Donations Delivered in Person

 Look at these awesome crocheted slippers, Tristi K donated.  Remember you can always click pictures to make them larger to see more details etc.  Slippers all made with double strands of yarn so nice and thick and warm and sturdy.  The very best combination.  I LOVE slippers made with the double yarn, believe they really hold up and serve our purposes.  She's crocheted lots of different sizes, in lots of different colors.  AND...they are all nicely paired with fabulous tags indicating size.  Thank you Tristi.  Tristi is a new pair of helping hands, we're thrilled to have you join us.

She's also crocheted hats, cotton washcloths and a scarf.  Such a nice donation.  Again thanks for labeling the hats with size.  It's truly appreciated.  Tristi is local and so we were able to meet face to face when she passed this donation onto me.  I love getting to meet some of you good folks.  It's a real bonus.  We enjoyed a cup of tea and look forward to getting together again.  (speaking about tea, here's a post all you tea lovers should see)

She's also agreed to help me with assembling an afghan.  This afghan, titled Retro was designed some time back and has been waiting to be assembled.  I tend to assemble based on what yarn colors I have on hand.  I love the mix of colors of brown and turquoise and it reminds of the 50's kitchen colors.  Some squares are knitted, some are crocheted and they are a variety of sizes.  I used to accept a variety of sizes, but in order to get things done quicker I now accept 8 inch squares only....at designated times.  I'll not be calling for squares for some time to come, as I still have plenty on hand to work with.  PLEASE check the working calendar to determine when squares are to be mailed next.

In the meantime, do stay tuned to see the finished ghan.  This was my vision when I laid the squares out, she may have another.  Thank you Tristi for your help.

 Reminders:
Please avoid novelty yarns, suede and all non washable fibers.
Please avoid the white, off-white, beige.
Please never tie a knot and cut.  Always work in tails to keep items from unraveling, and always tuck in all tails (don't forget the insides of hats etc.)
Please avoid spraying items with perfumes, air-freshners.  Launder instead.
Always include a note with your donations that has your name and your email addy.
Please make sure your donations are free of pet hair.
Please avoid stitches they are open/lacy.  We need sturdy warm stitches.
Please label hats, mittens, and slippers with size.


2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  121+4=125
Scarves: 90+1=91
Socks: 56
Afghans: 3
Slippers: 20+13=33
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 14
Cotton Wash Clothes:63+12=75
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators etc aren't tabulated



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

Donations from South Carolina

 Thank you Emma D from one of my favorite states, South Carolina for this thoughtful donation.  I love vacationing in South Carolina, thus my favorite comment.  You might have seen one of my many travel posts about places we enjoy going in SC.  Slippers, cotton washcloths, and a crocheted hat are all so very much appreciated.  Special thanks too, Emma for labeling them with size.  Very nice!

Please keep up the good work.

 Reminders:
Please avoid novelty yarns, suede and all non washable fibers.
Please avoid the white, off-white, beige.
Please never tie a knot and cut.  Always work in tails to keep items from unraveling, and always tuck in all tails (don't forget the insides of hats etc.)
Please avoid spraying items with perfumes, air-freshners.  Launder instead.
Always include a note with your donations that has your name and your email addy.
Please make sure your donations are free of pet hair.
Please avoid stitches they are open/lacy.  We need sturdy warm stitches.
Please label hats, mittens, and slippers with size.


2013 Donation Totals 
Hats: 120+1=121
Scarves: 90
Socks: 56
Afghans: 3
Slippers: 17+3=20
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 14
Cotton Wash Clothes:59+4=63
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators etc aren't tabulated


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

Peach Colored Donations from Georgia

Awesome hats and scarves from our friend Diana K from Georgia.  Now I thought it was interesting that these red, peach colored, melon colored sets were crocheted and donated by someone living in The Peach Tree State.  Don't the pretty colors make you think of pretty peaches!  Many thanks Diana K. for your on going support for Ohio's homeless, please keep up the good work.

We're about half way through February, which as you know focuses on feet.  Both slippers and socks are the focus for February.  The focus for next month, for those who like to know ahead; will be afghans, and rain poncho's.  March can still be quite cold, but in preparation for April and rain thought we'd jump ahead a bit and make rain poncho's a focus.  The afghans are giving out with families transition from shelter living to permanent housing.  Afghans keep them warm, congratulate them on the accomplishment of moving out of the shelter living, and wish them luck for the future.

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  115+5=120
Scarves: 82+8=90
Socks: 56
Afghans: 3
Slippers: 17
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 14
Cotton Wash Clothes:59
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators etc aren't tabulated


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

Keeping Feet Warm for Ohio's Homeless

Thank you Yvonne, love the slippers, the socks and all the personal care items you've donated.  17 pairs of warmer feet are going to be happy feet because of your generous heart.  Please keep up the good work.

**Just noticed your sock donation doubles what we had thus far.  Anyone out there into numbers?  Is this a sign, an omen perhaps?  Anyone lucky...want to use 17 and buy a lottery ticket?  lol  When I noticed the number it made me smile and I thought, what's the statical likelihood of that happening?  Getting the exact number and all?  AND....with these 3 pairs of slippers....look what the slipper count currently is too.  WOW**

We're about half way through February, which as you know focuses on feet.  Both slippers and socks are the focus for February.  The focus for next month, for those who like to know ahead; will be afghans, and rain poncho's.  March can still be quite cold, but in preparation for April and rain thought we'd jump ahead a bit and make rain poncho's a focus.  The afghans are giving out with families transition from shelter living to permanent housing.  Afghans keep them warm, congratulate them on the accomplishment of moving out of the shelter living, and wish them luck for the future.

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  115
Scarves: 82
Socks: 39+17=56
Afghans: 3
Slippers: 14+3=17
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 14
Cotton Wash Clothes:59
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators etc aren't tabulated


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

Clapping for Mittens

Thank you Sally B.  Awesome mittens.  You know how excited I get when we get mittens.  We always need them.  These are awesome, soft, warm and so well made.  And Congrats to you.  Sally shared that she had made this with 4 needles...that would DP's (double pointed) for our non-knitters out there.  Something that's been on my list of things to learn for some time now.  I have purchased needles in order to practice, but that's as far as I've gotten.  Well done and keep up the good work Sally B.

