Traveling Ghan Still in the Works

 For lack of a better name (but would love someone to come up with a name) Traveling Ghan is getting there.  Started this afghan while on a road trip back in mid January.  As we were running out the door to begin our trip to Hilton Head, I realized I hadn't packed any yarn!  I know, "What was I thinking!".  So quickly grabbed 5 skeins of yarn I thought went together ok (light blue, sage green, gray, rosey pink, and goldish tan), and a long knitting needle and I was on my way.  Basic stripes, some knitted, some stockinette and some (minimal) slip stitch color works (see gray and pink AND gold and blue sections).  Started it in the car on the way down, worked on it there and on the return trip.

But, knitting a ghan is slow, so 2 weeks ago when I again hopped into the car to head to Hilton Head (for a Girls Week), I took Traveling Ghan with me again.  Thought I might run out of yarn, since I had no pattern and this is guestimation so grabbed the darker blue.  The darker blue section is the middle.  So, as you can see I'm now repeating as I make my way down the 2nd half.  AND this ghan will see more miles in the soon to be road trip, so it really is Traveling Ghan.  Can anyone think of a name that goes with the colors?

On the last road trip I also nabbed a few toiletries from the condo during Girls Week.

Stay tuned folks for donations from Cindy K, Dee Ann H, Sarah S, and Karen S.

2016 Donations:
HATS: 398
SCARVES (Gators, Infinity): 297
MITTENS: 77
SLIPPERS: 60
RAIN PONCHOS: 206
COTTON WASHCLOTHS: 196
AFGHANS: 35
SOCKS: 123

**We started the year with the number of items we had donated last year, 2016; and will subtract our donations from that.  Using the end number for 2016 as the goal for the each item.  So, as the year continues you will see numbers decrease.  Our goal is to meet and surpass the number of items donated last year.**

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.

Sea and Sand Knitted Afghan

Not the best picture, but it's done folks.  Long last!  Whew, I've been knitting this it seems forever.  It needs to be laundered and blocked yet, but finally Sea and Sand Afghan is done.  It's very large and will be a bit larger once blocked no doubt.

It might be part of fund raiser for Homeless Families Foundation, and it might be donated as we do the others for The Welcome Home Project.

WOOT WOOT, messed around more and found the page somehow hidden...but please still feel free to let us know if you have a good pattern to add!!  Here's the Mitten Tab.

Folks, if you missed the  post where I included a graph of how we're doing with each of the items we knit and crochet and donate and compared it to this time last year.  Please click HERE


2013 Donations:

Hats:  399
Scarves: 315
Socks: 224
Afghans: 31+1=32
Slippers: 162
Rain Ponchos: 203
Mittens: 77
Cotton Wash Clothes: 449
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's, Skirts etc. : 14
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, hand-warmers, cowls/gators and all meal prep related items, Dolls &and ; associated items, stuffed/crocheted/knitted toys... etc aren't tabulated.



WOOT WOOT, messed around more and found the page somehow hidden...but please still feel free to let us know if you have a good pattern to add!!  Here's the Mitten Tab.

Folks, if you missed the  post where I included a graph of how we're doing with each of the items we knit and crochet and donate and compared it to this time last year.  Please click HERE


2013 Donations:

Hats:  399
Scarves: 315
Socks: 224
Afghans: 31
Slippers: 162
Rain Ponchos: 203
Mittens: 77
Cotton Wash Clothes: 449
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's, Skirts etc. : 14
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, hand-warmers, cowls/gators and all meal prep related items, Dolls &and ; associated items, stuffed/crocheted/knitted toys... 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Buckeye Blitz Afghan heading to Homeless Families Foundation

 This is the latest afghan assembled from your donated squares.  I named this one, Buckeye Blitz.  The red and white squares came from our good friend Anne Marie.  I edged them with 2 (dc) rows of charcoal gray, and 3 rows of black (2 rows of dc and 1 of sc), crocheted them together using black; and finished it off with 5 rows of sc.  It's a nice sized family afghan...it's drying here after being laundered.  The blocking may add another half inch as I tug a bit here and there as it dries.

**Please remember to avoid open lacy stitches with your hats, scarves, mittens, slippers etc.  Question whether it's too open, too lacy?  Can you poke your fingers through easily?  If so, the answer is yes; it's too open.  Try a tighter stitch or down size your needles/hook.  We want items to be both warm and sturdy.**

Have you had a chance to read about our friend, Marie Anne's project for caring for the victims of Sandy Hook?  Please scroll back a post and read.  It's a worthy cause, I hope you can lend a hand.

