End of the Year 2011 Final Tallies

WOW!
You all did it. A while back, as I was watching our numbers grow I dreamed/wondered and hoped we might hit 500 scarves...and LOOK, 502. And, I wondered if we might hit 1,000 hats, and LOOK, we did 1,008.

Everyone involved deserves a big Thank You, and a HUGE pat on the back.

I am truly thrilled at this years accomplishments. We've increased our helping hands, giving us the ability to reach more people in need. We've added 2 family shelters to the list of those we've helped in the past. We've added a couple of grade schools to that list, we reached beyond our county borders to help those in Vinton County as well. All wonderful accomplishments that couldn't have been achieved without the continued love and support and skillful hands of you all.
If you missed the impressive list of those who donated in the year 2011...it's HERE. Please take a look, and if I missed anyone...do sing out. Going back through a whole year of blog posts to compile the list, it's possible I inadvertently missed someone.

We had a nice article written about the cause and the blog in Crochet Magazine this year too. If you didn't get a chance to read that...check the side bar and try finding a copy at your newsstand and or library.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 502
Hats 1,008
Mittens 239
Socks 374
Squares 941
Rain Ponchos 222
Cotton Washcloths 424
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 134
Afghans 56 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

Look how far we've come folks!
2008-2009 Donations
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

2010 Donations
Scarves 340
Hats 592
Mittens 151
Socks 101
Slippers 34
Ghans 10
Squares 238

To date, we've knitted/crocheted and donated a total of 1,968 hats to warm men, women and children, in need. We've knitted and crocheted a total of 989 scarves and 456 mittens; again for men, women, and children.

Some of you have been with us from the start, some who were with us in the start no longer are, and some of you are recent helpers. I value you all and truly THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart. Please know you've made a very important difference to a great many people. Please keep up the good work. I hope we can continue at this level and grow even more. Please help us grow more by telling people what you do. Everyone knows someone who knits or crochets, who wants to help others, who blogs, who tweets, who facebooks, etc.

Goals for year 2012 (I'm dreaming big)
Grow our numbers of helping hands
Grow our numbers of items donated
Grow by reaching other groups who need our help
Grow from 184 followers to 250? (ask your friends if they blog, ask them to follow us)
Improve our google page rank from it's current 3 to 4 or more. (we grew from 2 to 3 in July)
Improve our Alexa rank (remember that number needs to go down to be better). In July when it was added to the page our rank was 6,123,422 and this morning when I started writing this scheduled post (Jan 5th), it was 3,885,629.

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!

Being Behind turned to Being AHEAD?

As squares were coming in, being separated for storing until use; some ghans were being designed. I like to do several at one time generally speaking ...you know while I've got squares thrown around and the brain is in gear. Then I bag and label them and after completing a few, design more. This was designed about 10 days before Christmas, actually I considered whether or not I might be able to get it done once I completed the one I was working on....not realistic...so then I thought...behind again........NOPE...I left it bagged and tagged and will leave it in que...I'm ahead right? lol...for Christmas of 2012 instead of 2011. Unless at some point I snatch a square or two from here that I need for another ghan...will see how that goes. I like the look of this, but it will require quite a bit of work to fit the different sizes together.........

2011 Donations:

Scarves 502
Hats 1,008
Mittens 239
Socks 374
Squares 941
Rain Ponchos 222
Cotton Washcloths 419+5=424
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 134
Afghans 56 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

**Hope you've noticed and read some of the additions and changes here on the blog folks. **

****January continues to focus on Mittens, hope you're all busy knitting and crocheting****

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!

Personal Items Donated from The Tar Heel State

Thank you Anne G from North Carolina (The Tar Heel State) for your thoughtful donation of personal care items (shampoo, soap, lip balm, toothpaste, toothbrushes, tissues, powder, combs, brushes, and lotions), and 5 fabulous crocheted cotton washcloths. Look how pretty these cloths are...bright and cheery. Everyone loves cotton washcloths and the need for the cotton cloths and personal care items never goes away...not for our families at the shelters or our men on street. Many thanks Anne G.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 502
Hats 1,008
Mittens 239
Socks 374
Squares 941
Rain Ponchos 222
Cotton Washcloths 419+5=424
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 134
Afghans 56 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

**Hope you've noticed and read some of the additions and changes here on the blog folks. **

****January continues to focus on Mittens, hope you're all busy knitting and crocheting****

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 and Adorable Donations from The Sunshine State

Thank you Linda for your on going support from The Sunshine State (Florida) and your skillful hands. Look at these darling mittens and hats! A variety of sizes and colors make it perfect. AND...those hats with the ear flaps....AWESOME. Not only are they warm, and soft...they are super stylish. Love to post your pattern Linda, is that possible?