Wish you were here sitting beside me to teach me...that would awesome.

Would love to have a summer gathering for anyone local or near by.  If you're local and or near by, please leave a comment and or email me at sandycrochet@gmail.com so I can begin to compile a list of people to notify as the time approaches.  I see a fun day of getting to know each other and getting some knitting/crocheting done at the same time.  Thus far, I believe I've heard Dodi, Sherry K., and Tristi K are interested.  Who else?

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  115
Scarves: 82
Socks: 39
Afghans: 3
Slippers: 14
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 4+10=14
Cotton WashClothes: 59
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators etc aren't tabulated


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

Donating an Afghan for Project Welcome Home

 Thank you Sarah S for this lovely rose colored afghan.  By the time this post is read, it's already keeping someone warm.  Remember posts are written, and placed in que so we have a post daily (99.9% of the time).  Please click the picture to enlarge so you can see the details.  Very nicely done Sarah, many thanks!  Please keep up the good work.

**Have you joined the facebook group?  Did you know we're welcoming quilters into our group?  Have you read the updated tabs on the top of the blog?  Have you read about the expanded ministry...reaching more people in need in a new area?**

Would love to have a summer gathering for anyone local or near by.  If you're local and or near by, please leave a comment and or email me at sandycrochet@gmail.com so I can begin to compile a list of people to notify as the time approaches.  I see a fun day of getting to know each other and getting some knitting/crocheting done at the same time.

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  115
Scarves: 82
Socks: 39
Afghans: 2+1=3
Slippers: 14
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 4 
Cotton WashClothes:59
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators etc aren't tabulated


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

Cotton Washcloths for Homeless

Another dozen pretty cotton washcloths crocheted and donated by our long time friend and supporter, Sandie P from Louisiana.  Very nice mix of colors, bright and cheery.  Keep up the good work my friend.
Some folks have wondered why the cotton washcloth fad has become so popular.  Many reasons...

1. They're fun and quick to make
2. They're pretty
3. They're versatile, as they can be used as a washcloth for the body (which are really really nice), and they can be used as a dishcloth.
4. The shelters love them as use them when people are in for a night and have no means of clean up, they use them in their moving in kits (when they transition from shelter living to permanent housing).

**Have you joined the facebook group?  Did you know we're welcoming quilters into our group?  Have you read the updated tabs on the top of the blog?  Have you read about the expanded ministry...reaching more people in need in a new area?**

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  115
Scarves: 82
Socks: 39
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 14
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 4 
Cotton WashClothes:47+12=59
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators etc aren't tabulated

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

New York Hands Help Ohio's Homeless

 Please welcome Barbara F from New York, our newest pair of helping hands.  Barbara likes to stay busy and this is her first crochet project.  The scarves are continuous, believe that's what a mobius is.  I tried to show how they look by the different ways I laid them out.  4 sets of matching scarves and hats for cold kids in need.  Very nicely made Barbara.  Thank you.  Hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond.

 You might not be able to see the whole card here.  I was holding up this handmade pair of earrings she also made.  The card says handmade with Love...how sweet is that.  She included this pair of earrings

hand made soap, and hand painted shell as a little gift/surprise for me.  I wanted to share it with you.  I told you, she likes to keep busy so she crochets, makes soap, makes jewelry and paints seashells.  The shells come from Far Rockaway Beach in New York.  Very cool idea.  She says the shells can be used as a soap dish or a place to keep you rings, earrings etc. on top of your dresser.

She's newly retired and from the looks of things, keeps as busy as she did when she was working, lol.  She donates alot of her goodies to her church; but if you'd like to see more of artistic flare...hope over to Sunshine and Sand Shell Art and Fashion Jewelry on Etsy.com.  Couldn't resist giving her a little plug.  The soap smells wonderful and the earrings remind me of my birthstone, Topaz.

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  111+4=115
Scarves: 78+4=82
Socks: 39
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 14
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 4 
Cotton WashClothes:47
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators etc aren't tabulated


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

Another Sweet Thank You Letter

We received a very nice thank you letter from Avondale Elementary School.  I know no one expects, or needs to be thanked......just knowing you're doing something important and something worthwhile is truly enough; but I do always enjoy sharing with you sweet and kind words.  What you all do with your yarn, your time, your talents is truly appreciated by many.

Keep up the good work!

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  111
Scarves: 78
Socks: 39
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 14
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 4 
Cotton WashClothes:47
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators etc aren't tabulated

**Working calendar will be forth coming folks, but for the remainder of February, our focus is feet.  Socks for adult males, and slippers for Men, Women, and Children.  See details in the slipper tab.  And the focus for March will be afghans and rain ponchos.  Please both slipper and afghan tabs above.  Remember with welcoming quilters into the fold, March is perfect time for them to shine by making and donating quilts.**


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

Expaning the Mission, Volunteers Needed

 Sadly, new areas where pockets of homeless people in need have come to light.  Currently 5 areas in the North end of Columbus are known about.  I say sadly, because there is need.  However, it's a need we can answer.  We can, and will continue our support of homeless in need.  These 5 areas will receive hot meals on Saturday mornings.  Our good friend Rae, is heading up this quest.  There are now enough volunteers to continue to care for the original "Bridge People", and to reach out now to others.

She'll be happy to accept help from anyone local wanting to become involved with the preparing and distribution of the hot meals.  If you're local to Columbus and want to assist with this ministry, please leave a comment below, and or email me at sandycrochet@gmail.com.  I'll pass along your contact information to Rae so plans can be worked out. 

