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

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!

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Warming more people, each and every day, thank you Barbara

knitted hat scarf and mitten setsMatching sets, hats, scarves, and mittens. Click to enlarge. See the royal blue in the center of the picture and the red and white to it's right....they're heavy tube socks which would help keep little ones warm and dry in their boots. Or since they probably don't have boots add a layer for their legs and feet. These cute colorful sets were knitted and donated by Barbara N. Many thanks Barbara N, the kids who receive these will indeed be warmer!
fun furry hat and scarf setWanted to photograph this one separately so you could see how fun it is. The pink and black remind me of poodle skirts. Anyone else as old as me remember those? Not only will some girl be warmer when she wears this donation, Barbara....she'll also be stylish and thrilled.
hat, scarf and mitten set hand knittedAnd look at this darling one. The picture turned out a bit darker than the set really is. Hope you can see the detail in the yarn when you click on it to enlarge it.
knitted hatsLook at this colorful collection of hats in lots of different sizes. Our friend Barbara's been very busy indeed.
crocheted baby blanket and scarfThe blue and white baby blanket is crocheted and will be donated along with the infant sized hats from above to the hospital, since the babies aren't treated at the 2 clinics. The scarf to the right of the blanket I believe is knitted and sooooooooo super soft.

Thank you Barbara for your thoughtful donation. You've warmed many.

2010

Scarves 90+4=94
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

Totally unrelated, but we all need some fun and perhaps a distraction from this long cold snowy winter. I'm having a fun contest over on my travel blog. Please feel free to hop over and check it out. The more the merrier.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

A rainbow of Scarves

click to enlarge

26 crocheted scarves for the homelessLook at all these wonderfully warm scarves! Gail, a new member sent 26 crocheted scarves. Must check the settings on my camera. This photo looks a bit muted. The colors were yummy. I'm imagining how many people will be smiling when they wrap up in these scarves.

I'm in awe of wonderful you all are for knitting and crocheting, for helping those that do with postage, for posting about our cause and spreading the news. Keep up the fabulous work folks!

Thank you!

2010
Scarves 64+26=90
Hats 68
Mittens 7
Socks 28


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

**Barbara, another new member's donation next. Stay tuned.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Five Fabulous Scarves!

5 crocheted scarvesKaren V's done it again. 5 Fabulous crocheted scarves. Stella's modeling the yellow one...she said it's super soft. There are 3 tan ones (hope you can see them against my tan carpet), and a navy. Many thanks Karen for your continued support for those in need. I'm hoping to meet up with Rae to delivery these items tomorrow night. Thank you, thank you. Karen's box was one of 3 that were delivered today on my return from work.

So, please stay turned for donations from Barbara and Gail!


2010

Scarves 59+5=64
Hats 65+3=68
Mittens 7
Socks 28


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

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Crocheted Hats for Men

I'm happily getting a bit caught up with this picture of 3 fabulous crocheted hats from Alma for our cold men living under the bridge. Most of you probably know from seeing the news, but we continue to be blanketed with snow and extreme temperatures. This winter in Central Ohio has sadly broken records we'd just assume not be broken. Record low temps, record snow falls, records for the number of continuous snow on the ground and so forth. So, please keep those hooks and needles busy. All the hats, scarves, and mittens are so truly needed and appreciated.

Thanks bunches Alma, these 3 hats are nicely sized for men and nice and warm.

2010
Scarves 59
Hats 65+3=68
Mittens 7
Socks 28

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

Looking forward to more warm items from Shelly, per her blog comment; and Linda in Florida who's having great fun with a new loom according to an email I got. So stay tuned!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Recycling and Kool Aid Fun

knitted hatsLook at these fun colored knitted hats from Becky. Aren't they fun? The hats are made of re-cycled yarn. By that I mean, Becky takes apart old sweaters and re-cycles the fiber/yarn. Now, as she explains to me this can only be done if the sweater wasn't surged, (it's seams that is). Then she used Kool Aid to dye the yarn. She had fun with the process, is warming heads of those in need, and is recycling...that's what I call a Win, Win, Win situation!

