Help me Name This Afghan, Vote

This one is in the works.  The strips have been edged and they're almost all crocheted together.  When Darling Daughter and I played around with these strips from Katie J we came up with several possible names.  Primrose, Dusty Petuna and couldn't decide which name we liked best.  As I've been working on it, I also thought of Desert Rose.  **edited to add Dorothy's suggestion of Rambling Rose.  Great, now we've got 4 names to pick from, lol.    Need to finish hooking it together, and add as many rows as I can with my stash appropriate colors in order to add some width.

This soon to be named ghan has traveled just like Arapaho through several states.  Hoping to get it finished in time to launder and block along with Arapaho.

Please add your thoughts regarding the best name for this afghan.  Like the others it will be donated to Homeless Families Foundation.

Still time left in January folks to make slippers.  I've added a nice link to a sizing chart a new member Trisi found for us.  Check it out in the slippers tab.

**If you've not had a chance to read goals, changes for 2013, and final numbers for 2012....please scroll back.  Thank You**

**Edited to say believe it's going to be named Desert Rose.  Got 4 votes for that and 3 for Rambling Rose in comments below.**

 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. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Goals for Donations for Bridge and Beyonds

I wanted to express some goals I have in mind for our group this year, for the blog and for those we reach with our hand made donations for Homeless and those in need.

1. The blog's current google rank is 3, it's been there for quite some time.  I would sure like to see it grow to 4.
2. We have donations from 38 states which is 76% participation rate within the United States.  We do have wonderful folks outside the US who donate and we're very very appreciative of their special efforts.  I'd love to see our US participation percentage grow to ....can we make 90% ??  Do you know someone who knits, who crochets, who looms or quilts that lives in a different state then you do?  Can you recruit their help?
3. Would like to increase the visits to the blog, as that helps drive the traffic which helps the above mentioned Google Rank.  I know many people donate who aren't bloggers.  You do not need to be a blogger to visit and spend time on the blog.  Could you help traffic by sending our link to your address book?  Could you tweet about us, talk about us on Facebook?  
4. Would like to increase comments on a daily basis.  I know some of you visit, but don't leave comments.  PLEASE DO LEAVE COMMENTS.  You do not need to be a blogger, you do not need to leave your last name, you do not need to be tech savvy.  Truly it's easy.  Type your comment (even if you're not someone who donates to us...you can still help by commenting), select name and url in the drop down box and type your first name and last initial or the state your from and leave the url space empty.  PLEASE DO NOT select anonymous, those comments usually end up in the spam folder.  Leaving comments helps the blogs placement...again the importance of the google ranking.  Comments show us you were here reading which is always nice.  Comments show great support for the large number of people taking their time to knit, crochet, loom,and or quilt.  
5. I'd like to reach some new helping hands, will be doing more blog promoting to help that happen.
6. I'd like to be able to donate more in 2013 then we donating in 2012.
7. I'd like to have a summer event where interesting people, presumably those who live closest could collect up and spend a day assembling afghans from the donated squares etc.  I think it would be fun to spend time together and at the same time accomplish putting more ghans together then I can solo.  If you're local and have interest in a gathering, PLEASE leave a comment to let me know.  Hopefully down the road I can get something organized.
8. I'd like to do something about a newsletter and or have a Facebook group or Facebook page.  I think the Facebook idea might help reach more helping hands, but I don't want to duplicate everything that's here on the blog.  The time to do that is huge.  I also am leary of people spending time on the page or in the group there vs here...as that would hurt the visits, the comments, the all important blog traffic and Google ranking.  I'd like to reach those who don't blog, on a more regular basis.  The numbers of people who use email only for communications, am wondering about a newsletter.  Wondering how best to do that with a minimal amount of time.  Often those who don't visit the blog aren't aware of changes and things going on here on Bridge and Beyond and I'd like to Bridge that gap.  Any ideas or experiences any of you've had that might be helpful....please sing out, either here on comments or email me at sandycrochet@gmail.com.  I had/have a group on Ravelry, but wanted to direct people from that too here, and frankly...I don't think that worked  very well.  I tried for a time to post there; but found it too difficult to keep up.  
9. I'd like everyone to tag their donations with size...s m l adult or children or teen.  The male female would be an issue with something like mittens and slippers.  When the individual items are tagged it gives me the ability to divide things between our various groups in need vs a note that says everything here is a medium.  Items are separated by size at the other end as well, so the tags right on the item...truly is best.  It can be attached with a safety pin, or tied with yarn/string.  It's best not to tag a zip lock bag, as items are removed when packed with other items for distribution.  You don't have to buy special tags, a plain white index cut in squares works great, as does typing paper etc.  
10. I'd like to have more folks read the tabs associated with the individual items they plan to make BEFORE they knit or crochet and mail their donation.   This will improve adherence to issues such as size, color, fiber, etc.  Scarves need to be a certain size, nothing should be made of non washable fibers, white should always be avoided are just a few of the important rules for making our donations meet the needs of those we donate to.
11. I'd like to get everyone to remember to include a note with their donations that includes their name and their email addy.  I really need to spend less time trying to track people down, and figure out who's who, so that I can be productive...both here on the blog and with knitting and crocheting for those in need.
12. I want to really catch up with assembling afghans from the donated squares etc.  Hoping the idea for a summer gathering will help with this.  AND I believe once the older squares of various sizes are gone, time spent to assemble the one sized squares of 8 inches will improve productivity also.  **as a reminder, I am currently asking you to hold mailing squares**
13. I'm hoping we can reach "beyond" in the coming year.  Reaching "beyond" may be another shelter in need, another county or city.  Perhaps, we've started reaching "beyond" with our addition of quilters to our group?

