Designing Afghans from your Donated Squares

These 24 squares made me think of Iris and Lillies in the early Spring. I am one square off...but I feel like it works. How bout you? This will probably be edged and joined in off white...though I will check my purple and yellow to see if I have the right shades in my stash to go that route. Stay tuned. Thought he picture is a bit blurred and the darkest color may not look it here...it is purple. These are all crocheted granny style squares...3 different styles (except for the one different square). These squares were donated by Joy, Diana K., and Jennifer S. They also made me think of an Easter Basket, though I didn't name it that...doubted that I would have it finished by Easter.
These squares were (42) donated by AnneMarie, (edited to say AnneMarie vs Liz), you might remember her huge mound. I'm naming this one Funky Fall. Hoping to join in the orange...provided I have enough. Told you I had a design frenzy recently....should have seen me throwing around all your squares. I took up the whole living room and them some as I sorted designed, changed, moved here and there..........all the while talking to myself. lol Seriously!

2012 Donations:
Hats: 227
Scarves: 130
Slippers: 62
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 18
Mittens: 120
Squares: 203
Socks: 102
Rain Poncho's 2
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)

Please check working calendar for updates for items being highlighted for a month. Typically that's reflective of our greatest need, and or an item that's been requested by the various groups we help.

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

Designing Afghans Thinking Beach

I've been showing you some of the ghans I've designed using your donated knitted and crocheted squares off and on over the last month from when I had a design "frenzy". I dumped ALL the containers of squares I had on had from your donations and separated by color and started tossing squares here there and everywhere. I designed...I think 10 afghans. Some you've already seen the designs, some have already been completed. Some are adult/family afghans some will be directed more towards the kids. Above will be titled Beach Ball. It will probably be joined with pink, maybe off white, though am leaning pink at the moment. Time will tell. All these 25 squares are crocheted, all are granny style, though vary by maker and size a wee bit. These colors made me think of bright colored cheery and fun beach ball, thus the name. I know many of these squares are from our good friend AnneMarie; there others I'm not sure about. Are your squares here? Take a look, let me know if they are.
Still, bright and cheery and colorful.........still thinking about the beach and warm fun days I'm calling this one a Day at the Beach. These 16 squares are from our from AnneMarie lightening hook. Don't they remind you of being on the beach. I almost always shy away from white...true white...but might edge and join these in white? Still thinking...maybe offwhite. Stay tuned.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 217
Scarves: 120
Slippers: 62
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 18
Mittens: 120
Squares: 203
Socks: 102
Rain Poncho's 2
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)

With the number of squares still on hand, I'm not anticipating highlighting a month for squares anytime soon. If you like making them, please do and set them aside. I'll let you know when I have room again for another batch. If you're mailing other items and want to save money by including them, feel free to do so.

**Please folks ALWAYS include a note with your donations that includes your name, your email ady and group we're in together (if that's how we know each other). It truly isn't possible for me to know and remember everyone over the number of years Bridge and Beyond has been in existence. I spend lots of HOURS, looking through emails, facebook friends, Rav friend, friends on The Hive and in The Ville; as well as yahoo mailing groups to try and identify donations without the information. I have no way of knowing if you want to be anonymous...if I knew that I could spend the time knitting and crocheting vs searching and searching. I do like to be able to let you know your donations have arrived safely and to be able to thank you. So PLEASE PLEASE, even if you want to be anonymous, include a note for me stating that. I fear when I can't make the identification, people just feel I'm not acknowledging their donations. That's not my choice. I want you to know your donation has been received, and that's it appreciated. There are times when after looking multiple days, and spending lots of hours I book something as unknown, and weeks later, I'll receive an email asking if their donations arrived. They feel bad, and I've wasted time. When your donation comes with a return address label with your husband's name...it's a good possibility, I don't know it's you. Additionally, the people who use nicknames in groups, and or fun names in their emails ady's typically don't come up in search when I plug in your real name (from the label) to find you. Please save the frustration at my end, and YOURS, include a note.

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!

