More Mittens for the challenge, Yippee!

AWESOME...we have another pair of mittens for our Mitten Challenge, our Mitten Throw Down, our Mitten Month. Thank you James. James, a long time supported knits beautifully. These are wonderful, warm, and soft......and big enough for our men living outdoors so in need. Many thanks James for your ongoing thoughtful support. James is in the process of moving and hopes to get more mittens to us, though they won't be for the challenge as he's busy moving. So, we can look forward to more wonderful knitted goodies from him. Hope the move is going well James.

There's still time folks to get your mittens in for the challenge. Again my thanks to Beth for the idea, for her writing us another pattern. You'll find her patterns, and James's pattern in the tabs at the top of the page.
2010
Scarves 260
Hats 401
Mittens 43+1=44
Socks 77
Slippers


For those that look and plan ahead, be sure and check out Give a Square (see blog badge in the sidebar).

Keep up the good work one and all. You are all very much appreciated.

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

MITTENS!!!

YIPPEE!! Our first 3 pairs of mittens received for the Mitten Challenge. They're fabulous! They're crocheted, their blue, and their from Sarah S from The Hive. The 2 solid colored mittens are crocheted with single crocheted around with ribbed cuff; while the variegated blue pair are made lengthwise using back stitch single crocheted (ribbing). All 3 pair are nicely sized and should fit a man or women in need. I'm soooooooooooooooo excited, I doing a little happy dance. You're probably lucky I'm doing here and no one is taking a picture. lol That way you can pretend I'm a good dancer.

Many thanks Sarah for your thoughtful donation. It is truly appreciated. I'm thrilled to say word of our need has spread to others since I've joined The Hive, and welcome any of you to participate in that forum. Click here for my link to do, if you're interested.

If you'd like to visit Sarah's profile page on The Hive, here's her link.

2010
Scarves 260
Hats 401
Mittens 40+3=43
Socks 77
Slippers

Thank you Beth for issuing the mitten challenge, hoping you're all busy making mittens!

Please take time to read and print our flyer, and read about Give a Square. (tabs across the top, and blog badge in sidebar).


Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Warm Crocheted Scarves for Homeless

Such a pretty blue. Two wonderful warm crocheted blue scarves from Patty. Thank you Patty! Patty is a fellow Ohioan, how cool is that. If anyone has Patty's email ady, please forward. I didn't get a note in her box of donations, can't find an email to send her a Thank You. I can see on the return label her name is Patty L. and she's from Ohio. These scarves are so well made and so very much appreciated Patty. You've made 2 people very happy, and very warm. Many thanks for your thoughtful donation.
2010
Scarves 258+2=260
Hats 401
Mittens 40
Socks 77
Slippers


Have you read, printed our flyer yet? If not, Please do! (see tab across the top of the blog)
Have you started on mittens for Beth's Mitten Throw Down? If not, PLEASE do (see patterns in tabs across the top of the blog). There's still time. The mitten challenge will end Nov 8th and a prize of free yarn will be awarded to the person making and donating the most mittens. That's not to say we don't need or want mittens other times. We do! Mittens, hats, scarves, and slippers.............and
Have you read about Give a Square? If not, please do (see blog badge in sidebar for details).


Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Hats for Homeless

Two fabulous crocheted hats large enough for our Homeless Men. Thank you Margaret. Margaret you may remember did an interview with me to help spread the word about our cause. Margaret and I met and have enjoyed getting acquainted over at The Hive. I'm continuing to make wonderful connections there and am so happy I joined.

These hats are so well made. Thank You, Margaret. Margaret has just recently had a knitting book published. Please check it out.

Hope you're all keeping busy making mittens for our mitten challenge. Thank you Beth for suggesting it, thank you for writing up a new pattern for us.

2010
Scarves 258
Hats 401
Mittens 40
Socks 77
Slippers

Have you read about our flyer
Have you read about Give a Square?

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Slippers

Hats, scarves, and Mittens have always been the items we make and donate. We knit them, we crocheted and some are good at looming them too. Let's add slippers to the list of items needed. Specifically slippers for women and children. Slippers will be directed towards those mothers and children in temporary housing at Faith Mission. Faith Mission is new part of our mission. These women and children are living in temporary apartments. They come with very little, as many were homeless prior to this; and many were abused. Slippers would be a nice addition to help warm them, and let them know they're cared for.

Knitted, crocheted, washable slippers. As with our hats, scarves, and mittens the choice of yarn and pattern and color is yours. Let's just please stick to making them warm and shy aware from lacy, light patterns and yarns.

I made the above slippers some time back for Pine Ridge Reservation, but thought we needed a picture to get us started. There really is no pattern for this, I used 2 rectangles I had, folded them, stitched them, edged and made it up as I went. I will write a little tutorial on this and add to the tab along with some links for slipper patterns. Please check back.

