Helping the Homeless with Socks and Stitches

YIPPEE, look at this very cool hat and socks. Thanks so much Shelly. The hat is knit and feels like it's double yarn or very nice thick yarn. It's a great man size and will really help ward off the cold for one of homeless men living under the bridge.

I'm like a kid at Christmas when I open these marvelous packages you all continue to send. It's truly heartwarming to know so many of you care so much about your fellow man.

You are all THE BEST! Keep up the good work.

* 1 more day in our "Sock it to me Month", but remember socks are needed all 12 months of the year*


2010
Scarves 147
Hats 203 + 1 = 204
Mittens 18 pairs
Socks 53 pairs + 6 = 59
Squares for Pine Street

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

SOCKS, socks, SOCKS

I am Thrilled! Truly thrilled and have already passed along these 25 pairs of socks from Bunny. Thank you so much Bunny. Socks are needed regardless of the temperatures and conditions. The men are always extremely happy to get socks, so I zipped over quickly yesterday to pass these along to Jan, my SIL; who'll pass them to Dear Rae today. No time wasted here for sure ladies.

I've continued to work on the corner to corner ghan, and squares for Pine Street, as well as a scarf and hope you're all busy too.

We are so blessed to have a roof over our heads, food on our plates it's wonderful to be able to share as we do to help the homeless. I thank you all for your continued support.

We've got a bit over a week left of June, Sock it to me Month; but that doesn't mean socks can't be donated other times.


2010
Scarves 147
Hats 203
Mittens 18 pairs
Socks 28 pairs+25=53
Squares for Pine Street 7

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

Helping the Homeless is a year long Quest

Beautiful, beautiful. Look what Linda in sunny Florida sent us~ She and her knitting needles have been very busy playing together. 3 hats, can you believe how cute the red pinky one in the lower right is......or the scarlet and gray with earflaps that Stella's showing off. Toooooooo cute for sure. 3 pair of mittens, red, green, and a cool variegated pair; and a neat neck gator AND an awesome multi-colored scarf. These beauties were all knitted with nice soft warm yummy yarn. Thank you bunches Linda!

Folks the weather here is finally warm, or at least it is most days; though we've continued to have some nasty cool wet nights which always causes me to look ahead, plan ahead for a few months down the road. Let's keep those hooks and needles flying so when the unpredictable central Ohio weather turns we'll be ready and people won't go cold. We do continue to knit, crochet, loom and collect all year long.

Remember June is Sock it to Me Month. If you can, we'd love to collect some socks for the men. White or dark colors. I buy in bulk when I see a good sale. If you can send socks great; if you'd prefer to save on postage and send money towards socks that too is good. Socks for wet feet are needed all year long.

For all you continue to do, Thank you!

2010
Scarves 146 +1=147
Hats 200+3=203
Mittens 15 pairs+3=18 pairs
Socks 28 pairs
Squares for Pine Street 7

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

Donated Yarn

This fun Italian yarn was donated by Christi from Just For Ewe to turn into something warm and fun for our Homeless project. I had the good fortune of meeting Christi this past weekend on a girls get away. I've blogged more about this fun yarn shop on my Travel Blog. Please do hop over and read about it.

Thank you Christi, I'll post again when this yarn is a FO.

Remember June is Sock it to Me Month.

2010
Scarves 146
Hats 188+2=200
Mittens 13 pairs+2=15
Socks 28 pairs
Squares for Pine Street 7

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

June is, Sock it to me Month

We all continue to knit and crochet even during the warm months as hats, mittens, and scarves can then be stock piled to be ready as soon as frost hits. Frost can hit pretty quickly and unexpectedly here in Central Ohio; so please keep those hands busy.

In addition, I'm officially kicking off a drive for socks. White or colored, socks one size fits all are needed. Let's focus on men's socks as that's the bulk of those living under the bridges, and elsewhere at the moment.

Store bought socks. I buy in bulk which is much more cost effective. PLEASE socks are something even our non knitters and crocheters can help with. Contact me for my mailing address if you feel you can help out by sending a package of socks. Several people have pointed out it's more cost effective for them to forward a check vs paying the cost of mailing socks. That's been done several times and I take the check and head to Kohl's, Sams, or Target...whomever is offering the best deal at the time. I can happily buy the socks here and save you all the postage costs.

Help by buying socks, or by sending a check. Help by telling your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and fellow bloggers about the need. While socks are needed all year long, we'll make June our special "Sock it to me month".

Many thanks for all you do, please keep up the good work. Together we do make a difference, each and everyday someone is warmer, because YOU care.

Bless YOU!