Donations: 2012 

Hats 956  (13 hats from the number we donated last year)
Scarves: 595  (124 scarves over what we donated last year)
Slippers: 143 (15 over last year)
Sweaters, Ponchos, Shawls, vests:8
Afghans: 44+1=45  10 short of last years
Mittens: 299 (41 more then last year)
Squares: 871 (19 more then last year)
Socks: 196 (137 less then last year)
Rain Poncho's 213 (3 less then last year)
Cotton Washcloths 547 (256 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!

Welcome Home and Merry Christmas

 This Christmas Time Afghan is, I think a very special Welcome Home Gift for one of our families at Homeless Families Foundation.  These red and green squares were crocheted (Filet Crochet) by our very good friend, AnneMarie in New York.  Each row has a different shape. The 5 shapes are: Tree, Bell, Candy Cane, Santa Sleigh, and Wreath, 30 squares in all.  I crocheted them together with white and added 4 rows of sc followed by a row of sc in red and then dark green for a nice wide border.

Thank you AnneMarie for your awesome squares, they were fun to put together.

**Speaking of squares, as you know I've asked that you all hold mailing your squares until I call for them again; as I need to get more ghans assembled and make room.  However, let's share some square love.  February is the month of love, Valentine's Day and all.  It's been awhile since we've sent afghans to our friends at Pine Street Inn(see badge in right sidebar).  Their mission is like our own, housing those folks in need.  Squares you wish to make and mail during the month of February will be set aside, not for me to assemble; but for a mass mailing of squares to our friends at Pine Street Inn.  Please only mail during that month.  I still have plenty here to put together for Homeless Families Foundation and will not need additional squares for some time.**

Donations: 2012
Hats 842
Scarves: 561
Slippers: 144
Shawls: 2
Sweaters& Ponchos: 4
Vest 1
Afghans: 40+1=41
Mittens: 299
Squares: 845
Socks: 196
Rain Poncho's 213
Cotton Washcloths 467
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!

My Granny Donated

My Granny seemed the appropriate name for this very traditional style granny square afghan.  The lovely squares were crocheted and donated by our friend, Annemarie in New York.  I enjoyed putting this afghan together and know it will be a hit when received by The Homeless Families Foundation for our Project, "Welcome Home".  It's nicely sized to be a family afghan, 46 x 56 as it's currently measuring before being laundered and blocked; so it will end up being slightly larger when completed.


Have you looked at the afghan tabs lately?  If not, please do.  You can review all the photo's of the ghans made from your donated squares.  You'll note many sizes in the finished pictures, as our requirements were more broad in the beginning.  Now however, we accept 1 size squares, 8 x 8.  Please enjoy looking at the pictures of your hard work.  Together, a team of helping hands can and do accomplish so much.  Thank you all.  Please remember to check in to see when squares will next be collected.  Please hold mailing them until, called for next to aid me in with storage.  (need to work in the final tail, launder, and block)



Have fun finding your squares.

A few reminders:
Please avoid novelty yarn, open stitches, the use of white, off-white, and non-washable fibers.
Please work ALL tails in as you knit/crochet instead of leaving them til the end.  You get a nicer result, a more secure result, AND you don't forget to do them and send them on their way with tails .  I have to lay items aside that aren't ready to be donated until I have time to complete the work.
Always, include a note with your name and email address, even if you wish to be anonymous.  I often spend HOURS, even multiple days trying to determine whom you are.  I MUST be able to communicate with the person who donated via email; and properly document the donations. 

**IT IS IMPORTANT EVERYONE READ THE BLOG AS THINGS ARE UPDATED, DUE TO NEED, AND WHOM WE'RE AIDING WITH OUR DONATIONS**

Donations: 2012
Hats 793
Scarves: 527
Slippers: 144
Shawls: 2
Sweaters& Ponchos: 4
Vest 1
Afghans: 39+1=40
Mittens: 297
Squares: 795
Socks: 193
Rain Poncho's 209
Cotton Washcloths 464
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!

Another Afghan for Project Welcome Home

 Real happy with the end result of this afghan, Sandbox for our project Welcome Home.  Squares from lots of folks, can you find yours in the picture?  Off the top of my head, I know quite a few are from my high school friend, Joy...but there's others as well.  Here it is, laid out drying and being blocked a bit.  (The next time squares will be collected is during the up coming month of November.  Please only send squares that measure 8 x 8 during the specific months I highlight them.  It gives me the ability to catch up a bit and not be over whelmed with squares that need to be stored.  Also, please remember squares must be made from acrylic or washable wool only.  No novelty yarn, or wool, or cotton, or other fibers.  Please avoid white, off-white, beige etc.)

