Making Mittens from Recycled Sweaters? Re-purposing.

I don't have a wool sweater lying around, but..........would love some input on this.

Has anyone tried it?  Has anyone seen this method before?  So would you be limited to a pair of mittens from one sweater because you're cutting it from the ribbing that would at your waist?

Might a sleeve be large enough for a small pair of mittens?

I can't say that I'm a fan of the 3 cross stitch type X's or button, but ...What about the general idea here?  Is a sweater sufficiently think enough to provide enough warmth for hands?

I post this with all my questions in hopes of getting some good input from all you who visit Bridge and Beyond, even if you're not a knitter or crocheter.  Is this an idea that would help us donate more mittens?

DONATIONS 2017

HATS:  252

SCARVES (Gators, Infinity Scarves)   198

MITTENS:  +2

SLIPPERS: 52

RAIN PONCHOS: 205

COTTON WASHCLOTHS: +72

AFGHANS: 31

SOCKS: 120 

Misc, Ponchos, shawls, headbands etc aren't counted but very much appreciated.

**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.

Dynamic Sister Duo Donates Crocheted Warmth

 Thank you, thank you Wendy H and Catherine W (the dynamic sister duo), for this generous donation of crocheted scarves and hats.  If you missed part one folks, scroll back a few days.

 Special thanks ladies for tagging your hats with size.  That saves enormous amounts of time both here at my house and again at the various shelters we donate to.  It saves us all from guessing what size in order to know what shelf etc it should go on, or what donation bag.

As you can, the sisters have donated a variety of colors and sizes in their hats and scarves and so lots of different people will be warmed.  And look at the cute blue-green sweater.  Remember folks you can always click the pictures on the blog to enlarge to see more details.  In addition, I'm including fewer items in each picture in order for you all to see things more clearly.  

I'm wanting you all to encourage each other by commenting on each others work, thus the need to see things better.  However, in recent weeks......we're running into a technical problem.  I have NEVER enabled those awful captcha's.  I personally hate them, find them hard to see and so have always chosen not to use them on ALL my blogs.  For some reason I've not been able to determine, even though it is NOT enabled on any of my 5 blogs, people are all of sudden having trouble making comments.  It seems from those I've asked to test it, that people who blog do not have trouble, they do not get the captcha's, but those that are not bloggers are and some aren't able to see or hear them properly........therefore our comments are much lower...in fact, they've almost come to a dead halt which is very disturbing and hurtful to the blog.  I am continuing to investigate, but if anyone out there has a clue..........please speak up.  In the past people could use name and url, leave url empty if they didn't have a blog etc....now some are needing to sign as anonymous and add their names in the text of the comments.  I check my spam folder constantly for fear some of those anonymous comments will be directed to the spam folder.  But, in the meantime folks, PLEASE continue to try to leave comments on each others work.

Please stay tuned folks for totals.  All items received prior to the end of 2014 will be tallied in that year, even though the posts will appear in the year 2015.  

If you're traveling for the holiday, please be safe folks.

2014 DONATIONS:
Hats: 872+8=880
Scarves: 452+13=465
Socks: 193
Afghans: 29
Slippers: 108
Rain Ponchos: 61
Mittens & Gloves:120
Wrist Warmers/Fingerless gloves: 4
Cotton Washcloths: 329
Misc. (Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's, Skirts, cowls/mobius,  and Shrugs etc.) aren't tabulated.
Personal Care Items: Shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, cream, hand warmers, lipbalm, floss, soap, shaving cream, razors 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.

Crocheted Love and Warmth for those in Need

 Can't you see this paired with blue jeans, or a pair of black tights?  How special with some teen or young female adult feel wearing this crocheted sweater!  Thank you Sheelagh S for this thoughtful and beautiful donation.

 But, wait folks, don't go away...there's more to share with you.  Sheelagh has been very busy with her trusty crochet hook and yarn.  Look at this gorgeous afghan!  I love the changes in stitches and colors, truly a work of art.  This drape across someone's sofa or favorite chair will add quite a focal point to anyone's room.  I can picture now how excited the family that receives this will be in their new home.  Remember folks, we donated afghans as folks transition from shelter living to their permanent homes.  What better way to say good luck for the future and congratulations than an afghan.