She will need some basic supplies to expand this ministry into the new area.  Plastic grocery bags are needed, large plastic garbage bags are needed, and plastic containers, (butter dishes, yogurt containers, cottage cheese containers and the like) are needed.  Please wash out your empty containers and donate them.  If you're local, you can drop them off and or mail them to me.  If you're not local and would like to donate, email me for my address.  The plastic containers are used for left overs after meal preparation, the large garbage bags are to help the homeless carry their limited clothes, and the plastic grocery bags are used for them to carry their hot meal in.

Naturally if you knit, crochet, or loom; you can make and donate hats, mittens, and scarves to help keep them warm.  If you're able to shop for men's socks, they are always needed.  The words, hats, mittens, and scarves are all links and will take you to the tab on the top of the blog with necessary information you need to read regarding size, colors, and fibers needed; and what to avoid.

Please lend your prayers to this new expanded ministry, as together we start down another  path.  So many people need us...need YOU and ME to do what we can to ease their journey.

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats: 111
Scarves: 78
Socks: 39
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 13
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 4 
Cotton WashClothes:47
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators etc aren't tabulated

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

Crocheted Hats to Warm Many Heads for Ohio's Homeless

 Two dozen hats!  Awesome donation from our newest pair of helping hands, Helen R from Arizona.  These 24 crocheted hats are quite varied in both style and size.  If you click to enlarge the picture you'll be able to see the wide variety of styles she's donating.  Awesome work Helen.  Thrilled to have you join us and hope to see lots of you here on Bridge and Beyond.

And...check out those cute little slippers on the left hand side.  Adorable.


2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  87+24=111
Scarves: 78
Socks: 39
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 13+1=14
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 4 
Cotton WashClothes:47
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators etc aren't tabulated

**Working calendar will be forth coming folks, but for the remainder of February, our focus is feet.  Socks for adult males, and slippers for Men, Women, and Children.  See details in the slipper tab.  And be sure and check in soon to find out what the focus for March will be.**

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

Thank You from Homeless Families Foundation

I'm sharing a thank you letter here from Homeless Families Foundation.  We donate knitted and crocheted hats, scarves, mitttens, slippers and more to Homeless Families Foundation on a regular basis.  In addition the afghans you make, as well as the ones I assemble from your donated squares are donated to our Project Welcome Home, through Homeless Families Foundation.  They feed, cloth, and house people in need in a variety of ways.  Additionally, they tutor children in an after school program at The Dawd Center mentioned in the above letter.

They've been helping people in need for 25 years.  Thank you all for your thoughtful donations, please keep them coming so we can continue to help this family shelter.  They do so many wonderful things for those in need.

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats: 87
Scarves: 78
Socks: 39
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 13
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 4 
Cotton WashClothes:47
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators etc aren't tabulated


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

West Broad Street Elementary Children in Need

I wanted to share this nice thank you note from West Broad Street Elementary school.  I hope you're able to read it when you click to enlarge, as it's a picture rather then a scan.  Not sure why, but had difficulties when I tried to scan it and get it posted for you.  West Broad Street has many children in need, some of whom are in fact homeless.  How nice the children can now go outside and play with their friends vs staying indoors because of not having warm items to wear.

They also included a nice newsletter indicating things the school is doing.  They discussed attendance and it's importance to the families, talk about parent teacher conferences, and other important school matters. 

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats: 87
Scarves: 78
Socks: 39
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 13
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 4
Cotton WashClothes:47
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators etc aren't tabulated


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

Warming Homeless Heads with Donated Hats

 Thank you Kathy G for this wonderful donation of cute cute hats.  These hats are a variety of styles.  Take a look, pretty cables, ear flaps, and a scarfy type hat style.  All the hats are super soft, and warm.  Nicely done and many thanks Kathy G.

 Wanted to show you this one close up, this is one I called scarfy type.  Comes down a bit on the neck and has ties.  Isn't this cute!  Did you wing this Kathy, or do you have a pattern you can share?  Kathy's also donated several cowls and headbands.

Since February is a month to think about love, let's spread the love by finding new pairs of helping hands.  If everyone could find one friend, one co-worker, one blogger, one family member, and or one Facebook/Ravelry friend to bring into the fold think about how much more love we could spread by way of our warm knitted, crocheted, loomed, and or quilted items!  Talk us up.  Some folks might like to help us, but be unaware of what we do.  Please search someone out.  Who do you know?

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  77+10=87
Scarves: 78
Socks: 39
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 13
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 4 
Cotton WashClothes:47
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators etc aren't tabulated

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

Sharing the Love Through Donations

**because I don't have a picture of the donation to share with you, thought I'd leave you this cute cartoon I saw on facebook, hope it makes you smile**


Thank you Kathy V from West Virginia for your thoughtful donation.  I'm sorry to report folks, I don't seem to have a picture of her donation.  I'm unsure if I forgot to take a picture before sorting and bagging to get ready for distribution...OR her picture didn't make the transfer from my camera to the computer.  Kathy's donation was one of the large number I worked on after the special delivery from The Post Office after returning from my travels.   

My apologizes Kathy for not being able to show off your work.  She donated scarves, some personal care items, and a hat according to my notes.  Please keep up the good work.

Since February is a month to think about love, let's spread the love by finding new pairs of helping hands.  If everyone could find one friend, one co-worker, one blogger, one family member, and or one Facebook/Ravelry friend to bring into the fold think about how much more love we could spread by way of our warm knitted, crocheted, loomed, and or quilted items!  Talk us up.  Some folks might like to help us, but be unaware of what we do.  Please search someone out.  Who do you know?

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  76+1=77
Scarves: 73+5=78
Socks: 39
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 13
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 4 
Cotton WashClothes:47
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators etc aren't tabulated



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

Sisters Join Forces to Donate

Our good friend, Wendy H recruited her fabulous sister, Catherine R to aid in the crocheting and donating effort.  Awesome!  Sisters working together for the good of others, how special this is.  Thanks Wendy for reaching out, thanks Catherine for joining us...and thank you both for the lovely donation above.  Can you all say Scarves?  Look at the variety.  14 scarves, 1 hat, and 3 cotton washcloths.  YIPPEE!

