Squares serve so many

More squares to add to the designing fun I've been having for our Mothers and children at Faith Mission. Thank you Sandie in Louisiana for your crocheted squares. They will be put to good use and are very much appreciated.

We'll be collecting squares for 11 more days (until Jan 31st), for our "Give a Square" program. As of the writing of this post (as you know all are scheduled ahead), we have quite a few designed and ready for me to assemble. Remember Give a Square won't go away never to return. It will be dormat for awhile until such time I feel like we need to make more ghans; so please if you like making squares, keep doing so. If you like to make a square or two when you finish other projects with the left over yarn; continue to do that and put them aside. I will be posting another time for you to mail them in. This method I believe keeps things at a manageable level.

2011
Scarves 27
Hats 40
Mittens 1
Socks 5
Slippers 3
Ghans 1
Squares 51+3=54

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

Designing Warmth for the Homeless with your Squares

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

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

Thank You!

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

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

Scarves for the Homeless

Scarves! Lots of different colors, crocheted scarves from our newest pair of helping hands, Adrienne. Many thanks Adrienne for your thoughtful donation. She sent a wonderful variety of crocheted scarves both in color and design. A couple I think are made from nice soft Homespun, two are cute fun frilly ones for the ladies and well....click on the picture so you can see these.

2011
Scarves 20+7=27
Hats 40
Mittens 1
Socks 5
Slippers 3
Ghans 1
Squares 51

Hope you've taken time to read about Rainbow Project, kids helping kids...how special is that?

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!

A personal delivery for the Homeless

Look at this darling knitted matching set. Soooooo cute, so soft, and nice so nice and warm. Some little one will look adorable as well as be warm, thanks to SurlyGirl on Rav (Jessica). I know she said she used bulky yarn and DPN's for the mittens, but also said the pattern for the mittens was a really good one.

Many of us visit back and forth on each other's blog and feel like we get to know each other. Some of us are in groups together and chat that way, some email, but this was a donation made person to person. How cool is that. We're both on Rav, but found we live in the same city and so met up for the hand off. I consider that a bonus, getting to meet face to face.

Many thanks Jessica for your thoughtful donation. Hope to see you again soon in person and or here on Bridge and Beyond.

**Still have time enough to send squares before the end of the month for Give a Square**

2011
Scarves 20
Hats 39+1=40
Mittens 0=1=1
Socks 5
Slippers 3
Ghans 1
Squares 51

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

Designing with Blue and Green

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

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

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

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

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

Pink and Purple Afghan Design

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

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

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

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

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

Hats, Scarves, and Squares, The Giving Continues

Thank you James. James does beautiful work (all items are knitted), and has been a long time supporter of the cause here at Bridge and Beyond. We appreciate your dedicated, your hard work, and duration James! 3 nice warm soft hats, 1 fabulous scarf, and 4 squares to add to my collection. Please keep checking in for designs and finished ghans for our folks at Faith Mission from the squares from Give a Square (as well as those I have on hand).

Hand knit and crocheted items give warmth in several ways folks, so please keep them coming. First they give hope to the person who receives them. Hope that things will improve for them. It gives physical warmth from the cold which is so needed, and it let's them know they are not forgotten, that someone somewhere who doesn't know them has taken precious time to make something special...JUST for THEM!

2011
Scarves 19+1=20
Hats 36+3=39
Mittens 0
Socks 5
Slippers 3
Ghans 1
Squares 47+4=51

Rainbow Project....kids helping kids runs through the end of January. Have you read about it? Please do.

Recently, Toby (a lady who helps Rae prepare and feed the homeless on Sat am), hand delivered some of our hats, scarves, and mittens to 2 schools who sadly have children in need. Cold children without, some of whom make their way to school despite the difficulties of being homeless, or living in a shelter. Stiles and Darby Dale Elementary schools are part of the Southwestern City School District who've experienced many failed levies and many cuts. We may not be able to make up for the shortfalls with failed levy's, but we can and did make children warmer through your generous and on going support of knitted and crocheted items. Yet again, an example of the word "beyond" in our title.

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

Completed Vacation Afghan for the Homeless

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheering up and Warming up with Bright Blocks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Money for Socks

Thank you Sherri. Next time I head out shopping, I'll take your check and buy some more socks for our folks under the bridge. This is greatly appreciated.

I tried to get the photo showing your the check without giving away important info regarding the check and person etc. Stay tuned for pictures of the socks, they are forth coming.

Socks are needed all year long folks, even in the hot months, wet feet are uncomfortable and unhealthy.

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

January projects going on are: Give a Square and Rainbow Project, check them out please.

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!

Tipping my Hat for Hats for Homeless

Look at these marvelous, cute, and warm hats knitted by our newest pair of helping hands, Mary. We have a Mary here in Ohio; and now we have a Mary in Nebraska.

I love the details in these hats, very very cute. Be sure and click on the picture so you can see everything better. That's always a feature here on Bridge and Beyond; but from time to time I remind you of it.

I've added Mary's blog link in the blog log, so please pop over and say hi. I'm sure she'd love some company there. Visiting each other's blogs is always fun.

Welcome to our cause Mary in Nebraska, we're thrilled to have you join us and look forward to getting to know you better; as well as more goodies from you. Hope to see you often.

2011
Scarves 19
Hats 26+10=36
Mittens 0
Socks 5
Slippers 3
Ghans 0
Squares 47

Please read all about our special January Project, "Rainbow Project". Kids helping kids...how special is that!

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!