2010
Scarves 258
Hats 401
Mittens 40
Socks 77
Slippers

Please keep busy with the mitten challenge which runs through Nov 8th.
Have you read about "Give a Square"

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Pink Afghan for Homeless

You may remember this pile of pink squares.
They no longer are a pile of pink squares. Karen V donated 23 squares of various sizes and colors of pink.

I snatched 16 of them, edged them in 2 rows of single crochet with white yarn and began assembling them. Each strip of 4 where then edged again with single crochet using dusty rose; and joined again. Then once again the whole ghan was edge with 2 rows of single crochet and dusty rose. I had the dusty rose in my stash and thought it blended nicely with the various pinks from Karen V's donation.

These squares/ now are a 40 x 40 inch lapghan and have been delivered to Faith Mission. I'm sure it will keep someone warmer while watching TV, as well as decorate a chair. It also a perfect size for a little girl. The photo was taken before it was laundered and blocked; but since this is a scheduled post....by the time you read his, it's already in use.

2010
Scarves 258
Hats 401
Mittens 40
Socks 77

Don't forget to check out our "Give a Square" in the sidebar. And while you're at it, make sure you read about our Mitten Challenge from Beth. Hope you're busy working on mittens for the challenge. Remember patterns are available on the tabs in this blog.

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Fall is in the air

Light n Lofty knitted Golden scarf with just a touch of orange and a flared ruffled edge. A couple of years ago I bought a huge amount of both The Light and Lofty and Bright & Lofty. Works up quickly and is fun to work with.
Same colors as above, but this one is striped, in sections and ends with fringe. Both scarves are knitted on large needles. I think one was 17 and the other 15. Both are about 6 ft long and 6 inches wide.

I believe I only have a little of this yarn left, so it's really gotten used.

2010
Scarves 256+2=258
Hats 401
Mittens 40
Socks 77

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Printable Bridge and Beyond Flyer!

We have a printable Flyer! I hope you've already seen it, that means you've been spending time here and looking around. A simple straight forward flyer that can be printed. I'm asking you all to print a handful. Is there someone you work with who doesn't get on line? Do you belong to a social group, or a church group? Are there parents you chat with at ball games, or a bulletin board at your local library? If so, please print and take along a couple of our flyers. Help us spread the word about the need to warm homeless people. We'd love to have more helping hands to knit and crochet. We'd love to find more bloggers to connect with to help spread the news.

As you've probably noticed, we are growing which is nice. Our list of helpers who don't blog has grown quite a bit; but I believe we can can continue to grow. Since we're growing, you've also probably noticed our mission has increased. An increased missions means we're able to help more people in need.

Our goals continue to be the same, warm the folks (men and women) living outdoors without a roof over their heads, to warm those in extreme circumstance being treated at 2 free clinics (women and children), warm and aid those being protected from homelessness and abuse at Faith Mission (mothers and children).

We had a blog contest awhile back which brought some additional attention to the blog and it's cause, which was great. We celebrated our 200th post, with that blog contest and yarn giveaway. Sandie, our long time supporter won the free yarn. We're now in the middle of a fun contest, a mitten challenge to call attention to October being mitten month; and to hopefully raise our numbers in an area in need. Beth, another long time supporter has designed a mitten pattern for us...actually her 2nd one. Both those patterns are available for free in the tabs on this page. Additionally another supporter, James designed a knitted mitten pattern which is also available there in the tabs. Again, free yarn will be the prize to the winner. The winner will be the person who makes and donates the most pairs of mittens. Many thanks Beth for idea and for issuing the challenge. Beth and I of course won't be in the running for the prize.

I'm also hoping you've poked round enough you've seen and read about, "Give a Square". An upcoming focus, for those who like to plan ahead, please take a look.

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Lots of Scarves, SCARF-TASTIC

Cindy and team are like a well oiled machine. Seriously, she her co-workers Taby, Ayleen, Pat, and her mother Peggy crank out scarf after scarf.....these are SCARF-TASTIC!

All are crocheted, some are double strands of yarn. There are 2 matching sets above in addition to the 10 scarves, and purple hat in the forefront. I mentioned before when I showed you there first or 2nd box of donations that I couldn't pick a favorite. Goodness, who could with all these luscious colors!

Keep up the good work ladies. Many many thanks for your thoughtful donations.

2010
Scarves 244+12=256
Hats 399+2=401
Mittens 40
Socks 77

**Don't forgot, we've got Mitten Month going on**
Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

If Patty L from Ohio is reading this blog, would you please contact me. THANKS!

Mitten Challenge, Thank You Beth

Hope by now you've seen the sticky post to the right about the mitten challenge for the month of October....Mitten Month. We'll carry the challenge through the first week of November based on when we announced the challenge. Beth, being proactive saw we had a need and read I'd deemed October as Mitten Month. To reach out, to have fun, and to accomplish more she designed a new mitten pattern for us. It's posted via the tab on top of the blog. She also issued a challenge to all to participate and see how many pairs of mittens we could come up with by the end of the challenge which is November 8th. To add a bit more jazz and excitement to the challenge I'm offering FREE yarn to the person who makes and donates the most mittens during that time frame. Naturally Beth and I are not in the running.

