Mission Statement

Operations for Bridge and Beyond will cease on Dec 31, 2021, last mailing date should be Dec 24th

GOAL FOR AFGHANS

Afghans
Goal: 30
Start: #24
Current: 26
0.8666%
START
END

Friday, May 31, 2013

Donations for Ohio Homeless Still Needed

I love this shade of blue, crocheted and donated by our long time friend, Sandie P in Louisiana.  I happen to know blue is also her favorite color.  Sandie and I met years ago on line in Crochetville and worked on afghans for survivors of Katrina.  When we finished that charity, we continued to stay connected with blogging and she jumped right in with donations when I first formed this group, Bridge and Beyond.  Thank you Sandie for your long time friendship and wonderful support.  It's very much appreciated.

Today is the last day of May and with tomorrow being the first day of June, our focus switches to slippers.  Please check the slipper tab for necessary information regarding colors, sizes, fibers, stitches and suggestions for both knitting and crocheting slippers.

2013 Donations:

Hats:  366
Scarves: 285+1=286
Socks: 182
Afghans: 24
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 349
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators and all meal prep related items, 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.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Rae's Ministry of Feeding those in Need

(purple iris from my back yard, with pretty little yellow buttercups on the right and blue forget me knots in the background)

As many of you know if you've been following along, several months ago Rae branched out to a different area of town to extend the ministry of feeding to those folks in need.  The original group is still going strong on The West Side of Columbus with both supplies and able volunteers.  Rae canvassed and found great need elsewhere and put a plan in motion encompassing multiple locations on Columbus's North, and North East Sides, some involving families.


We asked for support to help her get started, and as always you all responded with HUGE hearts and sent donations of plastic bags, plastic containers, grocery bags and similar items to help her in the meal prep.

At this time we do not need anymore plastic garbage bags, or plastic grocery bags, or plastic containers.  We may sing out later with more need; but with limited storage at her end...let's hold and not mail anymore of those items.  She's also well stocked on plastic poncho's and most personal care items for women.   She's nicely stocked also with soap and cotton knitted and crocheted washcloths (though we can always use those items for the 3 family shelters).

  • What she is in need to stock her storage area at Everyday People Ministry Church (corner of 161 and North Meadows Blvd) is:
  • Zip lock bags, sandwich size
  • Forks and spoons (much less need for knives)
  • Socks always for Women now as well as Men
  • Sample sized shampoo
  • Disposable razors
She picks up bread and sweets from a local Panera (on North High Street just north of Henderson), and soon to be expired food from Whole Foods (the donations from Whole Foods are divided between the West and North Ministry).

Currently she is feeding about 17-19 people on Saturday mornings after she preps meals at The Everyday people Ministry.  Several church members from that location have joined her volunteer force.

One of the things a bit different with this North Side Ministry as compared to her long standing West Side Ministry is feeding families vs primarily adults.  There are Mothers who are homeless but have enough to get a night in a hotel with their children (Thank the Lord they aren't living out in the elements); but not enough for food and lodging and so Rae has been able to include them in her Saturday Morning Meals.

Thank you all for your help with supplies and prayers for her new ministry.  I know she truly appreciates both.

The Beautiful flowers above are for you all for all the hard and necessary work you do.



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.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Touring The Homeless Families Foundation

"Be the change you wish to see in the world", Ghandi.  A quote that says so much.  This is one of the many important teaching areas for the children at Homeless Families Foundation's Dawd Center.  As you know we knit, crochet, loom, and quilt hats, scarves, mittens, slippers, cotton washcloths.  Homeless Families Foundation is one of the 3 family shelters we donate to, and also where we donate all our afghans.