*February's focus is still all about fee.  Slippers and Socks focus will run til the end of February.  Necessary details about sizing, taging, colors, styles, fibers etc in the slippers tab...please check it out*

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  75+1=76
Scarves: 59+14=73
Socks: 39
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 13
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 4 
Cotton WashClothes:44+3=47
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators etc aren't tabulated

 **Remember to always include a note with your name and email addy with your donation.  Friending me on Facebook will assure I can reach you easily to let you know your donations have arrived.  I am Sandy Mader Holladay on Facebook.  **


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

Knitted Donations for the Homeless

 Thank you Sue W(SSeger) for your thoughtful donation and your ongoing support.  Sue's knitted an awesome scarf and 8 corner to corner (probably Grandma's Favorite) cotton washcloths.  I always feel warmer when I have a scarf about my neck and know how much this pretty, soft, warm scarf will be appreciated.

Keep up the good work Sue!

*Folks have you noticed the Tweet and Facebook options in the upper right corner of the blog?  You can click on either or both and be taken directly to those pages to chat about us*

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  75
Scarves: 58+1=59
Socks: 39
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 13
Rain Ponchos: 2 
Cotton Washcloths: 36+8=44
Mittens: 4
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers etc aren't tabulated

 **Remember to always include a note with your name and email addy with your donation.  Friending me on Facebook will assure I can reach you easily to let you know your donations have arrived.  I am Sandy Mader Holladay on Facebook.  **


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

Donating Socks

 Socks...socks are needed all year round.  Cold, wet feet are not only miserable to have; but dangerous from a health standpoint.  Nice, dry warm socks to change into may not seem like to you if you have a roof over your head; but it's HUGE when living outdoors, or shelter to shelter.  Thank you Sarah S from Vermont these socks, slippers, cotton washcloths,  and personal care items being donated are so very much appreciated.  Please keep up the good work.  Special thanks too for tagging your slippers with size!

*Folks have you noticed the Tweet and Facebook options in the upper right corner of the blog?  You can click on either or both and be taken directly to those pages to chat about us*

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  75
Scarves: 58
Socks: 30+9=39
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 11+2=13
Rain Ponchos: 2 
Cotton Washcloths: 32+4=36
Mittens: 4
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers etc aren't tabulated

 **Remember to always include a note with your name and email addy with your donation.  Friending me on Facebook will assure I can reach you easily to let you know your donations have arrived.  I am Sandy Mader Holladay on Facebook.  **

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

Lacking Florida Sunshine in this Donation

Thank you Sandra R for the wonderful donation.  The only thing missing in this box from sunny Florida...was some sunshine.  You must have forgotten to include that, lol.  Lots of awesome goodies here folks, 8 scarves, 4 sets of mittens, 12 hats all sized nicely for adults, and 6 cotton washcloths!  Thank you Sandra, please keep up the good work.  You and  your needles have been busy.

**Got a challenge for you all, do you know a quilter?  Please invite a quilter from your personal life, from your blog mates, from facebook, Ravelry, Crochetville etc. to come join us and use their quilting skills to make a quilt for project Welcome Home, and or quilted scarves.**


2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  63+12=75
Scarves: 50+8=58
Socks: 30
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 11
Rain Ponchos: 2 
Cotton Washcloths: 26+6=32
Mittens: 4
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers etc aren't tabulated


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

Donating Crocheted Cotton Washcloths

 Pretty, and bright, and cheery.  Look at this neat collection of cotton washcloths from our long time supporter, Sandie P from Louisiana.  Lots of variety in colors, sizes, and styles.  If I had to pick a favorite it might be a toss up between the pink and blue and or the yellow and green.  Remember you can always click on the picture to enlarge so you can see details better.  Interesting stitches, Sandie.  Care to tell us how you did that?  AND, look at the little blue one on the far right bottom.  I put it there, sorta by it'self so you all could see it.  It's double.  Wondering if there's a name for this pod like design?

 Here it is where tugged a bit at the 2 sides so you could see what I mean.  I bet that would make a great scrubby for the tub and or doing dishes.

Thank you Sandie, come again....soon.

**Got a challenge for you all, do you know a quilter?  Please invite a quilter from your personal life, from your blog mates, from facebook, Ravelry, Crochetville etc. to come join us and use their quilting skills to make a quilt for project Welcome Home, and or quilted scarves.**


2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  63
Scarves: 50
Socks: 30
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 11
Rain Ponchos: 2 
Cotton Washcloths: 14+12=26
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers etc aren't tabulated


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

Crocheting and Donating to Keep Homeless Warmer

RoseMarie has been busy again crocheting away.  See her signature mark on the hat, headband, slippers, and scarf?  She's also included a couple of cotton washcloths, some personal care items, and another of her cute little bag that can hold tissues, soap etc.  Thank you RoseMarie for all your support.

**Got a challenge for you all, do you know a quilter?  Please invite a quilter from your personal life, from your blog mates, from facebook, Ravelry, Crochetville etc. to come join us and use their quilting skills to make a quilt for project Welcome Home, and or quilted scarves.**


2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  62+1=63
Scarves: 49+1=50
Socks: 30
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 10+1=11
Rain Ponchos: 2 
Cotton Washcloths: 12+2=14
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers etc aren't tabulated


****Are you aware of our addition of accepting quilted scarves, and quilts?  Are you up to speed and a member of our new Facebook Group?****


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

Warm Scarves for the Homeless

Thank you Mary H from Ohio for these 7 crocheted scarves.  They're nice and warm and will be very much appreciated by those who wrap them around their necks.  We appreciate you're on going support and hope to see you here again soon!

With the end of January coming upon us wanted to let you know that February will continue to focus on feet.  We'll continue with our slipper focus and add socks.  Hope to get a working calendar up pretty soon folks, stay tuned.

