularly nice for you folks who don't blog.  You can keep up that way, as posts will arrive in your email.  However, I would still encourage you to follow the link back here to leave comments.  Our good friend Sandie P. signed up to help me test how it works, and she says she LOVES getting the notices in her email.

AND speaking about changes.....

Have you heard we have a Facebook Group Page?
 Check it out, though ALL updates will appear here on the blog and it will still be the primary source of communication.  Links will be posted there directing you here in order to read the full content of posts and see pictures etc.  But, as one of the many goals for this group/blog for the year 2013; we're striving to reach more caring people in order to serve a larger number of people in need.  Please help us by visiting and chatting in the Facebook group as well as here on the blog.

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  55
Scarves: 38
Socks: 26 
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 7
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, and...

**The focus for the remainder of January is slippers.  AND, we'll continue focusing on feet in February.  Cold, and wet feet are miserable.  So...for the month of February we'll continue with slippers as our focus AND add socks for the feet.  Socks are store bought and should be for men who live outdoors 99% of the time.  Remember to check out the slipper tab at the top of the blog for information about sizing, colors, styles, fiber type etc.  You might enjoy using one of the patterns available there as well.   February  continues to be about feet.**

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Knitting for Homeless is Ongoing

I've been working on this afghan for sometime.  Off and on, because it's a bit tedious.  Knitted ghans take more time then crocheted ones and I like to change back and forth a bit on knitted and crocheted projects.  This afghan is called Sea and Sand and is over half done currently.  I plan to work on this for several more days and then, once again switch to crocheting.  I'll be selecting another one of the designed waiting in the wings ghans to work on, so stay tuned.

Yesterday I took time to visit everyone (40+) on the bloggers list of those who've donated.  I wanted to invite all to check out the new things going on here on Bridge and Beyond, and encourage visits and comments.  I do that periodically...you know that no doubt, if you're a blogger.  However, it seems many of those folks haven't blogged for a good long while.  I've thought this off and on, as I make my blog visits.  Some are so outdated, blogs from 2010 and 2011 that I'm not sure they'll actually even see my visit and or comments.  Depends on how they have their settings.  Generally, people receive email notifications when someone leaves a comment on their blog.  I do hope they see them.  However, I belief these inactive blogs/links hinder the blogs placement/google ranking etc.  I will be reviewing the list and moving the oldest/most inactive/(probably people who don't blog at all anymore) from the list.  I'll add their names and state to the list of those who don't blog.  If you used to blog and don't any longer, but have a Facebook and or Ravelry Profile page, please let me know and I'll add you to that list instead.

Have you read that we accept quilted scarves and quilts now on Bridge and Beyond?  Are you a quilter?  Do you know someone who is?  Please let them know, would love to have some quilts to put with our afghans for Project Welcome Home for our folks at Homeless Families Foundation.  Do you have blog friends who quilt?  If so, please send them our link.

Have you heard we have a Facebook Group Page?
 Check it out, though ALL updates will appear here on the blog and it will still be the primary source of communication.  Links will be posted there directing you here in order to read the full content of posts and see pictures etc.  But, as one of the many goals for this group/blog for the year 2013; we're striving to reach more caring people in order to serve a larger number of people in need.  Please help us by visiting and chatting in the Facebook group as well as here on the blog.

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  55
Scarves: 38
Socks: 26 
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 7
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, and...

**The focus for the remainder of January is slippers.  AND, we'll continue focusing on feet.  Cold, and wet feet are miserable.  So...for the month of February we'll continue with slippers as our focus AND add socks for the feet.  Socks are store bought and should be for men who live outdoors 99% of the time.  Remember to check out the slipper tab at the top of the blog for information about sizing, colors, styles, fiber type etc.  You might enjoy using one of the patterns available there as well.   February  continues to be about feet.**

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Girls Scouts do More then Sell Cookies

Quick, what's the first word........the very first word that comes to mind when someone says and you hear, or you see, or you read the words, Girl Scouts?  I know.......dumb question....the answer is of course COOKIES.  We all have our personal favorites and probably order from several Girl Scouts every year.  My own, Darling Daughter was never in the Girl Scouts (nor was I); but she did spend an entire summer in a floor-less tent as a Camp Counselor at a Girl Scout Camp.  She even checked the kiddo's daily for Ticks...because of Lime Disease.  She was a Girl Scout Camp Counselor in Connecticut in the neighbor city where the disease originated.  