GemStone Afghan Completed and Donated

Enjoyed putting this afghan together from our friend, Liz's squares. This one is Gem Stones, loved the colors together. I assembled this one a little bit different in that I didn't edge the individual squares. I joined them with the blue and used the blue for the border. 1/3rd of of the squares were shades of blue; thus my selection. It's a smoky blue which I thought picked up the shades of the various blues. Often I add edges to the squares to enlarge them, or to make them fit together better; or because I don't have that many of a particular type of square, and sometimes I think it gives it a more finished look....however, without doing the edge this one is still nicely sized 56 x 46. And it was quicker to assemble. Would be interested in your thoughts, since this was a first.
Not sure why, but the 2nd picture shows it more true to the colors, they were deep tones. Wanted to show you the back, since this is a first without edging the squares prior to joining them; so you see what you think of this different method of joining.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 217
Scarves: 114
Slippers: 51
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 17+1=18
Mittens: 120
Squares: 203
Socks: 102
Rain Poncho's 2
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)

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 GemStone Afghan

Not to long back I dumped all the squares from their containers and designed quite a few which are in que to be assembled. This is one from Liz's (minnesoda on The Ville), brightly colored squares. I've named this one GemStone. Thought of birthstones when I saw these nice squares with all the great colors. Stay tuned, I'll be previewing additional designed ghans from all the lovely squares. Of course keep checking back to see the finished product as well.

I'm not anticipating the need to highlight squares for some time yet; but please keep checking the calendar. Thank you Liz.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 212
Scarves: 106
Slippers: 48
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 1
Vest 1
Afghans: 17
Mittens: 120
Squares: 171
Socks: 102
Rain Poncho's 2
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)

**Please folks ALWAYS include a note with your donations that includes your name, your email ady and group we're in together (if that's how we know each other). It truly isn't possible for me to know and remember everyone over the number of years Bridge and Beyond has been in existence. I spend lots of HOURS, looking through emails, facebook friends, Rav friend, friends on The Hive and in The Ville; as well as yahoo mailing groups to try and identify donations without the information. I have no way of knowing if you want to be anonymous...if I knew that I could spend the time knitting and crocheting vs searching and searching. I do like to be able to let you know your donations have arrived safely and to be able to thank you. So PLEASE PLEASE, even if you want to be anonymous, include a note for me stating that. I fear when I can't make the identification, people just feel I'm not acknowledging their donations. That's not my choice. I want you to know your donation has been received, and that's it appreciated. There are times when after looking multiple days, and spending lots of hours I book something as unknown, and weeks later, I'll receive an email asking if their donations arrived. They feel bad, and I've wasted time. When your donation comes with a return address label with your husband's name...it's a good possibility, I don't know it's you. Additionally, the people who use nicknames in groups, and or fun names in their emails ady's typically don't come up in search when I plug in your real name (from the label) to find you. Please save the frustration at my end, and YOURS, include a note.

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 Kaleidoscope Afghan

Kaleidoscope Afghan completed and donated to our Project "Welcome Home". Was pleased with the way this turned out and appreciate everyone's input on what color to join with. Went with black, as you can see. It's a nice size for a little girl/ teen lapghan size. You see it here just before it was laundered and blocked. Used up all the black that matched in my stash, some of the pink yarn donated by my high school friend, Connie and donated squares from...I believe a time before Bridge and Beyond. I don't have a picture so am unsure where or whom they came from; but believe it was an anonymous group that went defunct some time back.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 205
Scarves: 104
Slippers: 48
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 1
Vest 1
Afghans: 15+6=16
Mittens: 120
Squares: 168
Socks: 102
Rain Poncho's 2
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)

Hope you've checked the tabs across the top of the blog for information regarding size, and color for your various donations. Likewise the working calendar gets updated frequently. Thank you all for the thoughtful donations to date, and please keep up the good work. You do make a difference, an important difference in the lives of those in need.


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!

Baby Boy Blanket

This afghan was made in answer to a special request from our friend, Rae. Rae prepares and delivers hot meals on Sat. am to those living under the bridges (and various other places). She indicated there was an expectant couple. My heart sank. Being pregnant, living outdoors in the cold and the wet. Perhaps getting lucky enough to get a night here and there in a shelter. I truly can not fathom that. Despite my work on this blog, the information I've read, and the people I've been in contact with over these last several years; as we work together to help those in need.........truly, I can not imagine that.