2010
Scarves 146
Hats 188+2=200
Mittens 13 pairs+2=15
Socks 28 pairs
Squares for Pine Street 7


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

Warming heads, hands, and Hearts

These beautiful red and purple mitten and hat sets are from Bunny's fabulous knitting needles. Please click to see picture larger so you can see the beautiful pattern of the stitches in the hats. Stella had a hard time decided which color to model when I told her she could only put one on. You know how temperamental she can be. Both the hats and the mittens have a nice stretch to them. Below you see my hand along side the red mitten. These darling sets will fit a teen or a women about my size. I love the mitten pattern. No DP's are needed. Thanks Bunny for forwarding a copy of the pattern so I can try my hand at it.
I've asked permission to post this pattern on our page, and James the designer of this pattern (PandaMan) has gracious said yes. So, will post this as a separate page in the tab area at the top of the page under the header. You'll find our specially designed crocheted mitten pattern by Crochet Princess there too.

Continuing to work on both squares, and the corner to corner ghan for Pine Street. Sing out if you're making squares to forward for Pine Street. Thanks

As always Thank you Bunny for your beautiful work, and your continued support, it is very much appreciated.

2010
Scarves 146
Hats 188+2=200
Mittens 13 pairs+2=15
Socks 28 pairs
Squares for Pine Street 7

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

Clapping my Hands for Mittens!!

Look at these fabulous, cool colored crocheted mittens. Love them and their sooooooo warm. Thanks bunches Jodi. Mittens is something we never quite get enough of so am thrilled to have these. AND she tells me she's already working on more. YIPPEE!!

It does occur to me, that perhaps I need to try my hand (pun intended) at this again. I've made them in the past; but didn't find them all that easy to do. However, with the weather getting warmer this is something you wouldn't have to have on your lap making you warmer. Hint...hint folks. Making mittens in the spring and summer for fall and winter use. Sounds like a good idea to me.

Keep stitching everyone, hooks and needles love to be busy. Thanks to all for you do.

Am continuing to work on my corner to corner ghan for Pine Street, and squares (so's Alma).

2010
Scarves 146
Hats 188
Mittens 13 +2= 15 pairs
Socks 28 pairs
Squares for Pine Street 7


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

Scarves and Squares for the Homeless

Look what pretty colors! Alma's crocheted another scarf for our homeless. LOVE the colors Alma. Many thanks for your thoughtful donation, your on going support and the love you show through your fabulous stitches!

Alma's also sent along 7 (9 inch) crocheted squares for Pine Street. These are our first. Remember you can send directly to them, or along with hats, mittens, and scarves and I'll forward as a group donation from The Bridge and Beyond. Another wonderful charity benefiting the homeless.

Thanks bunches Alma. I've continued to work on my knitted corner to corner ghan for the same cause (Pine Street), and have crocheted a couple of granny squares at work this week during lunch.

**A word of caution, if you're making squares for Pine Street measure them carefully. They need to be 9 inches to be used. Always be sure and measure both directions. Sometimes I can get my granny squares right on; sometimes not. The couple I made this week at work came out a wee short of 9 inches, so added a sc edge all around and then they measured correctly.
2010
Scarves 145+1=146
Hats 188
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs
Squares for Pine Street 7


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

The Faces of Homeless

There are many faces of homelessness. Some are women, some are men, some are children, and some are Veterans. They're in my city, and yours and the country sides too. The numbers may vary from local to local; but the problem exists everywhere across our great land. We don't know there faces, we don't know their names. We see them and want to avert our eyes. In some cases we may be afraid. Perhaps they are too. Afraid of another cold lonely night without a roof over their heads, afraid of another cold lonely night without food, afraid of another cold lonely night when they might have to be on the run or hide or try and protect what little they do have. Yes, I think they too have fear.

According to statastics, there are some 12,000 homeless on any given night in my state of Ohio alone. Of that 12,000 about 1,500 of them go un-sheltered. Like this man in the above picture finding rest in the middle of what appears to be a sidewalk or parking lots. No doubt some heat might exists in the concrete to help warm him.

In Ohio, The FMR (fair market rent) for a 2 bedroom apartment is $683.00. Rule of thumb is one shouldn't spend more than 30% of ones income on housing. To afford an apartment that cost $683.00 (FMR) using the 30% rule a person would need an income of $27,326.00 annually. That annual figure breaks out to $13.14 an hour given a 40 hour work week. The minimum hourly rate in Ohio is $7.30. Given the state's current minimum that worker would need to work 72 hours a week to afford the 2 bedroom apartment. You can quickly see from those stats compiled by localities and the federal government; why so many are homeless. Think of the people you know, how many make the $13.14 an hour and work a steady 40 hour work week. AND, how many do you know who's rent is well above the $683.00 (FMR)?

Please help where you can. We have many ways to help. Our primary goal has always been hats, mittens, and scarves. Those items can be knitted or crocheted and we do collect them all year long. Yes even in the hot months of July and August. We want to be prepared with a ready supply as soon as the first frost hits. In addition we always need store bought socks. Socks are needed during all 4 season. Can you buy a bag? I've added a badge here for Pine Street (click on side panel to read more about it), they are in need of 9 inch squares. Those squares can be knitted or crocheted. Please measure your squares twice. You can forward directly or send along to me with your other donations and I'll mail in bulk.