But, look above.  I don't see cookies, I see slippers, hats, socks, and personal care items for people in need.  Homeless and those in need in the shelters in Ohio will benefit from a groups of 13-17 year old Girl Scouts from Minneapolis.  These girls were affected by a tornado in 2011.  The girls and their families and friends received helped during a time in need.  The know first hand what it means to help someone in need.  To pay back the girls wanted a special Christmas project.  The girls in the troop didn't all know how to crochet, but they learned in order to help others less fortunate.  WOW....isn't that what we all would like our teenagers to learn?  To help others, to help others less fortunate.

The Girl Scout Troop did just that.  That learned to crochet and they made 33 hats of various colors.  Some hats are stripped, some are solid, and some are crocheted with variegated yarn.  Please click to enlarge to see what these young ladies accomplished.

Additionally, they crocheted 7 pairs of slippers, and 1 headband.

Our good friend, Marjorie organized the donation, and added personal care items and socks and took care of the postage for The Troop.  Well done Marjorie.  Thank you for making the connection, and spreading the word, and thank you for making it possible for a group of young people to give back.  That's what I call a win win situation.



  2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  22+33=55
Scarves: 38 (31 flannel and 7 quilted)
Socks: 6+20=26
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 7
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, and...

**The focus for the remainder of January is slippers.  AND, we'll continue focusing on feet.  Cold, and wet feet are miserable.  So...for the month of February we'll continue with slippers as our focus AND add socks for the feet.  Socks are store bought and should be for men who live outdoors 99% of the time.   February  continues to be about feet.**


All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Desert Rose Afghan will be Donated

Desert Rose it is, see voting in the previous post.  Desert Rose has now been completed.  It's currently being laundered and blocked and will be donated to Homeless Families soon along with the other afghans collected since Christmas. 

I've barely started a group on Facebook and am still working at getting folks added to the group.  If you have a facebook profile and aren't yet in the group, please leave me a comment here and or on facebook so I can get you added.  I don't intend to use Facebook instead of the blog.  I'll be adding links there from here.  This will remain the primary source of information and communication...however, I know many of you don't blog and while I've tried to get everyone to read the blog regularly and leave comments I know many of you don't and or aren't comfortable doing so.  I think and hope we might reach others through Facebook.  PLEASE though do remember, traffic to the blog is what helps the blogs placement with search engines which is what drives our links and google rank which is very important.  So if you're on facebook and haven't been chatting here via comments, please do follow the links from the to here to read the full content of the blog posts, announcements, and updates.


 2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  22
Scarves: 38 (31 flannel and 7 quilted)
Socks: 6 
Afghans: 1+1=2

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Help me Name This Afghan, Vote

This one is in the works.  The strips have been edged and they're almost all crocheted together.  When Darling Daughter and I played around with these strips from Katie J we came up with several possible names.  Primrose, Dusty Petuna and couldn't decide which name we liked best.  As I've been working on it, I also thought of Desert Rose.  **edited to add Dorothy's suggestion of Rambling Rose.  Great, now we've got 4 names to pick from, lol.    Need to finish hooking it together, and add as many rows as I can with my stash appropriate colors in order to add some width.

This soon to be named ghan has traveled just like Arapaho through several states.  Hoping to get it finished in time to launder and block along with Arapaho.

Please add your thoughts regarding the best name for this afghan.  Like the others it will be donated to Homeless Families Foundation.

Still time left in January folks to make slippers.  I've added a nice link to a sizing chart a new member Trisi found for us.  Check it out in the slippers tab.

**If you've not had a chance to read goals, changes for 2013, and final numbers for 2012....please scroll back.  Thank You**

**Edited to say believe it's going to be named Desert Rose.  Got 4 votes for that and 3 for Rambling Rose in comments below.**

 2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  22
Scarves: 38 (31 flannel and 7 quilted)
Socks: 6 
Afghans: 1

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Goals for Donations for Bridge and Beyonds

I wanted to express some goals I have in mind for our group this year, for the blog and for those we reach with our hand made donations for Homeless and those in need.