This is more then a family shelter providing safe haven for a few nights here and there to those without a roof over their heads.  Homeless Families Foundation provides physical lodging, assist with job training and job search, assist with placement into permanent housing and start up kits during the transition from shelter living to permanent housing.  Throughout this process there's a focus on getting the family back up and running, to keep the family together, and helping the kids with school.
HFF (Homeless Families Foundation), makes sure kids get to and from school.  After school they are picked up brought back to the center and given a nice hot meal here at the center.  Then homework and other school related functions can take place.  It's hard for kids not knowing where they'll be sleeping day after day, or when the next meal will be to focus on education.......and yet education is the key.  Thankfully HFF works on feeding and helping the kids in a safe environment. 
There's a fabulous art area in addition to the music area you saw above.  Reaching kids through creative endeavors is very important.
And of course there's a library.  Being able to get help with reading is vital for many of these children.
What child wouldn't want to sit in an Ape chair to read?
Or sour like an Eagle in the Eagle chair?  And while the kids are getting much needed help, their parents can focus on job training and job search and where the family will be living next.  Far easier for them to focus on those important items when they know their children are being well cared for.  Most of the children in a homeless situation are behind grade level, so this educational component is truly critical. 
 Bright cheery art work, that the children have made in the summer programs can be found everywhere in the Homeless Families Foundation and Dawd Centers new facility.
 Some of the offices still have boxes as the organizational process continues, but the wonderful staff at Homeless Families Foundation forged ahead to get things read for the kids.
 I was thrilled to visit the new center and get a tour from our good friend Karie Gallegos the other day.
 Please know each and every item you make is so greatly appreciate by those that receive them.
 The work we do is important, and is does make a difference.  An important difference in the lives of many children and their families.
Here's the Homeless Families Foundations Facebook and Websites.

And if you've not yet joined Bridge and Beyond's Facebook page, please do.


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.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Designing Spring Garden Afghan

Drum roll....please.  This is the last afghan I designed during the last marathon multi-day design craze.  Thinking of calling this one Spring Garden (though I do need to check and see if I've used that name before)I know I have a fair amount of yellow in my stash, but I don't think it's the right shade, so...either I use beige or go yarn shopping.  I hate to buy more yarn, as I really try to use my stash....it's pretty substantial...least as of the writing of this scheduled post.  Who know's what yarn will be used before this one gets edge and assembled?

We're almost to the end of May which brings on June and it's focus of slippers.  Slippers needed for Men, Women, and Children (and teens).  Please check slipper tab for details.  Please remember to tag and join your pairs of slippers with size.  Please consider using double yarn in your slippers so they're nice and thick and sturdy.  Tight stitches and dark colors are best with slippers.  

2013 Donations:

Hats:  366
Scarves: 285
Socks: 182
Afghans: 24
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 349
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators and all meal prep related items, etc aren't tabulated

**ANNOUNCEMENT: Until further notice we will stop collecting plastic bags, and kitchen containers.  We're nicely stocked up on those items for Rae's feeding the hungry ministry.  Thank you to all who've helped.  We will continue to collect plastic silver ware for the same cause for a while longer, so please stay tuned.**

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.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Nameless Afghan Designed for Homeless Families Foundation


Help, I need a name for this afghan.  I couldn't come up with anything when I designed it.  It's red, tan, and black and has a real mix of shapes and sizes of squares; as well styles.  Some are sampler squares/rectangles, some are crocheted granny, some are knitted.  I think tan is needed to join and assemble ...does that help anyone with an idea for a name?


**ANNOUNCEMENT: Until further notice we will stop collecting plastic bags, and kitchen containers.  We're nicely stocked up on those items for Rae's feeding the hungry ministry.  Thank you to all who've helped.  We will continue to collect plastic silver ware for the same cause for a while longer, so please stay tuned.**

2013 Donations:

Hats:  366
Scarves: 285
Socks: 182
Afghans: 24
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 349
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators and all meal prep related items, 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.

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Designing Afghans from Donated Squares




I'm pretty sure I have an afghan named crayons or box of crayons designed and waiting in the wings, but that's what I thought of while designing this particular afghan.  How boring is it to name this Crayon 2?  This is a mix of sizes and shapes and styles of squares, rectangles, sampler, granny's.  I know I have some of the variegated yarn in my stash, but doubt there's enough to edge and join, might have to get more, as I think....I would like to use it for this ghan?  Thoughts?  Will that be too busy?

As I'm typing this post, color me popped into my head.  How's that for a name?