I hope you all get involved and knit, or crochet mittens. There are now 3 patterns here on this page; though you don't have to use those....but they are there for your convenience. Thanks to both James and Beth for that.

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Winning Yarn and Warming the Homeless

You might remember reading a while back that our long time supporter, Sandie won the blog contest we had to celebrate our 200th post. She won yarn naturally. And this wonderful, warm, and very pretty tan tweedy matching crocheted scarf and hat set is made from some of the yarn Sandie won. Someone is going to be not only warm but styling wearing this! As always Sandie's items are beautifully made. Many thanks Sandie for your thoughtful donation.

And, I'm heading out today to buy more socks, many thanks for including money to help with that. It is very much appreciated.

We've had to move from just shutting the windows to turning on the heat now folks, so please kick your knitting needles and crochet hooks into high gear. We've had a couple of below 40 degree nights. That's pretty chilly when you're without a roof over your heads.

**Have you read about October being Mitten Month?**
*****AND The Mitten Challenge by our member Beth?
*************AND have you seen the new mitten pattern Beth designed to help us crochet mittens fast!
2010
Scarves 243+1=244
Hats 398+1=399
Mittens 40
Socks 77

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Knitted goodies from James

James knitted goodies are always sooooooo nice. Two man sized soft hats, 1 warm scarf, a fun neck gator. All knitted. James sent along 4 nice heavy duty warm socks that the men are gonna love for sure.

James has been a long time supporter of our cause. Many thanks James, it is so truly appreciated. Click on the picture so you can see the nice details of the pattern stitch on those hats. Really nice. Maybe it's ridges and cheeks? What did you use James?

2010
Scarves 242+1=243
Hats 396+2=398
Mittens 40
Socks 73+4=77

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

As Promised, a box of fabulous scarves!!

Scarves, SCARVES, and wow. 23 fantastic, fun, and cheery scarves! Look at these colors. I would not be able to pick a favorite. I tried trust me. lol Wonderful, warm, soft scarves to ward off the cold for our homeless here in Ohio. Scarves in many sizes and colors to fit Men, Women, and children. Left top corner...the red and black scarf is a nice fleece. These ladies are awesome. THANK YOU Cindy, Peggy, Ayleen, Pat, and Tabi. All these scarves are crocheted, many with double strands of yarn. Some made vertically, some horizontally, some with fringe, some not. Such wonderful variety!
AND....remember I said in the last post I made up personal care packs that had soap, razors, socks, and or gloves? 13 pairs of gloves! I do hope if you missed the previous post you'll scroll back. Cause this is the 2nd box these ladies sent. AND....drum roll please, there's more! I'm gonna keep you all in suspense though, keep checking back. We've got wonderful donations from long time supporters James and Sandie.

I know many of you come and visit the blog, I'd like to encourage you all to start leaving comments. People like to see someone else admiring their work for one, and for 2....it all helps us in how we show up in the search engines more often. We want to show up often in the search engines, it helps people find us, people finding us gives us a better chance of getting more helping hands, which translates into us being able to help more people. Soooooooo, please come and visit often, leave a comment so we know you were here. And remember folks even if you're not a blogger, you can leave comments and we encourage you to do so. Simply click on name and url and leave the url box empty. Please don't select anonymous, often those are sent to spam.

Many thanks for everyone's hard work, it is truly appreciated and very much needed.

2010
Scarves 219+23=242
Hats 396
Mittens 40
Socks 73

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

SCARVES & Razors oh MY!

Razors, soap, razors, deodorant, razors. And did I mention RaZors! These are fabulous. Thank you Cindy, thank you Peggy, Thank you Ayleen, Thank you Tabi, and Thank you Pat. These ladies are co-workers on a quest to make life better for others. I bagged soap, razors, socks, and or gloves in order to make up some personal care packages. By the time you read this (most of the posts are typed real time but in que with all the wonderful donations,), those personal care packages will have already been delivered. I'll be collecting up more items to go with the remainder of razors to make up more. Stay tuned.
And look at these fabulous fabulous scarves! Don't miss that cute pink hat there in middle. Look at these scarves, so many wonderful colors. 21 wonderful, warm and soft scarves. Colors and sizes are nicely mixed. Some will work for boys, others girls, some larger and more appropriate for our adults; both men and women. This was their first box folks. I have more, but I'll post a box at a time. So, keep checking back! I don't want you to miss the rest.

Pat, Tabi, and Ayleen don't have blogs; but I've added their names to our list of wonderful helpers without blogs, and Cindy and Peggy's links are in the blog log. Please welcome these wonderful ladies with big hearts to our cause.

Many thanks for your thoughtful donation.

2010
Scarves 198+21=219
Hats 395+1=396
Mittens 40
Socks 73

**Did you notice, We're having a Mitten Challenge, a Mitten Throw Down**

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Holly Cow Batman, Rectangles!