1. The blog's current google rank is 3, it's been there for quite some time.  I would sure like to see it grow to 4.
2. We have donations from 38 states which is 76% participation rate within the United States.  We do have wonderful folks outside the US who donate and we're very very appreciative of their special efforts.  I'd love to see our US participation percentage grow to ....can we make 90% ??  Do you know someone who knits, who crochets, who looms or quilts that lives in a different state then you do?  Can you recruit their help?
3. Would like to increase the visits to the blog, as that helps drive the traffic which helps the above mentioned Google Rank.  I know many people donate who aren't bloggers.  You do not need to be a blogger to visit and spend time on the blog.  Could you help traffic by sending our link to your address book?  Could you tweet about us, talk about us on Facebook?  
4. Would like to increase comments on a daily basis.  I know some of you visit, but don't leave comments.  PLEASE DO LEAVE COMMENTS.  You do not need to be a blogger, you do not need to leave your last name, you do not need to be tech savvy.  Truly it's easy.  Type your comment (even if you're not someone who donates to us...you can still help by commenting), select name and url in the drop down box and type your first name and last initial or the state your from and leave the url space empty.  PLEASE DO NOT select anonymous, those comments usually end up in the spam folder.  Leaving comments helps the blogs placement...again the importance of the google ranking.  Comments show us you were here reading which is always nice.  Comments show great support for the large number of people taking their time to knit, crochet, loom,and or quilt.  
5. I'd like to reach some new helping hands, will be doing more blog promoting to help that happen.
6. I'd like to be able to donate more in 2013 then we donating in 2012.
7. I'd like to have a summer event where interesting people, presumably those who live closest could collect up and spend a day assembling afghans from the donated squares etc.  I think it would be fun to spend time together and at the same time accomplish putting more ghans together then I can solo.  If you're local and have interest in a gathering, PLEASE leave a comment to let me know.  Hopefully down the road I can get something organized.
8. I'd like to do something about a newsletter and or have a Facebook group or Facebook page.  I think the Facebook idea might help reach more helping hands, but I don't want to duplicate everything that's here on the blog.  The time to do that is huge.  I also am leary of people spending time on the page or in the group there vs here...as that would hurt the visits, the comments, the all important blog traffic and Google ranking.  I'd like to reach those who don't blog, on a more regular basis.  The numbers of people who use email only for communications, am wondering about a newsletter.  Wondering how best to do that with a minimal amount of time.  Often those who don't visit the blog aren't aware of changes and things going on here on Bridge and Beyond and I'd like to Bridge that gap.  Any ideas or experiences any of you've had that might be helpful....please sing out, either here on comments or email me at sandycrochet@gmail.com.  I had/have a group on Ravelry, but wanted to direct people from that too here, and frankly...I don't think that worked  very well.  I tried for a time to post there; but found it too difficult to keep up.  
9. I'd like everyone to tag their donations with size...s m l adult or children or teen.  The male female would be an issue with something like mittens and slippers.  When the individual items are tagged it gives me the ability to divide things between our various groups in need vs a note that says everything here is a medium.  Items are separated by size at the other end as well, so the tags right on the item...truly is best.  It can be attached with a safety pin, or tied with yarn/string.  It's best not to tag a zip lock bag, as items are removed when packed with other items for distribution.  You don't have to buy special tags, a plain white index cut in squares works great, as does typing paper etc.  
10. I'd like to have more folks read the tabs associated with the individual items they plan to make BEFORE they knit or crochet and mail their donation.   This will improve adherence to issues such as size, color, fiber, etc.  Scarves need to be a certain size, nothing should be made of non washable fibers, white should always be avoided are just a few of the important rules for making our donations meet the needs of those we donate to.
11. I'd like to get everyone to remember to include a note with their donations that includes their name and their email addy.  I really need to spend less time trying to track people down, and figure out who's who, so that I can be productive...both here on the blog and with knitting and crocheting for those in need.
12. I want to really catch up with assembling afghans from the donated squares etc.  Hoping the idea for a summer gathering will help with this.  AND I believe once the older squares of various sizes are gone, time spent to assemble the one sized squares of 8 inches will improve productivity also.  **as a reminder, I am currently asking you to hold mailing squares**
13. I'm hoping we can reach "beyond" in the coming year.  Reaching "beyond" may be another shelter in need, another county or city.  Perhaps, we've started reaching "beyond" with our addition of quilters to our group?

 2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  22
Scarves: 38 (31 flannel and 7 quilted)
Socks: 6 
Afghans: 1

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

No More Repairs

As most of  you probably know by know, 2013 means Bridge and Beyond has been knitting and crocheting for the Homeless for 5 years.  I'm thrilled to say throughout those 5 years, we've grown in so many ways.  We grown in the number of helping hands we have, we've grown in the number of people we're able to help with our donations, we've grown in the variety of the items we collect, and we've grown in the actual number of each item collected.

