I doth my Hat

4 crocheted (I think the two goldish colored hats are suede?) hats from Chizoba in Baltimore. Welcome to our group and many thanks for the helping hands. You may not know Stella (as a newbie to the group), but she's not camera shy; in fact she can be a bit of a camera hog. Oh Stella, how she loves to try on hats and scarves.

Again many thanks for your thoughtful donation, it is so truly appreciated. I will get the hat back from Stella (when's she's asleep), and it will go to those in need.
Hats 347 + 4 = 351
Mittens 54 pairs
Scarves 132
Socks 79 pairs

**next up hats and mitts by Bunny
***blog post #97

Pick a Color! Something to be Thankful for

Pick a color, if you can. So many to choose from. Karen and Frank have done it again!!



Look at this mound of wonderful goodness. Hats from Frank in every color one can imagine. Forty (40) of them to be exact. Frank you are awesome! Frank knits his many hats on a round loom. Karen has added 10 neck gators/warmers that are also knitted on a loom, as well as 2 crocheted scarves. All are fabulous and so nicely done. Many many thanks to you both.

Hats 307 + 40 = 347
Mittens 54 pairs
Scarves 130 + 2 = 132
Socks 79 pairs

What am I Thankful for this Thanksgiving? For 1, wonderful people like you all who make it possible for us to help those who have less than we do. I also posted something else to be Thankful for on my Travel Blog.

Socks and Scarf AND Blog Anniversary!

Finished another scarf. This is tweedy, and crocheted. It's smaller than I like for the men and women under the bridge, so will put this in the bag for one of the two free clinics. The yarn is a skein from Rae's Mother's stash. If you missed reading about it, click here. Also please notice the ongoing counter in the sidebar; where I'll be keeping track of the donations made possible through Rae donating her Mother's yarn to me.

The socks, hubby decided it was time to buy socks so these 11 pairs now in the bag for the men under the Bridge.

Still trying hard to spread the news of our group and it's cause. All help in that regard is appreciated.

Hats 307
Mittens 54 pairs
Scarves 129 + 1 = 130
Socks 68 pairs + 11 = 79 pairs

***Exactly 1 year ago this blog was formed, Nov-9-2009, this is the 95th blog post.***

Thank you Bunny, Hats

Always fun to see what Bunny comes up with next. Look at all these hats. The soft muted colored hat is knitted, all the others are crocheted. Stella is wearing one that I believe is made with double strands? I separated these hats based on size, adding the larger ones to the bag for the bridge, and the smaller ones to the bag for the clinics. As always Bunny's work is awesome.

Hugs for the help, Bunny.

Hats 300 + 7 = 307
Mittens 53 pairs + 1 = 54 pairs
Scarves 126 + 3 = 129
Socks 68 pairs

Reaching out for more helping hands

While not a well balanced meal, it is calories. Calories is what gives us energy, calories are needed to help warm our bodies. So, rather than eat calories I don't need; I packaged this candy into the last donation right along with our hats, scarves and mittens, and personal care items for our folks under the bridge. Rae said it would be a nice treat.

Several weeks ago while doing on line searches I came across a couple of webpages/blogs with listings of charities. I sent emails with our link hoping to spread the word about our cause and obtain some more helping hands. You really can't have too many, the needs are so great. I did hear back from one and am thrilled to report we are listed! Check it out, and thanks Lisa (webmaster) for the listing. If you're aware of other such directory type listings, please let me know.

In the meantime, keep those hooks and needles flying, all is appreciated. Thanks!

**Check back often for updates, and pictures of each other's handy work. Next up, hats from Bunny

Hats, and Hats--Thanks Doris

Neat pattern, Doris! These 9 crocheted hats are nice and thick and stretchy. I need to ask; but think she's crocheted these with back stitch only dc lengthwise? Then stitched them together. See the nice ribbing? Stella's modeling one...you all remember what a ham she is about getting her picture taken. lol

Doris wanted to help more, but her arthritis flared so she sent along some (11) hats she purchased as well.


In both cases I was able to divide them by the various sizes for the clinics and the Bridge. Delivered a good size for each yesterday.

Thanks again all, keep up the fabulous work. Hubby was complaining about the scraping the frost off the car windows the last couple of mornings, so you know how cold it's getting.

