Bridge and Beyond

Donation all the way from Puerto Rico

2012-02-09T08:00:00.003-05:00

Our friend and supporter Damaris has sent another lovely donation all the way from Puerto Rico! How awesome is that folks. These matching sets of knitted hats and crocheted scarves will make someone not only warm, but stylish too! So nicely made. And so truly appreciated. Many thanks Damaris for your thoughtful donation. Please keep up the good work.

Have you all noticed all the new tabs across the top of the blog? If not, take a look please and thanks. Lots of information regarding size and color requirements, and patterns to help you with your donations. The working calendar is also updated continuously. Currently we have the first 3 months of the year documented with Jan, Feb, and March monthly focuses listed.

**Remember, please avoid open lacy stitches, if you can see through the item and or poke your finger through the item, it's too lacy**

2012 Donations:
Hats: 73+2=75
Scarves: 11+2=13
Slippers: 3
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3
Mittens: 18
Squares: 78
Socks: 15
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, etc)

**Have you noticed the unidentified donations area in the right sidebar? Please take a look, maybe you can help identify some donations.**

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!

Shades of Gray Scarf

2012-02-08T08:00:00.006-05:00

This shades of gray scarf is basking in the sunlight coming in from the window....was sooooo thrilled to take a picture and actually have some natural sunlight. We've not seen much of it here in Central Ohio. I enjoyed making this scarf, first time using this particular yarn. It's called Marble Chunky and is machine washable. It's 100% acrylic comes in a nice 314 yard ball and does in fact look like a Marble. Well named. It's over 7 feet long so will be nice size wise for one of the men in need. I used size 10 needles and just good old garter stitch. Working on a red one now as I had purchased 2 of these Marbles. If you've not tried this yarn, think you should. The feel is much lighter weight wise then lots of acrylics are....at least knitted. Might be interesting to see how it would look crocheted. As I worked with this, kept thinking what a great afghan it would make without the need to do any fancy stitches, just knitting away and let the shading fall where it may. Might have to check out what colors are available. I don't remember how pricey the yarn was at my LYS, but from I see on line looks to run about 12.99 a marble.

Need to identify some donations: (get names and email ady's)
Need email for an Elizabeth R from Oakhurst CA
Need email for a Ruth P from Michigan AND is this the same Ruth who donated here?
Need name and email for an ? knitter from Seattle, Washington
Need name and email for an ? crocheter who made hats
Links to blog posts with these unidentified donations ( and people I have no means of contact), listed in side bar. PLEASE folks it takes lots of time to search through my data base, my emails, RAV, Facebook, The Hive etc to let you know donations have arrived. Please include a note and means of contact....even if you wish to be anonymous on the blog, I need to have a way to make contact with you, and it's helpful for my bookkeeping.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 73
Scarves: 10+1=11
Slippers: 3
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3
Mittens: 18
Squares: 78
Socks: 15
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, 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!

Feeling full of of Joy

2012-02-07T08:00:00.002-05:00

My friend, Joy's donation has me feeling full of Joy! Corney, but true folks. The day after I designed the ghans you saw in yesterdays post (please scroll back if you didn't see them), a 2nd box arrived from my friend and classmate, Joy. Holly Cow how awesome is that! 9 crocheted hats and 2 matching scarves.....fabulous.

Once again, many thanks Joy for your on going support. We here on Bridge and Beyond appreciate you and your helping hands. Please keep up the good work.

***Hold mailing squares til next square collection date, please check working calendar for announcement; unless you're mailing other items and want to include them to save postage costs ***
2012 Donations:
Hats: 64+9=73
Scarves: 8+2=10
Slippers: 3
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3
Mittens: 18
Squares: 78
Socks: 15
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, etc)

**PLEASE check out the new tabs across the top of the blog for information regarding size, colors for your donations, along with some patterns you may use.**

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, Mother Earth and Christmas 2

2012-02-06T08:00:00.004-05:00

**Check details of upcoming contest, announcement on Valentines Day, February 14th**

As I started to add Joy's squares from yesterday's post to my holding area of donated squares waiting to make friends and become a warm afghan.....my mind went into over drive. I figured heck, I might as well design, tag, and bag while I had the squares in hand. I've named this one, Mother Earth, blues for the sky, browns for the earth, green trees, and other colors represent flowers. Or at least that's what I see. I also figured since I had just taken out one bag of a previously designed ghan to begin working on I had room in the designed and ready to be made ghan collection area. I see this being edged and joined in either offwhite/tan or gray. Stay tuned.
Bet you guessed this one when you saw the pictures of Joy's squares from yesterday. Once again, ahead of the game here. I must make sure to get several Christmas Ghans designed and in the wings to work on in time for next years Christmas Holiday Season. What a perfect gift for a family moving into their new home during The Holidays. As time goes on, I'll either add additional squares to this, or add enough rows to make the ghan the appropriate size.

