Celebrating with a Comment Contest

Yesterday we hit a special milestone of 400 blog posts here at Bridge and Beyond. Through the generosity of a special secret donor I'm happy to tell you how YOU can win this $40.00 JoAnn Gift Card. What can one do with a gift card from JoAnn? Wow, the skies the limit. If you knit or crochet or loom, you can buy yarn, books, or patterns. If you scrapbook you can buy special papers, decorations and other materials. If you paint, make jewelry, flower arrangements, do woodworking, sew, felt you'll love spending time picking out wonderful items for your craft of choice. I'm sure I've left something out. I know I can spend hours going up and down the rows looking, thinking, and planning what to make at JoAnn's, so know whomever wins the contest will have fun making their selections.

Now, how can you win? For the month of May, visit and comment. You heard right, visit and comment. You're only limited by how many blog posts are here, which as you know is 400. You can comment once per post starting on May 1. So, even if you've already posted a comment on a particular post, you can comment again on that particular post....only once per post from May 1 through May 31st. Post a comment here to say you're in, then come back and go to town. For every 2 posts your name is added to the hopper again, so the more you comment the more you increase your chances. The winner will be pulled from a hat, or maybe by random.org. The latter is quicker; but there's something fun about the hat....so, we'll see. Example, add a comment here that's your first chance, add 2 more comments on 2 other blog posts and that's another chance.

My blog settings are such that I am notified via email for every comment, even on older posts; so your comment won't be missed.

You might be wondering how to find your way back to old posts? Several methods exists. Firstly, you could start with the current blog post and simply go backward. Or, you can click on the blog titles in the recent blog post area where I've altered it to show 25 titles. You might also click on each of the 3 posts listed under each blog post where the thumbnails exist and say you might also enjoy, which if you look at what's showing when you scroll through just the first page will get you to 18 posts.

This will be fun to celebrate our milestone, and help the blog's placement with visits and comments; making it more visible to those looking to find a charity to knit or crochet for. Additionally, everyone likes to receive comments on their hard work, it encourages them to make more. So enjoy yourself, make others feel good about their donations, help the blog, AND improve your changes to win a fun filled shopping spree at JoAnn's.

Feel free to spread the word on your own blogs, in your knitting or crochet groups, on RAV, Facebook, or Twitter.

2011
Scarves 171
Hats 274
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 68
Slippers 37
Ghans 25+2=27 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 16

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Colorful Stripes to Warm those in Need

This bright, cheery, and colorful crocheted afghan comes from our friend, our young friend Rebeccah. I love how bold and bright it is.
Likewise, this 2nd ghan she also crocheted and donated for our folks in need at Faith Mission. Sorry this 2nd picture is a bit blurry. You're not seeing double, there are 2 ghans and their not the same. The are both bright and cheery and stripes, but they are different.

Thank you Rebeccah for your ongoing support and thoughtful donation. I know the 2 people who receive these are going to be thrilled, and warmed both physically and emotionally.

**Drum roll please folks, this is blog post #400!** Don't forget to check in tomorrow for the special post announcing our special celebratory contest. You really don't want to miss the details.

***5 more days for our special April Showers Project, you do still have time to get your poncho's in the mail***

Though the calendar tells us all Spring is here, the weather has only started to warm up, so the need to warm our homeless still exists. Please keep your hooks and needles moving along. Hats, scarves, mittens, and slippers are still needed and appreciated. Thanks for all you do for others so selfishly.

2011
Scarves 171
Hats 274
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 68
Slippers 37
Ghans 25+2=27 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 16

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Hats, Fabulous

Eight, fabulous double yarn loomed hats! Such nice colors, so nice and soft, and double yarn to make them really nice and warm.............what could be better? Thank you Sandie in Sunny Florida for your ongoing support and thoughtful donation. It is needed, and very much appreciated.

The colors are more vivid then the picture shows. The hat in the upper right is Scarlet and Gray, Buckeye Colors, which the picture really doesn't show well.

*This is post #399.........we're almost there folks. When we hit our milestone of 400 posts, I'll announce our special contest and prize, so get ready. Tell everyone. I want everyone who's donated these past 3 years to know about it. I'll be blogging about it, Facebooking about it, Tweeting about it, and hope you all do too. You really really don't want to miss it.

**This is April 24th, that gives you all 6 more days to participate in April Showers. It gives you all 6 more days to tell your friends, your neighbors, your family, and your co-workers about Spring Showers. Remember non knitters can participate. Remember non crocheters can participate. Remember non-loomers can also participate. Men, women, and children can participate. Spread the word--blog about it, talk about it, tweet about it, Facebook about. Spring is nasty, cold, and wet when you're living outdoors. April Showers is a program everyone can feel good about. Click in the sidebar for details please and thanks.**

2011
Scarves 171
Hats 266+8=274
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 68
Slippers 37
Ghans 25 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 16


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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Helping from Head to Toe

Thank you Yvonne for helping warm our homeless from Head to Toe. Poncho's have hoods, and socks help warm the feet. With this thoughtful donation of 6 pairs of socks, 4 ponchos, and a pair of slippers you're helping our homeless truly head to toe! The slippers are knitted with double yarn, so are nice and thick and warm. Many thanks!