Donations Total since December 02-08 when the blog was started:

Hats 280 + 20 = 300
Mittens 53 pairs + 1 = 54 pairs
Scarves 126 + 3 = 129
Socks 68 pairs

**excitement about spreading the news, stayed tuned

Thanks to a fellow Ohioan, Patty

Fun blue and white, and white and blue. I always find it interesting how different mixing up the combination of color's can be. Three blue and white scarves, but all are different. Thanks to Patty (craftyymom from RAV), a fellow Ohioan who crocheted these cute scarves. I've added these 3 scarves to the bag going to the clinic. Perfect size I think for a young teen. Bet some of you know these colors. All of us who knitted and crocheted for The Special Olympics last year, who searched high and low for the special colors, dealt blue....these should look familiar. I love the blue, so pretty and bright.

Thanks bunches Patty.

Donations Total since December 02-08 when the blog was started:
Hats 278 + 2 = 280
Mittens 53 pairs + 1 = 54 pairs
Scarves 126 + 3 = 129

**next up hats from Doris, please check back

Help from Rae's Mother

Rae, as you know is our delivery lady. She's the one who hand carries our knitted and crocheted hats, mittens, and scarves to the cold in need there under the bridge; as well as to those in need at the two free clinics. Rae is the lady who prepares hot meals along with several others, making deliveries on Sat. mornings. She volunteers at the two free clinics where our heartfelt donations are also greatly appreciated. This mound of yarn belonged to Rae's mother. Rae lost her mother a short while ago; as many of you may remember (post regarding it here). So, while she is no longer here in the flesh she is reaching out to help others. I will use all the yarn Rae has passed along to me for charity. Something I think her mother would have liked. Not all the colors and types of yarn are appropriate for this cause-The Bridge-but it will all be used for charities in her memory.

In fact, if you look 2 skeins to the right of the yellow yarn, you'll see a partial skein of white which has already been used. It was needed to make 12 inch red, white, and blue granny squares for a Patriotic Cause. You can see the picture and read about it on my other blog...HERE

**I'm still without photo editing software with a non compatible situation. I have a free upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 ordered; though I understand it could take up to 6 weeks. Geessssss, don't really even know if that's going to solve my problem. Thus, my pictures aren't as clear--can't size them down appropiately pixel size. I believe that's why so many of late have been blurry?

**pending pictures of scarves from Patty, do check back

Hats from Sandie

Love these manly colors, rust, black, and gray. I've not seen this varigated mix at the stores and wonder what it's called. Might need to look for some. These fabulous hat's are crocheted by Sandie. Her on going support of this worthy cause is so greatly appreciated. It's appreciated by me, by Rae and by those that she warms with stitches.

Many thanks, Sandie. As always such nice work.
Donations Total since December 02-08 when the blog was started:
Hats 278 + 2 = 280
Mittens 53 pairs + 1 = 54 pairs
Scarves 125 + 1 = 126

Thank you James

A pair of Mittens, a scarf, 6 hats, and 3 pair of nice heavy socks! Yippee. James knits and all these are nice and large. Sometimes when it's cold these folks under the bridge double up on hats and I think with the size and stretch James hats will be dandy for that.

Special thanks too James for sending along the socks. Something that's always needed.

Donations Total since December 02-08 when the blog was started:
Hats 272 + 6 = 278
Mittens 53 pairs + 1 = 54 pairs
Scarves 125 + 1 = 126
Socks 68 pairs

**next up hats from Sandie

I got another scarf done for our folks under the bridge. This royal blue double crocheted scarf is made from Caron Pounder using an I size hook. It's 70 inches long and 8 inches wide. Should be able to wrap it around to ward off the cold.

Donations Total since December 02-08 when the blog was started:
Hats 271+1= 272
Mittens 47 pairs + 8 =53 pairs
Scarves 124 + 1 =125

Feels good to complete a project

I finally got a project finished! Yippee. Both hat and scarf are knitted with JoAnne's soft sensations. Love the yarn; but thought it was perhaps too light weight to hold up well outdoors after I got it finished. I'll direct this to the bag for the free clinic rather than the folks under the bridge. The royal blue scarf I'm crocheting will be heavier and more suited I think to the outside elements for the duration.

Our numbers continue to climb, but remember the numbers reflect those we made and donated last year. Sooooooo, please keep those hands busy. So much is needed.