 And won't some young mother be proud to have these for her daughter's bed?  Who doesn't like the traditional crocheted ripple afghan.  This is sized so nicely for girls bed.

 And look at this fun sweater.........told you not to go away, there's more!  A teen or adult female will be warm  and proud to wear this sweater, another piece of wearable art.

 Holly cow Sheelagh, you've done it again.  This could possibly be a tunic top over tights or jeans for a teen; maybe even a dress for a younger teen.

This proves to me, Sheelagh must not sleep.  Another afghan.  A fun round one that will be great for a young child or a lapghan for an adult.  So many beautifully crafted donations to help so many folks in need.

Thank you Sheelagh, please please keep up the good work!

2014 DONATIONS:
Hats: 493
Scarves: 278
Socks: 75
Afghans: 12+3=15
Slippers: 60
Rain Ponchos: 55
Mittens & Gloves: 57
Cotton Washcloths: 181
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's, Skirts, and Shrugs etc. 8+3=11
Neck warmers, cowls, gators, wrists warmers/fingerless gloves and other misc items aren't tabulated; as well as personal care item

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.

Love and Warmth Donated from New York for Ohioans

 Look at these beautiful matching sweater and hat.  Some teen gal is going to truly flip.  She's going to look cute, be warm and know someone cares about her.  This is awesome.  Thank you Anne Marie from New York for your on going support and always so generous support of the need of our homeless here in Ohio.  You rock!  Love the color and the details in the stitches.  Please click to enlarge folks so you can see it well.  The pattern for this sweater is HERE

 AND how about a bunch of hats in lots of different colors to fit a variety of head sizes, all nicely tagged.  And to that some socks, and scarves and hand warmers.  Awesome, and so very thoughtful Anne Marie.  Did you also notice slippers ?

AND......don't leave there's more to share with you, 3 more adorable sweaters.  The blue and red in the upper right doesn't show up well in the photo, but will awesome for some little guy.  Anne Marie has made the 4 sweaters are in different sizes, from very young to teen.  So nicely done!  Anne Marie, looks like an awesome pattern, can you please share what pattern you used.

*The Cardigan Sweater Pattern is HERE
*The Lavendar Sweater Pattern is HERE
*The Red and Blue Sweater Pattern on RAV is HERE
And for those not on RAV is HERE

2014 Donations:
Hats: 202+12=214
Scarves: 83+2=85
Socks: 26+20=46
Afghans: 11
Slippers: 22+3=25
Rain Ponchos: 
Mitten: 9
Cotton Washcloths: 56
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's, Skirts, etc. : 1+4=5
Neck warmers, cowls, gators, wrists warmers and other misc items aren't tabulated; as well as personal care items.

**PLEASE REMEMBER

• ADD A NOTE WITH YOUR NAME AND EMAIL TO YOUR DONATION 
• AVOID USING WHITE, BEIGE, TAN, AND OTHER LIGHT COLORS, DUE TO THE DIRT FACTOR
• ALWAYS READ THE TAB ASSOCIATED WITH THE ITEM YOU'RE MAKING BEFORE YOU KNIT OR CROCHET AND MAIL TO BE CERTAIN YOU MEET THE NECESSARY GUIDELINES

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

Donations from James

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

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


Donations: 2012 

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

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


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

Boxes of Donations for those in Need

 Here's Box #1 from a good friend, Annemarie from New York.  Hats, scarves, chapsticks, razors, and heat packs.  You know how what a wonderful donation this is.  Heat packs will help warm hands and feet of those out in the elements.  And dry cracked lips hurt, so chapstick is fabulous too.  Thank you Annemarie for all you do.

 Here's the goods from box #2, more scarves, some slippers, and an awesome sweater!

 I paired one of the scarves in this close up of the sweater so you could see how awesome it is.  I bagged it this way as well when I delivered this sweater and scarf to Homeless Families Foundation the other day.  A fabulous donation, as always Annemarie, many many thanks.

**Reminder to please remove hair from your donations (both pet and human) with a lint brush/roller or launder if it's excessive**

Donations: 2012 

Hats 975+7=982  (13 more hats then we donated last year)
Scarves: 608+10=618  (147 scarves over what we donated last year)
Slippers: 143+3=146 (18 over last year)
Sweaters, Ponchos, Shawls, vests:8+1=9
Afghans: 45  10 short of last years
Mittens: 299 (41 more then last year)
Squares: 950 (98 more then last year)
Socks: 196 (137 less then last year)
Rain Poncho's 213 (3 less then last year)
Cotton Washcloths 568 (277 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!

