Fun and Funky

This fun, funky, and frilly little blanket is crocheted. What a fun color combination Chizoba. Be sure and click on the picture to enlarge it. Notice the little flower on the hat and scarf set, also crocheted. Chizoba's helping hands are from Virginia. I love seeing how many states have helping hands for this worthy project of warming the homeless. Donations come in all shapes, sizes and colors and all are appreciated.

Keep up the good work folks.

2011
Scarves 77+1=78
Hats 161+1=162
Mittens (gloves) 55
Socks 19
Slippers 7
Ghans 9+1=10
Squares 167
Sweaters 5

**Have you read about Toasty Tootsie's? Check the sidebar.
***Have you recently read the How Can I Help? Check tabs at the top
****Have you checked to see if I have the state you're from listed with your name?


Please remember 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. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Mother and Daughter Team up to Help Homeless

The pretty bright cheery striped crocheted afghan was made by Rebeccah. You might remember her fabulous donation not too long ago. Click here to see it. Look at all colors. Thank you Rebeccah for your on going support.
Rebeccah's mother, Cindy put this darling patch blanket together. Click to enlarge the picture. I'm not sure if she re-purposed sweaters to make this, but it looks like a good possibility. I love the color combination here and know whomever receives this is going to be warm and happy.
This ghan of many colors makes me think of a quilt, log cabin I think it what this style square when quilted is called. Another beautiful bright cheery crocheted afghan to warm those in need at Faith Mission. Cindy and her daughter Rebeccah are from Ohio. What a marvelous mother daughter team.
And two fabulous scarves also made by this dynamic duo. Thank you ladies!


2011
Scarves 75+2=77
Hats 161
Mittens (gloves) 55
Socks 19
Slippers 7
Ghans 6+3=9
Squares 167
Sweaters 5

Please remember 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. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Name me Ghan, please!

This is another ghan designed and waiting in the wings from squares from Sandie in Louisiana, RoseMarie, Pat, Kris, Anne, and Carol. There are both squares and rectangles, all are crocheted. I've racked my brain though and can't come up with a name for this afghan. I almost always name them....anyone with a suggestion. It's sorta pastel...but not with the green; probably mauve doesn't count as pastel either?

Not sure what color I'll edge and join with, possibly white? Possibly blue? Have to think further. I'll be busy for awhile getting these squares together for a ghan, but do want to say how pleased I am with the participation we've had and the fun mix of squares and rectangles. Just a few more days if you're hurrying to get things in the mail; then we'll suspend (for awhile), the Give a Square program. I do plan to reactivate it though, so stay tuned.

2011
Scarves 27
Hats 40
Mittens 1
Socks 5
Slippers 3
Ghans 6
Squares 65

Please remember 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. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

More Squares to aid Faith Mission

Thank you Nancy. Nancy (pinnut) and I know each other from a group called OddBall Blankets on Ravelry. We've worked on several baby blankets together for that charity and now she's given more of her time to send me some wonderful knitted squares. These 11 squares will soon find their way into another ghan to keep those Mothers and their Children warm at Faith Mission.

For those who may be new to the blog, or perhaps not yet read this. Faith Mission has temporary housing for Mothers and Children who've been homeless and or abused. They have very little and we've been supplying them with hats, mittens, scarves, and slippers and afghans to make their transition go a bit more smoothly. They are warmed, physically by our donations, but also are given hope for a new and improved life by knowing we've knitted and or crocheted something special, something just for them. Please keep your hooks and needles flying, the need is great.

Thank you Nancy, it's wonderful to have you on board with us as our newest pair of helping hands.


2011
Scarves 27
Hats 40
Mittens 1
Socks 5
Slippers 3
Ghans 6
Squares 54+11=65

Please remember 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. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

The Designing of Orange Julius

Now this is just plain fun. Not sure it can get more colorful then this. These rectangles and squares of orange, yellow, green, red, and variegated mixes come from: My Darling Daughter, Christine, Yvonne, RoseMarie, Carol, Kris, Pat, Anne, Joy, Louise, and Krystine from her garage sale find awhile back. The bulk of these fun bright colorful squares are crocheted though there are some knitted ones as well.

