Let's start at the very beginning

Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start, when you sing you begin with ....

Sing along, sing loud, and sing proud!

Now, since we're talking about beginnings, did you know when-where-or why scarves were first used?

I didn't, but this what I found out. Sudarium is the Latin word for sweat cloth. Back in Roman days Men used small linen clothes to wipe the sweat from their faces. The quality of the cloth denoted the man's station in life. Shortly thereafter they were worn as a fashion statement; by Men. They became more decorative.

The French really took hold and called them cravats, from the Crotian word Kravata. The French wore them around the neck, around the writs, around the waste. Soon they were made of all different sorts of fibers. Ultimately the women got involved, and the wearing of a scarf was a symbol of class and style.

The warmest scarves are made of wool, a natural fiber that breathes allowing the sweat to flow out and the warmth to remain.

The scarf has surely come a long way. Now, yes it's stylish; but wrapping it around one's throat, mouth and shoulders wards off the nasty elements and can make a difference in life of a cold, hungry homeless man, women, or child.

Grab your yarn, your hook, your knitting needles and your loom and get busy!


2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

Teaming it up, Thanks to Bunny

This is the first of items made from Bunny's yarn donation. I knitted this lengthwise with 2 strands of Bernat Illusions and size 19 knitting needles. I often don't add fringe to scarves; but felt this one needed it. The scarf is thick and spongy with lots of texture. I like the end result with the texture; though it is a bit difficult to work with. The texture makes it sorta grabby and therefore it doesn't slid easily on the needles. Knitting it lengthwise I think shows the yarns texture well.

And so...........this is what I call teaming it up. Bunny provided the yarn, and I made the scarf. Together I believe people can do almost anything.

Together you, you, and YOU make an unbeatable Team. Give yourself a high five and keep up the good work team. Let's get warmed up with a few stretches before we grab our gear.


2010
Scarves 140+1=141
Hats 183
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

The Smurfs would say Scarfin it up

The Smurfs and Gail B have something in common, they're scarfin it up! Look at this beautiful collection of crocheted scarves. Some are made with single crochet, some with double crochet, and I think a couple of half double crochet. Different colors, different lengths and widths to cover a variety of sizes/ages of those homeless they will keep warm.

Click on the picture to enlarge, I really LOVE the unusual colored pinkish-gold one. It has such a nice texture to it. Is it two strands of yarn Gail? Or is that the type of yarn? Very cool!

Many thanks for these 9 scarves, 9 more cold homeless people will be warmer thanks to you.
2010
Scarves 131+9=140
Hats 183
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

**stay turned, the first round of Bunny's yarn has been used.

Doubled it up, Darling Daughter

Double yarn, the Lion Brand Homespun (black) is from the donated yarn from my Darling Daughter. This scarf is the 3rd one I've knitted from the yarn she donated. The blue, mauve-rust, purple, and tanish yarns all from my stash are knitted worsted yarn. Some I had on hand and some donated by Rae's Mother. The center is the blue, though I think that's hard to see in the picture. I used size 13 knitting needles since I was using the two strands of yarn. It's super thick and should be nice and warm to help keep a homeless person warmer.

Though we do now have spring flowers growing and trees blooming here in Central Ohio, the homeless are indeed still cold and in need. I'm sitting here in the house with a fleece on; so you can imagine how cold they are outside without a roof over their heads. We still have frost most nights, and lots of dampness along with strong winds. It will probably be 2 more months before they aren't in need of warm items to help protect them from the elements. So, PLEASE keep those hands busy with hooks, needles, and looms.

And remember, we collect items all year long, all 12 months of the year.

Thanks for all you do.

**pop back to see what Gail contributed. Picture will be up in a few days.

2010
Scarves 130+1=131
Hats 183
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

I've been asked Why?

I've been asked Why? I've been asked why knit and crochet and give away my hard work? Why spend time organizing others to do the same. I've been asked why not sell your stuff and make money?

No doubt, if you're reading this you've been asked that too, a time or two. The answers may vary a bit for all of us. But, the biggest why is because I can. To elaborate-- I'm blessed enough to be able to, and therefore I should. I've been given the talent to do things with my hands; and so am giving back what I can. I'm lucky enough to have a roof over my head, a job, food to eat, and loved ones who care for me. Yes I still make a few things for my family and myself; but so many others need so much more. Maybe I'm selfish, because I think I gain as much when I give as those who are at the receiving end. It does make me feel good.

I give, because I can.

I give because
images like this pull at my heart strings. Images like this bother me. This women is someone's daughter, someone's sister, someone's, cousin, perhaps someone's wife. This wee babe, needs a fighting chance.

Why do you give?
If you're new to this site, please read about our cause. We knit, we crochet, we loom. We make hats, mittens, and scarves. We donate everything to homeless, to people being treated in free clinics in desperate circumstances. We warm children, women, and men. We do what we can. Won't you join us?

**pop back working with yarn donated by my Darling Daughter, and Bunny
2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

Donated Yarn!!!!

Homespun and Bernat Illusions Yarn donated by Dear Bunny. Not 100% certain yet how I want to utilize your donation; got my thinking cap on and will keep ya posted when I make something from your thoughtful donation. Thanks bunches Bunny!

The Bernat Illusions is highly textured so I think it will work up better knitted vs. crocheted. Or at least that's my thought at the moment. lol We'll see how that goes.

Again many thanks!
2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008