Squares and Sweaters Donated from Colorado

Thank you Martha M., our newest pair of helping hands. Martha hails from the state of Colorado. Look at these adorable sweaters for kids. Remember you can always click to enlarge the photo's in order to see them better. In addition to the sweaters, she's donated 2 hats, and 32 knitted squares. Many thanks Martha, we're thrilled to have you join us here on Bridge and Beyond, and hope to see you again, soon.

Here's a bit of a close up of the 2 adorable sweaters, both knitted. Martha, love know what patterns you used for these adorable sweaters.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 215+2=217
Scarves: 114
Slippers: 51
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 1+2=3
Vest 1
Afghans: 17
Mittens: 120
Squares: 171+32=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)

Have you looked around the blog lately? If not please do. Information always changes, additional tabs across the top of the blog with item specific information as to size and color requirements, as well as patterns. In addition the working calendar is always being updated for those who like to know what we'll be highlighting each month.

While you're looking around, take time to admire each other's work, and please leave comments; so we know you were here. Remember you do not need to be a blogger to leave comments, simply click the drop down box after typing your comment and select name and url, leave the url space empty. We encourage all to leave comments, even those who are a bit shy...it's easy, give it try.

**Tomorrow we usher in the month of April. Traditionally April is the rainy month and so we will once again highlight Rain Ponchos, and Cotton Washcloths. Washcloths should be sized for adults, can be knitted or crocheted and are distributed between 3 family shelters; as well as those adults living outdoors.**

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!

Fabulous Knitting being Donated

Thank you Pat E for this thoughtful donation. Knitted wonderfulness here folks! Take a look at the darling little sweater, the 10 pair of fabulously made mittens in lots of different sizes, and a red scarf! Lovely, truly lovely Pat. Much appreciate your continued support of the cause with your knitted donations. Keep up the good work!

2011 Donations:

Scarves 383+1=384
Hats 877
Mittens 211+10=221
Socks 258
Squares 551
Rain Ponchos 146
Cotton Washcloths 338
Sweaters/Poncho's 9+1=10
Slippers 98
Afghans 43 (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 or yarn etc.

This is Day 25 for Jack Otis Memorial Month. If you've missed reading about, please click on his picture in the side bar.

Next month, Dec we're once again activating "Give a Square". Please read about it, also in the side bar before you make your squares. Sizes, colors, purpose etc all the info is there.

TIPS:
If you like to keep track of your donations, print the blog post where your's are highlighted.
Use double thickness when knitting or crocheting slippers for extra warmth and durability
Avoid white yarn for the dirt factor
Avoid lacy, open see through stitches and patterns. We're going for warmth and durability. If you can poke your finger through your stitches, try a smaller hook/needle and or different stitch.
Avoid tying a knot and cutting your yarn when you change colors or add new yarn, ALWAYS leave tails of several inches and work them into your work.

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!

New Helping Hands from Arizona for Ohio's Homeless

Jack Otis Memorial Month, Day 9

4 awesome scarves and one darling sweater from our newest pair of helping hands, Sara T (PixyKayte on RAV), from the state of Arizona. The sweater is knitted and I think 1 of the scarves it, while the other 3 are crocheted? I sent Sara a message, asking if she could share her sweater pattern. Looks like a good one, neck down...I think one piece design? Thank you Sara for joining us, and thank you for your thoughtful donation. We appreciate it and look forward to seeing you and your creations around Bridge and Beyond often.
Wanted to show you all a close up of this darling little sweater. Click to enlarge further.


2011 Donations:

Scarves 371+4=375
Hats 809
Mittens 155
Socks 153
Squares 516
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 8+1=9
Slippers 91
Afghans 42 (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 or yarn etc.

**Can you help us spread the word? Send our link with a personal message to everyone in your email box, please and thanks**

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!

