Mission Statement

Operations for Bridge and Beyond will cease on Dec 31, 2021, last mailing date should be Dec 24th

GOAL FOR AFGHANS

Afghans
Goal: 30
Start: #24
Current: 26
0.8666%
START
END

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Scarves, May's Focus

crocheted scarvesThree wonderful crocheted scarves to help towards our May focus of scarves from Paula in Missouri. Thank you Paula! These scarves are fabulous, they are nice and big for our men and color appropriate for them too. Very soft and warm, nice tight stitches. I think from looking she might have used hdc? Or are they sc? I'm not sure. Love the look of them being made lengthwise. How many did you chain, Paula?

I know it's May, and that means it's Spring and many of you may be wondering why we're still busy knitting and crocheting and asking for warm things. It's still Cold, and wet here in Central Ohio. Yesterday's temperatures were barely in the 40's, but according to the temperature index it felt 34, that's only 2 degress above freezing. It's still plenty cold. It's still raining almost daily, damp and cold people still need warmth, and will for probably awhile despite some sun here and there...So, please keep up your efforts, they are needed and appreciated.

When the weather does truly break we'll continue to sort and store and be ready when it turns ugly again, generally it does quickly and unexpectly.

I've added a calendar, a working calendar to the tab area across the top of the blog to aid those who like to know what we've done, and what we'll be doing, focus wise.

I've announced an extension of the comment contest for several reasons (being out of town, and blogger being out of commission for a couple of days). If you're not yet up to speed, please click on the badge in the side bar, or the tab across the top. You can't win, if you don't enter. To enter you must leave a comment to that effect on the contest page. Amy, Linda, and Karen are you in? I've kept track of your other comments; but was unsure if you wanted in since you didn't leave word there.


Whenever I'm out of town, my neighbor brings your donations in, so not to worry. However, my letting you know they've been received will be delayed.

2011
Scarves 188+3=191
Hats
302
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 74
Slippers 37
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)

Squares 241
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 43
Cotton Washcloths 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!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Sweet and Sassy for The Girls

hats and scarvesScarves, hats, and headbands! Look at the nicely crocheted and decorated hats and scarves from our friend Rose Marie. 5 matching sets, plus an additional hat (the green one), plus 2 knitted headbands.

I still haven't made one of the cute button flowers, but love how they add such a cute detail to the hats. On my list of things to do. That list keeps growing folks, bet yours does too.

Cute colors and designs here for the girls!

Reminders:
May is Scarf month
May is Comment Contest Month, which has been extended til June 15th
June will be cotton and or cotton blend washcloth month (Men and Women Adults)
Stay tuned for a Working Calendar with a focus for each month
Tuck in your ends, please don't knot and cut.
Refrain from open lacy stitches, we need warm items.
Give a Square will be re-activated in July.

2011
Scarves 183+5=188
Hats
296+6=302
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 74
Slippers 37
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)

Squares 241
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 43
Cotton Washcloths 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!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Butterfly Cotton Cloth

butterfly washclothThis is my first attempt at making designs using knitting stitches. I'll use this cotton cloth next month when we focus on 100% cotton washcloths. Now I have one suitable for a male (the camo one, and this butterfly one for a female. This was measures about 8 x 9 inches. Just need to tuck in my final end and lay this aside with the other one.

Since this month is scarf month, I should be making a scarf; but needed something small and easy to tote with my current work schedule.

I announced the other day the extension of our comment contest and hope everyone got a chance to read that. Please help spread the word. Contest will end June 15th. We lost several days due to blogger being out and I want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to get involved.

2011
Scarves 183
Hats
296
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 74
Slippers 37
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)

Squares 241
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 43
Cotton Washcloths 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!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Camo Cotton Cloth for the Homeless

camo cotton clothNeeded a small project with an overly busy work schedule and so made this camo 100% cotton wash cloth. 100% cotton wash cloths will be out focus next month. This one is knitted corner to corner and measures about 11 inches square. Started a yellow butterfly one also, a first for me trying to make a design with the knitted stitches. Will let you all know how that turns out.

Lots of details on this camo, stitch count etc which I did for fun and posted about here on Sandy's Space, if you're interested.

