Joy, spreading the word

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Warmth from Head to Toe

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

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

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

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

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

Slippers provide comfort and hope for Faith Mission

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

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

Thank you Patty L. for your thoughtful donation.

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

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

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

Hand Delivered Afghan

You often hear people say, "Oh...I don't do Facebook". I was one of those who thought it was primarily geared towards the younger generation. Then one day maybe a year ago? I decided to join. I started out slowly, but before long was making all kinds of connections. First I was connecting with my old high school classmates which was lots of fun; then some folks I know from knitting and crocheting groups and on and on. Through this social network of growth, I was able to connect with most folks interested in knitting and crocheting to help others. Patty S. from Ohio is one of those connections. One day she was to be in town on business and we were able to get together. What fun, meeting someone face to face that I'd communicated with on line through Facebook.

The above orange afghan is another donation Patty S from Ohio made in person. She was in town only briefly to visit, but carved out time enough to drop this afghan for Faith Mission off at my house! Such fun, meeting people face to face and at the same time being able to help others.

Thanks Patty for your ongoing support and help. It's appreciated.

Sooo, the moral is, Facebook is not just for the younger generation. It's not just a place to play games. It's a great place to make connections.

2011
Scarves 134+7=141
Hats 215
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 26
Ghans 11+1=12
Squares 179
Sweaters 5

**Reminder to refrain from white and off white when you can, the dirt factor for those without ability to do laundry.**

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!

Ohio's Homeless Love Scarves

Thank you Melisa! Melisa is our newest pair of helping hands, and a fellow Ohioan. Welcome, thrilled to have you join us here. 7 knitted soft scarves will be appreciated by those in need. I love the shade of blue, it reminds of Spring which I keep hoping will arrive.

We work to warm men, women, and children with our knitted and crocheted hats, mittens, scarves, and slippers. Through the efforts of many pairs of helping hands we make a difference in someone's life...each and every day. Thank you ALL!

2011
Scarves 134+7=141
Hats 215
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 26
Ghans 11
Squares 179
Sweaters 5

**Often people ask what patterns, stitches etc are best suited for Ohio's cold homeless in need. I generally say no specific pattern; but ask that you refrain from open lacy stitches as they simply aren't warm enough for the long cold Ohio Winters. Open lacy stitches also don't wear well or hold up as long when heavily used. Typically the next question is what's an open lacy stitch. Something you can see through, something you can easily put your fingers through. If you're in doubt that your stitches aren't solid enough, try using a smaller crochet hook or knitting needle size. Smaller hooks and needles make for smaller tighter and warmer hats, mittens, scarves, and slippers. Hope that helps answer some of the questions**

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 warm Cold Heads

Eighteen knitted hats from our friend minnisoda (Liz) over on The Ville. Eighteen previously cold heads will now be warmed. These eighteen people will feel better all over knowing someone cared enough to make them warmer.

Thank you Liz for your thoughtful donation.

**Liz, you might quess is from the state of Minnesota which has now been added to the map (please check it out on the bottom of the blog) . Adding Minnesota to our donation map gives us a state count of 28 for a 56% participation. How cool is that folks! Love seeing where everyone is from. Please take a minute and see if you're represented. HOW?
1. Look at the two lists (alphabetical lists) of people who've donated with and without blogs. Make sure your name is there.
2. Is the state you live in listed with your name? If not, please leave a comment so I can update the list and the map.
3. Wouldn't it be awesome to have everyone who's donated listed.

Thank you all for your support by knitting, thank you all for your support by crocheting, thank you all for your support in reading the blog! Keep up the good work.

2011
Scarves 134
Hats 197+18=215
Mittens (gloves)56
Socks 56
Slippers 26
Ghans 11
Squares 179
Sweaters 5

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