7 More Days of April Showers, folks. Still plenty of time for you to get in on the action and help keep a homeless person in need dry.

**This is post #398, only 2 more to go until we reach milestone 400. PLEASE don't miss it, a special announcement for a contest you really don't want to miss will be announced.**

***Reminders, tuck in ends when you change or add yarn, stay away from open-see through type stitches (if you're able to see your hand through your projects, try going down a size with your hook to obtain a tighter and warmer item). Though we highlight an item each month, we continue to collect hats, scarves, mittens, and slippers all year long. When you come visit the blog, please leave a comment so we know you were here.***

Thank you to all for all do.

2011
Scarves 171
Hats 266
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 62+6=68
Slippers 36+1=37
Ghans 25 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 12+4=16

**Have you printed and posted a flyer to help spread the word about Bridge and Beyond? Please let me know where you posted them. Love to add the information here on the blog. Did you know we have a flyer? Click on tab in the top of the blog.

Thank you for your patience as I work to catch up from being away. Donations in que from: Sandie in Florida, psmflowerlady, Rebeccah, and Joanie. Please stay tuned.

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Hats and Scarves oh My

Crocheted hats and scarves from our friend RoseMarie. She always decorates her donations so cute with the little flowers with button centers. I've yet to make one...flower that is; though plan to. Thank you RoseMarie for your ongoing support, it is greatly appreciated. Thanks too for the link for the video for how to make the flowers. I saved it somewhere (hopefully when I have time to make one, I'll be able to find it, lol).

*8 more days folks for April Showers, you still have time to read about it and to participate, please click in the sidebar
**Remember folks, you do not have to be a blogger to leave comments, simply type your comment, then click name and url in the drop down, leave the url space blank, type your name in the name area and hit publish. We love having you visit and read, but if you leave a comment we'll know you were here. AND, comments are helpful for the blog's placement in search engines, which helps us be more visible to potential knitters and crocheters who might like to add their helping hands to our cause. Don't be shy, do leave us comments.
***Have you checked the lists (both with and without blogs), is there a state listed by your name? If not, please leave a comment as to what state you're from. Trying hard to get everyone properly documented. Would like to update the map at the bottom of the page. Have you scrolled down to see the map? If not, please do. Knowing what state you're from is helpful when I'm trying to match up donations that come without notes. Thank you.

When we hit post #400 a special announcement will be made. This is a contest to celebrate our milestone. You REALLY don't want to miss it folks, so please keep checking in. This is post #397, so only 3 more posts to go!!!

2011
Scarves 168+3=171
Hats 262+4=266
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 62
Slippers 36
Ghans 25 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 12

Thank you for your patience as I work to catch up after being away. Donations from psmflowerlady, Yvonne, Sandie in Florida, Joannie, and Rebeccah waiting in the wings in que.

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Ponchos are Perfect for our April Showers Project

If you've been following this blog awhile, you no doubt know we highlight a need every month with a special project, a special blog badge/button. This month, April is no different. This month may be best known to all as April Showers bring May Flowers, but..........only if you've got a roof over your head to keep you warm and dry. If you've not yet read about our April Showers project, please take time to do so. Click above, and or click on the badge in the side bar. This is an easy project, a project all can help with...even our non knitters and crocheters.

Thank you minnisoda from The 'Ville' (Liz in Minnesota) for these 8 ponchos, they are greatly needed, and very much appreciated. We have 10 more days of this special project, so please pop over to your local grocery or drug store and pick up a handful of these small lightweight ponchos and help keep a homeless person dry. Being dry is important, it's also hard to accomplish when living outdoors in the elements.

This is post #396 folks, only 4 more posts until we hit another milestone here on Bridge and Beyond, 400 blog posts. Those 400 posts excite me because it's representative of how much giving you've all done. Each blog posts highlights thoughtful donations from you. Some are knitted, some are crocheted, some are loomed. In the early days of the blogs I blogged here and there, and often grouped several photo's and several donations together. I later switched to the current process of highlighting a donation from one person at a time. I hope you share my excitement with this 400th post close at hand. PLEASE keep checking in....there will be a special blog post announcing a special contest. You really don't want to miss it.

Thanks for your patience, as I work to catch up with all the wonderful donations that came while I was away. (in ARUBA if you want to read about it) Stay tuned for donations from psmflowerlady, Yvonne, Sandie in Fl, RoseMarie, Rebeccah, and Joannie.

2011
Scarves 168
Hats 262
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 62
Slippers 36
Ghans 25 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4+8=12

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Boxes and Packages = Donations = Happy!

These 6 packages arrived while hubby and I were out of town at a wedding and then on vacation. Wanna guess what's in them? My fabulous trusty neighbor always takes such good care of your thoughtful donations in my absence. Six, count them. Six packages of goodies. Please stay tuned as I catch up with photo's and appropriate posts with donations from Rebeccah, Jaonie B, RoseMarie, Tammy (psmflowerlady), Sandie in Florida, Yvonne, Liz (minnisoda from Rav).

If you've not yet checked out April Showers, please click in sidebar and read all about it. A wonderful, and easy way to help. A way our non knitting and non crocheting friends can help.