Just added washcloths to the list of things collected and need to go back and count the ones others have sent. Previously I left those in misc, but am going to add them for a continous count. Off the top of my head, I remember Sarah S from The Hive has sent some crocheted ones. So, if you've sent some to me in the past, please sing out and let me know so I can find them here on the blog and get them tallied. (looks like there were 2 this year, others previously)

Blogger's been out of commission for several days, and so there have no new posts for you all to comment on. Additionally, I am going to be gone the end of the month and so have decided to extend the comment contest until June 15th. Keep busy commenting and improve your chances to win the gift card.

May's focus is scarves. Give a Square will be activated again this summer during the month of July, so if you're busy making squares, make yourself a note to mail them in July. I'll be adding a year long calendar to this blog in the next day or so. Please stay tuned.

2011
Scarves 183
Hats
296
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 74
Slippers 37
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)

Squares 241
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 43
Cotton Washcloths 3

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!

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Stunning Hats do more then Warm the Homeless

knitted hats for homelessLOOK, at these 10 truly stunning hats knitted with double yarn on her loom our good friend Sandie in Florida made! WOW....hats make people warm and that's so necessary, but these brilliantly colored hats will make them grin ear to ear. I LOVE these fun, festive, fabulous hats. Sandie, you outdid yourself. Thanks for packaging up sun and fun from your state of Florida to our cold in need here in Ohio. Yes, it's beginning to warm up here; but we still have all the windows closed, flannel sheets still on the bed, and it's not time to put away jackets ...yet.


2011
Scarves 183
Hats
286+10=296
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 74
Slippers 37
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)

Squares 241
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 43

**Folks, this is day 12 our month long comment contest. Get busy and sign up HERE. You can't win if you don't enter. And I know everyone wants a fun $40.00 shopping spree at JoAnn, courtesy of our secret donor here on Bridge and Beyond. Get busy, sign up and have fun reading through and commenting on the blog.

***The focus for May is Scarves. Scarves for men, women, and children are needed***

****For folks who like to plan ahead, next months focus will be cotton washcloths****

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!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Planting a Garden to help the Homeless

Faith Mission has been helping people in need with a hot meal, a warm bed, temporary housing, and or emergency walk in assistance since 1966. As many of you know it's one of the places we support with our knitting and crocheting. Nancy's Place is the temporary apartments for abused and or homeless mothers and their children. There's also a separate location for men to get in out of the elements and spend a night indoors. Faith Mission aids people with job hunting, house hunting, counseling and more.

A veggie garden to help with food needed is planted at 599 8th Avenue in Columbus, Ohio. This Sat. May 14th from 9 am to 12 noon a planting party is planned. If you can attend, bring garden equipment like rags, gloves, shovels etc. More details HERE, be sure and read about the rain date, should Mother Nature have other ideas.

2011
Scarves 183
Hats
286
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 74
Slippers 37
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)

Squares 241
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 43

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!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Tons of Textiles, Oh My!

yarnOh poo, this first picture is blurry, didn't realize that when I uploaded it. Sorry about that folks. You see knitting needles, both in the round and DP's (double point), and textiles. These pictures are separate, as the donation of tons of textiles (yarn-fiber), were separated based on the mix. You know, all wool, wool blend, washable wool, wool with silk, alpaca etc.
donated yarnReach out and touch....seriously, I know you want to. Remember the old tv commercial about Charmine Bathroom Tissue, squeeze-ably soft? Sure you do, if you're my age. Doesn't this picture of yummy yarn make you want to do just that?
fiberHang on there's more! Many thanks Tracy F from California for your ton of textiles donation! It will get put to good use. I'm leaving the donated yarn separated as you had it until I decide what, when, and where to create. Though I must say, I'm already thinking about casting on a ghan that would be warm and snuggly for our folks at Faith Mission. Being homeless, even if recently lucky enough to get temporary housing is a sad state of affairs. A warm lovingly made knitted or crocheted afghan out of this wonderful yarn donation of yours, might be just the ticket.
donated fiberLook at this fabulous color combination....Scarves always work, ghans like I said about might be the ticket, but I can also see maybe...shawls from this lovely color combination....Thinking.
stashFabulous Fabulous, so pretty, so warm, so soft. Thank you again Tracy. Tracy decided she needed to do some cleaning out of her stash and Bridge and Beyond is the lucky recipient of her cleaning out.
donated stashAND....how to knit socks books. I've never knitted socks, and keep saying I need to learn. Perhaps this is an omen? lol.