Fabulous Family Friendly Donations

This darling brown crocheted shells afghan is practically perfect in every way for some little guy needing a hug, needing a "special" blankie. Thank you Annemarie in New York for this donation. It's already been hand delivered for our Project "Welcome Home". Remember, these posts are scheduled, written and placed in que, so by the time you read this no doubt this has already brought a smile and needed huge to a young boy.
Another fabulous donation for our families again through Project "Welcome Home". Please click to see details in these special hand crochet afghans from Annemarie. This is perfect for families to snuggle under as they make their transition from the family shelter into more permanent housing. A wonderful house warming gift for sure!
Can you see how busy our friend Annemarie's been! 2 scarves, 3 hats, 2 pairs of mittens, and an adorable sweater. All beautifully made, all made with love and thoughtfulness. Annemarie.....love love love the sweater. What pattern did you use? Can you share it? My quess is this would be sized right for a 8 yr old? Maybe older? Just eye balling it, as they say. Would love to know what size you made so I can tag it that way.

Many thanks for your skillful hands. Keep up the good work!!

2011 Donations:

Scarves 359+2=361
Hats 738+3=741
Mittens 143+2=145
Socks 153
Squares 516
Rain Ponchos 84
Cotton Washcloths 324
Sweaters/Poncho's 7+1=8
Slippers 90
Afghans 40+2=42 (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 or yarn etc.

**Do you think it's possible for us to reach 500 scarves this calendar year? That popped into my head as I was updating our numbers. How fabulous that would be. Scarves for men, women, and children (not the wee ones...school age and up).**

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!

James Donated all This Jazz!

Thank you James for all this jazz. James has been a long time supporter and I always look forward to the jazz that comes off his knitting needles. Above we have quite a variety pack of donated lovelies, hats, mittens, socks, washcloth, neckwarmer, Baclava...and a darling sweater and shirt for a little one.

You may remember if you were with us this time last year, the James supplied us with a nice knitted pattern for making mitttens. It's in the pattern section of the blog. Click on the tab marked patterns on the top of the blog.

Thank you James, keep up the good work!

2011 Donations:

Scarves 300
Hats 602+3=605
Mitts 133+3=136
Socks 121+3=124
Squares 454
Rain Ponchos 80
Cotton Washcloths 308+1=309
Sweaters/Poncho's 6+1=7
Slippers 86
Afghans 33 (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, and the head bands.

Helpful hint: when making slippers, please use double yarn, or a nice tight stitch for more durability.

**Would the unknown knitter in Seattle Washington who from this POST, Please make contact so I know who you are for record keeping**

I launched a program called Welcome Home a couple of days ago. This is in connection our recent mission expansion that includes The Homeless Families Foundation in the list of those we help. If you've not yet read the post about The Foundation, please do, HERE.

MITTENS........Mittens will be October's focus, and we never get enough of those. I know they're not the easiest things to make. We do have a few patterns posted folks. As you think about making mittens and or reviewing patterns...think about adding length to the cuff; helps make them warmer. Thanks!

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!

SWEET Sweaters

WOW...when I grow up I want to knit as well as Phyllis. Beautiful, cute, warm knitted sweaters, (5), and 2 hat and scarf sets. I've posted a close up of the darling hooded sweater below. Phyllis you've made children not only warm with your craft; but stylish too! Your work is truly beautiful, and your thoughtful donation is very much appreciated. Phyllis sent warm wishes to us too, from her sunny state of Florida. I basked in the virtual sun....thanks Phyllis, I needed it.

I've been chanting melt snow all day long. Check back later and see how that worked. lol

Too cute Phyllis.

Need some help folks
***Trying to track down YNC from Virginia, I don't know who that is. If you're out there,please sing out. Without a note in the box am unsure who this is***Would like to say thank you. Does anyone know who this might be? AND Patty L. from Ohio.

2011
Scarves 54+2=56
Hats 137+3=140
Mittens (gloves) 53
Socks 13
Slippers 7
Ghans 6
Squares 152
Sweaters 5

**Please read about Toasty Tootsies**


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!

For the Kids

Thank you James, what a wonderful donation this is. I always admire your knitting skills. The sweater and hat set are going to make someone really really happy. I love the two sided hat. Did you knit that in the round, changing color half way through and decrease both ends? I'm trying to visualize the method.

And the blue and green hat with the design....oh if someday I could knit that like that! These are going to the clinic for the kids, thank you for your ongoing support and thoughtful donation.

Everytime I open a donation from you all I am giddy. You are all amazing. Thank you!

2010
Scarves 141+2=143
Hats 185+3=188
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs


2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008