This is post #395 , only 5 more til we hit 400! Can you believe it? PLEASE keep checking, when we hit post 400, I'll be announcing a special contest and you don't want to miss it. Pass the word.

Thank you all for continuing to support those in need with your efforts. Truly, they are greatly appreciated.

2011
Scarves 168
Hats 262
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 62
Slippers 36
Ghans 25 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Mittens make me smile!

Thank you Sally in NJ. Look at these fabulous mittens folks. 5 Pairs of wonderful soft, fabulously warm knitted mittens in several different sizes. AWESOME! And 2 cute cute cute pairs of slippers, also knitted. I love the colors in the slippers. The yarn colors aren't something I've come acrossed before. What type of yarn is it? Also, the yarn you used in your mittens is really very nice, what did you use? Always nice to learn about a new type of yarn. Might give me an excuse to go buy more yarn, lol.

April Showers is our month of April's focus. Have you read about it? Please check our sidebar for details. Is this something you can help us with? Do you know someone who'd like to help who doesn't knit, crochet, or loom? Please do what you can to get them involved. Sumps pumps have been running full steam now for a couple of weeks with the amount of rain this area has had, so a poncho..........would be truly well received by those living outdoors in the elements.

2011
Scarves 168
Hats 262
Mittens (gloves) 61+5=66
Socks 62
Slippers 34+2=36
Ghans 24+1=25 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4

**If you mail something but haven't heard back from me in a couple of days, please zap me an email. We've had 2 members wondering if their items made it safely to me. One had forgotten to include a note so I didn't know whom she was to sing out, and one...........was out there floating and floating in the postal world for quite some time. It's always good to check on your items. In addition, If I'm not here to take in your thoughtful donations, my trusty neighbor does; but I then may be delayed in letting you know. So, please always feel free to check with me via email.

**If you crochet and or knit, please check the last couple of days posts. I've left some entertainment for you. Don't want you to miss it. Turn on your sound, and don't have a drink in your hand when you listen and watch. Enjoy.....but keep knitting and crocheting, please and thanks. Wink...wink.**


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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Turn on Your Sound, Grab your Yarn, Part II

Yesterday I shared some fun special for you crocheters (if you missed it do scroll back and check it out). AND today, more fun in store for you Knitters! Turn on your sound, grab your yarn, your needles (and your hooks), and enjoy.

Fun for Knitters


2011
Scarves 168
Hats 262
Mittens (gloves) 61
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 24+1=25 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Turn on Your Sound, Grab your Yarn!

This was posted elsewhere and I thought it truly too good not to share with you all. Turn on your sound, probably best you not be drinking while you're listening. This is guarantee to put a smile on your face. Sooooo,. what are you waiting for grab your yarn, grab your hook, (and or knitting needles) and let the sound carry you away.

Crochet It Away

**Be sure and pop in tomorrow, something fun for The Knitters!

2011
Scarves 168
Hats 262
Mittens (gloves) 61
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 24+1=25 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Little Princess on it's way to Faith Mission

These lovely pink, blue, and variegated squares were made by Liz (minnesoda in The Ville). I'm happy to say we have another ghan on it's way to Faith Mission. These squares were all the same size which made working on them pretty quick...well quick when speaking about making ghans. lol I edge them all in off white and used the join as you go method of crocheting them together. I rather liked this method on this particular ghan. I struggled with what to do for the border, but am pleased with the result. It's fairly wide and the ghan grew nicely in size to a 54 inch square.

Still have several ghans that have been designed to put together, and still squares on hand to do some more designing with, so a little reminder folks to not send any more squares at this time. I've continued to receive squares, but Give a Square has been dormant since January. I want to work my way through some on hand before I'll again activate that program. Please continue to make squares, just hold them until I sing out it's time to mail again.

April Showers is in full swing, and given the amount of rain we've had the last couple of days I want to stress how much a poncho can help those living out in the elements. Please take a moment and read all about this months focus, April Showers. THANKS

2011
Scarves 168
Hats 262
Mittens (gloves) 61
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 24+1=25 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Why Home Made?

Sometimes people ask me why homemade vs store bought? Several reasons really. Homemade is special. Homemade is a way to truly give of yourself. The person who receives your handmade item knows you spent time, knows it's a piece of you. It's my believe, and that of many knitters and crocheters that's helpful in giving them a warm feeling inside. I know a store bought item can bring about physical warmth, but I don't believe it can bring about the same kind of emotional warmth that a hand knit, hand crocheted, or hand loomed item can.

We do ask for store bought vs hand made socks, because they often can't be well cared for, and people need to change their socks to try and have dry warm feet is a chore.

Please continue knitting, crocheting, and looming your thoughtful donations of hats, scarves, mittens, and slippers for Men, Women, and Children all year long. As you know, these posts are written ahead, and in que. When this post was written it was raining cats and dogs, and then some. Making me once again think about our current focus, April Showers. Please, take time and read about it in the sidebar. This is a wonderful opportunity to help people, an opportunity where non knitters, non crocheters, and non loomers can join in.

This is post #390, getting closer and closer to 400.