Thanks bunches Becky for your donation. Been out of town and am trying to catch up a bit with documented donations.

We've got about a foot of snow on the ground right now folks, so all your hats, scarves, and mittens are doubly appreciated.
2010
Scarves 59
Hats 62+3=65
Mittens 7
Socks 28


2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147

Stay tuned for a donation from Alma
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Yarn

Sharing another poem about yarn written in a writers group as a writing exercise. I do hope you all enjoy, and are keeping busy with the magic you perform with your hooks and needles.

A cocoon of yarn

Awaits the magic of

Hand and Hook

What will I be?

Scarf,

hat,

afghan,

love

*copyrighted


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

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

A poem to share

Some time back my SIL and a friend wrote this poem as a writing exercise. I thought I'd share it with you all here as it seems to be fitting.

The rhythm of the hook

as it moves the yarn around

Calls to me in whispers

a sweet familiar sound.

My hand moves almost dreamlike

without a thought or care

As I fashion something new

for someone cold to wear.

Perhaps a scarf or cap

Maybe a blanket too

With each and every stitch

I think of more to do

So when the cold winds blow

and when the snow falls down

My yarn helps me to remember

Forgotten people all around.

I am the one who’s blessed

As my warm hands stitch away

I pray the rhythm of my hook

Will help someone in some small way.

copy righted @ sandy June 2009





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

Sunday, January 31, 2010

HATS, glorious Hats

50 Fabulous hats from our Dear Dear Frank and Karen. Look at the variety in colors. I've separated these in bags marked girls and boys to help when they're distributed at the clinics for those kids so in need (and their Moms). If you've not read about this before, Frank is Karen's husband (see link in sidebar to her wonderful blog). Frank is a luscious loomer. hehe Karen, tell Frank I just gave him a nickname. lol

You can see one of the smaller hats on Susie sitting next to our Stella who's modeling a multi-colored blue hat she was particularly fond of.

Thanks bunches Frank!
2010
Scarves 59
Hats 52+10=62
Mittens 7
Socks 28

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

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Humane Award

WOW... I am speechless at receiving this award from Mary Anne. This is very meaningful to me. I've posted it in the sidebar and will endeavor to pass this along a bit later. Scheduled this post and as you read it, I am out of town. Time perhaps will be better on my return.

I believe everyone who's knitted or crocheted a stitch should take a piece of this award, because this is indeed a group effort. So please pat yourselves on the back and feel free to post this on your blog with a link here so folks will know about it.

I will reserve passing this along to folks outside our group, to highlight them for a later date. I know there are many people doing good things. And again many thanks!
2010
Scarves 59
Hats 52
Mittens 7
Socks 28

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

stay tuned for a donation from Frank

Thursday, January 28, 2010

First Award!

Mary Anne at Starlight Blog gifted me this award way back in October of 2009. I didn't quite understand at the time and therefore didn't do anything with it. My apologies, because I did indeed appreciate receiving it; but didn't know it's meaning or the rules that were attached at the time. Found it a few days ago (this is a scheduled post); and wanted to post it.

In her post, Mary Anne indicates the award is for someone who writes from the heart. That's easy for me to do because you ALL inspire me in many ways. When you hear people say things are bad, people don't care, watch the news and see lots of negative things...YOU ALL prove to me each and everyday people are good, people are kind, and people do care! So please enjoy this award with me, as it's certainly a joint effort.

The rules say I'm to pay the award onto 7 bloggers who write from the heart, and list 10 honest things about me.