**Remember folks you don't need to be a blogger to post a comment.  I really encourage you all to leave comments, it helps the blogs placement with search engines AND we all love the support of kind comments about each others work.**

Need some Inspiration?  Turn on your sound and check this out.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-gQLqv9f4o

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  62
Scarves: 42+7=49
Socks: 30
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 10
Rain Ponchos: 2 
Cotton Washcloths: 12
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers etc aren't tabulated


****Are you aware of our addition of accepting quilted scarves, and quilts?  Are you up to speed and a member of our new Facebook Group?****


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

Knitted Hats to Keep Homeless Warm

 5 Awesome knitted hats from the talented needles of our Marie P in Tennessee.  These hats are super soft, nice and warm, and very stretchy.  I love when hats are nice and stretchy...helps them fit a variety of head sizes.  Special thanks for adding the size tags, it is soooooooo appreciated.  Not just by me when I sort and bag items to determine where they go; but also at the receiving end in the various shelters etc.

I particularly like the variegated blue mix in the upper right of the picture.  Very pretty!  Keep up the good work Marie.  Look forward to seeing you here again soon and often.

**Remember folks you don't need to be a blogger to post a comment.  I really encourage you all to leave comments, it helps the blogs placement with search engines AND we all love the support of kind comments about each others work.**


2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  57+5=62
Scarves: 42
Socks: 30
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 10
Rain Ponchos: 2 
Cotton Washcloths: 12
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers etc aren't tabulated


****Are you aware of our addition of accepting quilted scarves, and quilts?  Are you up to speed and a member of our new Facebook Group?****


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

Warmth Donations for Ohio's Homeless from Texas

Thank you Maria R from Texas for this thoughtful donation.  The Shawls will be such a nice item for the women to wrap up in and keep warm.  Folks the shawl with fringe (a triangle shawl) is actually a pretty purple, though in my picture on my computer it looks blue.  There are 3 other wraps/shawls...rose, the black and rose mix, and the green in front of the purple triangle one.  These are so nice and soft and large enough to be wrap around ones shoulders for warmth.  Top left in the picture are 4 scarves.

Thank you Maria for your on going support, it's greatly appreciated.  Hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond.

**Remember folks you don't need to be a blogger to post a comment.  I really encourage you all to leave comments, it helps the blogs placement with search engines AND we all love the support of kind comments about each others work.**


2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  57
Scarves: 38+4=42
Socks: 30
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 10
Rain Ponchos: 2 
Cotton Washcloths: 12
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers etc aren't tabulated



****Are you aware of our addition of accepting quilted scarves, and quilts?  Are you up to speed and a member of our new Facebook Group?****


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

Donating Knitted Hats for the Homeless

 Thank you Joan A from Michigan for these lovely knitted hats.  They are soooooooo warm and soft and I love the colors.  Joan A is our newest pair of helping hands, thrilled to have you join us.  Joan's blog has been added to the list, and her RAV profile page (ShirleyUjest) is added to that list.

Hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond.  Great hats!

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  55+2=57
Scarves: 38
Socks: 30
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 10
Rain Ponchos: 2 
Cotton Washcloths: 12
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers etc aren't tabulated

**The focus for the remainder of January is slippers.  AND, we'll continue focusing on feet in February.  Cold, and wet feet are miserable.  So...for the month of February we'll continue with slippers as our focus AND add socks for the feet.  Socks are store bought and should be for men who live outdoors 99% of the time.  Remember to check out the slipper tab at the top of the blog for information about sizing, colors, styles, fiber type etc.  You might enjoy using one of the patterns available there as well.   February  continues to be about feet.**

****Are you aware of our addition of accepting quilted scarves, and quilts?  Are you up to speed and a member of our new Facebook Group?****


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

Cotton Washcloths Donated for Homeless Shelters

Thank you Emily P from Ohio for this colorful array of cotton washcloths.  The shelters love getting these cotton washcloths for the folks.  Emily has also included some wonderful personal care items...something always in demand.

Emily is our newest pair of helping hands, welcome Emily.  Hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond.

Thought I mention I always collect the soaps, shampoo, lotions etc from the hotels when we travel, it's amazing how fast they add up.  Makes for a good way, without spending money to donate personal care items.  Do you travel often?  Does you hubby or co-workers travel for business?  Ask someone today to take a zip lock bag with them in their travels and bring back some goodies for you.  Sometimes you get a little sewing kit which is always nice, sometimes mouth wash...just depends where you go.

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  55
Scarves: 38
Socks: 28+2=30
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 10
Rain Ponchos: 2 
Cotton Washcloths: 12
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers etc aren't tabulated

**The focus for the remainder of January is slippers.  AND, we'll continue focusing on feet in February.  Cold, and wet feet are miserable.  So...for the month of February we'll continue with slippers as our focus AND add socks for the feet.  Socks are store bought and should be for men who live outdoors 99% of the time.  Remember to check out the slipper tab at the top of the blog for information about sizing, colors, styles, fiber type etc.  You might enjoy using one of the patterns available there as well.   February  continues to be about feet.**

****Are you aware of our addition of accepting quilted scarves, and quilts?  Are you up to speed and a member of our new Facebook Group?****


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

Helping the Cold Homeless

 Thank you Dorothy M. for this donation that includes just about everything!  3 pairs of crocheted slippers (thank you for adding tags with size), 2 packs of rain ponchos, soap, hand/feet warmers, and 2 pairs of socks.  AND  Look at those cute lavender pouches.  Remember you can always click pictures to enlarge to see them better.  I left one pouch closed and opened one and slightly pulled out items inside so you can see everything.  Inside the cute pouch is a package of Kleenex, chap-stick and hand sanitizer.  What a nice idea!

Folks, this may be a silly question; but I'm going to ask anyway.  In the past I believe I've counted the ponchos individually, thus above would be 4.  However, as they're packaged together, not easily separated likely they're given out as a pack...thus 2.  You can't really pull one out and keep it folded for use later very well.  Sooooooooo, I think from here forward I should could the packs, not the ponchos.  Thoughts?