2011
Scarves 168
Hats 262
Mittens (gloves) 61
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 24 (2 went to Pine Street)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4

**Reminder to avoid the use of white as much as possible, tuck in your tails, include a note with your email, blog url, computer avatar/ID etc. with your donations.**

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Clapping for helping hands for the homeless

Three knitted hats, 2 knitted pairs of mittens, and 26 crocheted squares/diamonds and sampler type squares arrived the other day; from Lynn, a fellow Ohioan. Lynn H. is our newest pair of helping hands who found us from being listed on The Lion Brand Charity List. I always enjoy learning how people find us. The darling gold knitted set is soooooooooo cute. Love the mittens being attached, brings back memories of when my daughter was young. Don't think they make them like that anymore, but should. Sure keeps you from losing a mitten when the kids take them off. Thank you.

This is day 5 for our April Showers Project, please if you've not had a chance to read about it, do so by clicking in the sidebar. Please help us spread the word. This is a wonderful way for folks who don't knit or crochet or loom to be able to help the homeless. Being wet and cold is no fun. You can help, by supplying a poncho. A friend asked this question the other day on Facebook and so I thought I'd pass it along. She asked where one finds these poncho's. I found mine at CVS in the pharmacy area along with umbrellas.

This is post #389, getting closer and closer to 400.

2011
Scarves 168
Hats 259+3=262
Mittens (gloves)59+2=61
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 24
Squares 188+26=214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4

**Reminders:

Avoid open or lacy stitches, solid stitches are warmer
Weave in your ends, please don't tie and knot and cut. Always leave several inches after joining new yarn and work those tails in so items don't come unraveled.

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Knitted Headbands help to warm ears

These 8 knitted headbands were donated by Kathy G. Headbands can help keep one's ear's warm. Believe these are all made with Lion Brand Homespun yarn. As you can see they'll fit a variety of head sizes since they are different sizes and widths. Thank you Kathy for your thoughtful donation. I think these will work for the girls at the 2 free clinics.

I recently switched to the new editor here on blogger for pictures etc. Not sure I like it. Are you fellow bloggers using the new or old version? Does anyone know how to alt text pictures using this new editor? Or do they no longer need to be alt texted? Does anyone know how to go back to the old editor? I think I like it better. The new one is suppose to be easier to use, easier to get your pictures where you want them, move them around etc. I'm finding just the opposite. Seems you get funny spaces here that you don't want or didn't put in??

This is post #388, only 12 more to go to reach another milestone of 400 blog posts. Wow! You all have made that possible, You all are awesome!

Does anyone know a person in Delaware Ohio who knits and crochets and donated? Received a box without a note, and not even a name on the return address. Not sure if this is another oversite or they wanted to be anonymous. I always work hard to try and identify people, so I can at least send an email to let them know the package arrived. But, I don't even have a last name on this one. If you're out there reading this, please send me an email or leave a comment here. I have no problem if people want to be anonymous, but please still include your name for me, so I can communicate.**Mystery solved**

Added another state, North Carolina to our map, check it out folks, we now have people who've donated from 29 states listed for a 58%, how cool is that. Thanks Anne G for your note, appreciate it, and added NC to your name on the list. Please folks, take a minute...find your name on the list of either bloggers or non bloggers and see if your state is listed with your name. If it isn't, please leave a comment here so I can update. You're helping in several ways when you do this. One, you're leaving a comment which is helpful to the blogs SEO placement, and 2ndly we'll be able to update lists and map which is fun, and is helpful when I'm trying to identify donations that come without notes etc. Thanks!

2011
Scarves 168
Hats 259
Mittens (gloves)59
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 24 (must have forgotten to add ghans somewhere along the line, just updated after checking all the pictures..2 of the ghans went to our friends at Pine Street earlier
Squares 188
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4

**Day 4 in our April Showers Campaign, if you've not read about it, please click in the side bar. Thanks!**

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

From the Sunny State of Florida

 Our good friend Sandie down there in the sunny State of Florida had quite a venture trying to get this box to us.  She and I communicated several times.  The post office really had issues.  Delivered this to the wrong address in another city, then returned it to her.  In the meantime, she kept busy and made a few more things and a month later a new box came to me with 23 loomed hats and a scarf.  Many thanks Sandie for your stick to it-ness.  This isn't the first time the post office has played havoc with our donations.  Though the last time I had such an issue was trying to mail to another Ohio city when we had a contest and I was sending yarn.  It too, took about a month to resolve.  Soooooooo frustrating.


Sandie's hats, as you can are a nice variety of colors and sizes which is awesome.  Keep up the good work Sandie, and next time...could you please pack up some sunshine to add to your box.  Pretty please with sugar on it.


Folks we're into another month, with another focus.  Have you read about April Showers?  Please do, check the sidebar.  Thanks.


**Reminders:
Please include a note with your donation with a means of getting in touch with you, be it your email ady, your blog url, your RAV, HIVE, or Facebook ID/link.


Please check the lists, is your state listed with your name?  If not, please include it here in the comments so I can get it added.


Please visit frequently, spend time, leave comments, let us know you were here.


2011
Scarves 167+1=168
Hats 236+23=259
Mittens (gloves)59
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 13
Squares 188
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4 

*This is post #387, only 13 left to reach 400, WOOT!