Thanks

Donations Total since December 02-08 when the blog was started:
Hats 271+1= 272
Mittens 47 pairs + 8 =53 pairs
Scarves 123+1= 124

This is post #90

Personal Care Items make a Good Donation

For about $4.50 per person, I was able to pick up those small travel sizes at my local Target. I got 5 deodorants (neutral male female), 5 bottles of scope, 5 chapsticks (you know how dry your lips get and crack when you're out in the cold), a bag of disposable razors (neutral color for male and female, which was enough to put 2 each in each personal care bag), and a nice packaged tube of toothpaste, toothbrush and toothbrush protector. To this I added a handful of band-aids (from a large container I keep at home), a comb, shampoo-soap-lotion-conditioner (that I've saved from hotels when we travel). In most cases I was able to put a couple of the hotel goodies in the bag.

I've made these 5 personal care bags generic, suitable for male or female; as Rae tells me she is now seeing more women with the increase in the numbers of folks living under the bridge. I believe this will make them feel better, and perhaps also keep them a bit healthier. I know how good I feel after brushing my teeth and taking a shower. They may not be able to get a hot shower; but if they're able to spruce up a bit I'm sure they'll feel better.

Sandie has done it again! She's given our cause such wonderful support. Sandie's beautifully made scarves, all crocheted arrived a few days ago. They are nice and think, some are double thickness and range in size from 56 inches long to 64 inches long and from 6.5 to 8 inches wide. They will surely help these men under the bridge ward of the chill.

Hope you can see the pretty coral scarf, nice little scallops on the edge.

Donations Total:
Hats 262 + 9 = 271
Mittens 47 pairs + 8 =53 pairs
Scarves 123 + 7 = 130

Sorry folks got sick and didn't get picture posted, spent all day yesterday in bed. Think I lost about 5 pounds, the hard way. Hope you all are staying well.

Adorable Hats!

*click picture for larger view, you can see the details so much better
Bunny, you've outdone yourself with these adorable--super soft--cute-- and warm hats! 8 hats with earflaps and ties are crocheted, while the hat leaning on the gold pillow is knitted. These will be soooooooooo appreciated by the children/teens who receive them. Think how much better their day at school will be with a warm head. No doubt their teacher thanks you too. It's hard for children to focus on school if they're cold, and many children stand without warm clothing on the bus. These items will go to the free clinics.

I've printed off the pattern that Bunny was good enough to link in her blog; must make some of these. Firstly, I have earaches a good part of the time when it's cold due to busted eardrums from my childhood so these really call out to me. Secondly, I have a puny little head and adult hats hardly ever fit me.

Hop over to Bunny's blog (hehe), link in the side bar and let her know how precious these are.


Donations Total:
Hats 262 + 9 = 271
Mittens 47 pairs + 8 =53 pairs
Scarves 122 +1 = 123

**Folks, in a recent email from Rae (our lady who helps feed and delivery our warm clothing), she tells me she's seeing more people under the bridge than last year. So please grab your yarn.
Thanks to all for your caring hearts.

What can I Do? I'm just one person!!!

There are many things wrong, or sad in the world. Do you find you often ask yourself, but what can I do? I'm just one person? Do you often think, someone should do something. "They", they should do something. Whoever "They" is.

One person can do something. One person can make a difference. It happens everyday, in my city and in yours. It happens when you're not looking. Maybe no camera is there to record it, no news media spreading the news; but it does indeed happen.

Each of you who've knitted or crocheted a hat, a pair of mittens, a pair of slippers, or a scarf have done something. You've done something wonderful. You've helped! AND together lots of us in one's and two's can make a big difference.

The Hats, Mittens, Scarves, Slippers etc. hand knit or crocheted are distributed along with a hot meal to those men and women living outdoors in the elements. These are a few pictures recently taken. Sorry they are very small and hard to see; but I believe still show you the conditions some are forced to live with. PLEASE, think about how you can help.

Can you can knit, or crochet and make something to donate?
Can you can blog about this to spread the word?
Can you can place our badge on your blog or website to spread the news?
Can you can tell your family, your friends, your neighbors, and your co-workers about it? Does someone in your circle knit, crochet, have yarn they no longer use, blog, have a websiteCan you donate socks? Which are always a needed item...nothing worse than cold wet feet.
Can you can collect little soaps, lotions, shampoo etc? Start saving all those samples at hotels when you travel (either for business or pleasure). We donate personal care items too.
Can you put out a box to collect things at work?
Can you place a notice in your school's newsletter, your church's bulletin?
Do you have an old, no longer being used backpack you could fill with warm clothing, or instant food?
Can you print and distribute our flyer at your PTO/PTA, play group, church group, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, work bulletin board etc.?

I know everyone can answer yes to at least one of those things listed above. So, PLEASE can we count on your help; more importantly can they count on your help?