** Reminding everyone to check the tabs across the top of the blog for the items you're making.  Lots of details can be found, as well as patterns you might like to use**

Donations: 2012

Hats 713
Scarves: 486
Slippers: 138
Shawls: 2
Sweaters& Ponchos: 4
Vest 1
Afghans: 34+1=35
Mittens: 278
Squares: 461
Socks: 193
Rain Poncho's 209
Cotton Washcloths 444
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!

Project Welcome Home

Another completed afghan for project "Welcome Home." The Homeless Families Foundation cares for many people. Putting a roof over the heads of families in need. They get counseling, job training and more while they maintain in temporary housing/shelter style living. It's not easy, but Homeless Families does so much good. They get the kids to and from school, get them additional tuitoring and have safe after school activities while Mom or Dad, or Mom and Dad work at getting back on their feet.

Then the big day comes when they move as a family into their new home. We mark that special occasion by giving them an afghan that's been knitted or crocheted or both. Our way to say best of luck to you in the future and congrats for reaching it to this milestone, let us celebrate your hard work with you.

I had some help naming this afghan, End of Summer, which since it's now September seems to be timely.

Afghans and squares donation details available in the tab across the top of the blog.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 516
Scarves: 300
Slippers: 127
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 30+1=31
Mittens: 262
Squares: 430
Socks: 129
Rain Poncho's 209
Cotton Washcloths 375+22=397
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, and footies etc).

**I added 4 new tabs to this blog, cotton washcloths, those, Donators without Blogs, Blog Awards and Honors, and Personal Care Items. Moving some of these items away from the front page seems to make it less crowded, hopefully easier for you all to read. I'm hopeful it will load quicker as well.**


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!

Why do You Donate?

Earlier today I received a very sweet email from one of our good friends here on Bridge and Beyond, Sherry K. She asked if I was ok, as there hadn't been a blog post since last Monday. How sweet of her to check on me. That's quite unusual--in that there are always a week or two (and sometimes more), of blog posts waiting in que. Each post waiting in que represents one of you, one of your thoughtful donations. Donations this time of year slow down; but this is probably the first time in over a year that there's been nothing to show you; nothing to post about.

That got me thinking about why I donate, and why YOU donate. I would love to share at least 5 stories (or more) from you. Those of you who knit, who crochet, who loom, who visit and support the blog with thoughtful comments. Why do you donate?

To get things started, I'll tell you my story. I love to knit and crochet. It's rare to watch tv without yarn my hands. It's even more rare to be in the car for any length of time without yarn in my hands, or go to work without yarn to work on something during my lunch or dinner break.

I ran out of things to make my family, who really didn't need anything; and so I got started through some yahoo groups knitting/crocheting and donating to varies groups. Many of the groups went by the wayside. So as I thought about something I might do, or whom I should donate to; it occurred to me; that my area had a very large population of homeless people. Through a friend of my older brother, Chuck and his wife Jan the idea was born. To knit and crochet and donate hats and scarves for the homeless men Rae took food to. A small beginning; but it made me feel good to do something worthwhile with my time, to help a group often forgotten. To help a group people often don't like to look at, or talk about.

The problem is huge and I sought help from my fellow bloggers and craft friends and things took off. Through blogging and word of mouth the need for help spread. As more help came, I was able to broaden the mission and help a shelter....then 2, then 3, and more. We've extended our helping hands even beyond this county.

Why? Why do I donate? Because I can. That sounds very simple, but it's true. It's something I can do. I am very grateful to not be in that situation myself, of being homeless, or being cold and hungry. I can't perhaps help those that help me attain a level of comfort; but I can give back. Some call it paying forward. I believe we all have something we can do, and if we can; I believe we should

Can I make homelessness go away? No, but I can make those that suffer; suffer less. I can give someone a warm hat that may be just the difference they need to keep from freezing at night when they sleep. I can through the act of human kindness let a homeless man, woman, or child know that I care; and that they shouldn't give up.

I can, but not alone. I need your help, each and everyone of you. I can help, YOU can help and together we make an impact. An important one.

I donate because I believe I was given the talent to do so, the gift of knitting and crocheting.

Why do you donate? Please email me at sandycrochet@gmail.com if you're willing to share your story, your purpose, your thoughts.

And please don't stop knitting and crocheting because it's currently warm weather. Keep those donations coming, give me something to share here. Having regular blog posts, blog visitors, and blog commentors is necessary to maintain a good search engine placement. Having a good search engine placement is essential in people being able to locate the blog to offer their helping hands.