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Hats to Warm the Homeless

5 Crocheted hats to warm our homeless here in Ohio from Karen H in Illinois.  Isn't it wonderful when help crosses state lines!  These 5 hats are are crocheted nice and tight with small stitches so will be nice and warm.  I love the striped one, reminds me a bumble bee!  Bumble Bees make me think of summer and warmer weather, and that makes me smile....BIG TIME!

Thank you Karen H for your thoughtful donation, it's greatly appreciated.

Have you checked out our April Showers Campaign?  If not, please do.  Click the badge in the sidebar.  Please feel free to add the badge to your blog.  Help us spread the word.

**Have you noticed the number of posts growing?  Hope so, we're getting close to another milestone.  With this post #386, only 14 more blog posts are needed to reach 400!  Wow, that really makes me smile.

**Have you added yourself (bloggers) as a followering of this blog?  If not, please do.

***Remember, you do not need to be a blogger to leave comments.  We encourage you all to leave comments each time you visit, so we know you were here.  If you're not a blogger, simply type your comment, then click name and url and leave the url blank empty.  That's all there is to it.  Visiting, and commenting are very helpful and they're both things that can be done, even for the non knitters and non crocheters out there who'd like to help.***

2011
Scarves 167
Hats 236
Mittens (gloves)59
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 13
Squares 188
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4

**Added pattern for fingerless gloves to the tabs across the top of the blog.  Looks like a nice quick and easy pattern folks**

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

April Showers Bring Pain and Suffering

We've all patiently and impatiently awaited the coming of Spring, being tired of the cold winter, tired of the snow and tired of the ice.   We've no doubt heard the saying, "April Showers Bring May Flowers", many times and thought it was a cute saying.  However, April Showers bring pain and suffering doesn't sound so pleasant.  Cold, tired, hungry homeless people living outdoors do indeed have pain and suffer with April Showers.  Temperatures are still cold and uncomfortable, add being wet to that.  When it rains, we come indoors.  When it rains we run to our cars if we're out and about running errands.  When it rains, we grab an umbrella, boots, and or rain-gear.  When you're homeless you don't have a car to run to, a house, and generally no boots or rain-gear or umbrellas.  When you're homeless, you suffer, you get wet.  When you're wet you're colder. 

According to historic averages, this area's average low temperature is 40 degrees.  Do you know how cold 40 is when you're wet?  It's bone chilling bitter cold.  Currently we're averaging 10 degrees below normal, 10 degrees below historic norms.  Given that fact, our average lows for the month of April (if current conditions continue) would be 30.  That's 2 degrees below freezing.  Yikes.

We can't do much about the weather folks.  In fact, we can't do anything about the weather; but we can try to keep these people dry.  April's focus folks is PONCHO's.  Please consider sending along a poncho or two with your warm hats, mittens, scarves, and slippers.  I purchased 4 the other day, pictured above.  These are the light weight, easy to fold and stuff in your pocket/purse style.  Their inexpensive, and light weight to mail.  We can add these to all our donations to The Bridge Folks.

Today is April 1st, and this is not an April Fools Jokes, but an honest request.  Today, I'm kicking off our April Showers Campaign.  This is another project that non knitters, non crocheters, and non loomers can get involved in.  Please help us spread the word.  Add a badge to your blog.  Tell you co-workers, friends and family.  Tweet and Facebook it.  Let's see how many ponchos we can collect during this rainy month of April.


2011
Scarves 167
Hats 236
Mittens (gloves)59
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 13
Squares 188
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 4

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Helping Hands

Helping hands are always appreciated. If you've been a reader here on the blog previously, you no doubt are aware we have helping hands behind the scenes. Helping hands that don't necessarily knit and crochet. I thought I tell you a bit about them, as we have many new readers here that may not yet be aware. We have our good friend Rae. Rae with a couple of ladies from church prepare hot meals on Saturday mornings to distribute to those living under the bridges, living outdoors-homeless here in Ohio. Rae delivers our hand knit, crocheted, and loomed hats, scarves, and mittens (and store bought socks) at the same time she distributes her hot meals to those in need. Additionally, she works in 2 free clinics and hand delivers are hand made items there to mothers and children.

My brother Chuck, and SIL Jan often provide a storage place for me and our knitted and crocheted items of warmth. I delivery bags of wonderful goodies from you to them, who deliver them to Rae; as they belong to the same church. This saves me time and space and is greatly appreciated.  The less time I spend running items around, the more time I have to talk with you here about them, to knit and crochet myself, and to promote the need.

A while back I met a woman named Lynn at a Sausage Party. She also feeds the homeless and those in need through Holy Family. She picks up donations from me and delivers them on her weekly volunteer days to Holy Family. Again giving a hot meal and hand knit or crocheted hats, scarves, mittens, slippers to those without. Those in need of warmth both physically and emotionally. I appreciate her time and effort helping us reach those in need, while saving me much needed time.

I'm able to make deliverys to Faith Mission on a more regular basis with the help they provide above. Faith Mission provides temporary housing for Mothers and Children who've been abused and or homeless as they work to get them into permanent housing and become more stable; as well as night by night shelter for men in a separate location. I make deliveries with your thoughtful donations to both of these facilities. The squares provided by you, through Give a Square; assembled into afghans go to Nancy's Place at Faith Mission for those Mother's and their children. While Give a Square is currently dormant, I am continuing to make and deliver afghans in addition to hats, mittens, scarves, and slippers.