2011 Donations:

Scarves 502
Hats 1,001+7=1,008
Mittens 234+5=239
Socks 374
Squares 941
Rain Ponchos 222
Cotton Washcloths 419
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 134
Afghans 56 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

**Hope you've noticed and read some of the additions and changes here on the blog 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!

Donation from "Knotty Knitters" from The Bay State

Thank you "Knotty Knitters" from The Bay State (Massachusetts). The "Knotty Knitters", Lois, Lucille, Penny, Lynne and Melody have been very busy indeed. Take at look at this wonderful team donation of scarves (21), hats (16), mittens (6), socks (14), and yarn, and rain poncho's (6). These ladies get together, knit chat and donate to charity. Such a wonderful win win situation for all involved. Thank you ladies, keep up the good work. We look forward to seeing you again here on Bridge and Beyond with your caring hearts and busy hands.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 481+21=502
Hats 985+16=1,001
Mittens 258+6=234
Socks 360+14=374
Squares 941
Rain Ponchos 216+6=222
Cotton Washcloths 419
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 134
Afghans 56 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

**AND...drum roll, these donation of hats and scarves has put us over the magic numbers of 1,000 and 500 I wondered if we'd hit!!! That's very exciting AND we still have days left in Decembers Donations, so.............do 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!

Knitted hats donated from The Golden State

Thank you Louise S from The Golden State (California) for these 2 lovely, super soft and well knitted hats. Being partial to red, that would be my pick; but they are both very nice. Two more people warmed such a wonderful thing. Thank you Louise for your on going support, it is greatly appreciated.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 481
Hats 983+2=985
Mittens 258
Socks 360
Squares 941
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 419
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 134
Afghans 56 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

**Look how close we're getting folks to those goals of 1,000 hats and 500 scarves.....pretty excited. We may make it yet. Donations continue to come in, and while you're reading this post in the year 2012, it is written in Dec of 2011....December's donations are still being tallied and posted.**

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 GemStone Afghan

Gemstone afghan....how's that for a name for this afghan in the works? These fabulous squares were donated by our good friend Liz (minnisoda on The Ville).

Haven't decided on what color to edge and join this one with...so many options..black, dark green, red.........?? Thoughts? As you know we've received so many wonderful squares I'm designing several at a time and will keep you all posted on the progress. All these squares when joined will be donated to The Homeless Families Foundation for our Project, "Welcome Home". If you're new here and haven't yet read about that project, please click on the badge in the right side bar.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 481
Hats 983
Mittens 258
Socks 360
Squares 941
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 419
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 134
Afghans 56 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

Please leave a comment as to the state your from if it's not listed with your name.
Please visit often and when you do, leave a comment. You do not need to be a blogger to do so. Use the name and url feature in the drop down box and simply leave the url space empty. We love knowing you were here, and it helps the blog's placement in search engines which is important for our growth.
Please look around the blog, constant updates with regard to our need, sizes and color requirements 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!

Donations from The Land of Lincoln

Thank you Betty B from The Land of Lincoln and The Prairie state of Illinois. Betty's our newest pair of helping hands. We're happy to have you join us and hope to see you here on The Bridge often. Betty donated 20 wonderful crocheted squares and 23 pairs of socks. Lots of feet will be warmed and these 20 squares will make friends soon with others in a afghan for Project "Welcome Home."

Wow folks look how close we're getting to our goals....I wondered if we might hit 500 scarves or 1,000 hats by the close of the year 2011. Only 17 hats needed, and 19 scarves to do that! Remember posts are written, placed in que, scheduled...so while you're reading this post in the year 2012, this one was written Dec 21st. All items received in the calendar year of 2011 are recording in that year....soooooooo 9 days left.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 481
Hats 983
Mittens 258
Socks 337+23=360
Squares 921+20=941
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 419
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 134
Afghans 56 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

Please leave a comment as to the state your from if it's not listed with your name.
Please visit often and when you do, leave a comment. You do not need to be a blogger to do so. Use the name and url feature in the drop down box and simply leave the url space empty. We love knowing you were here, and it helps the blog's placement in search engines which is important for our growth.
Please look around the blog, constant updates with regard to our need, sizes and color requirements 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!