We've had several contests here on the Bridge. One was to celebrate a milestone of 100 or was it 200 posts, and one was due to a mitten challenge. In both cases I gave away yarn. I might tuck some of this aside for another such contest. As you might or might not know, we're currently having a contest for the month of May. Please get yourself involved. You could win a $40.00 gift card supplied by one of our fabulous big hearted donators. CLICK HERE for Details

**This is my T post for the Z-A challenge**
Complete listing of the challenge HERE

2011
Scarves 183
Hats
286
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 74
Slippers 37
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)

Squares 241
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 43

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!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Crocheting for Others

hats, squares, scarvesAbove crocheted donation is from Jennifer T. from Nebraska. Squares are a couple of sizes, some are traditional crochet in the round granny squares, and some are sampler style crocheted side to side. There are 27 squares in all. 9 Crocheted hats, and 2 crocheted scarves. I think the hats are made on one of those dandy circle looms?

The bulk of the squares make me think of fall, pumpkins and falling leaves. Don't you agree?

Thanks Jennifer for your thoughtful donation.

Still looking for Diana H from PA. Anyone know her?

**May is Scarf month folks, so if you're wondering what to make, please make scarves, that's our focus this month**

***For those that like to work ahead, and or know ahead, next month, June will be cotton washcloths***

****Comment Contest is in full swing and will go til the end of the month of May. Get yourself signed up, and improve your chances to win a fun filled $40.00 shopping spree at JoAnn's. See details in side bar and or top tab of the blog. Remember, the more you comment the better your chances of winning are. Get busy!****

2011
Scarves 180+3=183
Hats
277+9=286
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 74
Slippers 37
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)

Squares 214+27=241
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 43

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!

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Pretty Crocheted Scarves

crocheted scarvesSuch pretty crocheted scarves. Please click to enlarge the picture to see the details, the decorations on the scarves. Darling buttons to add a little something special. These colors, and lacy design make these scarves suitable for the young girls for sure. Thank you Diana H, in PA. I've not been able to find an email, of a person with that name in any of the groups I belong to so have not been able to send an email thank you out. If anyone knows this person, please sing out. No doubt we've connected, but I probably know her nick name, avatar, or on line persona vs her real name. These 6 crocheted scarves will go to the clinic for the young girls. Thanks again.

2011
Scarves 174+6=180
Hats
277
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 74
Slippers 37
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)

Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 43

**We're 7 days into our contest, and not many of you have signed in to indicate you want to be part of this contest. Please do. Write a comment HERE,(or click on the tab across the top of the blog, or click on the badge in the side bar); so I know you're in. Thus far, I only have the following listed:
Sally in NJ
misselbird
Kathy G
James
Bunny
Psmflowerlady
Patty L from Ohio...(thanks for clearing that up for me)
Sandie in Florida
Sandie in LA
RoseMarie
Yvonne
Harvest Hill Farms

Get busy add your name by leaving a comment saying you want to participate. Then get busy commenting away. Remember you do not need to be a blogger to do this. Simply type your message/comment admiring each others work, then click name and url in the drop down box, and leave url empty if you're not a blogger.

**And remember this is scarf month. Scarves for men, women, and children. Knitted scarves, crocheted scarves and or loomed scarves. Scarves are our May Focus**

***Anyone know what happened to Kathleen? She was one of our bloggers listed as Kathleenannekottage, but the link to the blog is no longer good. Would like to reconnect. Have now moved her name to the non blogger side.***

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!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Step 3 Designing Calico

Calico designStep 3, a ghan someone suggested we call Calico. A most unusual mix of colors, orange, yellow,purple, blue, tan, beige, tweedy, multiple shade of brown, several shades of blue, tourqoise, and a sorta mauvie? These are 25 of the 8 inch squares from the 2 previous posts. None of these are the traditional crochet in the round granny squares. There are however both knitted and crocheted squares here. The 13 crocheted squares are sampler style.