A few days ago I announced we would be extending to accept quilted blankets/afghans for Homeless Families Foundation, and double thickness with batting scarves.  Please help spread the word by letting your quilting friends know.

With growth however, difficulties/problems also seem to grow.  Because of that, I will no longer be able to make repairs/alterations etc on items that are needed.  I currently have a rather large box of things needing attention before they can be of use.  The biggest issues seem to be Tails not properly worked in.  This problem comes in several forms.  An item with multiple color changes with tails hanging out (even if on the inside of a hat...tails should be properly worked in), and worse yet knots where yarn has been tied and the knot is sticking out on either the right or wrong side of the item.  Knots are uncomfortable on one's head if the hat fits snugly, and knots are ALWAYS the weakest link.  Many of these knots have already started to come un-raveled because tails weren't worked in and or the yarn was cut immediately after knotting.  When you knot and cut without working in a tail of several inches it will not hold.  I've taken time to re-work some hats, scarves, squares etc to make them usable  but it takes time and sometimes after spending the extra time; it's still not usable.  I don't have the right color of yarn; and often it's just simply not fixable.

My apologies if my bluntness here offends, but I think the items being donated should be viewed as gifts you're giving.  In fact, they are gifts.  They're gifts to give someone hope as well as keep them warm.  Something unraveled, or with tails hanging out doesn't present the imagine that someone took time to make  something special just for you.  I've taken time in the past to even fold over and stitch edges that have been one knot after another in an effort to hopefully not have the item unravel after it's first use.  I've had some squares unraveled when a ghan has been laundered.  If it unravels after one washing on delicate; there is no way it's going to hold up to constant use by a family.  I do look over the squares pretty carefully when I edge and join; but have missed some squares that weren't well constructed, causing some fancy footwork after the fact.

My hope/goal for the upcoming year is not have to throw away items that you intended to be donated.  However, I no longer will be setting aside items to be worked on later if they are issues.  PLEASE do not tie and cut when knitting or crocheting anything.  When changing colors, or simply adding additional yarn ALWAYS work in tails of several inches.  Working in tails as you go is a far superior method to working them in at the end, plus you don't forget to do them.

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  22
Scarves: 38 (31 flannel and 7 quilted)
Socks: 6 
Afghans: 1


All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated.  The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Arapaho Completed After Traveling Miles

 As I was laying out this completed afghan, it occurred to me it almost looked liked it belonged in this living room.  Side chair is blue...soooooooooooo

But, naturally it was not made with this in mind.  This afghan is assembled from strips donated by Katie J.  Over Christmas my Darling Daughter, Christine helped me with designing this and 7 other ghans, and then she managed to get about half the strips edge in light gray from my stash before she had to leave to return home.  I finished up the edging and joining.  The ghan has traveled through Ohio into West Virginia, North and South Carolina.  Got it finished several days after we arrived.  Will get it laundered and do some necessary blocking when we arrive home, so it can make it's final journey to Homeless Families Foundations.      What a nice team effort this afghan was.  This one is titled Arapaho.

**Please scroll back 2 posts to see our final numbers for donations for the year 2012.  AND scroll back 1 post to see the announcement about quilters....AND be sure and check back tomorrow when goals for 2013 will be posted.  With those goals will be some important changes/announcements**

EDITED TO CHANGE NAME FROM LYNN TO KATIE AS THE PERSON WHO MADE THE STRIPS.  SORRY, GOT CONFUSED BY NAME AND EMAIL ADDY FOLKS.

 2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  22
Scarves: 38 (31 flannel and 7 quilted)
Socks: 6 
Afghans: 1

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!

First Donation of 2013

Hats, and socks, and a quilted scarf...keep looking

More quilted scarves, and flannel scarves.....don't stop yet.

Thank you Lola for our first donation of 2013.  Like yesterday's post (if you missed it, please please scroll back and read it),  thought it was scheduled to post, but apparently it was still in draft form.  I can't give you the numbers here as this post was truly in draft form and not completed.  Will have to update with numbers on my return when I can check the note laying on my desk at home.  I can tell you there are 22 hats here and lots of scarves.

Lola is a quilter and wanted to try her hand at making quilted scarves to donate to our cause.  Please click to enlarge the picture so you can see her work.  The scarves are a wonderful size, big enough to wrap around which always makes things warmer.  The red, black and gray is flannel.  Stacks of double thickness flannel scarves.  There are a variety of sizes, many look like they'll work well for young children.  Flannel is soft and so I can these might work well for young children...even when they need to tie across their faces to keep warm.  I'll be checking with the various shelters, and schools to see how the flannel is received/used and let you all know what I learn.