Currently working on a ghan I've named Red Brick. It's been in the wings, partially designed, but in need of added squares...added size with some of the recent donations found exactly what I needed for it.

***Remember to avoid the use of white and off white in your donations (a bit here there in squares that aren't solid white or off white is ok)***

2012 Donations:
Hats: 64
Scarves: 8
Slippers: 3
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3
Mittens: 18
Squares: 78
Socks: 15
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, 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!

Crocheted Granny Square Excitement!

2012-02-05T08:00:00.002-05:00

Look, look, and look again! Fantastic, colorful, well made granny squares from the skillful hands of my good friend, Joy. You might remember my excitement when Joy and I re-connected awhile back on Facebook. We graduated from High School together, way back in 1969. She's been a good supporter of our cause ever since. Talk about a double bonus! A rekindled friendship, and willing helping hands!

Look at all the fun colors and designs in Joy's 53 squares! You know I'm going to have fun designing afghans from these for our Project Welcome Home for our folks at The Homeless Families Foundation.

Keep up the good work Joy, and again many thanks!

2012 Donations:
Hats: 64
Scarves: 8
Slippers: 3
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3
Mittens: 18
Squares: 25+53=78
Socks: 15
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, etc)

**Asking you all, even those of you who aren't bloggers to leave comments on the blog. Let us know you were here, reading, looking around. Let's encourage each other with comments on the beautiful donations received. You do NOT need to be a blogger to leave a comment. Type your comment, click the drop down box that says name and url, leave the url portion blank. That's it....very easy. Hoping some of you who've been shy about leaving comments will help us out and give it a go.**

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!

Buttons and Beads for the Girls

2012-02-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

Buttons and beads decorate these donation from our good friend RoseMarie. Crocheted hats, scarves, slippers, headband, arm/hand/wrists warmers....is that the right name for the tourqoise blue item in the upper left portion of the picture? RoseMarie has included soap and fabulous cream in her donations. The cream will be wonderful for ladies outside, as well as those at the shelters. Dry rough skin is uncomfortable, can break open and bleed and be sore; the cream will be well received.

Thanks so much RoseMarie for your ongoing support of the cause.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 62+2=64
Scarves: 6+2=8
Slippers: 2+1=3
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3
Mittens: 18
Squares: 25
Socks: 15
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, etc)

**Asking you all, even those of you who aren't bloggers to leave comments on the blog. Let us know you were here, reading, looking around. Let's encourage each other with comments on the beautiful donations received. You do NOT need to be a blogger to leave a comment. Type your comment, click the drop down box that says name and url, leave the url portion blank. That's it....very easy. Hoping some of you who've been shy about leaving comments will help us out and give it a go.**

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 Louisiana

2012-02-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

Thank you Allyson G from the state of Louisiana for this thoughtful donation. 3 crocheted hats, 12 pairs of socks, scarf and wonderful personal care items. I love that you included lip balm. That's always sooooooooo appreciated. Being outdoors, being cold, it's awful hard not to have painful cracked lips. Allyson is our newest pair of helping hands. We thrilled to have you join us Allyson and hope to see you on Bridge and Beyond often.

February is slipper month folks, be sure and check out the patterns, tips and ideas on the slipper tab.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 59+3=62
Scarves: 5+1=6
Slippers: 2
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3
Mittens: 18
Squares: 25
Socks: 3+12=15
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, 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!

Crocheted Donations from North Carolina

2012-02-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

Thank you Anne G from North Carolina (The Tarheel State) for this thoughtful donation of 3 hats, 5 pairs of mittens (see me clappy!), a pair of slippers, and a colar/cowl/neckwarmer/gator. I really never know what to call them. lol

Here we folks on day 2 of Feburary's focus on Slippers! Please read all the info on the tab above, if you haven't recently.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 56+3=59
Scarves: 5
Slippers: 1+1=2
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3
Mittens: 13+5=18
Squares: 25
Socks: 3
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, etc)

**Reminder folks to avoid the use of white and off white in your donations**

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!