Thank you to all our helping hands, those with and without yarn in them.

**April's focus will be unveiled tomorrow, please check in.**

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Milestones, and Where We've Come From

WOW, as of the writing of this post (remember their scheduled ahead and in que), we're only 16 posts away from blog post 400! Wow, what a milestone from the beginning of this blog. That many blog posts represents so much to me and I hope it does to you as well. It represents the number of wonderful big hearted knitters, crocheters, and loomers out there giving of themselves to help others. That makes me feel very warm inside. Surely it does you as well.

As of the writing of this blog posts there were 144 followers of this blog. Are you one? If not, would you pop up there and add yourself (fellow bloggers).

Where we've come from
I've often posted information about how many members, how many donations etc we've had at a given point and time, which shows how we've grown. But, the other day I received an email which I think represents where we've come from in a different manner and wanted to share it's thought with you. The other day I received an apology from someone who'd asked for my address, as she planned to donate, but ended up not donating (thus the apology).  She was encouraged by what she saw here from caring people like yourselves to look in her community for a way of helping. She hails from the state of Oregon. I don't have the state of Oregon listed as a state where donations have come from (though someone might have before we started documenting that). Would have been nice to add that state, however....she has no need to apologize. She's found a need, a homeless situation in fact in her area. One she was unaware of before. She is still helping, just there and not here. Opening someone's eyes to what they can do to help someone....anywhere is in fact a signal, I believe in how far we've come. Margi if you're reading this, the very best of luck to you in your endeavors.  If you get to the point where you have a blog or webpage or something along that line, please sing.  I'd be happy to add a link here to help support your cause.  Regardless of wear homelessness exists, it hurts.  Some climates perhaps are harder then others on folks living in the elements, but many people are in need.  We all must do what we can, when we can.

There are many ways to help, certainly by knitting and crocheting, but don't forget if you're not a crafter, you CAN still help. You can blog about the cause, you can tell friends and neighbors and co-workers. You can print and post flyers (see tab across top of the blog). You can send socks (though Sock it to Me Month is about over, we collect socks ALL YEAR LONG). You can visit, read, and comment frequently here on the blog to help encourage those doing the knitting and crocheting and improve the blogs SEO. You can explore your community and lend a hand, perhaps at a local food bank or soup kitchen. Giving of yourself, your time, your talent is a very rewarding life. The men, women, and children who are homeless-cold and hungry NEED YOU.

2011
Scarves 167
Hats 236
Mittens (gloves)59
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 13
Squares 188
Sweaters 5

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Scarves Galore

Thank you Gail B from VA four your wonderful and thoughtful donation of 15 scarves and 3 hats. I'm sad to say the photo of your donation was one of those eaten by the computer. (see yesterday's post please)_. Thank you also for helping me with the location in your state of Virginia I was having trouble identifying/reading. All are appreciated. I am sorry I don't have a picture for you all to see of her donation. Looked a bit more since yesterday in hopes I'd find those missing photo's, but....no luck.

Sock it to Me Month will soon be over, and April will kick off our focus on rain. Though if you're in Ohio you probably wonder how we could possibly have more than we've already had.

2011
Scarves 152+15=167
Hats 233+3=236
Mittens (gloves)59
Socks 62
Slippers 34
Ghans 13
Squares 188
Sweaters 5

Can you help spread the word by printing a flyer or two? Please check tabs across the top of the blog and add a flyer to your church's bulletin board, your office bulletin board or other area's you deem to be appropriate.

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Where Did the picture go?

3 wonderful pairs of crocheted mittens were donated by Jodi from Pa. She's donated before and we're thrilled to have her continued support. Though I know I took a picture, it's been eaten I believe by the computer. It's possible I may at some point find it, but to date, I can't find it in any of the appropriate files. I had major computer updates the day before and am missing several photo's. I assume (though am not techy enough to know for sure), it got lost with multiple updates. When I got back in town, had multiple windows open on the computer indicating windows had updated, as did Adobe, and Java, and something else. Geesssssssssss.

I'm frustrated as I've spent a fair amount of time looking for the pictures I know I took. Even have them marked off my check list. They've already been donated or I would shoot another photo. As you know, blog posts are written ahead and scheduled in que, then I add pictures to several posts at a time. This happened once before to me, so I may have to alter my routine.

I can tell you the mittens were wonderfully made, nice and thick and warm. They were one of the patterns you crochet into the back loop only of single crochets and make the mitten flat with gathers at the wrists for a nice cuff and sew around the edge to create the full mitten.

Many thanks Jodi, I know your mittens were well received and am sorry I don't have the photo here to show everyone how nice they were. In addition, Jodi donated 6 pairs of socks for Sock it to Me Month!