SCRUMPTIOUS Scarves

Thank you Gail B for another wonderful donation hot of your crochet hook. 9 wonderful scarves, beautifully made, wonderfully sized for adults...........great colors too! Thank you for your on going support Gail. If you're on the Ville you've no doubt enjoyed seeing many wonderful projects from Gail. Keep up the good work.

Wow folks look how close we're getting to our goals....I wondered if we might hit 500 scarves or 1,000 hats by the close of the year 2011. Only 17 hats needed, and 19 scarves to do that! Remember posts are written, placed in que, scheduled...so while you're reading this post in the year 2012, this one was written Dec 21st. All items received in the calendar year of 2011 are recording in that year....soooooooo 9 days left.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 473+9=481
Hats 983
Mittens 258
Socks 337
Squares 921
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 419
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 134
Afghans 56 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

Please leave a comment as to the state your from if it's not listed with your name.
Please visit often and when you do, leave a comment. You do not need to be a blogger to do so. Use the name and url feature in the drop down box and simply leave the url space empty. We love knowing you were here, and it helps the blog's placement in search engines which is important for our growth.
Please look around the blog, constant updates with regard to our need, sizes and color requirements 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!

Cute Donations from Michigan

Thank you Bridget (Charbridge Knits), for this darling donation. Look at those hats with the eyes! Precious. Everything is so beautifully knitted Bridget. Look at the wonderful variety of hat styles...including one that looks like a cupcake! Wonderful hats and slippers here for sure.


2011 Donations:

Scarves 473
Hats 971+12=983
Mittens 258
Socks 337
Squares 921
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 419
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 129+5=134
Afghans 56 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

Please leave a comment as to the state your from if it's not listed with your name.
Please visit often and when you do, leave a comment. You do not need to be a blogger to do so. Use the name and url feature in the drop down box and simply leave the url space empty. We love knowing you were here, and it helps the blog's placement in search engines which is important for our growth.
Please look around the blog, constant updates with regard to our need, sizes and color requirements 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!

Fun and Funky Afghan in the Works

Sorry the picture here is a bit blurry, I must have moved when I snapped the photo. This is an afghan in the works, recently designed from squares donated by our very good friend, AnneMarie in New York. I need just 2 squares to make this design complete and believe I have yarn that will work. Any thoughts for a name beyond Fun and Funky? Or Funky Fall? That's where my brain is taking me at the moment I layed these squares out. I believe I'll be edging and joining this afghan in orange.

I'll keep ya posted on the progress of this fun and funky afghan for Project "Welcome Home".

**Need to make contact with a Ruth P from Michigan, and an unidentified donator who sent a box of 17 hats

2011 Donations:

Scarves 473
Hats 971
Mittens 258
Socks 337
Squares 921
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 419
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 129
Afghans 56 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

Please review the tabs at the top of the blog for requirements for size and color for hats, scarves, mittens, slippers, and squares. Patterns are also available.

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!

Donation from The Garden State

Love this blue variegated. Think I had some of this yarn awhile back and made a couple of booties and hats for little ones. Reminds me of blue jeans. This interesting square is being donated by Jessica S (along with personal care items) from the State of New Jersey, The Garden State. Sure wish it were gardening weather Jessica. This square is mingling with other squares, making friends and before long will be part of afghan spreading the love for our Project" Welcome Home."
Thank you Jessica for your thoughtful donation.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 473
Hats 971
Mittens 258
Socks 337
Squares 920+1=921
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 419
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 129
Afghans 56 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

**Remember items that came in before the end of the year are still being counted in the 2011 totals, and remember all posts are scheduled to post 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!

Smiley Faces make me Smile

Personal care items, socks, slippers, and 2 knitted hats from our good friend Yvonne from the state of North Dakota.
AND a darling no sew fleece blanket. How adorable is this! I flipped the corner so you could see the color on the reverse side. This adorable blanket will surely make some little one smile. Who can resist smiling faces after all. Many thanks Yvonne for your on going support of our people in need here in Ohio. The blanket was donated to Project "Welcome Home", and by the time you all read this scheduled post is already keeping a child warm.