Sharing the Love with Donated Squares

2012-02-01T08:00:00.002-05:00

Thanks you Suzann W (SSeger) for your thoughtful donation of 6 knitted squares. These squares are varying sizes and as you read this no doubt are making friends with other squares. They like to mingle, get to know one another before joining hands to make a ghan.

Work continues on both designing and joining multiple afghans folks for Project Welcome Home. Please keep checking in to see our progress.

Today we usher in February and slippers. Though last month was mitten month, we do need and collect them all months. I've added lots of information regarding slippers, sizes, colors, fiber and pattern information. PLEASE read guidelines before you make and donate. That's true of all items, as much has been added to the blog.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 56
Scarves: 5
Slippers: 1
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3
Mittens: 13
Squares: 19+6=25
Socks: 3
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, 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!

Awesome Crochet Blog Award

2012-01-30T08:00:00.002-05:00

Back around Christmas we, Bridge and Beyond received this nice award from Kathryn from Crochet Concupiscence. I was so busy photographing, posting, and counting all your wonderful donations I forgot about it. My apologize. Am happy and honored to share it with you all now. After all, it's a team effort; one in which you all are a part. We are a group of like minded individuals who want to give through our craft; be it knitting or crocheting.

As I was doing some blog walking, and found myself (as I often do), on Sandie in Louisiana's blog, I was reminded of this nice honor. She too was awarded this for her efforts. Another lady, Sue, whom I don't know; but know of her group SIBOL was also so awarded. There are so many wonderful charities and so many good people helping, I do indeed want to thank Kathryn.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 56
Scarves: 5
Slippers: 1
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3
Mittens: 13
Squares: 19
Socks: 3
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, yarn, etc)

Gear up folks, February is Slipper Month. Size, color requirements and patterns can be found by clicking on the Slipper Tab.

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!

Nice Warm Hats for Homeless

2012-01-29T08:00:00.003-05:00

Thank you Sandie in Louisiana once again. These hats are crocheted from the pattern Sandie has on her blog. As you can see they are sized nicely for men, nice thick, warm. Please check out her Pattern HERE and on the hat tab across the top of the blog. I love the nice brim for added warmth across ones ears.......plus, it can be pulled down if need be making the hat cover some more cold areas.

Great colors, and as always so nicely made. Many thanks Sandie! Keep up the good work.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 54+2=56
Scarves: 5
Slippers: 1
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3
Mittens: 13
Squares: 19
Socks: 3
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, yarn, etc)

Gear up folks, February is Slipper Month. Size, color requirements and patterns can be found by clicking on the Slipper Tab.

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!

Knitted Hats Warm Homeless

2012-01-28T08:00:00.002-05:00

These 5 knitted hats were donated by our friend Trudy S. from Maryland. I love how stretchy these ribbed hats are; that's so helpful to fit a variety of sized heads. They fit me, which means they'll fit most kids---I have a small head for an adult. They sorta fit my husband too, and he's at the other end of spectrum. He has a large head, on him the hats don't cover the ears, comes just above ears....there's lots of sizes inbetween. Trudy, could you share your hat pattern? Love to add this versatile hat pattern to our hat tab on the top of the blog.

Actually would love to make these style but a bit larger too if you could tell me how many you cast on etc. Is your ribbing 3 x 3 or perhaps 4 x 4? Can this hat be done without using DP's?

2012 Donations:
Hats: 49+5=54
Scarves: 5
Slippers: 1
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 3
Mittens: 13
Squares: 19
Socks: 3
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, yarn, etc)

**Mitten Month is about to come to an end folks, but remember we need and collect mittens all year long. We'll be swinging into February who's focus is SLIPPERS. Please read details and check out some patterns by clicking on the Slipper tab on 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!

Beautiful Blanket from Bunny

2012-01-27T08:00:00.002-05:00

Such pretty colors! This blanket is perfect for a sweet little boy or girl to cuddle with. Bunny (Lynda G), crocheted this using lots of different colors. All children love to have a blanket/afghan of their own and besides giving them physical warmth, how perfect to help a child adjust to his or her new surroundings. These family's have been through a difficult time, losing their home, being homeless, living a while in a temporary housing situation..........so when they make the transition into permanent housing...it's a big deal. Our Project "Welcome Home" afghans serve as a congratulations and best of luck to these families. This cute little blanket will indeed give comfort to a child as they make the move. Though the moving is exciting, it's probably also scarey...after all, these families have been here there and everywhere, the children surely feel unsettled. Our afghans help in many ways.