**Things we're not currently collecting: squares, plastic bags, and plastic containers**

2013 Donations:

Hats:  366
Scarves: 285
Socks: 182
Afghans: 24
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 349
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators and all meal prep related items, 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.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Help for Homeless with Donations from Georgia

 Thank you Diana K from Georgia for your thoughtful donation.  Looks like Diana has been crocheting even in her sleep with this generous donation.  A checkerboard afghan.  I love these colors together.  Very nice!
 Took several pictures as I was unloading the box.  A ripple style scarf and mound of crocheted cotton washcloths which are always a hit.
 And the final layer in box of donations, another afghan, scarf, and more cotton washcloths, plus a couple of small hats.  Nicely done done Diana.  Everything is so very much appreciated.  Please keep up the good work!


2013 Donations:

Hats:  363+3=366
Scarves: 283+2=285
Socks: 182
Afghans: 22+2=24
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 300+49=349
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators and all meal prep related items, etc aren't tabulated

 **ANNOUNCEMENT: Until further notice we will stop collecting plastic bags, and kitchen containers.  We're nicely stocked up on those items for Rae's feeding the hungry ministry.  Thank you to all who've helped.  We will continue to collect plastic silver ware for the same cause for a while longer, so please stay tuned.**


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.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Designing Afghans from Donated Squares, Spring Happiness

If you were wondering if I still had afghan from the latest design craze to show you...here's your answer.  Yes....I do.  Shades of pink and green made me think, Preppy?  Not sure I like that name, so am certainly open to suggestions.  I think sage green would make a nice edge and join choice, but know I've thought of using sage green for another of the designed ghans, so it all just depends when I do them what colors I have.

**ANNOUNCEMENT: Until further notice we will stop collecting plastic bags, and kitchen containers.  We're nicely stocked up on those items for Rae's feeding the hungry ministry.  Thank you to all who've helped.  We will continue to collect plastic silver ware for the same cause for a while longer, so please stay tuned.**

2013 Donations:

Hats:  363
Scarves: 283
Socks: 182
Afghans: 22
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 300
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators and all meal prep related items, etc aren't tabulated

**Changing the name of this per comment below from an old friend, Patty Kidd.  Spring Happiness....much nicer name.  Thank you for the help.**

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.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Helping Ohio's Homeless is a Year Long Job


Thank you Rose Marie for your thoughtful donation and your on going support for Ohio's Homeless.  It is very much appreciated.  You can see Rose Marie from Tennessee has included lots of personal care type items also: toothbrushes, tissue and hand wipes!  Hand wipes...what a great idea.  Hadn't thought about those and am anxious to hear what our friend Rae says about them, so will keep you all posted.

Thanks Rose Marie for the idea.  Seems logical living outdoors having water available all the time could be a real problem.


Keep up the good work.
 

2013 Donations:

Hats:  362+1=363
Scarves: 282+1=283
Socks: 182
Afghans: 22
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 298+2=300
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators and all meal prep related items, 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.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Crocheted Donations from New York


 Look at this awesome black and gray afghan!  I love this design, haven't made this pattern in a long time and had forgotten how much I liked it.  I think it looks sorta houndstoothy...is that a word?  LOL.  Thank you to our good friend Annemarie in New York for this beautiful afghan.  Whomever ends up with this crocheted afghan in their Welcome Home Package is going to be thrilled. 
AND she's crocheted and donated 6 awesome scarves (one is a keyhole style), plus a hat.  I LOVE this hat.  Click to enlarge so you can see the spirals.  Annemarie....what pattern did you use?

As always, your work is lovely, many thanks for your on going support.  Please keep up the good work.
  • Please remember folks to tag ALL hats with size, rather then my trying to guess and or the volunteers at the various shelters trying to guess. 
  •  Please also remember to wash and block all afghans before mailing.  It removes hair, odors, oil and dust......and it makes the ghan so much more finished.  I always suggest not drying ghans in the dryer...though I know most yarn says it can be done.  They get fuzzy, and you can't blog them in the dryer.  Please lay them out in a pet free area, you almost always need to help shape it, thus the blocking.
  • Please remember we're not currently collecting squares
2013 Donations:

Hats:  361+1=362
Scarves: 276+6=282
Socks: 182
Afghans: 21+1=22
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 298
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators and all meal prep related items, 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.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Blue Jay Afghan to be Donated

Here's another completed afghan from your donated squares, Blue Jay is it's name.  It came together nicely using light blue to edge and join with a mix of 3 different blues for the border.