**Still a few days left for Sock it to Me!**

2011
Scarves 152
Hats 233
Mittens (gloves)56+3=59
Socks 56+6=62
Slippers 34
Ghans 13
Squares 188
Sweaters 5

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Kaleidoscope Afghan for Faith Mission Design

Step One is designing afghans from your donated squares and rectangles. So...here's another step one with squares from Joy and MarieAnne. Every other row is the way I see this coming together, currently; though sometimes when I begin edging I change my mind a bit. The larger squares are Joy's and the smaller squares are MarieAnne. So many colors I've named this one Kaleidoscope. Debating currently whether to edge with light blue or black. Will check my stash when I get to this point and see which I like best and which I have the right amount of yarn. Feel free though to toss your idea into the ring here. Black is pretty traditional, as it off white and to date have been the 2 colors I've used least with the ghans we're donating to Faith Mission from squares from Give a Square.

**Editing this, since the time this post was written and in que, I've given it more thought, and hit a good yarn sale. Caron pounder normally 7.99 on sale for 5.99. So, I nabbed a black. Though I had a fair amount of black, it wasn't all the same black. I know you all know what I mean by that. So....instead of using my stash, I'm adding to it again. lol Leaning towards using black now, but even if I change my mind again before actually edging...the black will never go to waste. It will be used.

2011
Scarves 152
Hats 233
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 34
Ghans 13
Squares 188
Sweaters 5

Staying busy edging, joining, and designing afghans, keep checking in folks to see the progress. Cold continues to be the norm here in Central Ohio, so your warm items are still very much needed. Keep those hooks, and needles busy. We love busy hands, and remember busy hands are happy hands.


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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Designing Afghans for Faith Mission

Bright Pink (hot pink), bright blue, and a variegated mix of same laid out here in a pretty traditional design (most unusual for me, lol) with colors going diagonally. These crocheted squares were all donated by our friend Liz (minnesoda in the Ville). Most of you know I like to name ghans and have dubbed this one, "Little Princess". I can see a little girl loving this, after all the colors are perfect for a young girl. With 25 squares here, the size should also be a wonderful size for a young girl to curl up under. I'll be adding borders to each square before joining which will increase the size some, and currently am thinking of a wider then normal border....but, we'll see how things progress with yarn stash color and quantity. Please stay tuned.

Been busy working on several ghans previously designed, and have been busy designing more with all your squares and rectangles.

Few more days left folks for Sock it To Me! Please check in to see what our April focus will be.

2011
Scarves 152
Hats 233
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 34
Ghans 13
Squares 188
Sweaters 5

**Well below freezing again here in Central Ohio, at the time of this scheduled post, so please keep those knitting needles and crochet hooks busy making hats, mittens, scarves, and slippers**

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Rose Garden is Completed

Rose Garden has been completed. It's still damp in above picture, as it's being blocked here after it was laundered. Such variety in this ghan. Knitted squares and rectangles, crocheted squares and rectangles. Sizes variety alot too from 5 inches or thereabouts at the small end up to around 12 inches. As this afghan for Faith Mission progessed I made a few changes from the previous design and in the works picture Here. Needed to make some changes due to size and fit. I think the previous picture shows the color better. You know how light seems to change the colors in pictures.

Donations that made this ghan possible come from Karen V, Joy, RoseMarie, and Yvonne. There were others, nameless others who donated squares from a long ago defunct group. Additionally, the yarn I used for edging and the border are left over from the yarn my DD, Christine used to make her Vacation ghan for our homeless and battered ladies at Faith Mission.

Thank you all for making this possible. All your efforts are appreciated.
Here's a close up of the border. I did not use black, though the picture makes it look like I did on the edge of the ghan or the edges of the squares, it was very dark forest green; and the scallops are dusty rose.

Work continues on your squares, so stay turned for additional design photo's and finished afghans.

2011
Scarves 152
Hats 233
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 34
Ghans 12+1=13
Squares 188
Sweaters 5

**Sock it to Me still active for a few days, please check back to see our April focus....has something to do with Rain, that seems appropriate, doesn't it?**
***Did you check out The Humanitarian Award? If not, please do so by clicking on the badge in the sidebar*** Thank you to all who made that possible
****Though Spring is a reality (somedays), we are still in need, so keep you hooks and needle flying and make hats, scarves, mittens, and slippers****

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Knitted hats for Ohio's Homeless

Look at these fabulous knitted hats from our long time and good friend, Bunny. Please click to enlarge so you can see the details. Bunny, as always these are wonderful, and so very much appreciated. Six knitted hats of varying sizes to warm 6 cold people in need. Not only will they be warm, but they'll be stylish.

Many thanks Bunny for your on going support, it is truly appreciated.

2011
Scarves 152
Hats 227+6=233
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 34
Ghans 12
Squares 188
Sweaters 5

**Please remember to include your name, email address or group I know you from (The Ville, Hive, and or RAV. etc. with your handmade donations.** Thank You

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Head shoulders knees and toes

If you're as old as me you might remember the song, "Head Shoulders, knee's and toe, knee's and toes. Head shoulder knees and toes knees and toes, eyes and ears and mouth and nose....head shoulders knees and toes." That came to mind as I look at the thoughtful crocheted donation from our good friend RoseMarie. RoseMarie has covered, head, shoulders and toes. 5 hats, 4 scarves, and a darling pair of slippers. In addition, she's fashioned several cute headbands.

Remember folks all pictures on the blogs can be clicked on to see a larger version. When you need or want to see more detail, please click. I've started decreasing slightly the size of the picture showing on the blog as a means of reducing a bit how much space I'm using. Trying to stretch out the space given to us here on blogspot. Clicking above will show you the cute details of the little flowers RoseMarie has added to her crocheted hats, scarves, and slippers.