The above pictures were taken awhile ago, see a handful of people in the church kitchen preparing meals, only a few...can and do make a difference. A close up of chicken and noodles, and smiles on faces who've been warmed by clothes, food, and the caring hearts of others.
Our donations have helped the following:
Men and Women living under bridges
Mothers and Children being treated in 2 free clinics
Women in temporary housing at Faith Mission (some were homeless, some were abused)
Men given a couple of nights in homeless shelters through Faith Mission
Families in need of a hot meal through Holy Family
Cold school children in need (some who make it to school from homeless shelters) at Stiles Elementary and Darby Dale Elementary Schools
Homeless CHILDREN with their families living in temporary housing through The Homeless Families Foundation
Cold children in need, many of whom are homeless at West Broad Street Elementary School and Highland Elementary Schools.
Homeless Children with their families living in temporary housing through The YWCA

Fun, Fabulous and Warm MITTENS!!

Look at these wonderful, fun warmth mittens. 8 pairs of various sizes. Fabulous Linda. Thanks bunches. Two great kids hats, and a really fun bright colored scarf too.

Linda, I love how these mittens were knit length ways. Does this mean you didn't need DP's? Were they knit straight on regular needles? Please post the pattern, or leave a link if you can.

And look at the darling hat with ear flaps! Soooooooooooo cute. Hey Linda, could ya send us some sun shine from Florida too? lol

Donations Total:
Hats 260 + 2 = 262
Mittens 47 pairs + 8 =53 pairs
Scarves 122 +1 = 123

New member welcome and thanks!

Danette sent these lovely, warm soft scarves and after multiple tries I finally have a picture to share with you. Please welcome her to our group, as she one of our newer members. Thank you so much Danette for joining our cause and for your thoughtful and beautiful donation.

7 fabulous scarves bringing up our totals. We're warming more and more people each and every day with caring loving hearts and stitches.

Thank you!

Totals

Hats 260
Mittens 47 pairs
Scarves 115 + 7 = 122

PLEASE, if you've been part of the group on Rav. leave means of contact here. If you do not have a blog, please leave your email ady, or link to your Rav. profile page. Thanks!

Scarfin it up!

I'm now able to add more than just 1 picture at a time with that old camera of mine.  Sorry for the delay on these pictures, but it's been a chore figuring out how to accomplish this using outdated equipment.

Sandie has done it again, with lovely warm scarves.  Her work is always beautiful and so appreciated.  Thanks bunches Sandie (you can visit her, as well as all our team members who have blogs by clicking on her name in my side bar).

Still wish I could edit these pictures and focus on the wonderful donations you all are making and sending, but I'm just not able.  I will be buying a new camera; but need to wait until this month's billing cycle has ended, or at least that's hubby's preference.  Might be able to nudge him a bit.  lol

And look at these!  More wonderful, warm scarves.  These are made by one of our newer members which is always exciting.  Please pop over and welcome Karen while you're out blog visiting.  These 3 scarves are all crocheted.  Hope you can see in the picture the one on the far left has such a neat and different texture to it.  My quess is this is crocheted length wise using back stitch single crochet?  Nice soft yarn, very nice indeed.  Many thanks and and again welcome to our group.  Our cause is always in need of more helping hands and special giving hearts.

Totals
Hats 260
Mittens 47 pairs
Scarves 110 + 5 = 115

**had trouble with photo for Danette's donation, so need to redo that.  See I really really need a new camera.  PLEASE check back.  Also, if you've got a good recommendation for a quick, easy to use camera...I like point and click with very little messing; let me know.

Excitement is building, think WARM

The cool days and cooler nights continue.  People have started scraping the frost from their windshields, ugh.  Look though as these wonderful items made with love from Theresa and you'll start feeling warm all over.

8 hats, 4 pair of mittens, and a scarf!  All beautifully made.  Thanks bunches Theresa.  All are needed and appreciated.

Mittens continue to be our biggest challenge, so many thanks Theresa for the first of those to get us rolling this fall.

Totals
Hats 252 + 8 = 260
Mittens 43 pairs + 4 = 47 pairs
Scarves 109 + 1= 110

Well, I got the pictures taken, and posted with the old camera; but couldn't edit them hum.  Looks like I need to play with things a bit more to get the background stuff out.  Will have to look again after work and see if I can improve them.

**still pending pictures of donations received from Sandie, Karen, and Danette.  Gonna do some reading on line and see if I can figure out a better method with this old camera.  PLEASE check back often

Yes, it's most definately fall. Time to knit and crochet BIG TIME!