Holly Batman, look at all those rectangles. These 45 rectangles were crocheted and donated by RoseMarie. The photo isn't spot on with regard to colors. The dark pile that looks like black is dark forest green. Several shades of orange, and several shades of ivory/off white also in the mix. Rose Marie in Tennessee...many thanks for your thoughtful donation. I assure you each and every rectangle will be used for good. Please stay tuned, check back frequently to see how things come together. We're happy to have you join us. It's not possible to have too many helping hands. Hope to see you here on The Bridge frequently.

I've recently learned there are 20 apartments at Faith Mission. This is temporary housing for our homeless mothers and children, as well as abused mothers and children. In either case they arrive often with very little. We've recently added Faith Mission to our Mission. I love the word beyond in our Bridge and Beyond. Beyond encompasses others in need beyond those living under The Bridge.

We'll continue our year long quest of knitting and crocheting hats, mittens, and scarves for homeless in Central Ohio. I'm hoping with the addition of accepting squares via The Give a Square Program, we'll be able to supply warm ghans for those in these temporary homes. It gives them hope, hope for a brighter future. When they move beyond the temporary housing of Faith Mission, they can take the ghan with them as a house warming type gift.

This is, as most are a scheduled post. Since first typing this, there has been some planning. Please pop over to Sandy's Space to see the planning that's already happened utilizing some of these rectangles.

And please remember we've deemed this month, October as Mitten Month. Please read the previous post. AND...check out Beth's Mitten Challenge, details upper right on the blog

AND, did you notice the additional tab for printable flyer, Thank You Rachel

2010
Scarves 198
Hats 395
Mittens 40
Socks 73

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Reminders and Announcements

ANNOUNCEMENT
Organizing my stash and projects bags the other day and came across this lone mitten. Argh, forgot I never made it's mate. Need to do that. Kicking of Mitten Month with this...for the month of October, let's see if we can raise our mitten numbers. Knitted mittens, crocheted mittens. Mittens for Men, Mittens, for Women, Mittens for children. MITTENS for the month of October, please and thanks. First think Mittens, and then Men if you have a choice. I'd like to take care of those men living outdoors without anything on their hands.

Please continue your wonderful work with hats, and scarves; let's just put mittens in the forefront if you can. Note there are 2 tabs at the top of the page with links to mitten patterns. One is knitted and one is crocheted. Special thanks to the 2 designers, Beth and James.

REMINDER:
Please do not tie knots and cut your knitted or crocheted pieces. Please leave tails when you change yarn colors or add new yarn and work in your 4-5 inches with a crochet hook and or darning needle. When you tie a knot and cut your tail we risk items coming apart in the wash, or coming apart simply with wear. Knots do come undone, and then w have raveling. One of the first things all directions for knitting and crochet tell us is not to cut after a knot. I've had a few otherwise well made items I needed to work with to minimize the cutting after a knot, which delays getting these items to those in need.

2010
Scarves 198
Hats 395
Mittens 40
Socks 73

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Charity is Charity

4 Pretty Cotton Cloths crocheted by Tracey (TCarra in The Ville). She asked whether I thought they would work for the ghans I was putting together for our folks at The Mission. I've used a variety of types of squares and thought, possibly; though I've not used cotton because of warmth. When I opened her thoughtful package I thought they were very pretty, and truly suited for a different charity. I met Jackie over at The Hive who was putting together a fabulous Convention for Women. To empower them, some of these ladies have been abused. She'd asked for door prizes so I made 4 scarves for the cause. I thought these lovely cloths accompanied by a pretty soap would also make good door prizes. Tracey was agreeable and so they've been sent on; but I wanted to share her willingness to help. I'm hoping she'll visit us again. If you get over to the Ville, please look her up and say hi.

We will continue our focus of hats, mittens, and scarves, for MEN, Women, and Children. I have from time to time deemed a specific month as a focus on something, like June was Sock it to me Month, November and December will be Give a Square months. I'm asking that October's focus be Mittens. We never get enough mittens and they're truly needed. Please, if you're wondering what to make....think Mittens for October...those men living outdoors truly are in need. And for those of you who like to plan ahead, let's put out a call for cotton wash clothes for the month of January.

Hats, Mittens, and Scarves ALL YEAR LONG
October, Mitten month
Nov & Dec Give a Square
Jan, Cover me with Cotton Wash Cloths

**aside from a few folks who've already made contact, please hold on sending squares except those 2 months. That way I can clear a working area and get them assembled. Please forward knit or crocheted cloths only during January. By limited certain things it helps with storage, more for those receiving them then for me.
2010
Scarves 198
Hats 395
Mittens 40
Socks 73

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Tipping my Hat to You Liz

Pretty, Pretty! And so nice and warm, so nice and soft. Some of the hats are knitted (bright blue, royal blue, fun bright pink, awesome stripes that looks very fall like); and the rest are crocheted. Two pretty hat and scarf sets as well. Say hello and welcome our newest member and her helping hands. Liz (minnisoda from Crochetville). We're thrilled to have you join us Liz and hope to see lots of ya. If you're a member of The Ville, please look her up and say howdy!