Here you can see the before and after above.   I think the finished picture is more true to it's color.  Sometimes lighting makes such a difference, plus the above picture is as it's being blocked, so it's just a tad damp.

  • Please remember folks to tag ALL hats with size, rather then my trying to guess and or the volunteers at the various shelters trying to guess. 
  •  Please also remember to wash and block all afghans before mailing.  It removes hair, odors, oil and dust......and it makes the ghan so much more finished.  I always suggest not drying ghans in the dryer...though I know most yarn says it can be done.  They get fuzzy, and you can't blog them in the dryer.  Please lay them out in a pet free area, you almost always need to help shape it, thus the blocking.
  • Please remember we're not currently collecting squares
2013 Donations:

Hats:  361
Scarves: 276
Socks: 182
Afghans: 20+1=21
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 298
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators and all meal prep related items, 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.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Not Always Warm and Comfortable for Homeless, even in the Spring



This photo was taken the other day out from my back deck.  It was pretty foggy, cool, damp.  The fog created school delays due to poor visibility for kids, and school bus drivers.  Depending on where you were in city it was heavier then here, and less in a few areas.  However...as you can see it was quite cool and damp.  Think of sleeping out in the elements on such a cool damp night.  So, even though it's spring and generally reasonably comfortable during the day, this is one reason we knit, crochet, collect, and donate all year long.

The need for folks outside doesn't really go away.  Collecting all year long gives us the ability to stock all the shelters to help them be ready for changing weather.

So please folks, don't retire your hooks and needles.   Please keep them busy.


**Please remember folks to tag ALL hats with size, rather then my trying to guess and or the volunteers at the various shelters trying to guess.  Please also remember to wash and block all afghans before mailing.  It removes hair, odors, oil and dust......and it makes the ghan so much more finished.  I always suggest not drying ghans in the dryer...though I know most yarn says it can be done.  They get fuzzy, and you can't block them in the dryer.  Please lay them out in a pet free area, you almost always need to help shape it, thus the blocking.


2013 Donations:

Hats:  361
Scarves: 276
Socks: 182
Afghans: 20
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 298
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators and all meal prep related items, 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.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Designing Blue Boy

This afghan design is currently called Blue Boy.  But, I'm open to suggestions.  Lots of sizes here, so this will be a tedious assembly.  I think I'm seeing this come together with blue if I have enough of the right shades in my stash...though with the number of put together already with blue, and those designed and waiting in the wings...I may have to come up with another plan.  I'm not sure there's enough brown here to use in assembling...but maybe just off white/tan/beige?

Some of these squares are knitted, some are crocheted, some are sampler style, some are granny style...got a real variety going on with this design.  Anyone see their squares here?  It's always fun for folks to sing out when they recognize something.

**Please remember folks to tag ALL hats with size, rather then my trying to guess and or the volunteers at the various shelters trying to guess.  Please also remember to wash and block all afghans before mailing.  It removes hair, odors, oil and dust......and it makes the ghan so much more finished.  I always suggest not drying ghans in the dryer...though I know most yarn says it can be done.  They get fuzzy, and you can't blog them in the dryer.  Please lay them out in a pet free area, you almost always need to help shape it, thus the blocking.
**
2013 Donations:

Hats:  361
Scarves: 276
Socks: 182
Afghans: 20
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 298
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators and all meal prep related items, 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.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Pink Persuation Afghan Designed


Holly Cow, you're saying, how many afghans did that crazed woman (me being the crazed woman) design?  I'm not telling you.  Let's just say at some point in the multi-day process hubby said these squares going to be a permanent part of the living room?  Yes...once I dumped the huge number I had I left them for several days and just kept at it.  Designing, photographing, labeling, bagging.  And it truly did take a while.

I named this one Pink Persuation, but am open to suggestions if anyone has an idea.  I will probably edge and join in off white, unless I have the right shade of pink in my stash when the time comes.  Anyone find their squares in this design?

 PLEASE, if you've not been visiting, reading and commenting frequently double your efforts...it truly is helpful.  AND remember even when you're busy you can help....you can blog,  tweet, Facebook, email, and chat with folks about what we do and how great the need is.

Recruit Help...do you know someone at church, school, your sons baseball team that is kind hearted.....have you told them about the group?  Have you joined our FACEBOOK  group?