PLEASE, even if you're not a blogger, take time to visit, comment, and share your story with us.

**above afghan is in the works, but soon I'll be switching back to assembling afghans from the squares you've sent in**

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

Lion Brand Donation, or How Much is that Doggy in the Window

For Fun this first Scarf was shaped into a dog...you can read all about it HERE (on my other blog).
This is scarf 2, made from the yarn donated by Joyce...Here. I've taken a little break from working on afghans folks, plus needed items I could work on away from home, on the go and such.

Both of these scarves are go old garter stitch which I love when using Lion Brand Homespun yarn. Both scarves are soft, and warm.

I will be creating again from your squares...I have lots of them ready to go, and more that need to be put into designs. So, for the time being will ask that you hold onto your squares until I free up some space. Please keep checking the calendar for the next time squares are called for.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 328
Scarves: 210+2=212
Slippers: 65
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 141
Squares: 332
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 161
Cotton Washcloths 242
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes 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!

Designing Crown Jewels

Our very good friend, Liz (minnisoda on The Ville), included squares with her most recent donation. Before adding her squares to the square containers I came up with this design, Crown Jewels from some of her squares. Unsure yet what color I'll be wanting to edge and join this ghan with; but love these colors together. If I join with orange, believe it will take on a real look of fall, likewise with gold (plus I know I don't have the right shade of gold in my stash. That's as far as my thinking has taken me so far. Feel free to leave me your thoughts.

As always Liz, your squares are awesome and always so well made, many thanks for your on going support and your skillful hands.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 246
Scarves: 174
Slippers: 65
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 134
Squares: 260
Socks: 106
Rain Poncho's 154
Cotton Washcloths 98Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts etc)

**please remember folks to include your email ady, blog url, or profile page with your donations so that I might better identify you and be able to make contact with you**



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

What your Donations Become

This afghan in waiting is titled Dusty Rose. This ghan is designed from big and little squares, from squares and rectangles, from knitted and crocheted squares, from sampler and granny style squares. This design waiting to be assembled has squares from lots of different hands. Can you find a square of yours here? If so, please sing out. I know off the top of my head there are squares from my high school friend Joy here...5 of them I think. I'll probably edge and join in pink provided I have enough yarn that matches. Some squares are quite a bit smaller then others, so will need quite a bit of edging....will have to see how it goes when the time comes.
I'm very much in thinking stages on this design. Currently I'm calling this one, Summers End. Colors are muted, much like colors at the end of summer are. Sometimes I think it goes together, other times...I'm not certain. Love to have some input on this one. These are all crocheted squares, different sizes though. Some are sampler squares (all the pink and greens), and the variegated are granny squares. Do you see some of your squares here? Sing out if you do.
2012 Donations:
Hats: 245
Scarves: 165
Slippers: 65
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 134
Squares: 260
Socks: 106
Rain Poncho's 154
Cotton Washcloths 98
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts etc)

**PLEASE read size and color requirements on tabs across the top of the blog. Some items have changed. Patterns are also available.**

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!

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 Day at The Beach Afghan

Another afghan designed and assembled from your donated squares. Titled this one, Day at the Beach. It has squares from our good friend Liz. I used several rows of white (winterwhite) to enlarge each square, then added several more rows once it was all crocheted together. I found aqua and the variegated in my stash and was pleased they worked so well. Just had enough too, of the variegated to make the 2 rows be the final edge.

Homeless Families Foundation is the recipient of the afghans made from your donated squares. These afghans are part of the Welcome Home Package given to all those families moving into permanent housing and leaving the shelter. We hope they provide not only physical warmth, but hope and encouragement for their futures.
2012 Donations:
Hats: 245
Scarves: 155
Slippers: 65
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 21+1=22
Mittens: 134
Squares: 260
Socks: 106
Rain Poncho's 154
Cotton Washcloths 89Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts etc)

By the time you read this scheduled post, we'll be over half way through the month of April...and while Spring comes for a few days at a time, we're still having frost here in Central Ohio. Warm items are still needed. Please keep your yarn close at hand, and remember we knit and crochet and donate all year long. That way, we're able to stock pile for all those living outdoors and those in the shelters to be ready when the nicer weather turns not so nice.

**This should have posted a couple of days ago, but as mentioned in the last several blog post...blogger has been changing formats and as a result things like the scheduled post hasn't been working. This is extremely frustrating to me. I always have things lined up for a couple of weeks to post at 8 am each morning. Obviously, that's not been happening. My apologies. I've left comments for blogger/google...and see TONS of other bloggers have experienced the same thing. I've not had the ability (being out of town) to post things manually, and am hopeful things will get fixed soon.**

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!