As always click on the picture to enlarge. I'm particularly interested in the off white hat in the upper right corner. Look at the technique she used to make the hat's band. It's the cross stitch using doubles. It makes a nice think texture. I've used that stitch to make a couple of scarves lengthwise; but never thought to use it for a hat band. I really like the look and must give it a try.

Thank you for your thoughtful donation Liz, and again Welcome To The Bridge.

2010
Scarves 196+2=198
Hats 381+14=395
Mittens 40
Socks 73


Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Feeling Pink?

Are you feeling pink today? lol If not, perhaps this will help. There are 23 squares, couple of different sizes all crocheted by our friend Karen V. Some square are granny squares (worked in the round center out), while some are sampler squares (worked side to side). Some are pale pink, some dusty rose pink, some coral pink, and some are hot pink (pepto pink). I've measured and separated and currently have 16 squares in the 7 inch inch in a bag with some white yarn. Still in the thinking stages......and waiting to hear about ages, and numbers of kids at The Mission before making a final determination. But, currently thinking pink and off white lap size ghan/child size ghan.

These squares are well ahead of my 2 month collection period of November and December for Give a Square, sooooo I might change my mind. I like to stare and think a bit before putting squares together to make something. lol...they do talk to me, sorta.

Many thanks Karen V. for your ongoing support. It is appreciate on so many levels, and in more ways then I can possible say. Hugs!

Keep those scarves and hats coming....and PLEASE Mittens. We're almost at the end of the month of September. I want to deem October Mitten Month, with emphasis on Men. That doesn't mean we don't need or want the other items those months, but if you're wondering what to make....think Mittens.

2010
Scarves 196
Hats 381
Mittens 40
Socks 73

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Always fun to see new Scarves for our Homeless

Why doesn't purple show up well in pictures on blogs? I know I've seen Sandie blog about something purple not showing up as to what color or shade it really is. Puzzling. At any rate, this is not a black and white scarf; but a purple (dark purple) and white scarf crocheted by Sandie (in Louisiana). We've got several Sandie's (with ie's) now so I'll try to differentiate.

I have no clue what stitch this is and hope Sandie's pop's in to tell us. It's quite interesting. I resembles those mile a minute styles with the curved edge and worked lengthwise vs widthwise; but other than that...I'm clueless.

I can tell you I like it, and like all Sandie's items is very well made; but what it is...a mystery.

Many thanks as always Sandie for your on going fabulous support. It is so very much appreciated.

2010
Scarves 195+1=196
Hats 381
Mittens 40
Socks 73

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Warming Homeless from the Sunny State of Florida

Fun and fabulous! Look at these great color combination's. Twelve knit hats. Sandie's been supporting us from the sunny state of Florida where fabulous items like she creates just really aren't needed. Thank You! We're glad to have you, now if only you could figure out a way to box up some of your sunshine at the same time. Particularly when we have those miserable cold, wet, gray and or snowy days. Work on it, will ya? LOL, there must be a way for you to add that to your mix. I'm sure our Homeless would appreciate some of your sunshine, knit one purl two, sunshine over! lol
Look at this wonderful plaid shawl. I think it's woven? Is that right Sandie? This will be a nice item I think for one of our ladies at Mission. Since some of them are battered women, nothing like a special item to help them feel better about themselves. It's beautiful and the colors are so pretty and fall like. She says this is her first ever....I think you did fantastic Sandie. Many thanks for your continued support.

2010
Scarves 195
Hats 369+12=381
Mittens 40
Socks 73


Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

The surprised won't be ruined now. I can post Sandie's winnings. (click to read). Here's her 2,090 yards of yarn fun. The pretty skeins of coral I'm hoping she'll use to make something for herself. I knitted a lacy scarf with it and love it. The pink is cotton, perhaps some wash cloths or bibs would work with that. The pretty purple is a nice 2 tone. I've made several scarves with this yarn; it works up really nicely. The tan tweed is heavenly yarn. I've made hats, scarves, and a vest with this, and had it in several different colors...nice yarn. The big blue skein is huge and a fun yarn to make a shawl or baby blanket. She might have some other ideas, that's what I've made using it so far. The fun fuzzy orange and blue makes a nice soft scarf, or hat. And it's Gator Colors, in case you wondered. Thanks again to those who participated in the contest to help me celebrate our 200th blog post. Congrats again to my friend Sandie.


Squares? Have you read about Give a Square? If not yet, please do. I have a badge on my side bar you can click on, as well as the words Squares here in the post. We'll be collecting squares for a time period to assemble ghans as an extension of our mission. ...thus once again hitting on the word Beyond in our groups name. Please feel free to spread the word by adding our Give A Square Badge to you blog, and let you friends know.