Thank you Bunny, and please keep up the good work. Bunny and I have known each other a good many years now thanks to the internet. We worked together in a group to benefit survivors of Katrina. It's wonderful to have your ongoing support and skillful hands, and friendship.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 49
Scarves: 5
Slippers: 1
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 2+1=3
Mittens: 13
Squares: 19
Socks: 3
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, 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!

Big Variety Donated

2012-01-26T08:00:00.003-05:00

Thank you Jeannette for this variety pack. She's donated crocheted squares (19), 3 pair of socks, a fleece blanket, and hats. Some of the hats are crocheted and some are fleece.

Remember one of our goals this year is identifying where everyone is from. Please check the lists for your name and see if a state is listed. There are many that are missing. Let's get your state listed with your name and make sure it's on the map.

2012 Donations:

Hats: 41+8=49
Scarves: 5
Slippers: 1
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 1+1=2
Mittens: 13
Squares: 19
Socks: 3
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, yarn, etc)

**Reminder folks to please, please put a note with your donations so I know who you are and am able to contact you via email to let you know your donations have arrived. Please include a note, even if you want to be anonymous on the blog. I need to know for record keeping.**

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!

Mittens for Mitten Month

2012-01-25T08:00:00.002-05:00

Mittens, Mittens, and more. Thank you Annemarie from New York, lots of chap sticks (24), and mittens ( 4 crocheted). I'm a person that can't go anywhere without chapstick, and I'm in doors. I'm not living outside in the elements like so many of our homeless. Chapsticks are a wonderful addition to personal care items. Glove/Mittens of varying sizes to fit those cold men and women living outside will be so very much appreciated Annemarie.

Have you read all the new tabs here on the blog? Please do. Color, and size requirements as well as some patterns for you.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 41
Scarves: 5
Slippers: 1
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 1
Mittens: 13
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, yarn, etc)

**Reminder folks to please, please put a note with your donations so I know who you are and am able to contact you via email to let you know your donations have arrived. Please include a note, even if you want to be anonymous on the blog. I need to know for record keeping.**

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!

Got Brown, I'm in Love

2012-01-24T08:00:00.005-05:00

I love, Got Brown. I really enjoyed watching this afghan come together. It's traditional, because it's made from granny squares. It's fun, funky, and modern because it's not colors you see together in granny squares often. There's a mix of squares in that some are solid some aren't. It's 64inches by 62...well, before blocked that is. Probably a little larger and more squared up afterwards. It's drying here.

The squares were crocheted by our friend Liz (minnisoda on The Ville), who's been a wonderful supporter here on Bridge and Beyond. Many many thanks Liz. I added 2 full rows of double crochet to each square in black, joined in black using the join as you go method, and added 2 rows of sc for the border. This ghan will be donated through our Project Welcome Home. (you can read details by clicking on the badge in the right sidebar).

I have a challenge for you all today. Please visit and comment on the following 2 blog posts. They happen to be a couple without comments and I'd like to change that. Remember, you do not need to be a blogger to leave a comment. Type your comment, click the drop down box and select name and url and leave url empty if you don't have a blog. Everyone appreciates comments on their creations and spending time on the blog, reading and posting comments helps the blog. Soooooo, please; though I know many of you visit I want to encourage you All to leave comments.
post #1
post #2
post #3

2012 Donations:
Hats: 41
Scarves: 5
Slippers: 1
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 1
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, 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!

Hats warm Homeless Heads

2012-01-23T08:00:00.001-05:00

Thank you Louise, as always your knitted hats are adorable, pretty, super soft, and soooooooo well made. 3 more heads will be warm because of your continued support. We appreciate your donation and hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond.

Folks I want to encourage you all (bloggers and non bloggers) to leave comments on the blog. Comments help the blog with search engine optimization and everyone who knits or crochets and donates appreciates nice comments on their lovely work. If you're not a blogger, simply type your comment, click the drop down box and select name and url. Leave the url space empty. Please refrain from using anonymous. Anonymous often ends up in the spam folder and it doesn't tell us who you were or that you visited.

Just a little over a week left in January's focus of mittens. But, remember we need and collect mittens all year long. Check the working calendar tab for next month's focus.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 38+3=41
Scarves: 5
Slippers: 1
Shawls: 2
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, 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 warmth and Hope for those in Need

2012-01-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

Thank you Sandie in Louisiana for your crocheted scarf, 2 hats, and pair of wrist warmers (fingerless mitts). I keep seeing the fingerless/writs warmer words being used interchangeably. I really don't know if one is more correct. Sandie's work is always so nicely made. You might or might know she took a Master's Class and has taught crochet. AND, she's a published author. She's a mother and a wife..........a very busy lady with a big heart. She's been with us from the beginning and I'm always so appreciative of her donations and her friendship.