**Received unidentified donation of 17 hats, could you please make contact? Also, could Ruth P from Michigan make contact, I don't have an email from you.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 473
Hats 969+2=971
Mittens 258
Socks 333+4=337
Squares 920
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 419
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 128+1=129
Afghans 55+1=56 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

**Remember items that came in before the end of the year are still being counted in the 2011 totals, and remember all posts are scheduled to post in que, PLEASE keep checking in for the final tallies**

***Notice differences, changes, additions to the blog? Please take time and look around. Mitten tab has patterns, and This is Mitten Month!***

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, Got Brown?

If you've been to this blog before, you know I like to name the afghans that are donated to our family shelters. This afghan show casing some fun brown squares from our good friend, minnisoda over on The Ville (Liz) is thus far named, "Got Brown". It's funky and fun. I'm not yet decided on what color I want to edge, join, and border with. Initially, brown seemed the logically option. Using blue would bring out the blue, but also make it more youthful; I think which is not what I have in mind. It's modern looking, funky looking to me, so I was thinking black? Though black is very traditional with grannie squares, I think here it might be non-traditional looking? And masculine?

It should be sized nicely enough to be a good family afghan also. Then again.........what would red look like with it? Thoughts? Please feel free to add your thoughts.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 473
Hats 969
Mittens 258
Socks 333
Squares 920
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 419
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 128
Afghans 55 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

**Remember items that came in before the end of the year are still being counted in the 2011 totals, and remember all posts are scheduled to post in que**

***Notice differences, changes, additions to the blog? Please take time and look around.***

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!

Friendship, Knitting, and Charity go Hand in Hand

This post #600!!! How cool is that?

Friendship and knitting and charity go hand in hand. I've seen this dynamic played out all over the net with groups on RAV, groups on The Hive, groups on Crochetville, groups on yahoo and certainly in blogging. People gather together with a common bond, the love of knitting/crocheting, the desire to help others, and friendships are formed....over and over again.

This batch of knitted cotton wash cloths comes from a face to face group where friendship, knitting and charity go hand in hand. Thank you Barb, Peggy, Janice, and Susan in St. Louis, Missouri for your thoughtful donation. These will be put to good use. The 2 family shelters, The YWCA and Homeless Families Foundation are always thrilled to receive these, as is The Faith Mission Shelter. Many thanks, hope to see you ladies here on often.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 473
Hats 969
Mittens 258
Socks 333
Squares 920
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 345+74=419
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 128
Afghans 55 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

**Remember items that came in before the end of the year are still being counted in the 2011 totals, and remember all posts are scheduled to post 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!

Donating Squares Way more fun ....

Donating squares is definitely more fun then doing geometry....though quess we sorta use that skill when piece donated squares together to make afghans. This wonderful donation of crocheted granny squares come from our good friend over on The Ville, minnisoda (Liz). Many thanks for your on going support, and your skillful hands. Look at all the awesome colors folks. Please stay tuned to see me remembering high school geometry and get creative with these awesome (68) squares.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 473
Hats 969
Mittens 258
Socks 333
Squares 852+68=920
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 345
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 128
Afghans 55 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

**Remember items that came in before the end of the year are still being counted in the 2011 totals, and remember all posts are scheduled to post in que**

NEW ITEMS:
Have you checked out the new tabs? If not, please please do.

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!

Happy New Year

WOW, it's been a busy year, hard to believe it's now 2012 and the year 2011 is behind us. We've accomplished alot through out this year folks. We've been featured in Crochet Magazine, we've been linked on a few more blogs, we've reached donation levels sufficient enough to add additional groups to those we help. A very successful year...who's count continues

**There are donations from minnisoda (Liz), Bridget, Yvonne, Barb-Peggy-Janice and Susan from St. Louis pending as I write this scheduled post. Their items have been received and will be counting in the 2011 totals; but as you know there's a new post each day highlighting someone's donation........they are scheduled ahead and therefore their items will appear Next Year (2012)...as will others that come from the time this post was actually written (12-16) til the end of the year.