I searched the squares on hand and began working immediately to get this afghan done for her so that she might deliver it as soon as possible. I know you all share my quest to make certain this little boy will be wrapped up in something warm, something made with love. These squares have been on hand for some time. I added several shades of browns and tans to make the sorta camo squares more masculine.

Join me please in wishing this couple all the very best. Rae informs me, there is someone aiding them in finding housing. I do hope that comes to pass, so they have a roof over their heads when they welcome in their Baby Boy. Keep them please in your thoughts and prayers.

This afghan isn't traditional, it's not blue, it's not made with super soft light weight baby yarn. It's made, as we do all of goods with washable knitted worsted weight yarn for added warm, and durability. It measures just over 41 x 41. I wanted it to be larger then the average baby blanket, so they might get some extra use out of it.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 132
Scarves: 56
Slippers: 28
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 9+1=10
Mittens: 106
Squares: 128
Socks: 98
Rain Poncho's 2
Cotton Washcloths 15
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks 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 Dusty Rose

Recently, I mentioned I dumped all the donated squares from my collection containers (ones not already in designs in bags in que), and had a design frenzy. This is another of that group. This has squares from lots of folks, big squares, small squares, knitted squares, and crocheted squares--some of which are granny style while others are sampler style. Do you see any of your squares here?

This will most likely be joined with pink or ivory...depends on amount in my stash and how it all matches up when I'm ready to start this one. Notice the 3 different pink camo type yarns? I've not come across any of those in my shopping, but like them all. Interesting, the lighter camo I have 2 crocheted squares and one knitted one...not from the same person, or at least not from memory. Always think it's fun to see how different the same yarn looks when knitted and crocheted.

**Few more days left in the contest**

2012 Donations:
Hats: 118
Scarves: 48
Slippers: 26
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 8
Mittens: 90
Squares: 111
Socks: 98
Rain Poncho's 2
Cotton Washcloths 14
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, footies etc)

**Have you noticed the addition of an afghan tab across the top of the blog? Check it out**

****Reminders:
Please include a note in your donations, have had an increase of donations not identified, which causes me lots of extra time to track down
Please check your work to be sure you've tucked in ALL your tails (the only exception to this is your final tail on a square) before mailing your donations. Donations not ready to go, get delayed in their deliveries until I have time to fix them.

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!

Bountiful Harvest Afghan

Another afghan made from Liz's lovely squares for our project, "Welcome Home". I asked for opinions on the name of this afghan, just couldn't settle on one myself and am thrilled to say hakucho, one of my regular blog visitors to Sandy's Space suggested it's name. Bountiful Harvest. I really liked the name and appreciate her suggesting it. By the time you read this scheduled post I'm onto another one.

There is no end to the afghans that can be made from your creative and thoughtful squares. With what I have in que to assemble, I'll probably not set aside a month to focus on squares for a bit yet; please keep checking though. Many of you go ahead and mail your squares when you're mailing other items, and that's perfectly fine. Makes sense, most cost effective...we just won't be highlighting another month for squares for awhile.

Have you noticed I added a tab for afghans to the top of the blog? Some folks like to make full afghans themselves vs squares, that's fine and dandy. Please though, do read the requirements. I've not yet posted any patterns, but will on down the road. So do check back.


2012 Donations:
Hats: 118
Scarves: 47
Slippers: 26
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 7+1=8
Mittens: 88
Squares: 111
Socks: 98
Rain Poncho's 2
Cotton Washcloths 14
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, footies etc)

4 more days in the contest....chances in hat 3, Chatty Cathy are as follows:
SSeger 22, Sue 4, Patty L. 5, Damaris 8, Allyson 9, Sally 21, Sherry 14, Liz 1, AnneMarie 2, Harvest Hill 12, Yvonne 8, Sandie P 3, Joy 1, Jessica 1, RoseMarie 2, Sandie in Florida 5, Kathleen 1, Autumngeisha 1, Trudy S 1, Theresa A 1, Crochet Princess 1, Kim 1, Wendy H 2, Emma 1
**Kim and Emma, please make contact I'm not finding you in the donations database

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!