I wonder who's son, brother, uncle, husband or father the man is the picture is. The face of homelessness is sad.

**Please see suggestion made in comment by Sandie, I think it's a good one. I can buy socks in bulk and if folks want to send along a little something with their regular donations it wouldn't add to the cost of mailing.

2010
Scarves 143+2=145
Hats 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

Scarves from Sandie's Hook

LOVE this yarn. Sandie's used this colorway before and it's really cool how no two things come out the same with the way the color fades in and out. Pretty earthy browns and tans, with shades of blue. Both super soft, nice and heavy and large enough for the men under the bridge.

As always Sandie's work is beautiful and I truly appreciate her on going support of this charity. Though you know if you ventured to her page, this is by no means the only charity she supports. She's always busy with hook and yarn. Sometimes I wonder if she crochet's in her sleep. lol Seriously, she's made so many things through the years and her support never wavers.

Hugs a bunch Sandie


2010
Scarves 143+2=145
Hats 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

Yarn and needles on the go

Making headway with the corner to corner ghan for Pine Street. Decided to take with me on my travels after all. I worked on it during the flight here, and off and on here; but probably will pack in the suitcase for the return flight as it will be a bit too large to be comfortable to work with on the plane. I've got some other yarn and crochet hook with me for something smaller for the return flight.

Since last posting I've added the dark red strip, the multi-stripe, bright lime green, grey, orange, and the nobby blue. All but the blue are left over in my stash from previous projects, while the nobby blue is from Bunny's recent donation.

Hope you're all busy with yarn and crochet hooks and or knitting needles making hats, scarves, and mittens for our on going efforts here for the homeless connected to The Bridge and Beyond; and remember if you're making squares for Pine Street you can send directly or send along to me with your other donations and I'll forward in one large mailing. Homelessness is a problem in far too many cities and each and every stitch you make does indeed make a difference. Each and every stitch helps keep someone warmer, can in fact make the difference is whether or not they stay alive; particularly in the extreme conditions. No effort is too little, no effort is unneeded or un-appreciated. Even as it's almost summer here in central Ohio I'm asking you to continue your efforts for those less fortunate, those homeless folks without a roof over their heads.

Bless you all, and as always thank you for your on going support.

Corner to Corner Ghan

Making headway on my corner to corner ghan for Pine Street. Though I don't believe it will travel that well since I'm using a bit of this and a bit of that; so probably won't take it with me on vacation. Will work on scarves probably instead. Easier to pack.

But, wanted to share the progress and whom all is represented here. Previous picture showed the first 3 colors (tan, red, and blue texture Rae's mother, my stash, Bunny's donation). The purple was given to me by Lydia when I helped her with family genealogy, the blue my stash, the rose from Tony a previous co-worker, multi-color from Bunny, and back to the tan from Rae's Mother.

Kinda fun trying to remember where all the yarn came from as I knit. It's like we're all sitting together.

2010
Scarves 143
Hats 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

Warm beautiful crocheted scarves! Karen V made the tan one with the design, the beautiful dark green, and the pretty pastel scarf. The multi-colored scarf top left and dark blue varigated scarf were made by someone in her sorority. A while back Karen and her group made a decision to help our cause and even those in her group who don't knit or crochet have purchased yarn to give those who who do knit and crochet. I love how things become a team effort. Together, I believe we can accomplish many things.

Many hands make the work lighter, and more enjoyable.

Thank you so much for your on going support, it's appreciated.
2010
Scarves 143
Hats 188
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

Socks

It's been awhile since I've posted about socks, so since I've gotten a few questions regarding socks thought it must be time for me to discuss socks. Socks are always needed, all 12 months of the year. When one lives outside in the elements, having dry feet can be quite a challenge. Even when it's not frigid, wet feet are uncomfortable. Having clean dry socks to change into can be such a blessing. Some of the folks living under the bridges might have opportunities to wash their socks; but even then getting them dry to put on again can be difficult.

When I've purchased socks I've gotten the bulk packs at Target, Sams, and Kohl's. If gotten white and dark colors. If you're busy and tight for time to knit or crochet; you can still lend a hand. Please consider donating a package of socks. They really are very appreciated.

2010
Scarves 143
Hats 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

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

Stripes of this and that on the needles

I don't usually photograph and show you something in the works; but felt I would this time for several reason. Firstly, this is the start of a afghan which is being knitted with odds and ends; many of which are left over's or donated from lots of wonderful people. Ok, that's not particularly news worthy, we all often use our stash, our odd's and ends. However, this is a little different because it will be a ghan; not a hat, not a pair of mittens, and not a scarf. It is though still an item to be used for charity..........AND it is still an homeless charity at that.

