Mission Statement

Operations for Bridge and Beyond will cease on Dec 31, 2021, last mailing date should be Dec 24th

GOAL FOR AFGHANS

Afghans
Goal: 30
Start: #24
Current: 26
0.8666%
START
END

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Doubled it up, Darling Daughter

knitted scarf for homelessDouble yarn, the Lion Brand Homespun (black) is from the donated yarn from my Darling Daughter. This scarf is the 3rd one I've knitted from the yarn she donated. The blue, mauve-rust, purple, and tanish yarns all from my stash are knitted worsted yarn. Some I had on hand and some donated by Rae's Mother. The center is the blue, though I think that's hard to see in the picture. I used size 13 knitting needles since I was using the two strands of yarn. It's super thick and should be nice and warm to help keep a homeless person warmer.

Though we do now have spring flowers growing and trees blooming here in Central Ohio, the homeless are indeed still cold and in need. I'm sitting here in the house with a fleece on; so you can imagine how cold they are outside without a roof over their heads. We still have frost most nights, and lots of dampness along with strong winds. It will probably be 2 more months before they aren't in need of warm items to help protect them from the elements. So, PLEASE keep those hands busy with hooks, needles, and looms.

And remember, we collect items all year long, all 12 months of the year.

Thanks for all you do.

**pop back to see what Gail contributed. Picture will be up in a few days.

2010
Scarves 130+1=131
Hats 183
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

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

Sunday, April 11, 2010

I've been asked Why?

I've been asked Why? I've been asked why knit and crochet and give away my hard work? Why spend time organizing others to do the same. I've been asked why not sell your stuff and make money?

No doubt, if you're reading this you've been asked that too, a time or two. The answers may vary a bit for all of us. But, the biggest why is because I can. To elaborate-- I'm blessed enough to be able to, and therefore I should. I've been given the talent to do things with my hands; and so am giving back what I can. I'm lucky enough to have a roof over my head, a job, food to eat, and loved ones who care for me. Yes I still make a few things for my family and myself; but so many others need so much more. Maybe I'm selfish, because I think I gain as much when I give as those who are at the receiving end. It does make me feel good.

I give, because I can.

I give because
homeless baby and motherimages like this pull at my heart strings. Images like this bother me. This women is someone's daughter, someone's sister, someone's, cousin, perhaps someone's wife. This wee babe, needs a fighting chance.

Why do you give?
If you're new to this site, please read about our cause. We knit, we crochet, we loom. We make hats, mittens, and scarves. We donate everything to homeless, to people being treated in free clinics in desperate circumstances. We warm children, women, and men. We do what we can. Won't you join us?

**pop back working with yarn donated by my Darling Daughter, and Bunny
2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

Friday, April 9, 2010

Donated Yarn!!!!

skeins of yarnHomespun and Bernat Illusions Yarn donated by Dear Bunny. Not 100% certain yet how I want to utilize your donation; got my thinking cap on and will keep ya posted when I make something from your thoughtful donation. Thanks bunches Bunny!

The Bernat Illusions is highly textured so I think it will work up better knitted vs. crocheted. Or at least that's my thought at the moment. lol We'll see how that goes.

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

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Manly Scarf 2

black knitted scarf
I seemed to have lost the picture I took when this scarf was completed and it's already been passed along, so here it is when it was still on the needles. This is the 2nd black scarf from the yarn Darling Daughter gave (Homespun). It's a bit wider then the first scarf; and will probably be just a bit shorter as a result. Trying to do one skein scarf.

2010
Scarves 129+1=130
Hats 183
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

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

Monday, April 5, 2010

Here Come's Peter Cotton Tail....

knitted and crocheted hats and scarfBeautiful, beautiful as always. Bunny thanks so much for your continued support of the homeless and wonderful donations. The white hat is knitted as is the fun pink-purple scarf; and the other hats are crocheted. Bunny's work is always fabulous folks. Hop over to her blog (hehe, hop Bunny and it's Easter as I write this); and look at her wonderful creations.

Still haven't found Brodie Jo....would love to; anyone know this person?

It is finally warming up here in central Ohio during the day; but the nights are still cold. Most mornings I see frost on the ground; so your efforts to warm these homeless folks is still very much needed. Please keep looming, crocheting, and knitting. Busy hands are happy hands, and I truly appreciate each and every one of you and your happy hands!

Happy Easter

2010
Scarves 128+1=129
Hats 178+5=183
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

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

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Better than an Easter Egg Hunt, warming the homeless!

crocheted hats and scarvesNo surprises here look at these hats and scarves crocheted by Sandie. The 2 ton green and black scarf is doubled..crocheted with 2 strans of yarn for extra warmth. Great colors and sizes. Everyday is like Christmas here when I open beautiful hats, scarves, and mittens from you all. Thank you, thank you Sandie as always we're lucky to have you help our cause.