2013 Donations:

Hats:  361
Scarves: 276
Socks: 182
Afghans: 20
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 298
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators and all meal prep related items, 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.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Homeless Families Need YOUR Help All Year Long

 



 Saw this cute cartoon/graphic the other day on Facebook and just had to share it with you all.  Thought  you'd enjoy it as much as I did.  Though it shows knitting needles, hope my crochet friends enjoy it too.

Folks, it's finally getting warm more  then a day at a time here in Central Ohio, but that doesn't mean we stop knitting, crocheting, looming, quilting or donating.  The process continues all year long because the problem continues all year long.  We continue making deliveries to the shelters until such time they run out of storage....then I store it to be ready  as soon as there's a possibility of cold weather hitting come fall.  Additionally, families  come into the system, and transition from shelter living into their  permanent housing situtations on a daily basis, so our afghans are donated and used ALL YEAR LONG.

Keep up the good work with your yarn.  PLEASE, if you've not been visiting, reading and commenting frequently double your efforts...it truly is helpful.  AND remember even when you're busy you can help....you can blog,  tweet, Facebook, email, and chat with folks about what we do and how great the need is.

Recruit Help...do you know someone at church, school, your sons baseball team that is kind hearted.....have you told them about the group?  Have you joined our FACEBOOK  group?

2013 Donations:

Hats:  361
Scarves: 276
Socks: 182
Afghans: 20
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 298
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators and all meal prep related items, 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.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Donating Crocheted Cotton Wash Cloths


Thank you Marjorie M for this thoughtful donation of 23 crocheted cotton wash cloths, misc kitchen and personal care items.  Everything is so very much appreciated.  Your regular visits to the blog and sweet caring comments are also very much appreciated.  Please keep up the good work.

As you know May's focus is hats.  Please review the information in the hat tab across the top of the blog to be certain you're up to date regarding sizes, colors, fibers etc. needed to make our donations meet the need.
*Oh and please remember to attach a size tag to ALL hats.  Use string, yarn, safety pin.  Labels don't have to be fancy folks, but knowing the size is really needed by all the shelters, as well as schools to know how to store and distribute to the appropriate people in need.

2013 Donations:

Hats:  361
Scarves: 276
Socks: 182
Afghans: 20
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 275+23=298
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers etc.

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.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Green Acres Is The Place for Me

Fess up, who's singing the song right along with me after reading the title?  

Green acres is the place to be
Farm living is the life for me
Land spreading out,
so far and wide
Keep Manhattan,
just give me that countryside.

It was a fun little show, pretty corny and predictable but cute, entertaining, and non violent.  Anyway, Green Acres is what came to mind as I was designing this afghan.  I also thought of Grape Vine?  But thought the green was more abundant and obvious then the purple.  Probably will edge and join with dark green.

If you see any of your squares here, please sing out.  Most of these are crocheted, but there are some knitted squares.  While not all are the same size, they're not too far off.

 ****For all people in google+ and Disgus Blog folks, I've written about problems I'm seeing all over the net in the last week to 10 days.  If you're losing visitors, and comments and wonder what's going on, PLEASE read this post.  And respond, there's been much discussion and I'm trying to help folks by getting the word out.  If you're considering joining google+, I would encourage you to hold for awhile until the fix for this problem is more at hand**** 

As you know May's focus is hats.  Please review the information in the hat tab across the top of the blog to be certain you're up to date regarding sizes, colors, fibers etc. needed to make our donations meet the need.
*Oh and please remember to attach a size tag to ALL hats.  Use string, yarn, safety pin.  Labels don't have to be fancy folks, but knowing the size is really needed by all the shelters, as well as schools to know how to store and distribute to the appropriate people in need.

2013 Donations:

Hats:  361
Scarves: 276
Socks: 182
Afghans: 20
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 275
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, hand


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.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Donated Squares, Designed Afghans to aid Homeless

Daisy Ghan, what else could this one be called, lol.  Lots of pretty colors here with squares from several people, I think...the solid colors are from a couple of pairs of helping hands.  This is yet another afghan I designed in my multi-day design craze awhile back.  I dumped all the squares, new and old and played and played and played tossing knitted and crocheted squares here there and everywhere.  This one will most likely get edged and assembled with off white.

