Knitted Striped Afghan on the Needles to be Donated to Homeless

Folks, I've dug back through the blog here on Bridge and Beyond to review of bit of history for us regarding afghans.  In 2011 we knitted, crocheted and donated 55 afghans, in 2012 we knitted and crocheted the same number 55, in 2013 we came close making and donating 53....just 2 afghans less, and in 2014 we made and donated 32, 23 less then the previous year of 2013.  In those 4 years we averaged 49 donated afghans a year.  This years number of 23 is obviously lower than all those years, lower than average by 17.  With that in mind, I'm sharing a picture of a start to a knitted striped afghan currently on my needles.  I started this ghan last week while out of town on a "girls getaway".  Love the colors.  This yarn was donated by our good friend and long time supporter, Gail B.  You might remember seeing some of this yarn....HERE

I had thought I'd knit a ripple, but in all honesty, we were talking so much I decided I needed something I didn't have to think about, not even counting, and soooooooo nothing fancy, the colors will be the main design feature vs the pattern or stitches.  The stripes will not be even, as I'm basing it on the amount of yarn I have in each color.

Thought it might be fun to know the history and background of the word afghan.  In a quick google search I found some limited information on several sources, including by not limited to Wikipedia.  An afghan is a coverlet, used on chairs, couches, and beds.  The word in English was first used by novelist Thomas Carlyle in his "Sartor Resartus in 1833.  It came from an area in Afghanistan, people known for their textiles.  There are many styles of afghans, some made in one piece, as above, some pieced together like granny style squares.  The history of granny squares seems to be up in the air, though presumed to be named for "granny" the person in each family most likely to piece together a blanket made of scraps of wool back in the day.  The motives style afghan is thought to come from rugs designed in Afghanistan used  in the Colonial period that came from The Middle East.

Crocheting an afghan tends to be far faster then knitting one, while knitted afghans tend to use a bit less yarn, and be less heavy weight wise.  Though I believe both knitted and crocheted afghans are equally warm.........particularly if they are both solid styles or styles where stitches are pretty close together.

What style afghans do you like to make?  How many afghans do you have in your home?  Have you made and donated an afghan?  Did you see the granny style crocheted afghan my Great Grandmother made in the previous post?  If not, please scroll back.

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Year End Donation Totals

Some  of you may have seen this very old afghan before.  This afghan was crocheted by my Great Grandmother.  It's in need of repair.

As you can see it's pulled away in a few places.  I've not yet determined the best method of repair.  I wanted to share this with you all, as I tally our year end totals.  Why?  Well, one of the things we do is provide afghans for people making the transistion from shelter living to permanent housing.  A welcome home, a celebration, a wish for a brighter future is what we offer in addition to a warm afghan.  An afghan, can last for generations and can be very meaningful.

Our year end tatallies while below this time last year, are still impressive.  Each and everyone of you who've supported the cause here on Bridge and Beyond should congratulate yourselves and feel pleased you were able to help so many people in need.  I thank you, and hope you'll all continue to care for those in need with your talented hands, hooks, and needles.

Hats: went from 1053 in 2013 to 971 in 2014.  (81 less)
Scarves: went from 666 in 2013 to 590 in 2014 (76 less)
Socks: dropped from 281 to 199 (82 less)
Afghans: dropped from 55 to 32 (23 less)
Slippers: dropped from 153 to 121 (32 less)
Rain ponchos: from 213 to 61 (152 less)
Mittens: from 300 to 130 (170 less)
Cotton Washcloths: fro 577 to 334 (243 less)

If you're able to increase your efforts in the coming months, that would obviously be welcomed.  If you're not, please understand what you do do, does matter.......even if it's one pair of mittens or pair of slippers.  Together, we do make a difference.  The Power of One should not be underestimated.

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Warm Toasty Feet

Thank you Cheryl for this fabulous donation of slippers.  These slippers are so nicely made, crocheted with double yarn, I believe.  There are nice a solid and will be truly appreciated by the folks who receive them.  When you feet are cold, you're whole body is uncomfortable.  Warm comfortable slippers can also help keep people healthier, and shelters aren't necessarily the warmest places....certainly far better then being out in the elemets, but not like the comfort we have in our own homes.

Many thanks Cheryl for your thoughtful donation, please keep up the good work, we're thrilled to have you amongst us.

Have you noticed any changes on the blog???
Please stay tuned folks for totals.  All items received prior to the end of 2014 will be tallied in that year, even though the posts will appear in the year 2015.  

2014 DONATIONS:
Hats: 971
Scarves: 590
Socks: 199
Afghans: 32
Slippers: 108 +13=121
Rain Ponchos: 61
Mittens & Gloves:130
Wrist Warmers/Fingerless gloves: 4
Cotton Washcloths: 334
Misc. (Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's, Skirts, cowls/mobius,  and Shrugs etc.) aren't tabulated

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.