PLEASE take time, (even if you've been here looking around on the blog before), new items to see. Check out the updated working calendar, read the tabs titled, Mittens, Scarves, Hats, Hats, and Give a Square.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 473
Hats 969
Mittens 258
Socks 333
Squares 852
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 345
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 128
Afghans 55 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO'VE DONATED AND OR HELPED BEHIND THE SCENES TO MAKE 2011 SO SUCCESSFUL: (I've gone back through the whole year of posts to compile this list, please let me know if I've left someone out).

Adrienne
Alexis
Amy
Angie M.
Anne G.
AnneMarie
Barb from St. Louis
Barb (not St. Louis, last initial?)
Barbara
Becky
Beth
Betty B.
Bonnie B.
Bridget
Bunny
Carol S.
Cheryl B.
Cheryl G.
Cheryl S.
Chizoba
Christine (my darling daughter)
Chuck (my older brother)
Cindy
Connie S.
Damaris
DaMarys
Deborah K.
Denise F
Diana H.
Diane K.
Dolores W.
Elaine
Evelyn
Frank
Gail B.
Gloria
Helen
Jackie M.
James
Jan (my SIL)
Janice in St. Louis
Jeanette
Jen
Jenny S.
Jennifer T.
Jessica
Joanie B.
Jodi
Joy
Judy L.
Karen A.
Karen H.
Katie B.
Kathy G.
Kathy S.
Kevin (my fabulous neighbor who takes care of the mail in my absence)
Kim J.
Laurie
Linda M.
Liz
Lois (Knotty Knitters)
Louise
Lucille(Knotty Knitters)
Lynn (my friend who makes deliveries for us to Holy Family, Vinton Co, and several schools)
Lynne (Knotty Knitters)
Marie Anne
Marilyn P.
Marilyn W.
Mary A.
Mary H.
Mary (? unsure if this is one of the Mary's above)
Melissa
Melody (Knotty Knitters)
Nancy
Nelda
Niki
Nikki S.
Nola
Panther
Pat E.
Patty L.
Patty S.
Paula K.
Pauline B.
Peggy P.
Peggy in St. Louis
Penny(Knotty Knitters)
Phyllis
Phyllis G (unsure if same as above Phyllis)
Rae (lady who makes deliveries to our Bridge People and 2 free clinics and YWCA family shelter)
Rajani
Rebeccah
Robbie (never identified in order to contact)
RoseMarie
Sacha
Sally
Sandie (from Louisiana)
Sandie (from Florida)
Sandy (me, the 3rd Sandy)
Sara R.
Sara T.
Sarah S
Sharlet
Sherri I.
Sherry K.
Shirley
Stephanie
Sue F.
Sue H.
Sue V.K.
Suzy D.
Suzann W
Tammy
Theresa M.
Theresa S.
Tracy F.
Trudy
Unidentified Donor from the State of Washington
Vickie
Yvonne S.

**Includes names for those who's post and donations are up and coming, but still counted in the year 2011 totals**

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!

Donations from France

This is post #598
How fitting it seems to me that this post #598 is from Sacha in France! Why? This is the last post in the year 2011, this is post #598 which is an awesome number and a donation from our friend, Sacha in France truly shows how far we've come. The blog has reached many people and therefore been able to help many people. These fabulous hats (11), slippers, and hood/scarf combo are beautifully made. Many many thanks Sacha for your on going support of our cause here in Ohio. I'm so thrilled we've gotten to know each other this past year and look forward to getting to know each other better in the coming year. Sacha and I met over on The Hive (link in sidebar). Sacha sells many of her wares and her own patterns. Please check out her page HERE.

I LOVE her hats with the 2 colors, click to enlarge. The crown is swirled with the funky and funky texture change, then back to a wonderful ribbing.

**There are donations from minnisoda (Liz), Yvonne, Barb-Peggy-Janice and Susan from St. Louis pending as I write this scheduled post. There items have been received and will be counting in the 2011 totals; but as you know there's a new post each day highlighting someone's donation........they are scheduled ahead and therefore their items will appear Next Year (2012)...as will others that come from the time this post was actually written (12-16) and the end of the year.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 472+1=473
Hats 963+9=969
Mittens 258
Socks 333
Squares 852
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 345
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 127+1=128
Afghans 55 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

**I had hoped by years end to have the state listed by everyone's name; but as you review the lists...many are still un-accounted for. PLEASE folks find your name in one of the 3 lists, bloggers, non-bloggers, and RAV-Facebook, Hive etc profile pages lists and if your name doesn't have a state listed PLEASE leave a comment here so it can be updated. The initial of your last name would also be a wonderful plus. Besides being interesting, this will aid in my bookkeeping of donations. As we've grown and have multiple people with the same or similar name, it's helpful and a time saver to know who's who and where you're from. 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!