 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. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

No More Repairs

As most of  you probably know by know, 2013 means Bridge and Beyond has been knitting and crocheting for the Homeless for 5 years.  I'm thrilled to say throughout those 5 years, we've grown in so many ways.  We grown in the number of helping hands we have, we've grown in the number of people we're able to help with our donations, we've grown in the variety of the items we collect, and we've grown in the actual number of each item collected.

A few days ago I announced we would be extending to accept quilted blankets/afghans for Homeless Families Foundation, and double thickness with batting scarves.  Please help spread the word by letting your quilting friends know.

With growth however, difficulties/problems also seem to grow.  Because of that, I will no longer be able to make repairs/alterations etc on items that are needed.  I currently have a rather large box of things needing attention before they can be of use.  The biggest issues seem to be Tails not properly worked in.  This problem comes in several forms.  An item with multiple color changes with tails hanging out (even if on the inside of a hat...tails should be properly worked in), and worse yet knots where yarn has been tied and the knot is sticking out on either the right or wrong side of the item.  Knots are uncomfortable on one's head if the hat fits snugly, and knots are ALWAYS the weakest link.  Many of these knots have already started to come un-raveled because tails weren't worked in and or the yarn was cut immediately after knotting.  When you knot and cut without working in a tail of several inches it will not hold.  I've taken time to re-work some hats, scarves, squares etc to make them usable  but it takes time and sometimes after spending the extra time; it's still not usable.  I don't have the right color of yarn; and often it's just simply not fixable.

My apologies if my bluntness here offends, but I think the items being donated should be viewed as gifts you're giving.  In fact, they are gifts.  They're gifts to give someone hope as well as keep them warm.  Something unraveled, or with tails hanging out doesn't present the imagine that someone took time to make  something special just for you.  I've taken time in the past to even fold over and stitch edges that have been one knot after another in an effort to hopefully not have the item unravel after it's first use.  I've had some squares unraveled when a ghan has been laundered.  If it unravels after one washing on delicate; there is no way it's going to hold up to constant use by a family.  I do look over the squares pretty carefully when I edge and join; but have missed some squares that weren't well constructed, causing some fancy footwork after the fact.

My hope/goal for the upcoming year is not have to throw away items that you intended to be donated.  However, I no longer will be setting aside items to be worked on later if they are issues.  PLEASE do not tie and cut when knitting or crocheting anything.  When changing colors, or simply adding additional yarn ALWAYS work in tails of several inches.  Working in tails as you go is a far superior method to working them in at the end, plus you don't forget to do them.

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.  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!

First Donation of 2013

Hats, and socks, and a quilted scarf...keep looking

More quilted scarves, and flannel scarves.....don't stop yet.