Dorothy's been a long time supporter here on Bridge and Beyond, thank you Dorothy.  Keep up the good work.

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  55
Scarves: 38
Socks: 26+2=28
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 7+3=10
Rain Ponchos: 2
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers etc aren't tabulated

*Mentioned the other day I visited all 40ish blogs on the blog log in an effort to help spread the news, and encourage visits and comments.  Fingers crossed it helps.  AND just finished visiting everyone with a RAV profile page to do the same.  Don't want folks to forget about us, and or not be informed.   Always working to keep our name and cause out there.* 

**The focus for the remainder of January is slippers.  AND, we'll continue focusing on feet in February.  Cold, and wet feet are miserable.  So...for the month of February we'll continue with slippers as our focus AND add socks for the feet.  Socks are store bought and should be for men who live outdoors 99% of the time.  Remember to check out the slipper tab at the top of the blog for information about sizing, colors, styles, fiber type etc.  You might enjoy using one of the patterns available there as well.   February  continues to be about feet.**

****Are you aware of our addition of accepting quilted scarves, and quilts?  Are you up to speed and a member of our new Facebook Group?****

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

Boxes of Donations Delivered for Ohio's Homeless

Leave town for a couple of weeks for a great vacation in Hilton Head, and when you return you get a "special delivery" from the post office.  How fun is that.

There are lots of donations here from lots of different states, all to help homeless.  Took me all afternoon yesterday too open all the boxes, take photo's, count items, and make notes prior to sending out email notifications/thank you's and posting same on our new Facebook Group Page.

Boxes and pouches arrived from: Mary H (OH), Sandra R (FL), Sarah S (VT), Wendy H and her sister Catherine (GA),  RoseMarie (TN), Joan A (MI), Sandie P (LA), Marie P (TN), and Maria R (TX).  WOW.  Many thanks to you all for your patience during my absence, it's appreciated.  We also received a couple of nice thank you letters which I'll also be posting about.  So, please keep checking in.  AND if you mailed something during the last couple of weeks and aren't listed above, please let me a comment.

As you read this post, I'll be busy writing posts for each of our wonderful donations.  Hope to see you all here reading and commenting...remember that too helps the group grow.

2013 has brought about some changes, some new ideas of ways to grow, and some new opportunities.  I do hope you'll read and keep up with all happenings here.  Truly, there's never a dull moment.  Have you noticed or taken advantage of subscribing via email?  It's in the right sidebar, thought it would be particularly nice for you folks who don't blog.  You can keep up that way, as posts will arrive in your email.  However, I would still encourage you to follow the link back here to leave comments.  Our good friend Sandie P. signed up to help me test how it works, and she says she LOVES getting the notices in her email.

AND speaking about changes.....

Have you heard we have a Facebook Group Page?
 Check it out, though ALL updates will appear here on the blog and it will still be the primary source of communication.  Links will be posted there directing you here in order to read the full content of posts and see pictures etc.  But, as one of the many goals for this group/blog for the year 2013; we're striving to reach more caring people in order to serve a larger number of people in need.  Please help us by visiting and chatting in the Facebook group as well as here on the blog.

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  55
Scarves: 38
Socks: 26 
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 7
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, and...

**The focus for the remainder of January is slippers.  AND, we'll continue focusing on feet in February.  Cold, and wet feet are miserable.  So...for the month of February we'll continue with slippers as our focus AND add socks for the feet.  Socks are store bought and should be for men who live outdoors 99% of the time.  Remember to check out the slipper tab at the top of the blog for information about sizing, colors, styles, fiber type etc.  You might enjoy using one of the patterns available there as well.   February  continues to be about feet.**

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

Knitting for Homeless is Ongoing

I've been working on this afghan for sometime.  Off and on, because it's a bit tedious.  Knitted ghans take more time then crocheted ones and I like to change back and forth a bit on knitted and crocheted projects.  This afghan is called Sea and Sand and is over half done currently.  I plan to work on this for several more days and then, once again switch to crocheting.  I'll be selecting another one of the designed waiting in the wings ghans to work on, so stay tuned.

Yesterday I took time to visit everyone (40+) on the bloggers list of those who've donated.  I wanted to invite all to check out the new things going on here on Bridge and Beyond, and encourage visits and comments.  I do that periodically...you know that no doubt, if you're a blogger.  However, it seems many of those folks haven't blogged for a good long while.  I've thought this off and on, as I make my blog visits.  Some are so outdated, blogs from 2010 and 2011 that I'm not sure they'll actually even see my visit and or comments.  Depends on how they have their settings.  Generally, people receive email notifications when someone leaves a comment on their blog.  I do hope they see them.  However, I belief these inactive blogs/links hinder the blogs placement/google ranking etc.  I will be reviewing the list and moving the oldest/most inactive/(probably people who don't blog at all anymore) from the list.  I'll add their names and state to the list of those who don't blog.  If you used to blog and don't any longer, but have a Facebook and or Ravelry Profile page, please let me know and I'll add you to that list instead.

Have you read that we accept quilted scarves and quilts now on Bridge and Beyond?  Are you a quilter?  Do you know someone who is?  Please let them know, would love to have some quilts to put with our afghans for Project Welcome Home for our folks at Homeless Families Foundation.  Do you have blog friends who quilt?  If so, please send them our link.

Have you heard we have a Facebook Group Page?
 Check it out, though ALL updates will appear here on the blog and it will still be the primary source of communication.  Links will be posted there directing you here in order to read the full content of posts and see pictures etc.  But, as one of the many goals for this group/blog for the year 2013; we're striving to reach more caring people in order to serve a larger number of people in need.  Please help us by visiting and chatting in the Facebook group as well as here on the blog.

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  55
Scarves: 38
Socks: 26 
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 7
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, and...