I appreciate you all so very much, and I know all your items knit or crocheted with love and concern for others truly make an empack on those in need.

Thank you all for helping to warm the homeless, keep up the good work and Happy Easter.

2010

Scarves 125+3=128
Hats 175+3=178
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

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

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Hey Knitters

For the knitters among us who want to try their hand at crochet, here's a very basic beginning. Everything in crochet is started with a chain stitch, so I found this video in case you want to give it a try. I found several actually; but many don't show and explain as well as I believe this one does.

Let me know if you want to give this a try. Next time I'll post the next step in crocheting which is the single crochet. The single crochet can be helpful to make an edge on anything you knit, regardless if you're knitting for yourself or for the homeless.



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

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Luscious Loomers

loomed hatsLuscious Loomer. You might remember me calling Dear Karen and Frank that previously. Well....seriously. I can't think of a better word to described them. Look at these hats! Each picture is showing 25 hats. Look at all the creativity in colors and designs. Some are striped, some are solid, lots of fun combination's of color.
knitted hatsI am like a kid at Christmas when I open boxes from all you wonderful people. Some of you knit, some of you crochet, others loom and I'm in awe of you all. Every stitch, knitted, crocheted or loom for a hat, mittens, or scarves is beyond fabulous. Together we're making a difference in lots of lives.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please keep up the marvelous work.

2010
Scarves 125
Hats 125+50=175
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

If you missed the beginning video on how to knit, please click here to check it out.
Still need help finding Brodie Jo, anyone know her? Can't figure out how she got my ady, sure would like to thank her.

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

Donations pending from:
Sandy (me), Alma, Sandie and Bunny...please check back and admire everyone's work. For all donators/members with a blog please check the sidebar for links to their blogs.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Hey hey Paula....sing with me

crocheted scarvesHey hey Paula I want to marry you too...isn't that a song? lol For some reason that popped into my head as I begin to post this donation for you all to enjoy. So...if you're as old as me; please sing along. If you're younger, you probably don't know the words.

These fabulous crocheted scarves are from Paula, but you probably guessed that by now if you're singing with me. The pink and green have a nice pattern, please click on the picture so you can see them better. AND, look at the darling gold scarf with the decorative ribbon woven through it. I LOVE that look and must remember that to jazz up a scarf, how cute. All these scarves are beautifully made. Thank you bunches Paula. Appreciate your efforts to help the homeless and those in need at the clinics.

2010
Scarves 120+5=125
Hats 125
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

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

Stay turned for more from Karen and Frank, Alma, Sandie, and a crochet video for you knitters, and more.

**Still looking for an email for Brodie Jo, anyone know her?

Friday, March 26, 2010

Pink for the young girls

pink crocheted scarvesThese two pink crocheted scarves and made with a decorative touch. It's my understanding from the note that accompanied these 2 cute scarves that Brodie Jo is a high school student and did this as part of her service project/requirement. I believe they're made with double yarn. Let's give her a round of applause. I think that's pretty cool that this young lady is giving of herself, and that she's learning this craft at her age.

I've not been able to thank Brodie Jo, as I don't have an email for her, or blog url etc. It was not included in her donation. Does anyone know her? I thought perhaps one of you had forwarded my address to her; as I don't seem to find an email from her.

Thank you Brodie, and good luck with the remainder of your project. Keep up the good work. Your work here to help the homeless is greatly appreciated.
2010
Scarves 118+2=120
Hats 125
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs


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

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

I Doth My Hat!

crocheted hatsYIPPEE! We continue to get wonderful items from fabulous crafters each and every day. Knitters, Crocheters, and Loomers have the biggest hearts! These 3 wonderful crocheted scarves come to us from Alma. Thank you bunches Alma. Pop over to her blog (link in the side bar); and see all the good she's doing. And look at all the fun she's having with her new blog.

Anyone have an email or blog link for a young gal named Brodie Jo? I'm trying to make contact to say thank you for her donation; but can't find where she contacted me. I believe an adult perhaps passed along my address. Is she in any of your groups?

Pending donations from Brodie Jo, Paula, and Frank of Karen . So many wonderful people knitting and crocheting to help the homeless.

2010

Scarves 118
Hats 120+5=125
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

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

Monday, March 22, 2010

How to Knit

Thought for you crocheters out there I'd post this very beginning how to knit video. Some of you have expressed an interest. However, I do not cast on or off the way they're showing in the video. Perhaps this will help you all want to try your hand at knitting something for the homeless.

Hey knitters....chime in how do you cast on? I cast on with my needles, the old fashion way. I also cast off that way. How bout you?

I find the music with this obnoxious so you might want to turn off your sound.






Let me know if any of you try your hand with this after watching the video to make scarves for our cause.