Lola's friend Sue (I hope I'm remembering that right, as mentioned note in home on my desk.), has a sewing shop in Westerville and had all her students make 1 scarf before they made whatever item they had signed up to make. (that's where all the plaid flannel scarves came from.)  I'll edit this post with numbers and name if I remembered it wrong.

We've been a knitting and crochet group now for the past 4 years.  While I don't wish to change that focus, I think as we start our 5th year we'll open up the groups mission to include sewers/quilters.  Our focus has always been HOMEMADE.  It's my belief (and others too), that homemade conveys more hope/love then store bought.  With that in mind, I believe we'll reach out for additional helping hands to sewers/quilters.  I think quilts would make a nice addition to our homemade afghans for Project Welcome Home.  I like the idea of the quilted scarves as they are double thickness with batting.   I think we'll limit it to that for the time being, as I don't want to veer from the need of warmth, and  think most sewn items probably aren't as warm as we need them to be.  So, if you have friends who'd like to help but haven't because they don't knit or crochet....let them know they can assist with making quilts and quilted scarves.  Please remind them to check the scarf and afghan tabs for necessary information about size and colors.

**edited to add numbers**

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  22
Scarves: 38 (31 flannel and 7 quilted)
Socks: 6

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!

Woot Woot 2012 Awesome End of the Year

Sorry folks had this post in que, or so I thought and it got marked as a draft instead of scheduled to post.  Here are our awesome numbers.  Each and everyone of  you should give yourselves a pat on the back.

Some of you are new to our group and some of you have been with us from the beginning; no matter when you found us and joined in on the important Mission of Helping Homeless, YOU ARE AWESOME.  Together we make a fantastic team.  Some of us knit, some of us loom, some of us crochet, some of us do a bit of all...........what matters is the coming together to help those who are in need.  A single hat or scarf donated can make all the difference in the world to the one person who receives it.

Please keep up the good work, and let's hope we're able to continue to grow.  The more helping hands we have, the more people in need we can reach.  We've been able to reach people in need at free clinics (women and children), people living under bridges (men and women),  people with disabilities who are homeless (women at Nancy's place), families at 3 local family shelters (men, women, and children at Faith Mission, Homeless Families Foundation, and The YWCA), we've helped school age children (Broad Street Elementary, Stiles Elementary, Darby Dale Elm, Highland Elementary, and Teays Valley Middle School), we've donated to men who are receiving a hot meal (Holy Family Soup Kitchen), AND we've been able to extend beyond the boundaries of Franklin County here in Central Ohio.  We've donated items to family shelters through St. Vincent dePaul in Vinton County in Southern Ohio's Appalachia area.

Recently we used donated squares and assembled a comfort afghan (Box of Crayons) for one of the Firemen's Families in Rochester New York.

Yes, we are a team that has reached many and will continue to do so with our collective hearts.

Please stay tuned, I will be announcing some changes as we reach out to reach our goals for the year 2013.

AND Now....drum roll folks here are our final numbers for donations for the year 2012.

Donations: 2012 

Hats 1052  (83 more hats then we donated last year)
Scarves: 666  (195 scarves over what we donated last year)
Slippers: 153 (25 over last year)
Sweaters, Ponchos, Shawls, vests:10
Afghans: 55  (same as last year)
Mittens: 300 (42 more then last year)
Squares: 966 (114 more then last year)
Socks: 281 (52 less pairs then last year)
Rain Poncho's 213 (3 less then last year)
Cotton Washcloths 577 (288 more donated then last year)
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, hand and foot warmers Teddy Bears and footies 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!

Donating Knitted Mittens

YIPPEE!  See and hear me clappy for mittens...I truly admire the folks who are able to do this....I've made a few with my hook; but haven't yet made any with my knitting, so Sally's awesome mittens always make me smile.  She shared she recently learned how to knit with 4 needles (double pointed)...something on my list of things I'd like to do...So Congrats to you Sally and many thanks for your on going support.  The mittens are nice and soft and warm.  Awesome!

Special thanks too Sally for pairing and labeling them.  That helps me, and helps at the other end when the various shelters receive our donations.