**The focus for the remainder of January is slippers.  AND, we'll continue focusing on feet.  Cold, and wet feet are miserable.  So...for the month of February we'll continue with slippers as our focus AND add socks for the feet.  Socks are store bought and should be for men who live outdoors 99% of the time.  Remember to check out the slipper tab at the top of the blog for information about sizing, colors, styles, fiber type etc.  You might enjoy using one of the patterns available there as well.   February  continues to be about feet.**

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

Girls Scouts do More then Sell Cookies

Quick, what's the first word........the very first word that comes to mind when someone says and you hear, or you see, or you read the words, Girl Scouts?  I know.......dumb question....the answer is of course COOKIES.  We all have our personal favorites and probably order from several Girl Scouts every year.  My own, Darling Daughter was never in the Girl Scouts (nor was I); but she did spend an entire summer in a floor-less tent as a Camp Counselor at a Girl Scout Camp.  She even checked the kiddo's daily for Ticks...because of Lime Disease.  She was a Girl Scout Camp Counselor in Connecticut in the neighbor city where the disease originated.  

But, look above.  I don't see cookies, I see slippers, hats, socks, and personal care items for people in need.  Homeless and those in need in the shelters in Ohio will benefit from a groups of 13-17 year old Girl Scouts from Minneapolis.  These girls were affected by a tornado in 2011.  The girls and their families and friends received helped during a time in need.  The know first hand what it means to help someone in need.  To pay back the girls wanted a special Christmas project.  The girls in the troop didn't all know how to crochet, but they learned in order to help others less fortunate.  WOW....isn't that what we all would like our teenagers to learn?  To help others, to help others less fortunate.

The Girl Scout Troop did just that.  That learned to crochet and they made 33 hats of various colors.  Some hats are stripped, some are solid, and some are crocheted with variegated yarn.  Please click to enlarge to see what these young ladies accomplished.

Additionally, they crocheted 7 pairs of slippers, and 1 headband.

Our good friend, Marjorie organized the donation, and added personal care items and socks and took care of the postage for The Troop.  Well done Marjorie.  Thank you for making the connection, and spreading the word, and thank you for making it possible for a group of young people to give back.  That's what I call a win win situation.



  2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  22+33=55
Scarves: 38 (31 flannel and 7 quilted)
Socks: 6+20=26
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 7
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, and...

**The focus for the remainder of January is slippers.  AND, we'll continue focusing on feet.  Cold, and wet feet are miserable.  So...for the month of February we'll continue with slippers as our focus AND add socks for the feet.  Socks are store bought and should be for men who live outdoors 99% of the time.   February  continues to be about feet.**


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

Desert Rose Afghan will be Donated

Desert Rose it is, see voting in the previous post.  Desert Rose has now been completed.  It's currently being laundered and blocked and will be donated to Homeless Families soon along with the other afghans collected since Christmas. 

I've barely started a group on Facebook and am still working at getting folks added to the group.  If you have a facebook profile and aren't yet in the group, please leave me a comment here and or on facebook so I can get you added.  I don't intend to use Facebook instead of the blog.  I'll be adding links there from here.  This will remain the primary source of information and communication...however, I know many of you don't blog and while I've tried to get everyone to read the blog regularly and leave comments I know many of you don't and or aren't comfortable doing so.  I think and hope we might reach others through Facebook.  PLEASE though do remember, traffic to the blog is what helps the blogs placement with search engines which is what drives our links and google rank which is very important.  So if you're on facebook and haven't been chatting here via comments, please do follow the links from the to here to read the full content of the blog posts, announcements, and updates.


 2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  22
Scarves: 38 (31 flannel and 7 quilted)
Socks: 6 
Afghans: 1+1=2

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

Help me Name This Afghan, Vote

This one is in the works.  The strips have been edged and they're almost all crocheted together.  When Darling Daughter and I played around with these strips from Katie J we came up with several possible names.  Primrose, Dusty Petuna and couldn't decide which name we liked best.  As I've been working on it, I also thought of Desert Rose.  **edited to add Dorothy's suggestion of Rambling Rose.  Great, now we've got 4 names to pick from, lol.    Need to finish hooking it together, and add as many rows as I can with my stash appropriate colors in order to add some width.

This soon to be named ghan has traveled just like Arapaho through several states.  Hoping to get it finished in time to launder and block along with Arapaho.

Please add your thoughts regarding the best name for this afghan.  Like the others it will be donated to Homeless Families Foundation.

Still time left in January folks to make slippers.  I've added a nice link to a sizing chart a new member Trisi found for us.  Check it out in the slippers tab.

**If you've not had a chance to read goals, changes for 2013, and final numbers for 2012....please scroll back.  Thank You**

**Edited to say believe it's going to be named Desert Rose.  Got 4 votes for that and 3 for Rambling Rose in comments below.**

 2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  22
Scarves: 38 (31 flannel and 7 quilted)
Socks: 6 
Afghans: 1

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

Goals for Donations for Bridge and Beyonds

I wanted to express some goals I have in mind for our group this year, for the blog and for those we reach with our hand made donations for Homeless and those in need.