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

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Manly colored scarf

knitted black scarf
Got this scarf finished a few days ago; just didn't get it photographed and posted for awhile. This is knitted using Homespun on size 11 needles. I often don't use the size suggest on labels. The homespun labels suggest size 10, so I went up 1 full size. Got a 2nd scarf in the works with the same yarn as we speak. Though it's not exactly black, figured this would be a good manly color. It's called Edwardian. It's 7 inches wide and 67 inches long. Got this yarn from my Darling Daughter's stash when I was looking for manly colors.

Sorry the picture is a bit blurry, must have moved when I snapped it.

2010

Scarves 117+1=118
Hats 120
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs
(223 knitted or crocheted items)


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

Pending donations from Brodie Jo and Alma, stay tuned

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Anxiously waiting with fingers crossed

I recently submitted our cause and this blog to Lion Brand for inclusion in their charity listings. I'm always looking for ways to spread the news of the need and what we do. The more the news spreads of the need, the more helping hands will be available to us. The more helping hands the more people can we can help. Please keep your toes and fingers crossed we will be approved for this listing. This would be a nice benefit. I'm unsure how long the approval process takes; but will keep you all posted when I hear back.

My area is not the only area with this sad problem of cold homeless people in need. I hope we're able to not only help those in this area; but spread the word of the need and what can be done to help beyond the bridge...beyond my area.

Thank you all for your support, please keep up the good work.

I typed and scheduled this post a few days ago, and since then found out we are listed! If you hop over to Lion Brand's site and go to the community area for charities you can search for this blog using the any of the following:
Bridge and Beyond
Ohio
Homeless
Mittens
Hats
Scarves
That gives us 6 words that will guide someone to us. The lists within each of those categories is alphabetical; sooooooooo we're not to badly listed, I think being a B.

Check it out.

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

Pending scarf from Me, stay tuned

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

WELCOME, and Why EntreCard

You may have noticed something new on my blog. I have added EntreCard to this blog. You'll see this in a 125 x 125 type ad with a bright gold banner and heading Drop Here. This is not an ad I'm being paid for; nor one I bought. This is a means of spreading one's business cards. At least that's the short version as I see it. I've decided to try several methods of spreading the news of the cause for our cold homeless here in Central Ohio; as well as those treated in the 2 free clinics. Homelessness is a horrible problem and it's wide spread throughout the country. My hope is to spread the awareness of the general problem, as well as find more helping hands for this mission. We've broaden our original scope from warming men who were living under a particular bridge a year ago. We're now able to help not only those men (and now women who are also there), but other's living outside without a roof over their heads in several other areas here; as well as women and children treated in 2 free clinics.

More helping hands gives us the ability to warm and help more in need, thus my quest with your help.

My hope is to have more visibility for this blog through the addition of EntreCard. I welcome knitters, crocheters, and loomers all interested in helping the homeless. Please feel free to see what's been accomplished by reading through the blog, leave comments, admire the work so many have done. We welcome additional helping hands. If you'd like to help, but don't know where to begin, please read How Can I Help by clicking on the tab under the title of the blog.

Many thanks for all the work to date, and welcome to all new readers. Please leave a comment so we know you were here.

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

Sunday, March 14, 2010

I believe

loomed hatsI believe in people! I believe in their goodness. You all prove this to me each and everyday with each and every donation you make with your yarn and hooks or knitting needles. This donation comes from Jennifer T. These cute hats I think were made on a loom. Aren't the kids going to nice and warm wearing these.
crocheted scarvesThe scarves are crocheted by Jennifer. Such fun colors, bright and cherry. The young ones will look great, and feel loved. What a win win situation that is.

Thank you so much Jennifer for your thoughtful donation.

Yep, I believe....and I can tell you all do too!!

2010
Scarves 111+6=117
Hats 112+8=120
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs
(223 knitted or crocheted items)

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

Friday, March 12, 2010

The Love continues

brown crocheted hats and scarf
Look at these marvelous hats and scarf from Sandie. Sandie's support has never wavered from crocheting hats and scarves, to blogging about our cause, to posting our badge on her badge. We appreciate each and everything so very much. Sandie's work is always top notch. I feel lucky to have her helping our cause and know whomever gets her goodies feels equally lucky.

Look at how the love continues. You all do so much, I appreciate each and everyone one of you who stitch and stitch and stitch. So many stitches of love to warm so many in need.

Bless you all.

2010
Scarves 110+1=111
Hats 110+2=112
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs
(223 knitted or crocheted items)

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

These hats and scarf are brown; but I think with my reddish brown background you may not be able to tell that well. Should have used a different background for the photo. Mental note to self to remember to think about the colors.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Scarves!

crocheted scarves for homelessScarves! I'm getting warmer just looking at them all. Beautifully crocheted scarves from Esther (maddeleine4 on Rav). Some of these are crocheted with double yarn, I think. Nice and thick; which translates to nice and warm. Remember to click on the picture to enlarge it so you can see the wonderful variety of colors.