2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  100
Scarves: 78
Socks: 17
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 14
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 4 
Cotton WashClothes:44
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators etc aren't tabulated

**Working calendar will be forth coming folks, but for the remainder of February, our focus is feet.  Socks for adult males, and slippers for Men, Women, and Children.  See details in the slipper tab.  And be sure and check in soon to find out what the focus for March will be.**

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Round and Round We Go

 Thank you Sue F from Ohio for your thoughtful and generous donation.  So nice to hear from you again.  Lots of knitted warm goodies here folks.  She's knitted some nice thick and warm slippers, scarves, and a Baclava. (gonna count the Baclava with the hats)

 She's knitted and donated 2 round afghans.  Both are very colorful.  Got them folded in half. 

 And a nice thick...maybe double strands colorful stripes afghan.  I love all the pretty cheery colors, Sue F.  I've never made a round afghan, but know they've become pretty popular to make by what I see on Ravelry.  Thank you Sue, and please keep up the good work.

**WOOT WOOT, with your 3 afghans, we've now matched last years totals**

Just one more post before we close out the numbers for our donations for the year 2012.  Please keep checking in folks.

January's focus is Slippers....let's see if we can keep some feet warm with slippers.  Please check the slipper tab for necessary information regarding sizing, colors, and fibers.  AND there's several patterns there you might like to try.

Donations: 2012 

Hats 1051+1=1052  (83 more hats then we donated last year)
Scarves: 663+3=666  (195 scarves over what we donated last year)
Slippers: 148+5=153 (25 over last year)
Sweaters, Ponchos, Shawls, vests:10
Afghans: 52+3=55  (same as last year)
Mittens: 300 (42 more then last year)
Squares: 966 (114 more then last year)
Socks: 281 (52 less pairs then last year)
Rain Poncho's 213 (3 less then last year)
Cotton Washcloths 577 (288 more donated then last year)
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, hand and foot warmers Teddy Bears and footies etc)

**I will continue to add numbers to the years totals after Dec 31st, so all donations received by years end will be counted in the year they are received.  Since each donation is a day, they will be some over flow into January.  Thus year end numbers won't be finalized until then.*

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

Hats to Keep Homeless Heads Warm

 Thank you Cheryl S from Florida.  Cheryl and I go way back, to high school days; soooooo you see she's a transplanted Buckeye.  Awesome that you sent along some Buckeye Hats!  Fourteen more heads will be warm.  Thanks so much, and keep up the good work.

Just a few more posts before we close out the numbers for our donations for the year 2012.  Please keep checking in folks.

January's focus is Slippers....let's see if we can keep some feet warm with slippers.  Please check the slipper tab for necessary information regarding sizing, colors, and fibers.  AND there's several patterns there you might like to try.

Donations: 2012 

Hats 1037+14=1051  (82 more hats then we donated last year)
Scarves: 663  (192 scarves over what we donated last year)
Slippers: 148 (20 over last year)
Sweaters, Ponchos, Shawls, vests:10
Afghans: 52  (3 short of last year)
Mittens: 300 (42 more then last year)
Squares: 966 (114 more then last year)
Socks: 281 (52 less pairs then last year)
Rain Poncho's 213 (3 less then last year)
Cotton Washcloths 577 (288 more donated then last year)
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, hand and foot warmers Teddy Bears and footies etc)

**I will continue to add numbers to the years totals after Dec 31st, so all donations received by years end will be counted in the year they are received.  Since each donation is a day, they will be some over flow into January.  Thus year end numbers won't be finalized until then.*

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 Heads Warm

  

 Thank you Kathy G for this great donation of warm and very soft hats!  Love the pretty cables.  And look at the cute hat on the right with ear flaps and a tie, and the other style that Stella's modeling for you all.  Adorable!!  That will surely keep someone one.  Kathy's also included several headbands and cowls.  Nice work Kathy!

  

 
Since February is a month to think about love, let's spread the love by finding new pairs of helping hands.  If everyone could find one friend, one co-worker, one blogger, one family member, and or one Facebook/Ravelry friend to bring into the fold think about how much more love we could spread by way of our warm knitted, crocheted, loomed, and or quilted items! Talk us up.  Some folks might like to help us, but be unaware of what we do.  Please search someone out.  Who do you know?

 
2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  76+10=86
Scarves: 78
Socks: 17
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 13
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 4 
Cotton WashClothes:44
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators etc aren't tabulated


All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Donations from James

Thank you James!  Always so good to hear from you.  James has knitted and donated lots of variety here: Sweater, hats, scarf, mittens, cotton washcloths, and socks.  Fabulous as always James, please keep up the good.  Special thanks for nicely tagging your items with the size...much appreciated.