I am so greatful for donations for the homeless

Thank you Sarah. You've once again shown how generous you are. We appreciate all your efforts more then you realize. Sarah's been a wonderful supporter donating to our homeless since she and I met over on The Hive. Sarah sent 3 matching hat and scarf sets, 3 additional hats, 2 personal care packages (which are always wonderful), 6 squares that you know will be used to create more ghans for our folks in need at Faith Mission, and 5 pairs of warm socks.

Everything is far prettier than it shows in this picture. It's a bit blurry. I think I had to recharge my batteries right after this too. Sorry folks.

Many thanks Sarah for your on going support.

2011
Scarves 16+3=19
Hats 20+6=26
Mittens 0
Socks 0+5=5
Slippers 3
Ghans 0
Squares 41+6=47

Please read details for Give a Square and Rainbow Project in the side bar.

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!

Vacation Ghan for Homeless

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

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

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

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

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

More goodies for the homeless

Our long time supporter and friend, Sandie has sent a beautiful turquoise scarf and 2 interesting crocheted squares. I LOVE the color, sooooooooo pretty. The black and red stripe will also get put to good use. I'll be adding these squares to those I have on hand and soon be designing another ghan. Remember squares are being accepted for our Give a Square Program until the end of this month. (details in side bar)

2011
Scarves 15+1=16
Hats 20
Mittens 0
Socks 0
Slippers 3
Ghans 0
Squares 39+2=41

Have you read about our special RainBow Project for the month of January? If not, please do.

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

Stage Two, Bright Blocks for Faith Mission

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

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

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


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

Hats are so important in warming the Homeless

Fabulously soft and warm knitted hats from our friend Louise. Thank you Louise for your thoughtful and on going support. These 4 knitted hats are perfect in every-way. They are warm, they are soft, they are beautifully made. Four people will now be warmer. It really doesn't get any better than this. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't marvel at and discuss how wonderful all you knitters and crocheters are. It fills me with a sense of pride to know so many gifted big hearted sharing people.

Please keep up the go work, you are ALL MARVELOUS!!
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!

2011
Scarves 15
Hats 16+4=20
Mittens 0
Socks 0
Slippers 3
Ghans 0
Squares 39

Please remember January is Rainbow Month, and Give a Square continues until the end of January.

We've reached another milestone folks, this is our 300th blog post! Woot Woot

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!

This is our 300th blog post!

Every color of the Rainbow to warm and cheer those in need

Rose Marie has done it again! Many many thanks Rose Marie for your bright and cheery and very colorful donation. Rose Marie crocheted 4 hat and scarf sets, 20 crocheted squares, and 3 knitted squares. I'll add the squares and rectangles to the collection I have and soon will be designing another afghan for those folks at Faith Mission.

Don't you love the pretty yellow, bright turquoise, orange and green? Believe the girls will really enjoy these. Without knowing it, you chosen colors that really make a person think of Rainbows. How cool is that.

Please keep those hooks and needles busy, the need is great. Thank You all.

2011
Scarves 11+4=15
Hats 12+4=16
Mittens 0
Socks 0
Slippers 3
Ghans 0
Squares 16+23=39

**Give a Square runs til the end of this Month**
****Have you read about our Rainbow Project?****

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

Hats from Louisiana warming the heads of Central Ohio Homeless

Warm, wonderful crocheted hats from our good friend Sandie all the way from Louisiana to warm the heads of two cold homeless men here in central Ohio. Thoughtful, selfless acts like this make me smile--make me believe in the goodness of people. Crafters, knitters and crocheters are awesome people. Thank you so much Sandie for your on going support of our cause. You are very much appreciated.

2011
Scarves 11
Hats 10+2=12
Mittens 0
Socks 0
Slippers 3
Ghans 0
Squares 16

Please keep those crochet hooks and knitting needles going full steam, the need is great.

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!

Joy to the World

JOY to the WORLD. You might have been singing those words from a Christmas Carole not so very long ago, or perhaps The Three Dog Night song came to mind. Both did for me. Joy indeed! Look at this wonderful donation Joy, an old high school friend sent.

Joy and I got re-connected through the beauty of facebook. She's donated beautiful crocheted items previously. Am thrilled to have her on-going support. Two matching hat and scarf sets, and 3 additional hats. All nice and soft and warm.
And, look at these fun granny squares. I've used some of her squares previously and am looking forward to designing another afghan for the folks at Faith Mission using these lovely squares. These 16 squares all are a part of our Give a Square Program, which is being extended until the end of this month of January 2011. If you click on the link for Give a Square you can see thumbnails of the ghans we've donated thus far.


2011
Scarves 8+3=11
Hats 5+5=10
Mittens 0
Socks 0
Slippers 3
Ghans 0
Squares 16

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!

Helen starts off our year helping the Homeless

Thank you Helen! Helen starts off our new year helping the homeless with 8 scarves, 5 hats, and 3 pairs of slippers! All wonderfully made. These items are all nice and soft, thick and warm...Perfect! And look at the nice variety of colors as well. Helen is our newest pair of helping hands. We're thrilled to have you join us and hope to see lots of of you Helen in the coming months.

Many thanks for your donation, it is so truly appreciated. Remember folks January is slipper month. Slippers for women and children, all sizes and colors are needed.

Keep your hands busy, busy hands are happy hands. I do want your hands to be happy!

2011
Scarves 8
Hats 5
Mittens 0
Socks 0
Slippers 3
Ghans 0
Squares 0

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!

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!