As you know May's focus is hats.  Please review the information in the hat tab across the top of the blog to be certain you're up to date regarding sizes, colors, fibers etc. needed to make our donations meet the need.
*Oh and please remember to attach a size tag to ALL hats.  Use string, yarn, safety pin.  Labels don't have to be fancy folks, but knowing the size is really needed by all the shelters, as well as schools to know how to store and distribute to the appropriate people in need.

2013 Donations:

Hats:  361
Scarves: 276
Socks: 182
Afghans: 20
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 275
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, hand

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.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Donating Matching Hat and Scarf



Thank you Victoria P from Arizona for this matching hat and scarf set.  What a fun mix of colors, some lady will be not only be warmer with this, but will be "stylin".  The hat I believe is made with front and back double or triple crochets, as it's nice and thick with a look of ribbing.  Click to enlarge folks so you can see the details.  

Please keep up the good work Victoria.

As you know May's focus is hats.  Please review the information in the hat tab across the top of the blog to be certain you're up to date regarding sizes, colors, fibers etc. needed to make our donations meet the need.



2013 Donations:


Hats:  360+1=361
Scarves: 275+1=276
Socks: 182
Afghans: 20
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 275
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, hand

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.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Donations Make me Smile

 Thank you Denise F, one of our recent contest winners for this thoughtful donation.  Denise crocheted 2 cotton cloths, and a blanket for a wee one, and loomed (knitted) 7 hats for the kiddo's.  As of the writing and scheduling of this post, I can finally say we're in stock up mode........I think.  The weather has finally turned warm, and I think in about 10 days we can even say the threat of frost is past.  What a welcome relief for our folks without roofs over their heads.  We don't stop knitting and crocheting, we continue through out the entire year and store things for all the shelters in order to be ready before the weather turns cold in the fall.

Keep up the good work Denise!

Donations make me smile because I know with each donation, we're taking care of more folks in need. 

2013 Donations:

Hats:  353+7=360
Scarves: 275
Socks: 182
Afghans: 19+1=20
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 273+2=275
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, hand


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.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Blue Jay Afghan Design

 Here's another afghan designed from your squares.  These squares are more recent, as you can see they're very close to the same size.  I plan to edge and join this with a light blue I have in my stash that looks like it will blend...believe it's close to the lighter blue squares.  I named this ghan, Blue Jay

Long ago when my DD was in grade school a couple of parents took a mini bird class in order to be volunteers for the kids field trip to Dawes Arboretum.  There's a large bird sanctuary there.  One of the things I remember learning was that Blue Jay's aren't really blue.  The feathers are translucent and appear blue, but looking at a dead stuff Blue Jay, they are brown.    So how 's that for a strange tidbit of info for your day?
 
2013 Donations:

Hats:  353
Scarves: 275
Socks: 182
Afghans: 19
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 273
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, hand

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.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Rusty Nail Design

By now you probably know I've been in design mode.  The process is messy, involved and fun all at the same time.  My living room always looks a mess when I'm throwing squares around.  I divide by color all around the edge of the room so I can use the floor area to design.  It's quite a process, hubby likes to be gone when I'm doing this, lol.

Some of these squares are knitted, some are crocheted, some are sampler style and others are actually granny squares.  Some are a bit more rectangle then square, and as you can see there's a huge variance in size here.  Remember I have squares from before I asked for 8 x 8 only, and I have squares from before Bridge and Beyond time.

I have some nice rust colored yarn to edge and join with, fingers crossed it's enough.

2013 Donations:

Hats:  353
Scarves: 275
Socks: 182
Afghans: 19
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 273
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, hand


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.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Crochet Keep Ohio Homeless Warmer

Thank you Gail B for this thoughtful donation.  Looks like you and your hook are moving at warp speed!  Gails crocheted and donated 10 scarves, 25 cotton wash cloths and some containers for the supplies for meal prep.  Wonderful donation and so very much appreciated.  Please keep up the good work Gail.