Sandie's has patterns on her page and while these hats aren't exactly the ones made from the pattern I have posted here under the hat tab, they are very close. Check it out. Thanks Sandie

2012 Donations:
Hats: 36+2=38
Scarves: 4+1=5
Slippers: 1
Shawls: 2
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, yarn, etc)

Please read all details regarding size, color, stitches in the tabs across the top of the page folks. Thanks.

**Mark your calendars, a yarn give away is approaching! Starting Feb 14th, we're doing another comment contest. Don't miss out. Spread the word about free yarn**

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 of hats, Unidentified

2012-01-21T12:06:00.002-05:00

17 hats here in the picture being donated. All are crocheted but I've no clue whom they're from. There was no note or return address label on the box. I tried to read the stamped mailing label but was unable to. I tried to plug in 3 different numbers on the label that I thought might be a tracking, that didn't work. Some of these hats are very open and lacy (beret style) and those will be held until warmer weather where folks might still be in need, but perhaps less in need of a really warm hat. Look at the details, in particular on the top left olive greenish color hat...very nice.

**Reminder folks to please include a note with your donations so I know who you are and how to contact you. Even if you wish to be anonymous, please include your name and email with the donation so I can let you know it arrived. You can still be anonymous here on the blog if you wish; but a note saves me enormous amount of time trying to identify you. Also looking for a Ruth P from Michigan, need your email. AND Elizabeth R from CA? If you're out there, please make contact.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 19+17=36
Scarves: 4
Slippers: 1
Shawls: 2
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, yarn, etc)

Please read all details regarding size, color, stitches in the tabs across the top of the page folks. 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!

Ladies Crocheted Hats for the Homeless

2012-01-20T08:00:00.001-05:00

Thank you Lauren H from Michigan for these 8 crocheted hats for the ladies. Lauren is our newest pair of helping hands. We're happy to have you join us, and hope to see you here on Bridge and Beyond often. Please keep up the good work.

**Reminder folks to please include a note with your donations so I know who you are and how to contact you. Even if you wish to be anonymous, please include your name and email with the donation so I can let you know it arrived. You can still be anonymous here on the blog if you wish. Looking for a Ruth P from Michigan, need your email. Wanting to identify unknown donation of 17 hats. Don't even know what state they're from as there was no return address.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 11+8=19
Scarves: 4
Slippers: 1
Shawls: 2
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, yarn, etc)

Please help us grow and reach more people in need. Blog about us, print and pass out some flyers, tell your friends-neighbors and family members. Post links on your blog, facebook wall and other similar social media's. 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!

Knitted Hats for the Homeless

2012-01-19T08:00:00.001-05:00

The EverReady Bunny is at it again! Look at these adorable hats! All 7 are beautifully knitted, wonderfully soft and just plain awesome. Bunny's done it again. Hats of different sizes and colors to fit a variety of heads. I love the nice stretch with the ribbing, as well as ear tab hat. The little bonnet type style sure takes me back. A hat to truly keep a child warm. Covers the whole head, the ears, and has a tie. Hey Bunny....how many would you suggest casting on for an adult? A small adult...I have pin sized head, but would be interested in making one for myself.

Thank you for your on going support, truly it is appreciated.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 11
Scarves: 4
Slippers: 1
Shawls: 2
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, 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!

First Donation in 2012

2012-01-18T08:00:00.002-05:00

This is the first donation of 2012. It comes from Michigan. Ruth P, our newest pair of helping hands. I've not been able to make contact as there was no email ady included with the donation. I've searched through my email box, and all the groups I belong to in order to find Ruth to no avail. If anyone knows Ruth P in Michigan, please make contact. I'd like to be able to let her know her donation arrived.

?? Also, I wonder if this Ruth P is the same Ruth as this donator?

She starts us out with 4 hats, 4 scarves, 1 pair of slippers, and 2 shawls.

Thank you Ruth.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 4
Scarves: 4
Slippers: 1
Shawls: 2
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, 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!

End of the Year 2011 Final Tallies

2012-01-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

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?

2012-01-16T08:00:00.001-05:00

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

2012-01-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

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!