The beige tweedy squares, the purple squares, and the blue earth square 2nd from the left on the 2nd to last row (top to bottom) are knitted and the others are the crocheted squares.

I have black out to edge and join, but haven't totally given up on the idea of using a blue. Will stare a bit longer and make a decision. This will be another of squares for afghans for Faith Mission.

**Have you read and enter your name on post for the contest?**

2011
Scarves 174
Hats
277
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 74
Slippers 37
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)

Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 43

**Need email ady for a Diana H, from PA if anyone knows her, please sing out. Got a donation, but don't know email, or on line ID, avatar etc. Am not finding clues in my groups etc.**

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!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Steps 2 with Squares

7 inch squaresIf you read yesterday's post, you saw step 1, a rather fun looking pile of squares. Here now is step 2 in my creative process. Normally I separate squares by colors and then after staring come up with a plan/design. This time I decided to go about the process differently. I went through all the squares in the previous post (HERE), and separate by size. I measured and separated and made 2 piles. This picture shows 3 stacks of 7, or 7 ish inch squares. Lots of different colors, some solids, some variegated. A variety also with the style and type of squares in these stacks. Above are some knitted squares, some crocheted side to side sample style squares, and some granny squares made in the round-the traditional granny style method. Next step is to spread these squares out and see what design I want to use.
8 inch squaresThis stack, a bit harder to see, as the picture is a bit blurry are 8 ish inch squares. These too have a variety with regard to being knitted and crocheted, side to side sampler style squares, and traditional granny style squares.

I now have these squares stacked in my office. Due to a extremely heavy work schedule, I've not yet gotten to throw them around to come up with my design...but that is forth coming. Keep checking in for step 3.

**REMINDER
Everyone who want to get in on the May Blog Comment Contest needs to post they want in. Post your comment about wanting in in the comments of the post announcing the contest. Remember, the more you post comments, the better chance you have at winning your $40.00 fun filled shopping spree at JoAnn's. Click in the side bar for the details, and or click on the tab across the top of the blog.
2011
Scarves 174
Hats
277
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 74
Slippers 37
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)

Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 43

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!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Creating, Step One

pile of squaresThese are squares that haven't as yet gotten into a designed ghan. So, normally when I get the urge to create I dump the squares out stare at them. I sort them, usually by color and then after staring at them awhile I get ideas. So...this is step one!

I've not had a chance to get a badge made yet for May's Focus, but it's Scarves! Knitted, crocheted, loomed scarves. Scarves are needed for men, women, and children. Don't want you to stop working if you run out of ideas of what to make, think scarves.

AND
Have you read about the contest? Have you posted a comment you want to join in? Have you started commenting? Get busy folks, read all about it in the side bar. For the month of May, a blog comment contest where you can win a $40.00 gift card for JoAnn's.


2011
Scarves 174
Hats
277
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 74
Slippers 37
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)

Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 43

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!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

New Helping Hands for Ohios Homeless

items for homelessThank you Sara R from Ohio! Sara is our newest pair of helping hands and a fellow Ohioan. Welcome to the group Sara. We're happy to have you join us and to help with the cause of warming the homeless. It's always exciting to get new pairs of helping hands busy making donations. The above hats and scarves are mostly knitted. I love the soft aqua blue set, nice basket weave design, and I love the blue variegated set. Awesome colors. The red, black and gray scarf is crocheted.

Many thanks Sara for joining us, hope to see you often here on Bridge and Beyond.

2011
Scarves 171+3=174
Hats 274
+3=277
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 68+6=74
Slippers 37
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)

Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 16=27=43

**This is May 3rd, and I've neglected to indicate what our May focus is...where does the time go? Let's make Scarves our May focus. Knit scarves, crocheted scarves, and or loomed scarves. Scarves sized for Men, Women, and Children**

****AND, if you've not yet read about the May Comment Contest, please do. Through out the month of May your comments here can win you a fun filled shopping spree at JoAnn's. So, what are you waiting for? Read about it HERE. Get yourself signed up, once you do that....get busy and look around the blog and have fun commenting on each other's work!****
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!

Saturday, April 30, 2011

People Pulling Together Truly Can Accomplish GREAT Things!