  1. I would rather blog then clean house
  2. I would rather watch a movie at home on TV then go out to the movies
  3. I love wine
  4. I'm not a morning person and like to sleep in and wake up slowly
  5. I like learning new things, but really didn't like school after junior high
  6. I'm not very impressed with fame, money, and material things
  7. I love walking through cemeteries, enjoy photographing gravestones; particularly old ones
  8. I'm not very adventurous with eating, no desire to eat things that Anthony Bourdain does on his show
  9. I don't like any reality TV shows
  10. I think I'm a good cook
Now, whom to pass this award onto? I don't believe I can pick among you team members and so will pass the award on, outside our circle of special knitters and crocheters to bloggers who blog from the heart. Gives us all a chance to see and read about non yarn things this way too.
  1. Positive Men, an interesting blogger with stories that you feel in your gut.
  2. The Way I See It, a blog about everyday life globally, very insightful
  3. Mind Your Own Business, a blog about family life
  4. EX Great Life, pick a topic...it's always something different to read about
  5. Comedy Plus, you just never know what you might read about
  6. A Second Cup, fun look at life as we age
  7. Serian Man A blogger who loves to write, he writes about love and life

2010
Scarves 59
Hats 52
Mittens 7
Socks 28

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

stay tuned for a 2nd award, and donations from Frank

Wednesday, January 27, 2010


Look at all the great knitted yummies from Trudy. Some pretty cute sets here, with matching scarves and hats, and the cute neck warmer and hat. Very nice Trudy. Kids are gonna love being warm and looking good!

The gold hat with the garter stitch at the bottom is darling, is that a pattern you can share?

2010

Scarves 56+3=59
Hats 47+5=52
Mittens 5 pairs+2=7
Socks 28

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

Monday, January 25, 2010

Thank you Alma

crocheted hat and scarfStella, once again wrapped up in warmth. She's modeling a blue crocheted cap and a nice big variegated brown tweedy style scarf from Alma. These will be so appreciated by our folks under the bridge. Many thanks Alma. And don't forget she's a new blogger, so stop in for a visit.

2010

Scarves 55+1=56
Hats 46+1=47
Mittens 5 pairs
Socks 28

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

Next up, donation from Trudy, stay tuned.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Scarfin it UP, think that's what the Smurf's would say

**remember to click on the pictures to see things up close
fleece scarvescrocheted scarves
Scarfin it up! With this donation of 30 scarves, I think we may need to add that word to the dictionary. Seriously, look at the fun designs and colors. Chris made 26 fleece scarves and 4 crocheted scarves. Chris is a friend of our Dear Beth (crochetprincess). What fun variety she found with her fleece. Stella is wrapped up in a super soft lavender crocheted scarf.

Thanks bunches Chris, wish you had a blog so we all could come visiting. I'll send along my thanks to Beth.

2010
Scarves 25+30=55
Hats 46
Mittens 5
Socks 28

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

**stay tuned for donations from Alma and Trudy

Thursday, January 21, 2010

More Love from the Hook

pink hatcrochet hats and scarvescrocheting for the homeless
More Love from the Hook. Pouches and boxes from all around continue to prove to me how much love there is the hands of those who knit and crochet. Such a fantastic group of people. Here we have 2 more hat and scarf sets (blue and green--pink and blue), a rose and gold hat, darker navy scarf, and pink and rose hat from Trudy. Love how our numbers are climbing. Each represents another person touched by loving hands and warmed in a very special way.

2010
Scarves 24+1=25
Hats 42+4=46
Mittens 3 pair+2=5
Socks 28

THANK YOU Trudy!

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

Still looking for identity of our donations from Thousand Oaks CA pictured here
Mystery solved, I'm happy to say. Mia made the hats pictured in the post linked above. Thanks bunches!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

More New Members!

Alma is a new member, and sent this donation in a week ago. It got mixed in the wrong folder on my computer and I just found it today. Sorry for the delay posting it. Welcome to the group and many thanks Alma. All items are crocheted. Not only is Alma new to our group, but she's new to blogging. Let's go visit and encourage her to blog and enjoy herself. Remember when we were new at blogging, trying to learn how things worked and excited to get comments. Spread The Bridge Love. I've added her to our blog log.

2010
Scarves 24+1=25
Hats 42+4=46
Mittens 3 pair+2=5
Socks 28

Stay tuned for donations from Trudy
Still looking for identity of our donations from Thousand Oaks CA pictured here

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

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?