Shopping for Socks

Many thanks, Sue F and Sherry. Both ladies sent checks awhile back to help me with my sock shopping excursions. Putting the 3 of us together I was able to pick up these nice heavy socks the other day, notice the bonus! Each package normally has 6 pairs of socks, but they had a special for a 7th pair of socks free. AND, they were on sale at Kohl's so I was able to buy a 3rd package...sweet, 21 pairs of warmer dryer feet. Appreciate your help ladies. This is another example of what we do as a team. The money we each put in goes farther when we three pool our money...Thank you all.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 118
Scarves: 45
Slippers: 26
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 7
Mittens: 88
Squares: 111
Socks: 77+21=98
Rain Poncho's 2
Cotton Washcloths 14
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, footies etc)

**Contest winners (3 of them), will be posted on March 15th, as the contest runs through the 14th**

Those who've been Chatting (leaving comments on the blog) who have their names in the Hat III, The Chatty Cathy portion are: SSeger, Sue F., Patty L., Damaris, Allyson, Sally B., Sherry K., Liz, Anne Marie, Harvest Hill, Yvonne, Emma (pending), Sandie P., Joy D., Jessica, Jen, RoseMarie, Sandie in Florida, Kathleen, Autumngeisha, Trudy S., Theresa A., Crochet Princess, and Kim. Remember the more you chat the more times your name goes into the hat. **Emma, please make contact, I'm not finding your name in the donations file, I want to be sure I've not missed you. What, when did you donate? Could yours be one of the unidentified donations?

Take a look at the 3 lists of helping hands here on the blog, the list of those who donate who have blogs, the list of those who have a facebook, RAV, Hive, Crochetville page who donate, and the list of those who donate who don't blog or have profile pages (and or haven't sent them to me). Are you listed? If so, is there a state listed next to your name? If not, please leave a comment telling me what state your from so it can be added to the map. We want you and your state represented. Scroll to the bottom of the blog, take a look at the map. Would love to add to it. Look at the percentage, maybe we can grow it? Did you not find your name on any of the 3 lists, but you've donated? PLEASE take a look at the 4th list...the unidentified donations list. Click on the list and you'll see the blog post where items were received without notes, without my being able to match to someone who blogs, or belongs to one of the groups I do, or someone in my emails. Please help us complete these lists. Maybe, you have a facebook page I don't have listed? Send me your link, maybe you've started blogging after you donated, let's get it added.

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!

Chunky Red Scarf to Warm the Homeless

Finished another scarf about 6.5 feet long and 6 inches wide. This one is knitted with Lion Brand Chunky, knit up pretty fast since it's so chunky on size 15 needles. Think this is large enough for men, but looks more ladylike to me? What do you think? I love how thick and plush it feels. Nice tight stitches so it should be super warm.

Though I spend the bulk of my time working on afghans from your donated squares, I do a fair amount of scarves, when I need something that travels, something I can work on at work during lunch etc. I do often edge squares in those settings; but find I really need to be home to assemble them, particularly if I'm working on one where the squares are lots of different sizes, soooooooo scarves are the first thing that comes to mind.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 117
Scarves: 44+1=45
Slippers: 24
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 7
Mittens: 88
Squares: 111
Socks: 77
Rain Poncho's 2
Cotton Washcloths 14
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, footies etc)

**Contest winners (3 of them), will be posted on March 15th, as the contest runs through the 14th**

People who've donated thus far and have their name in hat 1 with a chance to win are: DaMarys, Kafren B., Sherry K., Bonnie R., Sandie in Florida, Bonnie B., Diana K., Sally B., Kathryn V., Patty L., Gail B., Otterbein's Stitches to Share, Suzy in Ohio, AnneMarie, Cheryl S., Trudy S., Wendy H., Shannon P., Martha M., and Paula K. Keep those donations coming folks. Even those who's post is scheduled to show after the 14th are listed here and will be included in the drawing. Remember there's a new post each and everyday, and post are written and placed in que...not uncommon for us to work with a 2 week or so list in que. Tomorrow updated list for those with names in hat 2 will be posted.

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

Donating Camo Scarf

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kaleidoscope, Childrens Play

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

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

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

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

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

Tomorrow updates for part I and II of the contest.