Counting Donations as the Year Winds Down

Thank you RoseMarie for your on going support and your thoughtful donation of personal care items, 2 headbands, pair of slippers, 3 squares, 2 hats and 2 scarves. It's wonderful to have on going support of our caring friends like RoseMarie; and wonderful to have new helping hands. I love seeing the blog grow, I love seeing our numbers climb...........Both mean we're able to help more people in need.

Hope to see you lots in the coming year, RoseMarie.


2011 Donations:

Scarves 470+2=472
Hats 961+2=963
Mittens 258
Socks 333
Squares 849+3=852
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 345
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 126+1=127
Afghans 55 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

**One more day left in this year of 2011, 1 more day left for December and our focus on squares. We'll then turn our attention to mittens as we begin The New Year**

*-*-*-PLEASE, read the added information in the tabs area of the blog*-*-*-

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!

Donation from Ohio's Historic Capital

Sorry this picture is a bit blurry folks, I must have moved? 13 crocheted hats and 3 scarves all from the skilled hands of our friend down in Ross County Ohio, MarieAnne. Chillicothe was Ohio's first capital city, so thought it was pretty cool to have a donation from it's historic past. As you can see, she's got a variety of sizes, colors, and styles...........fabulous! Something for everyone here. I especially like how nice and big she made the scarves. And look at that cute pink hat!!! Warm and stylish. Many thanks Marie Anne for your continued support, and skilled hands! Please keep up the good work.

Just 2 more days folks in our Square focus for the month of December. Quick, run what you've got to the post office. In 2 days, we move onto our January focus which is mittens! As you know, we collect all items all year long (except squares); the focus is to call attention to the biggest need at the time. Squares are not collected all year long (helps me in assembly). If you have squares at other times, please email me at sandycrochet@gmail.com. Also, please email me if you have squares that don't quite meet the requirments listed. Thanks folks for your help.


2011 Donations:

Scarves 467+3=470
Hats 948+13=961
Mittens 258
Socks 333
Squares 849
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 345
Sweaters/Poncho's 11
Slippers 126
Afghans 55 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn 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!

Crocheting and Donating, almost everything but the Kitchen Sink!

Cheryl S from Michigan has been super busy! Look at this fabulous donation and look how many people she's keeping warm with her wonderful crocheted donations!! You might remember her previous donation where I discussed her double slippers. What a fabulous idea. She makes 2 slippers and stitches them together. This does several things, it makes them truly warm, makes them more sturdy and it makes them reversible!!! What a plus. I liked her idea so much I've listed it several times as a tip. Thank you Cheryl for your idea and your donation of 11 pairs of slippers.

Cheryl is very creative, see the green bag in right corner of the last picture? Somehow (we need you to tell us how), she crocheted a zip lock bag. Clicking all pictures folks makes them larger. It's a handy bag one might use for personal care items. Looks actractive, but has a zip lock bag inside so would work well for like a toothbrush/toothpaste etc.

She's included a pretty doily (nice for a table top), 5 cotton washcloths, 1 cowl, 7 hats in her donation.

Check out the doll and her wardrobe! She's tucked all cute into her own snuggle sack and has several changes of clothes. Remembering these posts are placed in que, so this has already been donated by the time you read this post. The folks at The Homeless Families Foundation were thrilled to get this and it will be a Christmas Present to one of little girls.

Project, "Welcome Home" sure got a helping hand with these 4 fabulous afghans. They too have already been delivered. Wonderful timing Cheryl. They had a good number of families moving out of the temporary housing into their permanent housing right before Christmas. I was thrilled we had so many ghans done to delivery to them for these house warming gifts. How special too that they were able to get in settled for Christmas. We wish these families well with our thoughtful handmade afghans.

I think my favorite is the pretty green and white plaid looking ghan, though they're all great.