Many thanks to all who continue to support Bridge and Beyond with knitted and crocheted hats, scarves, and mittens for our homeless in need.
Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Squares for Homeless

Did you see the new badge on the side bar? It looks like this picture only smaller. If you click on it you'll go to an extra page. If you look across the top you'll see several tabs and this is one of them. I am opening up to receive squares to make ghans to extend our cause. Click on the picture here in the post or on the badge in the sidebar to read about. PLEASE help as you can. I don't want to stop progress on hats, scarves, and mittens...the squares are in addition to. I'll not do squares on an ongoing basis. I'll select times off and on for those based on needs.

Happy hands are busy hands so keep those hands busy knitting and crocheting, making necessary hats, mittens, scarves, and squares.

thank you ALL
Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Squares Nov and Dec, washable, acrylic, not smaller than 7 inches, and not larger than 10 inches. Please leave tail at the end; but work in your other yarn tails if you're changing colors etc.

Hats, Scarves, and Squares for Homeless

These brightly colored fun cheery squares help take away how gray dark and gloomy it is outside today. There are ten (10) 9 inch crocheted squares here. I'll be putting these together with some other pieces parts I have to make a nice warm ghan. Will keep you posted. The finished ghan will either go to our friends at Pine Street Inn (like before), or to the local Mission. Still checking on the need there. Both house homeless, and battered women and their children. Lex (Alexis) from Florida donated these. She's been very busy.
Look at these nice warm scarves (4) she crocheted too. Great colors! These are nice a big and warm, perfect for our homeless folks living outdoors in the elements. And.....
4 matching hat and scarf sets! The front couple of hats are knitted while the others are crocheted. Thank you very much Lex for this thoughtful and generous donation. All items are greatly needed and appreciated. We're thrilled to have you join our cause.

2010
Scarves 187+8=195
Hats 365+4=369
Mittens 40
Socks 73


Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Interviewed!

I'm pretty excited folks. As you know, I'm constantly trying new things, signing up for new groups/things...searching for ways to spread the word about our group and it's goals. It's not possible to have too many helping hands when taking care of the homeless and those left fortunate. I wish the need weren't so great; but sadly it is.

One of the things I did to spread the word was join The Hive (badge and link in sidebar). Through connections there I was interviewed by Margaret Nock. Margaret is writing a book about knitting adventures. She knits and crochets and does lots of blogging. She posted the interview HERE as well as on one of her other Blogs. I'm anxious to hear when her book will be published so I can get a copy. It shouldn't be too long.

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

Gorgeous Goodies from Gail!

Look at these gorgeous scarves from Gail. There are all crocheted, warm and soft. I'm particularly fond of the white and bright colors scarves. What fun yarn that is. Reminds me of the southwest partially. And those neat Canadian blankets. There's a name for those, but I don't know what it is right off hand. Anyone know?

8 wonderful scarves from Gail to keep 8 people warmer. They will all feel loved, and quite special when they wrap up in them. Many thanks Gail for your on going support, it is so truly appreciated.

Keep up the good work Gail. Keep up the good work one and all!!

Please remember all donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. It truly DOES make a difference. THANK YOU!

2010
Scarves 179+8=187
Hats 365
Mittens 40
Socks 73

And the Winner .....is Sandie!!

Ok, I announced Sandie as the winner a few days ago but wanted to do a post about it.

First, I thought you all might like to know how long Sandie and I have known each other, and how we came to know each other.

Long ago I was reading a super long post on The Crochetville Forum. It was pages and pages and pages. I kept reading because I wanted to learn about a project. Squares 4 Survivors. But, it took me lots of reading to find out people who crocheting squares, sending them somewhere where they were being put together to help victims of Katrina. I made contact with her via a pm (private message). She informed me the group was no more. I was floored, after all that reading to learn about it. She and I chatted back and forth several pm/emails worth. Someone else had started the group and felt it had run it's course; but both Sandie and I (Sand ie and Sandy y) thought the need was still pretty great. Anyway she resurrected the project, and started a yahoo group. It was great we met lots of other wonderful people. Some are members here, like Bunny. You might also remember Ghost. She used to be a member here. Anyway we had a well organized and very productive group. Sandie lives in LA, so is well acquainted with the need from Katrina and many of our ghans were hand delivered.

Thankfully, that need was taken care of, the group was no longer needed. Sandie and I kept in contact through the beauty of the blogging world. She's continued to keep her hot hook moving at lightening speed and helped many many different organizations and charities; as well as being a long time and very active supporter here.

While Sandie and I haven't met face to face, I do feel like I know her after all these years of reading each other's blog's.

I'm thrilled to announce she is our winner. Thank you to those who took the time to enter the contest and help us celebrate our 200th post which was a neat milestone. This is now #203.

I'm not showing a picture yet of Sandie's winnings, don't want to ruin the surprise for her. It's going out in today's mail; but I will tease you all with these clues about her winnings.

There are 9 skeins of yarn, several different types of fibers and colors, and she'll have a total of 2,090 yards of winnings to enjoy! There is one stipulation however, 200 yards must be laid aside to be selfish and make something for yourself. I'm even marking those 200 yards. lol, but I think when you see them you'll know.