Beach Ball Afghan Donated

Another afghan completed from your donated squares for project, Welcome Home. These squares are all crocheted by our friends Liz and Diane K. There were close to the same size so I didn't add much to each square. Added several rows for the border and finished it with a ruffle. I had the perfect match for the light turquoise in my stash.

Titled this afghan Beach Ball and it's large enough to be a full blanket for a young one, and or teen to adult. I'm sure whomever the female is (young or older), will enjoy these colors. I know I enjoyed putting them together. Thank you Liz and Diana K for your squares.

Please hold mailing squares for the time being, unless you're mailing other items and want to save on postage. I want to work through some more before putting out a call for them again.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 243
Scarves: 148
Slippers: 65
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 20+1=21
Mittens: 134
Squares: 205
Socks: 106
Rain Poncho's 154
Cotton Washcloths 81
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts etc)

**unsure why this didn't post 2 days ago as it was scheduled, thus the Tuesday date with this being Thursday, apparently a blog gliche?

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!

Mother Earth Afghan Donated

Just realized, I never got this photo loaded for you of the completed and already donated Mother Earth Afghan. This was nicely sized for a family afghan. With both the size and the colors it is suitable for a family headed either by a male or a female. All these squares were donated by our friend, Joy; my former high school classmate. I was very pleased with the way this turned out. Not sure how I missed getting it posted for you all to enjoy.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 241
Scarves: 146
Slippers: 64
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 19+1=20
Mittens: 134
Squares: 203
Socks: 106
Rain Poncho's10
Cotton Washcloths 31
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts etc)

Hard to believe we're about half way through the month of April already. Time sure does fly. Remember April is cotton washcloth month. Cotton cloths are needed for men and women and are distributed to 3 different family shelters, as well as the men and women living under the bridges. Please keep your hooks and knitted needles flying. Please make all cotton cloths sized for adults. Please also make sure your cotton cloths are in fact, cotton. Have had a few that are acrylic yarn which really doesn't work for showers and baths. Thank You.

**A few days ago I mentioned I had several fun numbers/milestones to report. The first was our hitting post #700...woot woot. Another fun number, have you noticed how many followers we have? We've broken 200. Love to see that number grow. If you're a blogger and come visiting, please do follow us. If you have friends who knit or crochet, or friends who give of themselves in various ministries to aid others, please ask them to follow us as well.**

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!

Blue Jazz for Project Welcome Home

Blue Jazz Afghan Done - and by the time you read this scheduled post, it's already been donated. In fact...by now, it's probably already in use. Look at the variety here folks. My high school friend Joy, donated squares 2, 8, 11, 20, 21, 23, and 24. Start counting in the top left corner, come back to the left each time, and completely jump over the 3 smaller squares in the lower right as you count. Our good friend MarieAnne(edited 4-12-12 to change AnneMarie to MarieAnne) donated squares 4-12-14-18-25- and 28. Niki provided square #22. The 3 little squares in the right lower left were from long ago...I believe before Bridge and Beyond when someone donated items from a group that disbanded. And square #27, the one with the heart from Susan. The other squares I'm not able to identify, but believe many of them are from some time back. If you find your square/squares here...sing out and let me know. The blue yarn used to edge and join came from my stash, and from Beth who donated some blue yarn. I didn't have enough without putting the 2 together (even though they are not exactly the same), as this afghan took about 24 oz to come together. Afghans made with a variety of sizes always take more yarn to pull them together. This afghan has big and little squares, knitted and crocheted squares, granny and sampler squares, and some rectangles too. Some of the pieces are knitted, though the bulk are crocheted.

**Reminder folks...squares should be no smaller then 7 x 7. Squares can be 8 x 8, 9 x 9, or 10 x 10. Please measure your squares. The more uniform squares are the quicker I can assemble an afghan to keep someone warmed and give them hope. Please remember to shy aware from white and off white as much as possible, and use ONLY washable acrylic knitted worsted yarn. Please check the working calendar to see when to mail squares.**

2012 Donations:
Hats: 236
Scarves: 139
Slippers: 62+2=64
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 18+1=19
Mittens: 133
Squares: 203
Socks: 106
Rain Poncho's10
Cotton Washcloths 27
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts etc)

**also folks if you scroll backi Beach Ball, Day at the Beach, and Funky Fall were edited to show the bulk of the squares coming off the hook and talented fingers of AnneMarie**

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!