AND...check out her cute red sweater for a little boy. Hoping she can remember what pattern she used for it, as it looks like a good one. AND...mittens, which always make me clap. We're fast approaching our Mitten focus folks....January will be mitten focus.

You've got just a few more days to mail your squares then onto mittens we go.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 467
Hats 941+7=948
Mittens 253+5=258
Socks 333
Squares 849
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 340+5=345
Sweaters/Poncho's 10+1=11
Slippers 115+11=126
Afghans 51+4=55 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

**Please notice new tabs with information regarding our working calendar for the up coming year of 2012, scarves and more*

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!

Feeling Royal!

WOW, this is post #594, only 6 left to reach 600!!

Another Afghan delivered to The Homeless Families Foundation for our Operation "Welcome Home." As always such a nice team effort for our friends here on Bridge and Beyond. These purple, gold, and blue crocheted granny squares were donated by our friend Cheryl, and the dark forest green yarn used to edge and join the afghan was donated by Laurie (lovs2sing on Rav). I crocheted 2 additional rows around all 30 squares and crocheted the ghan together in the join as you go method. I crocheted an additional 2 rows around the full ghan for the border. This afghan should make a nice family afghan measuring just over 50 x 64. It's warm, sturdy and color appropriate for a family headed by a male or a female.

You might have seen this ghan previously, as it was highlighted just after being completed and delivered for Finished Object Friday over on Sandy's Space (my personal blog). As you know, blogs are written and placed in que here on Bridge and Beyond; so if often takes awhile for things to surface. Currently, we've got about a 2 week backlog of blog posts. I consider that a good problem. That means donations are numerous, so please don't get discouraged if you don't see you donation posted for awhile. I do contact everyone via email (if I've missed you, please contact me....sometimes I don't have your current email ady).

2011 Donations:

Scarves 467
Hats 941
Mittens 253
Socks 333
Squares 849
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 340
Sweaters/Poncho's 10
Slippers 115
Afghans 50+1=51 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

**Please notice new tabs with information regarding our working calendar for the up coming year of 2012, scarves and more**

Few more days left in our December focus of Squares. Squares will then be put on hold. Once I catch up a bit with assembling....we'll start collecting again. But, please hold mailing squares after December....unless you check with me first...ie, you're mailing other items perhaps.

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 Scarves and Hats from Florida

This is post #593....can you believe it, only 7 more posts until we hit 600!

Our good friend Sandie, down there in The Sunshine shows her continued support of us cold up here in Ohio again with this crocheted donation. 4 Scarves and 2 hats to warm Ohio's cold in need. The men will love the camo, blue, and green scarf and every color of the rainbow scarf will surely put a smile on a lady's face! You've seen Sandie's work often with her creative flare for hats and the way she mixes colors, ...........once again, she has the touch.

Many thanks Sandie, keep up the good work. Box up some sunshine....please and thanks with your next donation.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 463+4=467
Hats 939+2=941
Mittens 253
Socks 333
Squares 849
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 340
Sweaters/Poncho's 10
Slippers 115
Afghans 50 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

**Please notice new tabs with information regarding our working calendar for the up coming year of 2012, scarves and more**

Few more days left in our December focus of Squares. Squares will then be put on hold. Once I catch up a bit with assembling....we'll start collecting again. But, please hold mailing squares after December....unless you check with me first...ie, you're mailing other items perhaps.

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!

Merry Christmas to You

This seems like it was only yesterday..............but it was really quite some time back. My DD had breakfast here with Santa. She loved to dress up all Christmasey, most little girls do. Lots of good memories from when she was young, and as she grew up; but this picture is one of my favorites so thought I'd share it with you. Bet you all have a similiar one of you, your children, or your grandchildren sitting on Santa's lap.

Merry Christmas to you all and many thanks for all you've done through out the year with your magical crochet hooks and knitting needles and looms. You've made hats, scarves, mittens, slippers, washcloths, and squares. You've sent rain ponchos and socks, you've donated yarn. You've blogged about our cause, tweeted about our cause, and facebooked about our cause. I hope you've chatted about what we do here with your friends, your neighbors and family who might not be on the internet. As the year winds down, let me express my Christmas wish for a continuation of the same, a Christmas wish for more helping hands, to grow our numbers of donated items and reach more people in need.