2011
Scarves 148+4=152
Hats 222+5=227
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 33+1=34
Ghans 12
Squares 188
Sweaters 5

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Knitted Scarves from Pennsylvania

5 Knitted scarves from our latest pair of helping hands, Mary A. from PA. Mary was recruited by her sister, Joy. (read previous post). Thank you Mary, we appreciate you and your knitting needles joining the cause. We hope to see you often here on Bridge and Beyond.

Pompoms on a scarf, what a cute and creative idea. Can't you see some little girls face showing how excited she is to wear this cute scarf!

Please check the lists. Is your name listed on the list without a blog? Have you started blogging since? If so, please leave your name and blog url so you can be added to the list of bloggers who donate. Is your state listed beside your name? If not, please leave that information in your comment here on the blog so that too can be updated. Trying hard to get everyone properly listed and added to the map, so we can see how many states we have big hearted knitters and crocheters from. Having people listed with the state they're from will also be a big aid in identifying donations.

2011
Scarves 143+5=148
Hats 222
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 33
Ghans 12
Squares 188
Sweaters 5

**Have you read about Sock it to Me? If not, please do. It's our special focus for the month of March. Click for details in the sidebar. Please feel free to ad the blog badge to your blog to help spread the word.

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Joy, spreading the word

9 Great crocheted squares with cheery colors from my friend Joy. Joy is an old high school friend of mine. Some time we back we got re-connected on Facebook. I've had the pleasure of working some of her previous squares into afghans for our folks at Faith Mission and look forward to adding these to the mix.

Joy is helping us in a 2nd way too. She's recruited her sister to help knit for the cause. Sweet! Love seeing the word spread, and love getting new helping hands. Stay tuned for tomorrow's post will feature Joy's sister, Mary from PA.

Just popped in to edit this post (since as you know all are written and in que), so I could add a Thank You to Bev. Qualheim. I've added an award from her to this blog. The Humanitarian Award. I hope you all realize this award goes out to each and everyone of you who've knitted, crocheted, sent socks etc for this cause; and Rae for her hand delivery and caring to The Bridge Folks and those at the 2 Free Clinics, and to my Brother Chuck and SIL, Jan for aiding in my delivery of items to those in need. If you click on the badge in the sidebar, you'll be taken to one of Bev's blogs. Bev is well known in knitting, crocheting, and charity circles. Thank You for the award, and thank you to all who've made it possible. This is not a one man show, but a true team effort.

2011
Scarves 143
Hats 222
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 33
Ghans 12
Squares 179+9=188
Sweaters 5

**Is there someone you know who knits or crochets or looms? Have you told them about our mission? Is there someone you can recruit? Please help us spread the word, the need is great. Get busy chatting folks, you just never know when you'll run into someone with the ability to lend a hand. Thank You**

Just noticed this post #374...wow, we're getting close to another milestone folks. Only 26 posts away from 400! Woot Woot

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Warmth from Head to Toe

Thank you Pat E. from Ohio for this thoughtful donation of warm goodies. Pat has covered all areas here with her knitted hats and scarves, and slippers. The hats vary in size and color and will warm 7 more heads. We've all heard the saying about keeping the poles of the body warm from head to toe. She's done just that with 5 super warm pairs of slippers. Her slippers are made with double thickness yarn. The knitted scarves are nice and soft, fluffy and wide enough to really keep someone warm chest and neck. Fabulous!

Pat E. and I have chatted previously via email and she's donated before; but this time round felt like the bonus round. We got to meet face to face. It's always a bonus for me getting to meet someone face to face that I previously only knew here on the net. We're hoping to plan an outting to one of the city parks to knit/crochet and chat. Looking forward to nicer weather before we make plans.

2011
Scarves 141+2=143
Hats 215+7=222
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 28+5=33
Ghans 12
Squares 179
Sweaters 5

**Have you checked the alpha listings of folks who help without blogs? Have you since started blogging? If so, please leave your blog url so we can add you to the bloggers list. Please refrain from using white for your donations folks, the dirt factor. Thanks**

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Slippers provide comfort and hope for Faith Mission

Thank you Patty L from Ohio for these 2 cute pair of crocheted slippers. Slippers provide 2 types of warmth. The provide warmth in terms of heat for tired cold feet, and the provide a Big Bear type of comfort, knowing someone somewhere made these specially for you. Who doesn't love to take off shoes and put on a pair of slippers to relax? These slippers will be welcomed I know at Faith Mission.

Faith Mission for those who maybe new to the blog provides temporary housing to abused and or homeless mothers and their children. Such a worthy cause.

Thank you Patty L. for your thoughtful donation.

2011
Scarves 141
Hats 215
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 26+2=28
Ghans 12
Squares 179
Sweaters 5

**Sometimes my allergies go bonkers when I open thoughtful donations from pet loving homes. If you could take a minute to remove as much of your furry friends fur/hair as possible, I'd really appreciate it. No doubt some of our folks in need may also suffer from these annoying allergies. I often use one of those lint roller things which seems to work well. Thank You.

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. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!