**Remember folks to avoid the use of white, off-white and ivory/beige.  They're just too hard to keep clean, be they hats, mitts, scarves, squares etc.**


Donations: 2012 

Hats 1034+3=1037  (68 more hats then we donated last year)
Scarves: 662+1=663  (192 scarves over what we donated last year)
Slippers: 148 (20 over last year)
Sweaters, Ponchos, Shawls, vests:9+1=10
Afghans: 52  (3 short of last year)
Mittens: 299+1=300 (42 more then last year)
Squares: 966 (114 more then last year)
Socks: 280+1=281 (52 less pairs then last year)
Rain Poncho's 213 (3 less then last year)
Cotton Washcloths 572+5=577 (288 more donated then last year)
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, hand and foot warmers Teddy Bears and footies etc)

**I will continue to add numbers to the years totals after Dec 31st, so all donations received by years end will be counted in the year they are received.  Since each donation is a day, they will be some over flow into January.  Thus year end numbers won't be finalized until then.*


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 hats for Homeless

Woot Woot, look at these numbers climbing with a handful more posts to credit yet for our 2012 year!  Awesome work folks.  So truly needed, and appreciated.

These 10 hats were crocheted and donated by Karen M. from Pennsylvania.  Welcome Karen as our newest pair of helping hands.  We're thrilled to have you join us Karen.  Theses are so nicely made, warm and soft, and offer a good variety in both size and color.  Well done and please keep up the good work.  Hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond.

**Remember to use washable fibers ONLY folks for all your donations, no special care fibers please.**

Donations: 2012 

Hats 1024+10=1034  (65 more hats then we donated last year)
Scarves: 662  (191 scarves over what we donated last year)
Slippers: 148 (20 over last year)
Sweaters, Ponchos, Shawls, vests:9
Afghans: 52  (3 short of last year)
Mittens: 299 (41 more then last year)
Squares: 966 (114 more then last year)
Socks: 280 (53 less pairs then last year)
Rain Poncho's 213 (3 less then last year)
Cotton Washcloths 572 (283 more donated then last year)
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, hand and foot warmers Teddy Bears and footies etc)

**I will continue to add numbers to the years totals after Dec 31st, so all donations received by years end will be counted in the year they are received.  Since each donation is a day, they will be some over flow into January.  Thus year end numbers won't be finalized until then.*


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!

Box of Crayons

 I assembled this afghan, Box of Crayons with squares from several people (many from Sue V) ivory yarn donated by Bunny (Lynda G).  A few of the shades aren't exact, and some needed rows added to fit; but I was pleased with how it came together.  I'm sorry for all the recent tragedies and am glad we here at Bridge and Beyond were able to come together to donate this afghan to Hands, Hearts, and Hugs-Crocheting for a Cause for one of the grieving families in Webster/Rochester New York.

**additional information can be found on my personal blog, Sandy's Space**

***speaking of squares, remember squares knitted or crocheted for Bridge and Beyond need to be 8 inches by 8 inches, made with acrylic or washable wool.  Avoid the use of white, off-white and beige's, and the use of novelty yarns.  Always check the working calendar to know when to mail your squares.  AND, please help me and the storage situation by only mailing them during the requested time.  2013 working calendar has not yet been selected; but January's focus is Slippers.  Slippers for MEN, Women, and Children in shelters give them the ability to warm their feet, and to have something to put on while socks dry.***

Donations: 2012 

Hats 1024  (55 more hats then we donated last year)
Scarves: 662  (191 scarves over what we donated last year)
Slippers: 148 (20 over last year)
Sweaters, Ponchos, Shawls, vests:9
Afghans: 51+1=52  (3 short of last year)
Mittens: 299 (41 more then last year)
Squares: 966 (114 more then last year)
Socks: 280 (53 less pairs then last year)
Rain Poncho's 213 (3 less then last year)
Cotton Washcloths 572 (283 more donated then last year)
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, hand and foot warmers Teddy Bears and footies etc)

**I will continue to add numbers to the years totals after Dec 31st, so all donations received by years end will be counted in the year they are received.  Since each donation is a day, they will be some over flow into January.  Thus year end numbers won't be finalized until then.*


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!