I'm hoping to make another delivery later this week so these fabulous scarves will be around the neck of those in need SOON!

Many thanks Esther for your thoughtful donation. It is deeply appreciated.

Stay warm and dry folks, keep the yarn at hand, busy hands are happy hands and lots of happy hands improve the lives of so many.

Thank you all!


2010
Scarves 100+10=110
Hats 110
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs
(223 knitted or crocheted items)


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

Monday, March 8, 2010

Shared love with so many stitches

knitted hats and scarves

Thank you Trudy! Look at these colors folks, not only will these hats and scarves keep someone in need warm, but they are fun cheery colors. I love the mix of colors particularly in the orange and brown hat Trudy knitted. All these items are so nicely knitted.

We all share the love we have with each and every stitch; be it knitted or crocheted, or loomed. A stitch here, a stitch there....they add up and continue to make a HUGE difference in many lives.

Keep up the wonderful work folks, you are appreciated far more than I can ever communicate.

I'm thrilled to see our list of donators growing each and everyday. Please note I've added a section for those who donate but aren't bloggers; as well as a section titled pending donations. Sometimes I have trouble finding emails/names/ID's of those who've made contact asking for my address to forward thoughtful donations of knitted and crocheted hats, mittens, and scarves to. I'm hoping by adding names to the pending group after I've been contacted I'll better be able to find folks to give proper thanks when items arrive. Always trying to get more organized, hope this helps.

**Still Looking for Patty L from Ohio. I've checked my email box, my Rav. friends group, the list of RAV members to this group and haven't found a match. Does anyone know who Patty L. from Ohio is? If so, Please let me know. Click here to see her 2 blue scarves
Found her, yippee, it's CraftyMom from Rav. Thanks bunches!
2010
Scarves 98+2=100
Hats 103+7=110
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs
(223 knitted or crocheted items)

2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008 (581 knitted or crocheted items)

**Stay tuned for a donation from Esther

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Crochet hats and scarves warm our Homeless in many ways

crocheted hats and scarvesLook at the darling blue and brown combination set! Isn't it darling. The scarf has a cute scalloped edge. Remember to click on the pictures to see the details of our donated goodies. I've wrapped the skinny scarf around Stella. The hats and scarves are all crocheted graciously donated by our friend Jenny who continues to support our cold homeless here in Ohio.

We still have snow on the ground, and while the sun did shine today melting some of it; it is still cold and wintry here in Central Ohio. So please keep those hands busy with needles and hooks. You all have done so much good.
2010
Scarves 96+2=98
Hats 100+3=103
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs


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

**Have you read about the people we help? Click on the picture in the sidebar or Here
***Have you read How Can You Help? Please click on the tab in the upper left, or Here

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Blue Scarves for the homeless

crocheted blue scarvesBeautiful blue scarves for homeless. Both these scarves are crocheted and donated by Patty. I NEED HELP, I've not been able to identify the right Patty. So...if you read this and know who Patty from Ohio is, PLEASE sing out so I can properly note this and thank the right person. You can see Stella all nicely bundled up in one, begrudging sharing the photo op. Oh Stella....lol. She is, as most of you know a camera hog. She loves to try on hats, bundled up in scarves and adorn herself in all the pretty items you graciously make. Not to worry though, she does them back to me so I can delivery to those in need. Those homeless and those attended to in the free clinics are always appreciative of the time, energy and love you all put in each and every stitch. One scarf, one hat DOES make a difference.

Thank you Patty for your thoughtful donation.

Keep up the good work folks, the need is great; and you all make a difference with your time and donations.

**stay tuned for a donation from Jenny

2010

Scarves 94+2=96
Hats 68+32=100
Mittens 7+6=13
Socks 28

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

***Remember socks are needed all year long. Cold wet feet are miserable, so if you have a friend who doesn't knit or crochet who'd like to help; perhaps they'd like to donate socks.

****Notice the static page at the top, titled how can you help --if you've not read in detail what we do here's your chance.


PATTY L. FROM OHIO, has been indentified...it's craftymom from Rav. Thanks!

Where are You and Your Yarn From?

I'm trying to identify where everyone is from, partially for fun. Take a look at the map. Also, believe it will aid me in cases where we have several people with the same name. Please look at the lists of bloggers and non bloggers and see if I have the state you hail from. If not, please leave a comment and let me know.

Additionally, we've had help from Scotland, England, Germany Puerto Rico, Canada, and France! They don't appear on the map, but their help is still greatly appreciated.

Where The People Who Donate Come From, is your state represented?