I wanted to tell you all about this charity; not to have you stop making hats, mittens, and scarves. PLEASE KEEP THOSE COMING. But, because I've just added an additional badge to this blog (or did a few days ago), and wondered if you all had seen it? It's a poster I've always LOVED. Rosie The Riveter. The spirit of that poster always makes me think what fabulous things women did when The Men were off fighting World War II. But, I'm getting off track and there's quite a story there.

If you click on the Badge you will be taken to their webpage, Pine Street. They take care of folks on the street, like we do; but they also house homeless. They get some folks off the street and when they get a place to live are given a house warming gift of a hand made afghan. The ghans are knitted and crocheted from 9 inch squares that are put together specifically for these folks to encourage them to continue to stay off the streets. It's a wonderful program worthy of our support. When you have yarn left after making hats, scarves, mittens etc...why not make a square or two?

This can be done individually, or if you like you can send your squares to me and I'll mail in mass as our group donation. Let me know your thoughts, and please take a minute to review their webpage.

Now a wee bit of history on this diagonal ghan I've started. The tan is from Rae's mother donation, the red from my stash, and the blue textured yarn is the same yarn I used to make a scarf with the yarn donation from Bunny. So, as I continue to work on this ghan, I'll continue to let you know how it progresses, and what each strip represents.
2010
Scarves 141
Hats 185
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

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

More lovely Hats

Let's clap for Alma! Look at the hat on the right, she knitted it on a loom. I remember reading on her blog that she was not going to let that loom beat her; and by George she persevered and we have this nice hat for our homeless! Well done Alma. The pretty blue on the left is crocheted. Thanks Alma for your ongoing support of our cause. We appreciate all your efforts.

Hugs and keep up the good work!

Please stop over and see Alma, she's going to town both with her yarn and her blog.

2010
Scarves 141
Hats 183+2=185
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

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

Why, part II

Why? Part One Here, please read if you missed it.

Why, part II? Because this man served his country for you, and for me; and now he needs our help. This man is not alone. Veterans makes up a huge portion of our Homeless across the country. He served us, and now it is our duty to return the service.

Please join us, help us give back to those that gave so much for us.


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

Let's start at the very beginning

Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start, when you sing you begin with ....

Sing along, sing loud, and sing proud!

Now, since we're talking about beginnings, did you know when-where-or why scarves were first used?

I didn't, but this what I found out. Sudarium is the Latin word for sweat cloth. Back in Roman days Men used small linen clothes to wipe the sweat from their faces. The quality of the cloth denoted the man's station in life. Shortly thereafter they were worn as a fashion statement; by Men. They became more decorative.

The French really took hold and called them cravats, from the Crotian word Kravata. The French wore them around the neck, around the writs, around the waste. Soon they were made of all different sorts of fibers. Ultimately the women got involved, and the wearing of a scarf was a symbol of class and style.

The warmest scarves are made of wool, a natural fiber that breathes allowing the sweat to flow out and the warmth to remain.

The scarf has surely come a long way. Now, yes it's stylish; but wrapping it around one's throat, mouth and shoulders wards off the nasty elements and can make a difference in life of a cold, hungry homeless man, women, or child.

Grab your yarn, your hook, your knitting needles and your loom and get busy!


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

Teaming it up, Thanks to Bunny

This is the first of items made from Bunny's yarn donation. I knitted this lengthwise with 2 strands of Bernat Illusions and size 19 knitting needles. I often don't add fringe to scarves; but felt this one needed it. The scarf is thick and spongy with lots of texture. I like the end result with the texture; though it is a bit difficult to work with. The texture makes it sorta grabby and therefore it doesn't slid easily on the needles. Knitting it lengthwise I think shows the yarns texture well.

And so...........this is what I call teaming it up. Bunny provided the yarn, and I made the scarf. Together I believe people can do almost anything.

Together you, you, and YOU make an unbeatable Team. Give yourself a high five and keep up the good work team. Let's get warmed up with a few stretches before we grab our gear.


2010
Scarves 140+1=141
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

The Smurfs would say Scarfin it up

The Smurfs and Gail B have something in common, they're scarfin it up! Look at this beautiful collection of crocheted scarves. Some are made with single crochet, some with double crochet, and I think a couple of half double crochet. Different colors, different lengths and widths to cover a variety of sizes/ages of those homeless they will keep warm.

Click on the picture to enlarge, I really LOVE the unusual colored pinkish-gold one. It has such a nice texture to it. Is it two strands of yarn Gail? Or is that the type of yarn? Very cool!

Many thanks for these 9 scarves, 9 more cold homeless people will be warmer thanks to you.
2010
Scarves 131+9=140
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

**stay turned, the first round of Bunny's yarn has been used.