We've hit the end of another month here on at Bridge and Beyond. I thought it appropriate to show you all what you've accomplished. Hold on to your hats ladies and gentlemen. Anyone and Everyone who things they can't help, who thinks doing something of value is up to someone else needs to see this. PLEASE encourage others to read this.

Today is April 30th, the last day of our April Showers Project. Tomorrow is May 1, the beginning of our Comment Contest.

This blog started on December 1st, 2008 and over time what we've collected has changed a bit which plays into the numbers. Have a look.

HATS, 368 +592+274=1,234 crocheted, knitted, and loomed hats have been donated by big hearted people like yourselves. These hats have been lots of different colors, lots of different sizes, and lots of different designs. Each of these hats has been given to someone in need. Some to men and women living outside in the cold elements of Central Ohio; truly homeless people who otherwise might not have stayed alive through the long bitter months. Some have been given to mothers and children being treated at 2 free clinics. These folks may have a roof over their heads; but many don't have heat and are barely a step above being homeless. Some have been given to mothers and children living in temporary housing who were abused and or homeless. Some to families obtaining a hot meal from Holy Family as they wait in line out in the cold. Some have been given to school children who come to school despite not being properly clothed against the elements. 1,234 hats made by your loving hands from Dec 1st, 2008 til today, April 30th, 2011.

SCARVES, 147, 340, 171=658. These scarves like the above hats have been knitted and crocheted and distributed to the same groups so desperately in need. Scarves can be wrapped around necks, across faces and mouths, put on top of hats for added protection. Scarves can help supplement a light weight jacket.

MITTENS, 66+151 +66=283 pairs of warmer hands.

SOCKS, 79+101+ 74= 254. Socks serve many purposes. Sometimes people need to change to a clean dry pair because their feet are wet and cold. Sometimes they need to add a 2nd pair to try to get a little additional warmth. Socks are needed 12 months a year, even during the warmer months for those folks who are homeless.

SLIPPERS: 34+37=71. Slippers like socks can help warm cold feet and are so very much appreciated by men spending a night in the shelter when perhaps their socks can be laid out to dry. They're needed by women and children living in temporary housing and provide comfort for all with little heat in the homes.

Afghans (ghans) 10+29=39. Afghans made from squares you've donated, as well as full afghans have been provided to Faith Mission for Mothers and Children who often have very little. Afghans can be used for comfort, and hope as well as needed warmth in temporary housing whether used on beds at night or to ward off drafts when thermostats are so low they're not keeping warm. Afghans have also been donated to Pine Street Inn, another group that serves to protect the homeless and abused so desperately in need.

SQUARES, 238+214=452 knitted and crocheted squares have been donated in order to make afghans for the those folks listed above.

PONCHOS 43. Ponchos don't replace a roof over someone's head, but they do help protect one against the cold wet rain. If people are able to stay dry, they will be more comfortable, more warm; and that's very important in trying to stay well.

You may be ONE person, but you can and do make a difference, the proof surely is listed above.

And since we're celebrating because of a number, the milestone of reaching 400 posts (this is now post #405), I'll through out some other numbers you might find fun to know. We have 45 people who've donated, and or helped who blog, or have a membership on Ravelry or Crochetville, or The Hive. Additionally we have 91 people who've donated who've found us on the net who're are not part of those above groups. Thus far we have identified that donations have come from 29 states which is 58% of the country...see map at the bottom of the blog.

This blog's received several awards which make me happy, hope you all realize you're a part of these. The top 100 crochet and knitting blogs, Humanitarian Award, Honest Scrap and Humane Award. You can click on any of these in the side bars.

Since we've started highlighting a specific item each month we've had The Rainbow Project, Give a Square, Toasty Tootsies, Sock it to Me, and April Showers. Stay tuned as I'll be announcing the May highlighted item next.

If you notice the tabs across the top of the blog you can click to get lots of questions answers with The Things you should know before you donate section, a flyer you can print to distribute, and patterns you can use.

AND starting tomorrow you can start commenting away to win a fun $40.00 shopping spree at JoAnn's thanks to a special secret donator. Click HERE for all the details.

Yes, people pulling together can truly accomplish great things. 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!