Thank you Lola for our first donation of 2013.  Like yesterday's post (if you missed it, please please scroll back and read it),  thought it was scheduled to post, but apparently it was still in draft form.  I can't give you the numbers here as this post was truly in draft form and not completed.  Will have to update with numbers on my return when I can check the note laying on my desk at home.  I can tell you there are 22 hats here and lots of scarves.

Lola is a quilter and wanted to try her hand at making quilted scarves to donate to our cause.  Please click to enlarge the picture so you can see her work.  The scarves are a wonderful size, big enough to wrap around which always makes things warmer.  The red, black and gray is flannel.  Stacks of double thickness flannel scarves.  There are a variety of sizes, many look like they'll work well for young children.  Flannel is soft and so I can these might work well for young children...even when they need to tie across their faces to keep warm.  I'll be checking with the various shelters, and schools to see how the flannel is received/used and let you all know what I learn.

Lola's friend Sue (I hope I'm remembering that right, as mentioned note in home on my desk.), has a sewing shop in Westerville and had all her students make 1 scarf before they made whatever item they had signed up to make. (that's where all the plaid flannel scarves came from.)  I'll edit this post with numbers and name if I remembered it wrong.

We've been a knitting and crochet group now for the past 4 years.  While I don't wish to change that focus, I think as we start our 5th year we'll open up the groups mission to include sewers/quilters.  Our focus has always been HOMEMADE.  It's my belief (and others too), that homemade conveys more hope/love then store bought.  With that in mind, I believe we'll reach out for additional helping hands to sewers/quilters.  I think quilts would make a nice addition to our homemade afghans for Project Welcome Home.  I like the idea of the quilted scarves as they are double thickness with batting.   I think we'll limit it to that for the time being, as I don't want to veer from the need of warmth, and  think most sewn items probably aren't as warm as we need them to be.  So, if you have friends who'd like to help but haven't because they don't knit or crochet....let them know they can assist with making quilts and quilted scarves.  Please remind them to check the scarf and afghan tabs for necessary information about size and colors.

**edited to add numbers**

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  22
Scarves: 38 (31 flannel and 7 quilted)
Socks: 6

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!

Woot Woot 2012 Awesome End of the Year

Sorry folks had this post in que, or so I thought and it got marked as a draft instead of scheduled to post.  Here are our awesome numbers.  Each and everyone of  you should give yourselves a pat on the back.

Some of you are new to our group and some of you have been with us from the beginning; no matter when you found us and joined in on the important Mission of Helping Homeless, YOU ARE AWESOME.  Together we make a fantastic team.  Some of us knit, some of us loom, some of us crochet, some of us do a bit of all...........what matters is the coming together to help those who are in need.  A single hat or scarf donated can make all the difference in the world to the one person who receives it.

Please keep up the good work, and let's hope we're able to continue to grow.  The more helping hands we have, the more people in need we can reach.  We've been able to reach people in need at free clinics (women and children), people living under bridges (men and women),  people with disabilities who are homeless (women at Nancy's place), families at 3 local family shelters (men, women, and children at Faith Mission, Homeless Families Foundation, and The YWCA), we've helped school age children (Broad Street Elementary, Stiles Elementary, Darby Dale Elm, Highland Elementary, and Teays Valley Middle School), we've donated to men who are receiving a hot meal (Holy Family Soup Kitchen), AND we've been able to extend beyond the boundaries of Franklin County here in Central Ohio.  We've donated items to family shelters through St. Vincent dePaul in Vinton County in Southern Ohio's Appalachia area.

Recently we used donated squares and assembled a comfort afghan (Box of Crayons) for one of the Firemen's Families in Rochester New York.

Yes, we are a team that has reached many and will continue to do so with our collective hearts.

Please stay tuned, I will be announcing some changes as we reach out to reach our goals for the year 2013.

AND Now....drum roll folks here are our final numbers for donations for the year 2012.

Donations: 2012 

Hats 1052  (83 more hats then we donated last year)
Scarves: 666  (195 scarves over what we donated last year)
Slippers: 153 (25 over last year)
Sweaters, Ponchos, Shawls, vests:10
Afghans: 55  (same as last year)
Mittens: 300 (42 more then last year)
Squares: 966 (114 more then last year)
Socks: 281 (52 less pairs then last year)
Rain Poncho's 213 (3 less then last year)
Cotton Washcloths 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)

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!