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


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

Donating Red Marble Scarf

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Construction completed on Red Brick

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Please take time and refer size and color requirements listed on tabs across the top of the blog*

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

Shades of Gray Scarf

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

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

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

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

Designing Afghans, Mother Earth and Christmas 2

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

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

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

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

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


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

Awesome Crochet Blog Award

Back around Christmas we, Bridge and Beyond received this nice award from Kathryn from Crochet Concupiscence. I was so busy photographing, posting, and counting all your wonderful donations I forgot about it. My apologize. Am happy and honored to share it with you all now. After all, it's a team effort; one in which you all are a part. We are a group of like minded individuals who want to give through our craft; be it knitting or crocheting.

As I was doing some blog walking, and found myself (as I often do), on Sandie in Louisiana's blog, I was reminded of this nice honor. She too was awarded this for her efforts. Another lady, Sue, whom I don't know; but know of her group SIBOL was also so awarded. There are so many wonderful charities and so many good people helping, I do indeed want to thank Kathryn.

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

Gear up folks, February is Slipper Month. Size, color requirements and patterns can be found by clicking on the Slipper Tab.

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!

Got Brown, I'm in Love

I love, Got Brown. I really enjoyed watching this afghan come together. It's traditional, because it's made from granny squares. It's fun, funky, and modern because it's not colors you see together in granny squares often. There's a mix of squares in that some are solid some aren't. It's 64inches by 62...well, before blocked that is. Probably a little larger and more squared up afterwards. It's drying here.

The squares were crocheted by our friend Liz (minnisoda on The Ville), who's been a wonderful supporter here on Bridge and Beyond. Many many thanks Liz. I added 2 full rows of double crochet to each square in black, joined in black using the join as you go method, and added 2 rows of sc for the border. This ghan will be donated through our Project Welcome Home. (you can read details by clicking on the badge in the right sidebar).

I have a challenge for you all today. Please visit and comment on the following 2 blog posts. They happen to be a couple without comments and I'd like to change that. Remember, you do not need to be a blogger to leave a comment. Type your comment, click the drop down box and select name and url and leave url empty if you don't have a blog. Everyone appreciates comments on their creations and spending time on the blog, reading and posting comments helps the blog. Soooooo, please; though I know many of you visit I want to encourage you All to leave comments.
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2012 Donations:
Hats: 41
Scarves: 5
Slippers: 1
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 1
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, yarn, etc)

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

Being Behind turned to Being AHEAD?

As squares were coming in, being separated for storing until use; some ghans were being designed. I like to do several at one time generally speaking ...you know while I've got squares thrown around and the brain is in gear. Then I bag and label them and after completing a few, design more. This was designed about 10 days before Christmas, actually I considered whether or not I might be able to get it done once I completed the one I was working on....not realistic...so then I thought...behind again........NOPE...I left it bagged and tagged and will leave it in que...I'm ahead right? lol...for Christmas of 2012 instead of 2011. Unless at some point I snatch a square or two from here that I need for another ghan...will see how that goes. I like the look of this, but it will require quite a bit of work to fit the different sizes together.........

2011 Donations:

Scarves 502
Hats 1,008
Mittens 239
Socks 374
Squares 941
Rain Ponchos 222
Cotton Washcloths 419+5=424
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 134
Afghans 56 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

**Hope you've noticed and read some of the additions and changes here on the blog folks. **

****January continues to focus on Mittens, hope you're all busy knitting and crocheting****

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 GemStone Afghan

Gemstone afghan....how's that for a name for this afghan in the works? These fabulous squares were donated by our good friend Liz (minnisoda on The Ville).

Haven't decided on what color to edge and join this one with...so many options..black, dark green, red.........?? Thoughts? As you know we've received so many wonderful squares I'm designing several at a time and will keep you all posted on the progress. All these squares when joined will be donated to The Homeless Families Foundation for our Project, "Welcome Home". If you're new here and haven't yet read about that project, please click on the badge in the right side bar.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 481
Hats 983
Mittens 258
Socks 360
Squares 941
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 419
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 134
Afghans 56 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

Please leave a comment as to the state your from if it's not listed with your name.
Please visit often and when you do, leave a comment. You do not need to be a blogger to do so. Use the name and url feature in the drop down box and simply leave the url space empty. We love knowing you were here, and it helps the blog's placement in search engines which is important for our growth.
Please look around the blog, constant updates with regard to our need, sizes and color requirements 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!