Blessings to you all, and please Keep up the Good Work.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 463
Hats 939
Mittens 253
Socks 333
Squares 849
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 340
Sweaters/Poncho's 10
Slippers 115
Afghans 50 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn 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!

Donating Squares and Scarves

Thank you Angie M. from Ohio, our newest pair of helping hands for these crocheted squares and scarves. The squares are sampler style squares (24), and 2 scarves are nice and warmth and large enough for adults to wrap up in. We're thrilled to a have you join here at Bridge and Beyond and hope to see you often.

Tomorrow is Christmas, no doubt you're all busy busy busy. I hope you're spending some quality time with family. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 461+2=463
Hats 939
Mittens 253
Socks 333
Squares 825+24=849
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 340
Sweaters/Poncho's 10
Slippers 115
Afghans 50 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

**Please, even if you're an old timer here to the blog, take some time and look around. Lots of information here, some has changed over time. Just about a week left folks in our December focus on squares. The 2012 working calendar, first quarter has been posted. January 2012's focus will be Mittens. Mittens for Men, Women, and Children. We need warm mittens, mittens with a nice long cuff please...that helps with warmth. Please check out further details by clicking on the working calendar tab across the top of the blog**


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!

Donations from Minnesota, The North Star State

Wonderful, wonderful. Look at this fabulous donation from our good friend, Liz (minnisoda on The Ville). A beautiful stripped ripple afghan. These colors are awesome together. The size is good for a teen or adult. 5 wonderful warm hats, 2 awesome scarves (super soft), and a nice cotton wash cloth. Many many thanks Liz E...your on going support is greatly appreciated.
And....wait, I'm not done folks. Look at 3 fabulous afghans. A wonderful and colorful afghan suitable for a family ghan, a nice blue and white some little guy is going to like, and one for a toddler...who's color doesn't show up here well in the picture. Sorry to say, cause it's not white, it's a nice green and blue. These afghans will be wonderful house warming gifts for our families at The Homeless Families Foundation for Project Welcome Home. (if you've not read the details of that folks, please do...click the house badge in the side bar).

2011 Donations:

Scarves 459+2=461
Hats 934+5=939
Mittens 253
Socks 333
Squares 825
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 339+1=340
Sweaters/Poncho's 10
Slippers 115
Afghans 46 +4=50 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

**Please spend time looking around the blog....changes are constant, new information all the time**

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!

Did Someone Say YARN?

Laurie (luvs2sing on RAV), donated more green yarn...well maybe aqua? I'm seeing some scarves and hats from this soft yarn...stay turned folks. Many thanks Laurie. Now...check this out. Not only did she donate more yarn; but she while enjoying a shopping venture at The Yarn Market in Pinkerington, she was talking about Bridge and Beyond. You know, spreading the news AND

These lovely and generous mound of yarn was then donated by Deborah K. WOWZER, this is fabulous. Thanks so much Laurie for your thoughtful donation, thank you for spreading the word, and many thanks to Deborah for finding out these wonderful yarn to donate to the cause. Hats, scarves and more will come from this lovely mound of donated yarn. Many many thanks!!

2011 Donations:

Scarves 459
Hats 934
Mittens 253
Socks 333
Squares 825
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 339
Sweaters/Poncho's 10
Slippers 115
Afghans 46 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

**Please spend time looking around the blog....changes are constant, new information all the time**

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!

Hitting the Motherload of Squares

Greens, blues, variegated, pinks, reds, browns, solids, stripes, variegated, yellow and more. Seriously folks, this is The Motherload here. Crocheted squares, 150 of them from our Dear Friend, AnneMarie from the fabulous state of New York. WOW and WOW and holly Cow! These squares are awesome, beautifully made, tails nicely tucked except the final one (extra thanks for that). When tails are tucked it saves additional time for me doing the assembly. The design she used on the bulk of these squares happens to be one I'm very fond of...no clue if it has a name. I like how solid and sturdy this design is. Mostly granny squares, though some are also sampler style squares. Many thanks for your on going support and for your generosity, AnneMarie. I'll be able to make quite a few ghans with these.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 459
Hats 934
Mittens 253
Socks 333
Squares 675+150=825
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 339
Sweaters/Poncho's 10
Slippers 115
Afghans 46 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

WOW....think we might hit 1,000 hats before the end of the year? And or 500 scarves?? Wouldn't that be cool!

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!