2013 Donations:

Hats:  353
Scarves: 265+10=275
Socks: 182
Afghans: 19
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 248+25=273
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, hand


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.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Purple Iris Afghan Designed

I think we have about 3 sizes with this collection of squares.  Some of you may know I recently finished an Afghan called Iris and Lillies that was Purple and Yellow.  Soooo, this isn't a repeat, but purple always makes me this of Iris, the big double ones.  I have many in my back yard, though it's too early for them to be blooming yet.  The Rhizomes came from my folks back yard, so ....I love purple Iris.  The green represents the leaf.  Not sure what color I'm leaning towards to edge and join...maybe light purple...pretty sure I don't have any of that green in my stash.

Do you recognize any of your squares in this design?  Have you scrolled back over the last week and half to see if you can find your squares?  I've been designing, naming and lining things up for assembly.  I really need to see how many I have before how long it will be to accept more squares. 

And when I started dumping and dividing and pondering over these squares, it's not because all  my previously designed ghan were done; but...it's hard to know what you have until you go through this process.


2013 Donations:

Hats:  353
Scarves: 265
Socks: 182
Afghans: 19
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 248
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, hand

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.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Sand Afghan Designed to be Donated

This photo is a bit washed out, it's not bright; but has a bit more color then you see in the photo.  These squares are almost all the same size so edging shouldn't be an involved procedure.  I really puzzled over naming this afghan.  I thought sandy...thinking beach, I though cool sand because it was darker then just tan with some green, then thought for simplicity sake, maybe just Sand would work?  It's not green enough or bright enough to be grass, let me know if you have some thoughts.

Do you recognize any of your squares in this design?  Have you scrolled back over the last week and half to see if you can find your squares?  I've been designing, naming and lining things up for assembly.  I really need to see how many I have before how long it will be to accept more squares. 

And when I started dumping and dividing and pondering over these squares, it's not because all  my previously designed ghan were done; but...it's hard to know what you have until you go through this process.

2013 Donations:

Hats:  353
Scarves: 265
Socks: 182
Afghans: 19
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 248
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, hand


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.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Bright Desert Afghan Design



The desert is both bright a muted, depending on the light and the time of the day.  You have blue for the sky, oranges, purples and tans for the rocks.  Because this is bright, ...Bright Desert?  But open to suggestions, so if you have them sing out, please and thanks.  These squares vary a bit in size, not badly, the oranges and tans are the same, and blues and purples a 2nd size.  Probably will edged and join in tan...or maybe a real light lavender?

Do you recognize any of your squares in this design?  Have you scrolled back over the last week and half to see if you can find your squares?  I've been designing, naming and lining things up for assembly.  I really need to see how many I have before how long it will be to accept more squares. 


2013 Donations:

Hats:  353
Scarves: 265
Socks: 182
Afghans: 19
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 248
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, hand


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.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Donations for Ohio's Homeless

Tristi's been very busy.  Did you see yesterday's post with the 2 afghans she assembled for us?  If not, please do scroll back.  In addition to helping with the assembling process she's crocheted and donated 23 cotton cloths, 2 hats (thanks so much for tagging with size), and added 30 pairs of socks.  Fabulous donation, many thanks and please keep up the good work.

 May's focus will be hats.  Hats are needed for Men, Women, and children; not toddlers and infants.  PLEASE tag ALL hats with size.  When you tag your hats you do not need to be fancy, use string, yarn, or a safety pin when attaching your tag to your hat.  Please check hat tab for help with sizing, information needed, as well as what to avoid, thank you.

2013 Donations:

Hats:  351+2=353
Scarves: 265
Socks: 152+30=182
Afghans: 19
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 225+23=248
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, hand


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.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Saluting Tristi and Her Afghans

Do you feel like you should salute?  Tristi assembled this Red,White and Blue Ghan for us and it turned out really nice.  I was trying to get some light from the window for this picture as it suddenly got very dark here.  Looks like a storm is coming.  Click to enlarge and check out the nice border stitching she used.    Do you see any of your squares here folks?  Some are knitted, some crocheted and they were of varying sizes.  Awesome Tristi, thanks so much for your help.

Got this photo before I lost the light in the living room.  Really pleased how this one turned out, very pretty pastels and several very interesting squares in this one.  Some of these squares I know go way back.  Another great job Trisit with the assembly work...the border in blue.......absolutely perfect, it really pulls it all together so nicely.