I must give some thought to what color to join and edge this ghan with. Perhaps off white/ivory/tan? I generally use darker colors for joining; but...given the amount of color here, might not this time. Then again, maybe orange? I edged the previous orange colorful ghan (Autumn) with a green. Will give this more thought and check my stash. Got an idea....do sing out and let me know.

A few more days til the end of the month when we'll temporarily close our Give a Square Campaign. Remember though it's not going away, it's just going to be dormant for awhile.

As of the writing/scheduling of this post (all posts are written and scheduled ahead), we have a ghan in the works, plus 6 designed and waiting in the wings. When we ending the year 2010 we had donated ghans. Two of those went to our friends at Pine Street, while the remainder to our homeless and abused folks at Faith Mission so much in need.

2011
Scarves 27
Hats 40
Mittens 1
Socks 5
Slippers 3
Ghans 6
Squares 54

Please remember 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. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Blue Jazz

Blue Jazz in the planning stages here. This group of donated squares really has lots of different pieces. A few of the squares are from way back and are smaller then our 7-10 guidelines for our current "Give a Square" project. This group has squares, rectangles, some knit, some crocheted in granny style fashion (in the round), while others are sampler type in design (crocheted end to end).

The number of people who've donated for this one is a bit of a mystery to me, given some of those older squares. Some of which were before Bridge and Beyond was formed. I've picked up some at garage sales in years past, some given to me when someone had a family member who used to crochet or knit. Though perhaps not immediately, everything truly does get used for charity at some point when donated to me. I can tell you the following people have squares in this Blue Jazz Ghan: Joy, RoseMarie, Yvonne, Niki, Sarah S, Christine (DD), and Susan. Please if you see your square here and I've missed you....sing out.

This ghan when completed will go to our Mothers and Children at Faith Mission. Currently, I'm thinking I'll edge and join this ghan in a smokey blue color. I've got a good amount of it in my stash.

2011
Scarves 27
Hats 40
Mittens 1
Socks 5
Slippers 3
Ghans 6
Squares 54

Please remember 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. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

You're never too young to Help Others

Thank you Rebeccah! Rebeccah's mother Cindy contacted me and asked if we could put afghans her daughter made to good use. I infactly said,"YES!" Rebeccah is 15 years old, a fellow Ohioan and look at the talent she has! In addition to talent with her crochet hook at such a young age; can you see what a big heart she has? I bet you can. It leaps right off the computer screen. These lovely, warm, bright, cheery afghans will be loved by those who receive them. Several are nicely sized for children and others will be great for Moms. These 5 crocheted afghans will go to our folks at Faith Mission.

Keep up the good work Rebeccah, and again many thanks for your thoughtful donation. We're thrilled to have your helping hands.

I'm not sure I could pick a favorite, they are all so nice; but the the 3rd picture reminds me of an Indian blanket. Pretty awesome.

2011
Scarves 27
Hats 40
Mittens 1
Socks 5
Slippers 3
Ghans 1+5=6
Squares 54

Please remember 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. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

**The upcoming month of February our focus will be slippers. Knitted and crocheted slippers, slippers for men, women, and children. We will continue to collect all the items (give a square will be dormat for awhile), but if you wonder what to make...need an idea of what to make...make slippers** I'll be adding additional information, patterns, and ultimately a calendar in the tabs across the top of the page. Stay tuned.

Designing Warmth for the Homeless with your Squares

This reddish brown ghan has both knitted and crocheted squares and rectangles of various sizes from lots of people. I know several I've had on hand for quite a while (before Give a Square), and therefore don't know whom several are from (remember the groups that sent items when they disbanded); but the more recent contributions come from Joy, RoseMarie, Sarah S, Judy, Liz (minnisoda on the Ville), and James. If you see any of your squares above and I've missed naming you, please sign out. As I've mentioned before it's quite difficult to keep track of who sent what squares; though I do remember quite a few.