We've had a couple of nights hitting the freezing mark already here in Central Ohio.  That means the elements are more of a problem for those folks without a roof over their heads.  I am so truly grateful I'm not in that group, as I know you all are as well.  It's so nice to be able to help a bit.

I've just gotten back in town, my camera died while I was gone; so getting pictures is difficult at the moment.  This will be peace meal.  I'm using an old camera that isn't working very well, and loading them is even harder.  UGH, I need to buy a new one.

Sorry for the quality of pictures, but do hope you can see how beautiful these hats made and donated by Bunny are.  Her work is always always fabulous, the yarn is so nice and soft, so besides being warm for someone in need they are also yummy soft.  Many thanks Bunny.  I know a couple of the hats are crocheted, and wonder if 2 of them are knitted?  The taller blue and purple ones pictured on the ends?

**new totals
Hats 252
Mittens 43 pairs
Scarves 109

Stayed tuned as I have donations from Sandie, T. Miller, Danette, and Karen to share.  Hats, mittens, and scarves.  Just trying to work through these camera frustrations.  Please check back often.  Leave a comment, so I know you were here.  PLEASE share our blog url, our badge etc. to share our cause.  Many helping hands are needed.

***Is T. Miller out there?  Would love you email ady or blog link.  Anyone have it?  Thanks

Great Excitement, A Wonderful first Hubby and Wife!

Karen and Frank from South Carolina have just joined our fabulous group.  They're our first couple, and Frank's a hat making machine!!  Seriously, I am in receipt of 65 hats.  They're are fabulous, vary a bit in size and are made with lots of wonderful colors.

I'm still having issues with pictures with the change over in my photo soft ware, so my photo's aren't coming out quite as well.  Sorry, I do hope you can see how wonderful all these Fabulous Frank Hat's are.

Frank's hats are loomed, they are nice and heavy, made with a variety of yarn.  Both he and Karen enjoy knitting, crocheting, looming for the benefit of others.  Living in a warm climate they said they were thrilled to find us and be a part of the cause.  Please welcome both Karen and Frank.  I've added a link to our team list on the side bar so you're able to visit their blog.

Again, many thanks!

**new totals
Hats 252
Mittens 43 pairs
Scarves 109

Drum roll for a new member, LOOK!

Shelly, one of our newest members...some darling hats arrived yesterday. Work schedule prevented me from getting the photo done and posted. Sorry folks. She sent a nice variety of sizes. Some are for wee ones, some for youths, and I think one looks good for a teen with another that will work for adult. YIPPEE.

I'm super excited that we're off to such a good start for this fall and the coming season.

Got an email that tells me scarves on are in route from Karen (more on that tomorrow), as well as more goodies from Sandie (who keeps giving and giving), and we have 2 additional team members. A couple, husband and wife I'll introduce tomorrow. Please stayed tuned. (this is piece meal, having some issues with picture and compatibility folks that coupled with my longer than normal work week are delaying things a bit.).

Many thanks Shelly! (9 hats)

I've decided to eliminate our goals, which began in our first year.  As hats, scarves, and mittens will be appreciated.  All are needed and will be used for the homeless folks under the bridge and or the free clinic based upon need/appropriateness.

**new totals
Hats 187
Mittens 43 pairs
Scarves 109

Good and Bad News to report

These flowers are beautiful, bright and cheery. These are not flowers in my backyard, nor a picture I took; but one in the sample pictures from my new computer. These aren't in my backyard because the weather has turned here in Central Ohio, and flowers are about 98% gone. That never makes me happy because it brings to light the fact people without a roof over their heads will soon be enduring cold, wet miserable Ohio Winters. Together though, we can make a difference in their lives.

On top of the weather turning which to me is also bad news, we received sad news that Rae's mother past a week ago. These Flowers will be our tribute to her in happier times. Rae, though not one of our knitters and crocheters is our connection with these folks under The Bridge. Rae takes our hand knit and crocheted items with her weekly as she takes food to these homeless. Rae on behalf of our entire team, let me express our deepest condolence for your loss.

As in many things in life when one door closes another opens, when bad things happen they're sometimes offset with something positive and good happening. Such is the case here. Today I added 2 new names of team members: Danette and Shelly. I've added links to their blogs and encourage you all to visit and welcome them. I received an email from Danette indicating she had items to donate and needed my address, and Shelly blogged about looking for a good charity and thus we were able to connect. I'm thrilled to have more helping hands, as the cause is great. Shelly has added our badge and blogged about our cause. Many thanks ladies.