 And...when we got together so I could take delivery of the awesome ghans, look what we had!  Tristi had ice tea and this yummy chocolate brownie with caramel sauce. 
And I had this fabulous chocolate chi tea.  It was worth burning the tip of my tongue.  It was soooooooooo good.  We had fun chatting about family, yarn, the weather, vacations and what a neat place, The Chocolate Cafe' is. 

Thanks so much for all your hard work Tristi.  Looking forward to our next outing.

 May's focus will be hats.  Hats are needed for Men, Women, and children; not toddlers and infants.  PLEASE tag ALL hats with size.  When you tag your hats you do not need to be fancy, use string, yarn, or a safety pin when attaching your tag to your hat.  Please check hat tab for help with sizing, information needed, as well as what to avoid, thank you.

2013 Donations:

Hats:  351
Scarves: 265
Socks: 152
Afghans: 17+2=19
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 225
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, hand


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.

Friday, May 3, 2013

Very Inspiring Blog Award

 

This nice award comes from Brandy, a fellow blogger I met during the April A-Z Blog Challenge.  Bridge and Beyond was not in that challenge, but my Travel Blog, Oozing Out my Ears, and Flat Stanley blogs were all part of that month long challenge.  The challenge was to blog everyday but Sunday in alphabetical order AND visit at least 5 blogs daily.  Though Bridge and Beyond weren't part of the challenge I did blog about charity with a link here, and there were a few other occasions when visiting blogs that had crafters, or people interesting in doing for others when I thought it appropriate to say something about Bridge and Beyond.  And so, the word did spread a bit more to some new folks.  We had some visitors here, we gained a few new followers....all good!

So, first let me say Thank you to Brandy who once she selected Bridge and Beyond to pass the award onto, wrote a very nice paragraph on her blog helping us spread the word to her readers.

The rules of the award are:
  1. Display the award, it's now listed in the tab across the top of the blog that says blog awards.  There's so much on this blog, I removed the badges from the side bars some time back.
  2. Link Back to the person who awarded you.  Brandy's name is a link taking you to her blog, as is the award on the tab mentioned above.
  3. State 7 things about yourself (later)
  4. Nominate 15 blogs for the award (will work on this after the challenge, even though you're reading this in May after the challenge...I wrote and scheduled this post back on April 25th, with still catch up needed on all my blogs etc)
7 things about myself:
  • I make a really good Lemon Drop Martini
  • I like doing yard work, but find it harder to do now with age, and arthritis; so do far less then I used to
  • I wish my Darling Daughter didn't live so far away and we could see each other more often
  • I don't like fish, though I do eat tuna salad
  • I've worn glasses since I was in the 4th grade, and started wearing tri-focals about 15 years ago
  • I dislike winter immensely, and with each year am more impatient for spring
  • I'm not an animal lover.  In fact, I have a fear of many.

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.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Brick Yard Afghan Design

Here I am again, playing with more squares.  As you can see, this is another design with lots of different sizes involved.  Think the little gold in the center is about 4.5 inches, and you also note some aren't squares but rectangles.  I am working my way through lots of both old and new squares.

Starred at this one for quite awhile to come up with a name, it made me think of bricks?  We did one some time back called red brick..much more red then above, so I'm thinking maybe Brick Yard?  Open to suggestions and idea's here folks.  Golds, tans, greys all in the variegated squares.

 **Still have plenty of squares on hand, so please hold mailing squares until they are called for as a month's focus**


 May's focus will be hats.  Hats are needed for Men, Women, and children; not toddlers and infants.  PLEASE tag ALL hats with size.  When you tag your hats you do not need to be fancy, use string, yarn, or a safety pin when attaching your tag to your hat.  Please check hat tab for help with sizing, information needed, as well as what to avoid, thank you.

2013 Donations:

Hats:  351
Scarves: 265
Socks: 152
Afghans: 17
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 225
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, hand




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.

Where are You and Your Yarn From?

I'm trying to identify where everyone is from, partially for fun. Take a look at the map. Also, believe it will aid me in cases where we have several people with the same name. Please look at the lists of bloggers and non bloggers and see if I have the state you hail from. If not, please leave a comment and let me know.

Additionally, we've had help from Scotland, England, Germany Puerto Rico, Canada, and France! They don't appear on the map, but their help is still greatly appreciated.

Where The People Who Donate Come From, is your state represented?