I really like this color combo, though in truth probably isn't one I would have thought of before seeing the squares. With the variety of sizing, I'll do lots of piecing this one together. At the moment, I'm thinking of joining it with a burgundy. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of this and previously posted designed ghans, as well as more designs coming from your thoughtful donations. Together, we're warming those folks at Faith Mission, one stitch, one square, and one ghan at a time.

Thank You!

2011
Scarves 27
Hats 40
Mittens 1
Socks 5
Slippers 3
Ghans 1
Squares 51

Please remember 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. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Designing with Blue and Green

Blue and Green, what fun! Squares and rectangles from lots of folks. I know some are from Sandie, Joy, Alexis, Rose Marie, Jessica and Yvonne as well as my long term stash from before Give a Square. If I missed someone, please sing out. I try to scan the pictures and remember who sent what group of squares. I really can't keep track of each individual one; but don't want to leave anyone out.

This blue and green makes me think of a favorite formal from my high school years. My mother thought I was a bit wacky when I selected blue and green satin fabric for her to make me a dress. The top was turquoise, and the bottom was green. It was a basic empire wasted dress, sleeveless and floor length. I wore it to the winter formal. Loved the dress so much the following year for she added an overlay of a blend of the colors so the dress would look different and I wore it to the prom. Several years later a friend borrowed it for her sister to wear in her wedding. I've never heard back from her since and so never got my dress back. Makes me sad, even to this day. I've gained weight so naturally couldn't wear it now; but Mom made it and it was my favorite.

Am having great fun folks designing with your squares and rectangles, keep em coming. Please keep checking back in...I've got more for you to see.

2011
Scarves 20
Hats 39
Mittens 0
Socks 5
Slippers 3
Ghans 1
Squares 51

Please remember 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. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Pink and Purple Afghan Design

Keep checking in folks. I've been throwing squares and rectangles all over the living room coming up with designs for afghans for our folks at Faith Mission from your generous donations. The above pink and purple combination is sure to bring a smile to someone's face. This is bagged and ready for me to assemble when I finish colorful blocks which is currently in the works. What girl doesn't like pink and purple? Young or old, lol.

This design is made from both squares and rectangles, some are knitted and some are crocheted, some are granny squares and others are sampler style. I know off the top of my head many are squares from Joy, Rose Marie, Karen V, James, and some I've had for a good while from a couple of defunct groups that sent their odds and ends anonymously when they disbanded. Do you see any of your squares or rectangles here? If so, sing out.

Please stay tuned folks, cause while I had the living room a mess...I really went at it designing. Hubby took a look at the living room with squares on all the chairs, coffee table, carpet, etc and said I best leave, "don't want to be in the way of your creating!"

2011
Scarves 20
Hats 39
Mittens 0
Socks 5
Slippers 3
Ghans 1
Squares 51

Please remember 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. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Completed Vacation Afghan for the Homeless

Happy to say I was able to finish my DD (Christine's) Vacation Ghan. She was quite close to having it completed before she had to return from her visit. This ghan was made in strips, both vertical and horizontal. A variety of stitches were used included double crochet, v-stitch, single crochets, shells, and front post double crochet's. I love how well this turned out and am very proud of her.

I wrote down the measurements, but can't find my note. My memory is something around 54 x 72. Here's a close up of the edging. The edge is 4 rows, with the last row being shells giving it a scalloped edge.

Thank you DD for all your hard work during your vacation.

2011
Scarves 19
Hats 36
Mittens 0
Socks 5
Slippers 3
Ghans 0+1=1
Squares 47

This ghan will go to Faith Mission and keep someone nice and warm due to it's size and thickness.

Please remember 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. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Cheering up and Warming up with Bright Blocks

Bright Blocks in need of a few final rows/trim edge. These blocks were all crocheted and donated by Anne, Pat, Carol, and Kris.