So pop over and Congratulate Sandie on her winnings, you'll enjoy yourself with all the cool stuff she has on her blog. AND be sure and pop back in, so you can see the picture of her winnings in a few days.

We're Growing and Helping More, Thank you Patty

Once again I'm thrilled to say we're reaching out and making more and more contacts. This thoughtful donation comes from Patty S. A fellow Ohioan whom I met through Facebook. These 2 hats, mittens, and blankets are all crocheted. Not only did Patty and I met on Facebook, but we met face to face in the flesh. She was in town for business and was able to swing by to drop of her donation in person. So cool. AND, I also got to meet her lovely daughter who's a student at Ohio State.

The hats and mittens are size appropriate for the folks under The Bridge, and the 2 blankets will go to the Mission. The young children there will feel special on top of being made a wee bit warmer.

Thank you Patty. Your thoughtful donation is so much appreciated, and I loved getting to meet you and your daughter!
2010
Scarves 179
Hats 363+2=365
Mittens 39+1=40
Socks 73

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

CONTEST WINNER IS SANDIE, PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFO....

Thank you Yvonne!

Yvonne sent lots of wonderful goodies for our folks in need. YIPPEE!!! She sent some yarn which I'll use to make some scarves and other needed items, she sent soap she's collected at hotels, white and black footies.

6 Fabulously warm knitted hats of various sizes and a great scarf that I think might be double thickness. A Wonderful assortment of colors too. People are going to be warm, and look great all at the same time.

These hats are darling, look at the cool edge. Click on the picture so you can see the detail.

I hope you've noticed how many new pairs of helping hands we're getting. It's really very exciting. I try to remember to add names to our blog log for those folks with blogs and hope you take the time to visit each other. For those without blogs I've a list too. If you see I've forgotten to add your name, PLEASE let me know. If at one time you didn't have a blog and so you're on that list and you begin blogging, sing out so I can make the change.

Keep those hooks and needles busy, keep inspire each other, you are all FABULOUS. I'm leaving this (((((((((((((HUG)))))))))) for you all!

**This post officially ends the contest, pop back to see who our winner is, will be announced in the very next post!**

2010
Scarves 178+1=179
Hats 357+6=363
Mittens 39
Socks 59+14=73

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

The Luscious Loomer Did it Again!

*****Only 1 post left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW*****

Dear Dear Sweet Fabulous Frank, otherwise known as "The Luscious Loomer" did it again. Hats, hats, HaTs. Pick a color any color. Frank and his fabulous fingers make that loom zoom.
Lots of great colors too for the guys. I'll divide this up between the 2 free clinics for the kids.
We will be sending some to The Mission. Just recently, we've learned there's a huge need for families in temporary housing who would otherwise be homeless. The Mission houses mothers and children who were/are homeless; as well as some who've been abused. I can wear most of these hats so I know they will fit the teens, and some smaller women as well.
I'm pleased to say we're listed in a few more places and so word is indeed spreading father. The good news is that means more folks are helping us. The more who help us, the more we can help. It feels so good to be able to help someone. Many of us perhaps don't have the ability to make the mounds that our friend, Frank does; but we all do have the ability to help one item at a time. No donation is too small. Please remember we help, one stitch at a time, one item at a time, one person at a time. The one item you make DOES make a difference!

Keep up the good work one and all.

*****Only 1 post left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW*****

2010
Scarves 178
Hats 292+65=357
Mittens 39
Socks 59

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

I've got JOY in my Heart!

*****Only 2 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW*****


With some play on words here. Thank You JOY! Joy is a high school classsmate and friend of mine. We recently got re-acquainted thanks to Facebook. Look at these wonderful crocheted sets of hats and scarves. 4 Hats, and 4 Scarves, a pair of mittens, and 4 squares. Wish my picture had turned out better. They are beautifully made. I am truly thrilled and my heart is filled with Joy, thanks to JOY. She also sent me a book, Samekind of Different As Me that I'm hoping to find some time to read about homlessness.
Wanted you to see the cool detail and texture in the above green hat and scarf. My quess from looking is she used triple or double's and did front posts stitches. LOVE it!
These 4 granny squares will be used to put together another ghan or two, so stay tuned for that.

*****Only 2 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW*****

2010
Scarves 174+4=178
Hats 288+4=292
Mittens 38+1=39
Socks 59

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

Top 100, this is sooooooo AWESOME

*****Only 3 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW*****

Looky! I applied awhile back for this award/link and am thrilled to say we've been approved. Bridge and Beyond is now listed as one of the top 100 crochet and knitting sites. Many thanks to you all for keeping this site going, for spreading the word and increases the number of people we can help, one stitch at a time.


I've added the badge to our sidebar and if you click here or there you'll be taken to the site. Now because I often don't totally understand all techy things, I need some help getting our banner to be displayed. Anyone know how to do that? I know how to add a picture from my computer and then add the url; but the space there only has a spot for the url? Help please and thanks.

*****Only 3 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW*****

2010
Scarves 174
Hats 288
Mittens 38
Socks 59

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

Tipping my hat!