1. The blog's current google rank is 3, it's been there for quite some time.  I would sure like to see it grow to 4.
2. We have donations from 38 states which is 76% participation rate within the United States.  We do have wonderful folks outside the US who donate and we're very very appreciative of their special efforts.  I'd love to see our US participation percentage grow to ....can we make 90% ??  Do you know someone who knits, who crochets, who looms or quilts that lives in a different state then you do?  Can you recruit their help?
3. Would like to increase the visits to the blog, as that helps drive the traffic which helps the above mentioned Google Rank.  I know many people donate who aren't bloggers.  You do not need to be a blogger to visit and spend time on the blog.  Could you help traffic by sending our link to your address book?  Could you tweet about us, talk about us on Facebook?  
4. Would like to increase comments on a daily basis.  I know some of you visit, but don't leave comments.  PLEASE DO LEAVE COMMENTS.  You do not need to be a blogger, you do not need to leave your last name, you do not need to be tech savvy.  Truly it's easy.  Type your comment (even if you're not someone who donates to us...you can still help by commenting), select name and url in the drop down box and type your first name and last initial or the state your from and leave the url space empty.  PLEASE DO NOT select anonymous, those comments usually end up in the spam folder.  Leaving comments helps the blogs placement...again the importance of the google ranking.  Comments show us you were here reading which is always nice.  Comments show great support for the large number of people taking their time to knit, crochet, loom,and or quilt.  
5. I'd like to reach some new helping hands, will be doing more blog promoting to help that happen.
6. I'd like to be able to donate more in 2013 then we donating in 2012.
7. I'd like to have a summer event where interesting people, presumably those who live closest could collect up and spend a day assembling afghans from the donated squares etc.  I think it would be fun to spend time together and at the same time accomplish putting more ghans together then I can solo.  If you're local and have interest in a gathering, PLEASE leave a comment to let me know.  Hopefully down the road I can get something organized.
8. I'd like to do something about a newsletter and or have a Facebook group or Facebook page.  I think the Facebook idea might help reach more helping hands, but I don't want to duplicate everything that's here on the blog.  The time to do that is huge.  I also am leary of people spending time on the page or in the group there vs here...as that would hurt the visits, the comments, the all important blog traffic and Google ranking.  I'd like to reach those who don't blog, on a more regular basis.  The numbers of people who use email only for communications, am wondering about a newsletter.  Wondering how best to do that with a minimal amount of time.  Often those who don't visit the blog aren't aware of changes and things going on here on Bridge and Beyond and I'd like to Bridge that gap.  Any ideas or experiences any of you've had that might be helpful....please sing out, either here on comments or email me at sandycrochet@gmail.com.  I had/have a group on Ravelry, but wanted to direct people from that too here, and frankly...I don't think that worked  very well.  I tried for a time to post there; but found it too difficult to keep up.  
9. I'd like everyone to tag their donations with size...s m l adult or children or teen.  The male female would be an issue with something like mittens and slippers.  When the individual items are tagged it gives me the ability to divide things between our various groups in need vs a note that says everything here is a medium.  Items are separated by size at the other end as well, so the tags right on the item...truly is best.  It can be attached with a safety pin, or tied with yarn/string.  It's best not to tag a zip lock bag, as items are removed when packed with other items for distribution.  You don't have to buy special tags, a plain white index cut in squares works great, as does typing paper etc.  
10. I'd like to have more folks read the tabs associated with the individual items they plan to make BEFORE they knit or crochet and mail their donation.   This will improve adherence to issues such as size, color, fiber, etc.  Scarves need to be a certain size, nothing should be made of non washable fibers, white should always be avoided are just a few of the important rules for making our donations meet the needs of those we donate to.
11. I'd like to get everyone to remember to include a note with their donations that includes their name and their email addy.  I really need to spend less time trying to track people down, and figure out who's who, so that I can be productive...both here on the blog and with knitting and crocheting for those in need.
12. I want to really catch up with assembling afghans from the donated squares etc.  Hoping the idea for a summer gathering will help with this.  AND I believe once the older squares of various sizes are gone, time spent to assemble the one sized squares of 8 inches will improve productivity also.  **as a reminder, I am currently asking you to hold mailing squares**
13. I'm hoping we can reach "beyond" in the coming year.  Reaching "beyond" may be another shelter in need, another county or city.  Perhaps, we've started reaching "beyond" with our addition of quilters to our group?

 2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  22
Scarves: 38 (31 flannel and 7 quilted)
Socks: 6 
Afghans: 1

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

No More Repairs

As most of  you probably know by know, 2013 means Bridge and Beyond has been knitting and crocheting for the Homeless for 5 years.  I'm thrilled to say throughout those 5 years, we've grown in so many ways.  We grown in the number of helping hands we have, we've grown in the number of people we're able to help with our donations, we've grown in the variety of the items we collect, and we've grown in the actual number of each item collected.

A few days ago I announced we would be extending to accept quilted blankets/afghans for Homeless Families Foundation, and double thickness with batting scarves.  Please help spread the word by letting your quilting friends know.

With growth however, difficulties/problems also seem to grow.  Because of that, I will no longer be able to make repairs/alterations etc on items that are needed.  I currently have a rather large box of things needing attention before they can be of use.  The biggest issues seem to be Tails not properly worked in.  This problem comes in several forms.  An item with multiple color changes with tails hanging out (even if on the inside of a hat...tails should be properly worked in), and worse yet knots where yarn has been tied and the knot is sticking out on either the right or wrong side of the item.  Knots are uncomfortable on one's head if the hat fits snugly, and knots are ALWAYS the weakest link.  Many of these knots have already started to come un-raveled because tails weren't worked in and or the yarn was cut immediately after knotting.  When you knot and cut without working in a tail of several inches it will not hold.  I've taken time to re-work some hats, scarves, squares etc to make them usable  but it takes time and sometimes after spending the extra time; it's still not usable.  I don't have the right color of yarn; and often it's just simply not fixable.

My apologies if my bluntness here offends, but I think the items being donated should be viewed as gifts you're giving.  In fact, they are gifts.  They're gifts to give someone hope as well as keep them warm.  Something unraveled, or with tails hanging out doesn't present the imagine that someone took time to make  something special just for you.  I've taken time in the past to even fold over and stitch edges that have been one knot after another in an effort to hopefully not have the item unravel after it's first use.  I've had some squares unraveled when a ghan has been laundered.  If it unravels after one washing on delicate; there is no way it's going to hold up to constant use by a family.  I do look over the squares pretty carefully when I edge and join; but have missed some squares that weren't well constructed, causing some fancy footwork after the fact.

My hope/goal for the upcoming year is not have to throw away items that you intended to be donated.  However, I no longer will be setting aside items to be worked on later if they are issues.  PLEASE do not tie and cut when knitting or crocheting anything.  When changing colors, or simply adding additional yarn ALWAYS work in tails of several inches.  Working in tails as you go is a far superior method to working them in at the end, plus you don't forget to do them.

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  22
Scarves: 38 (31 flannel and 7 quilted)
Socks: 6 
Afghans: 1


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