I edged them with a nice dark blue and as luck had it, actually had some of the variegated yarn in my stash--hard to believe isn't it; but how cool is that. I was then able to complete the edging with several more rows of the matching variegated yarn.

Funny different lighting in the 2 pictures. The first picture was taken during the day (you can actually see a wee bit of sunshine), and this 2nd picture taken at night with the lights on when I finished the edge. Not sure you can tell without clicking to enlarge but the final edge has several rows of ruffles for the ladies.

Once it's laundered, it will need a small bit of blocking, but not much. Once that done, it's on it's way to Faith Mission for those Mothers and Children in need. This is about 50 inches square so is nice size.

2011
Scarves 19
Hats 36
Mittens 0
Socks 5
Slippers 3
Ghans 0+1=1
Squares 47

We still have a couple of weeks left in our Give a Square and Rainbow Project, both are running until the end of the month of January. Details in the sidebar.

Please remember 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. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Stage One, the donated squares
Stage Two The Design
Stage Three...edging and joining

Vacation Ghan for Homeless

My darling daughter started this ghan over her Thanksgiving break when she came to visit for a few days, and picked it up again when she returned for Christmas. Thus my naming it, vacation ghan. She crocheted it in stripes using a variety of stitches. The variegated stripes are v-stitch, and the vertical stripes are a combination of double crochet (green), and shells with front post double crochet (cream, burgundy, and dusty rose).
Wanted to show you her progress. Once she got the variegated stripes done she got the idea for the shells and began crocheting the vertical portion.
She made wonderful headway before she had to head back to St. Louis. I'll be finishing it up for her by joining the sections and completing the last section of shells, and doing something about a border.
What a wonderful way to spend one's vacation, making something for someone else. This ghan will go to Faith Mission.

Thank you darling daughter. Wish you could have stayed longer. Thank you for your thoughtful donation and giving your time.

2011
Scarves 16
Hats 20
Mittens 0
Socks 0
Slippers 3
Ghans 0
Squares 41

Remember we have 2 programs this month, the end of Give a Square and the very special Rainbow Project.

Please remember 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. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Stage Two, Bright Blocks for Faith Mission

Am enjoying working on stage 2 of this bright block ghan from crocheted squares from Anne, Carol, Pat, and Kris. Edging all squares in sc, then joining, then edging a strip again for a larger border, then joining those stripes. It's coming along nicely. By the time you read this scheduled post; am hoping to have another ghan designed and be working on the colorful knitted block ghan.

Give a Square continues through out the month of January, so you still have time to get squares in. AND don't forget about our special "Rainbow Project".

2011
Scarves 15
Hats 20
Mittens 0
Socks 0
Slippers 3
Ghans 0
Squares 39


Please remember 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. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Designing Warmth for the Homeless

Pinks, Purples, Turquoise, Goldish Yellow....25 of the 70 squares donated by Anne, Carol, Pat, and Kris will come together to make a bright and very cheery and girly Afghan. Not sure what color I'll join this with, must check my stash and see what jumps out at me. Naturally it could be done in white, ivory, black, but ....I happen to know I have some of the same variegated.....off the top of my head, I doubt I have enough to only use it; so will put on my thinking cap and see what I come up with when the time comes. Got one in the works as we speak, and a 2nd one designed ahead of this one in que. Love thinking ahead though.

Sure have enjoyed the fun and different squares that have come as a result of our Give a Square program. Those with ones I had on hands will give us the ability to make a good number of ghans for those folks at Faith Mission.

2010
Scarves 339
Hats 592
Mittens 151
Socks 101
Slippers 34
Ghans 10
Squares 238


Please remember 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. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Crocheted Afghans for Faith Mission

Lovely tangerine crocheted afghan from Mary in Ohio. I love the design. Mary, what pattern did you use? This afghan is suitable both in color and size for a female adult lapghan and or a sweet little girl. It is quite pretty and will keep either warm and cozy.
This second yellow crocheted afghan is also suitable both in size, color, and style for a little girl or a female adult for a blanket or a lapghan. Many thanks Mary in Ohio for your thoughtful donation. Those mothers and children at Faith Mission that we're working to warm will love these. Again...asking what pattern did you use, this is lovely.