*****Only 4 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW*****


Two wonderful hats, thank you Joyce! Joyce crocheted these nice soft hats. I'm not sure what type of yarn they are but they feel wonderful. Two lucky people will be warmer and more stylish! I believe she's used back loop here to give such a nice ribbing effect.

Joyce is from my memory our 2nd fabulous crocheter from the state of Louisiana. Tipping my hat to you, Joyce. Many many thanks for your thoughtful donation. It is greatly appreciated.

*****Only 4 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW*****

2010
Scarves 174
Hats 286+2=288
Mittens 38
Socks 59

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

French Mittens, and Hats

*****Only 5 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW*****

This donation comes to us all the way from France! Seriously, the country France, the one across the big water!! Thank you Sacha. I met Sacha recently on The Hive and am thrilled to say this is the 2nd helping hand for our homeless we've gotten through connections on The Hive. YIPPEE!

All items are knitted. Sacha sent 4 pairs of mittens, 4 hats, and one headband.

Hope everyone is enjoying summer as it's nearing an end, busy with yarn and needles and hooks, and hope you all know how much your hard work is needed and appreciated. Remember every single item keeps someone warm, gives someone hope. There is no donation too small.


*****Only 5 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW*****

2010
Scarves 174
Hats 282+4=286
Mittens 34+4=38
Socks 59

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

Thank You Sandie in Florida

*****Only 6 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW*****

Sandie in Florida found us through our listing on knittingforcharity.org. YIPPEE. We've gotten help from that listing before which makes me feel good.

Sandie loomed 15 hats of varies sizes, and very cool colors. You're gonna have to take my word for how cool they were, cause I had a picture snafu. No clue where my picture went. It was on the camera, but it didn't get transferred correctly to the computer. Meanwhile one I had previously posted, and deleted is somehow still on the card??? Argh.

I was able with the variety of sizes to put some hats in the bags for the kids at the clinic and some for the homeless folks under the bridge. The items have already been passed on, so therefore I'm not able to get another photo.

Many thanks Sandie for your thoughtful donation. We're happy to have you join us and look forward to more of your generous donations.

Edited to add
SAVED, thank you Sandie. I sent an email asking if she had taken a picture and thankfully she did so here's Sandie's picture of her awesome hats.
*****Only 6 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW*****

2010
Scarves 174
Hats 267+15=282
Mittens 34
Socks 59

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

Hello and Thank You, High School Friend

***Only 7 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW***

Firstly, let me apologize for the wacky photo. I cropped things that shouldn't be in the picture but wasn't able to do a very good job of it. (well actually I couldn't figure out to crop just the part I wanted so I erased them)

Hello HS Friend Donna. I graduated way way back in the dark ages, 1969 from high school. Through the beauty of the internet and social groups on Facebook I've been having a great time connecting with my former classmates. Donna and I re-connected and she offered to help our cause. YIPPEE! She knits, as does her 91 year old mother. How cool is that. Bright pink, light pink, and Tangerine colored scarves were knitted by Donna's mother, Helen. Thank you Helen! The other 5 scarves Donna knitted.

We met for lunch which was great. We spent some time catching up, had a nice lunch and she passed these 8 scarves along to me. They've already made the next leg of their journey. I handed them off yesterday (well this past Sunday, cause this is a scheduled post so by the time you read it...).

Welcome to the group Donna, we're happy to have ya. She's already working on another scarf, can you see me smiling?

We both had a yummy salad.

We're both looking forward to getting together again.

***Only 7 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW***
2010
Scarves 174+8=182
Hats 267
Mittens 34
Socks 59


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

Cyndy's Soap

***Only 8 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW***

24 Bars of fabulous, wonderful soap. Soap might not be something you think of everyday; but it's something we use everyday....multiple times a day in fact. You have soap at the kitchen sink, beside the bathroom sink, in the shower, and probably by the washer and dryer. If you're homeless, you don't really have that luxury. Think how good you feel when you get out of the shower. Ahhhhhhhhh. Sometimes the shower helps wake you up, sometimes it soothes tired sore muscles, sometimes it cools you off, sometimes it helps with the pain and stiffness of Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. None of these situations exist if you're homeless.

Sometimes our folks living under the bridge have the ability to clean up, but to do so; they need soap. Periodically I've put together packages of soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, lip balm and other things to help them have a day or two of feeling better.

I am thrilled and believe they will be too. Cyndy from Straddle Creek Shop whom I became acquainted with because of The Hive makes handmade soap and has graciously donated 24 bars of her wonderful soap for our homeless folks in need. I will be adding this to personal care packages.

I hope you'll hop over and check out her webpage, order yourself some of her fabulous soaps. Particularly anyone with sensitive skin, or those interested in chemical free products.

Thank you Cyndy for your generosity.
***Only 8 posts left before we see who the winner of the contest is, but YOU still have time to enter, CLICK TO READ HOW***

2010
Scarves 174
Hats 267
Mittens 34
Socks 59

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