Friday, April 29, 2011

PONCHO's for the Homeless

poncho'sPONCHO's. Awesome ponchos. psmflowerlady made a lovely comment where she indicated she would be spending part of the money she would otherwise have spent on sweets for Easter to buy Poncho's. Look at this wonder group of poncho's. Thank you Thank You Tammy! 27 Poncho's in all. This will be a huge hit.

This is April 29, and we've one day left in our April Showers project. That's not to say if you're able to send poncho's later we won't need or want them. As with our hats, scarves, mittens, etc we will continue to collect all items through out the year; but like to highlight a particular need each month. I'm very pleased with the 43 poncho's we've collected to date and Thank everyone who participated.

**Have you read about our $40.00 shopping spree at JoAnn's? If not...please do, so you too can have an opportunity to win May's Comment Contest and enjoy the $40.00 shopping spree at JoAnn's.

2011
Scarves 171
Hats 274
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 68+6=74
Slippers 37
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)

Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 16=27=43

**Please check back on May 1 to see what May's project will be.

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!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Socks are always a hit for the Homeless

socksAlways happy to receive more socks. The Bridge folks really enjoy getting new socks as do the men at the shelter. Many thanks psmflowerlady on RAV (Tammy) for your thoughtful donation. Dry feet makes such a difference in someone's comfort.

**Two More Days left for April Showers, details in the sidebar**

****Please read about the details of the Comment Contest, and stake your claim on the $40.00 shopping spree at JoAnn's. What crafter wouldn't be thrilled with that as the winning gift, click in the sidebar or on the words Comment Contest.


2011
Scarves 171
Hats 274
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 68+6=74
Slippers 37
Ghans 29 (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!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

New Helping Hands, Afghans for Faith Mission

Easter Log Cabin AfghanDoesn't this afghan look like a big Easter Egg! Lovely Spring Colors. This log cabin style afghan was crocheted by Joanie B in Ohio. Joanie is our newest pair of helping hands. Welcome Joanie, we're thrilled to have you join us and hope to see you around The Bridge often. Joanie is a friend of our friend Cindy whom I know you'll remember when I say Cindy and Rebeccah...the mother daughter team! Thank You Joanie for joining us, and Thank You Cindy for spreading the word and recruiting another pair of helping hands.
crocheted log cabin afghanAnother awesome afghan from our newest friend Joanie. Again many thanks! These ghans will be well received by those in need at Faith Mission.

**3 More Days for April Showers** Details in the sidebar.

***Yesterday the announcement regarding our month long celebration of our milestone of 400 posts was posted. Along with the details of the blog comment contest you don't want to miss! PLEASE scroll back to read all about it.***

2011
Scarves 171
Hats 274
Mittens (gloves) 66
Socks 68
Slippers 37
Ghans 27+2=29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 214
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 16

**If anyone is trying to post a comment and been unable to, please email me at sandycrochet@gmail.com. Over the last 2 days 2 people have indicated they had trouble. One of those has since been able to, so assume it was a weird thing. The 2nd one, well; not sure. Just don't someone not to be able to join in on the fun for the upcoming comment contest. Have had various people checking/testing this with a variety of computers, computer systems, and browsers and they report all is fine.**

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!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Celebrating with a Comment Contest

JoAnn gift cardYesterday 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!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Colorful Stripes to Warm those in Need

striped afghanThis bright, cheery, and colorful crocheted afghan comes from our friend, our young friend Rebeccah. I love how bold and bright it is.
crocheted afghanLikewise, 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!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

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!

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Helping from Head to Toe

socks, slippers, poncho'sThank 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!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Hats and Scarves oh My

hats and scarvesCrocheted 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!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Ponchos are Perfect for our April Showers Project

ponchosIf 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!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

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!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Mittens make me smile!

knitted mittensThank 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!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

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!

Friday, April 8, 2011

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!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

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!

Where are You and Your Yarn From?

I'm trying to identify where everyone is from, partially for fun. Take a look at the map. Also, believe it will aid me in cases where we have several people with the same name. Please look at the lists of bloggers and non bloggers and see if I have the state you hail from. If not, please leave a comment and let me know.

Additionally, we've had help from Scotland, England, Germany Puerto Rico, Canada, and France! They don't appear on the map, but their help is still greatly appreciated.

Where The People Who Donate Come From, is your state represented?