2010
Scarves 339
Hats 592
Mittens 151
Socks 101
Slippers 34
Ghans 8+2=10
Squares 168

Please remember 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. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Designing Afghans for the Homeless

Emptied out all my bags of squares, many of which I've had for some time, leftovers from several groups that sent odds and ends when they disbanded so many of these squares I don't know who made them. Some are more recent from RoseMarie (the rectangles that are green), some of the pink ones are from Karen V. I've got this bagged and ready to start on when I complete the knitted color blocks from Rose Marie HERE. At this point I'm thinking of joining this with white, though I typically don't use white for the dirt factor. Maybe I'll go pink. Have to check my stash when ready and go from there.

Also, since I designed and photographed this I've received some more squares that might fit into these design as I get going; but one must start somewhere. As you can see this will be another of real peace meal work with the huge number of sizes of pieces to be put together.

2010
Scarves 339
Hats 592
Mittens 151
Socks 101
Slippers 34
Ghans 8
Squares 168


Please remember 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. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Edging and warming Homeless

I've revised a wee bit the color arrangement here, added a couple more yellow blocks which I think really adds to the over all look of this knitted block ghan in the works. Rose Marie sent some more knitted squares so I happily added them to this design. AND, have started edging with a light sage green (thank you darling daughter for the yarn),. These squares when assembled will be another afghan for the homeless and abused housed at Faith Mission.

We continue to collect squares throughout the month of December (please see Give a Square for details), for this cause. Please check in often to see how many squares we collect, how many ghans we're able to donate to help them towards a better life.

2010
Scarves 325
Hats 583
Mittens 143
Socks 85
Slippers 16
Ghans 8
Squares 159


Please remember 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. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Ta Dah...Autumn is Finished

TADAH! Got another afghan done for our folks at Faith Mission. This was both fun and tedious to assemble. Fun because it required lots of creative...hum, wonder what this looks like there, and does this fit better here or there. Lots of that. Should have seen me crawling around on the floor flipping squares and rectangles here and there. lol Tedious because there were so many sizes to work with it was truly piecemeal. Looks a little bunchy here, this is before it was laundered and blocked. That always smooth things out (provided you don't have too much bunching). I'm happy with the results, it's big, heavy and very warm. Most of the squares are crocheted, but the two largest squares that DD donated were knitted. The dark sage green edging and joining the pieces was also from DD, a gift from last Christmas. I think from memory the lacy yellow square might be from Sandie, RoseMarie the rectangles, Liz made the multi-colored squares, and there's a few of mine thrown in where I needed a filler.

Thank you ladies for helping me help warm the homeless. You ALL ROCK!

2010
Scarves 309
Hats 575
Mittens 143
Socks 85
Slippers 16
Ghans 7+1=8
Squares 159


Please remember 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. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Another Afghan for Faith Mission

In need of being laundered, then a bit of blocking and away we go with another completed afghan for the folks at Faith Mission. You've probably seen this in various stages as a work in progress. I would have preferred to have all the edges, stripes in navy; but not having enough of it, went to plan B which was to add burgundy. It's not as dark as the knitted squares from Rose Marie, but it's also not as orange as it looks in the picture. This is a good size ghan, heavy and warm. I believe it's suitable for an adult (mother), and or an older son given it's size.

Enjoyed working with Rose Marie's nice knitted squares. As you read this 2 more ghans are in the works, so please keep your squares coming throughout the month of December. See details for Give a Square in the sidebar please.

2010
Scarves 306
Hats 574
Mittens 143
Socks 80
Slippers 15
Ghans 6+1=7
Squares 133

Please remember 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. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!