Afghan Design Freenzie

 Our newest pair of helping hands, Katie LJ crocheted and donated lots of little strips/stripes.  Many different colors, many fun combinations, some solids, some striped, some variegated.  My Darling Daughter who's knee you see a wee tiny bit of in above picture and I had lots of fun tossing strips around, pairing and un-pairing and designed some afghans/lapghans with them.  This design has been given the name of Crayola.  This could be joined with navy, black, green, or even a variegated.  Not sure yet which idea I like the best and need to check stash to see what I have the appropriate amount of.  Please stay tuned.

 We named this one Sandy Grass because of it's green and brown.  Depending on the shades available in my stash this one could be edged and joined in brown/tan, green, or perhaps off-white.

 We named this one Navajo, as it looks very Native American to us.  Believe this could be edged and joined with gray, burgundy, blue or tan.........time will tell.

 Again this one looked like Native Americans to us, so we dubbed this one, Arapahoe.  As of the writing of this scheduled post, this one is in fact already in the works, being edged with light gray. Check it out HERE
It's the focus of my work in progress Wednesday post.

 The name of this ghan/lapghan is a bit up in the air as we liked the names Primrose and Dusty Petuna.  Will check stash to determine what to edge and join this one with.  That may help cement the name.  It could be the dusty color or perhaps the lighter shade...must see what blends with this.

 Gretna Green popped into DD head, it's a location in Scotland where folks run away/elope to get married.  I wasn't familiar with the locale, but sorta like the sound of it.  How bout you?  Believe gray, light green, maybe off-white might work for the edging and joining of this afghan???/

 This is a real mix and might or might not come together the way it's currently laid out.  One minute I like it, one minute I'm not sure.  Time will tell.  But, because of wackiness how's the name Hippy Longstockings!  That makes me smile.  I think maybe a very neutral shade is needed for edging and joining for this one.  Stay tuned.

 This is really is the thinking stages.  Brown = earth, green = grass, blues and purples sky and mountains...maybe this could be called Stripped Earth?  Will back burner this one and ruminate a while.

Thank you Katie LJ, we're thrilled to have another new pair of helping hands.  AND Thank You DD for your design help!

2013 working calendar is not yet posted, but our focus for January is slippers.  Please see slipper tab.

**If you're making an afghan/lapghan please launder and block it.  You always get a nicer finished look, it softens the yarn, you remove the hair and oils and odors; and it gives you a chance to even up edges.**

Donations: 2012 

Hats 1024  (55 more hats then we donated last year)
Scarves: 662  (191 scarves over what we donated last year)
Slippers: 148 (20 over last year)
Sweaters, Ponchos, Shawls, vests:9
Afghans: 51  (4 short of last year)
Mittens: 299 (41 more then last year)
Squares: 966 (114 more then last year)
Socks: 280 (53 less pairs then last year)
Rain Poncho's 213 (3 less then last year)
Cotton Washcloths 572 (283 more donated then last year)
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, hand and foot warmers Teddy Bears and footies etc)

**I will continue to add numbers to the years totals after Dec 31st, so all donations received by years end will be counted in the year they are received.  Since each donation is a day, they will be some over flow into January.  Thus year end numbers won't be finalized until then.*



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 Ohio all the way From Germany

Thank you Katie B from Germany for your donation of knitted hats, and cotton washcloths.  Please click to enlarge the picture (which is something you can always do here on the blog) to see the detail in the blue cotton cloth on the left.  Love that design Katie.  What pattern did you use?

Thank you for your on going support of our homeless here in Ohio, we surely appreciate it.

2013 working calendar is not yet posted, but our focus for January is slippers.  Please see slipper tab.

**Please avoid the use of white, off-white, tan, and beige in your donations.  Laundry is not often an easy option for those we donate to, so colors that don't show the dirty easily are best.**

Donations: 2012 

Hats 1013+11=1024  (55 more hats then we donated last year)
Scarves: 662  (191 scarves over what we donated last year)
Slippers: 148 (20 over last year)
Sweaters, Ponchos, Shawls, vests:9
Afghans: 51  (4 short of last year)
Mittens: 299 (41 more then last year)
Squares: 966 (114 more then last year)
Socks: 280 (53 less pairs then last year)
Rain Poncho's 213 (3 less then last year)
Cotton Washcloths 570+4=572 (283 more donated then last year)
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, hand and foot warmers Teddy Bears and footies etc)

**I will continue to add numbers to the years totals after Dec 31st, so all donations received by years end will be counted in the year they are received.  Since each donation is a day, they will be some over flow into January.  Thus year end numbers won't be finalized until then.*




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!