scarves

I have long had in the back of my mind that I wanted to make a couple of scarves for the Bridge Project. I've donated to this worthy charity in the past and have known the coordinator for many years.

I purchased 5 skeins of Knit Picks Brava bulky in the color Dublin. Most of the recipients are male and this is a good manly color though a woman could certainly wear it also. The yarn is soft and I had no trouble with unexpected knots, thin spots or thick spots. Knit Picks yarn is pretty good generally and I was quite happy with these skeins.

I used a K hook, as recommended on the wrapper, for the body of the scarf and a J for the edging. I generally use a hook one size smaller for my edgings.

After making one scarf, I realized I wouldn't have enough for a second scarf of the same size so I cut the width down slightly. I used every single bit of yarn and on the second scarf I edged both sides but not the beginning and ending row. I would have done without an edging if I'd had to but I much prefer an edging, especially on a scarf, so I'm glad it worked out. Next time I know to order six skeins if I plan to make two scarves.

Both scarves are about 6' in length. They measured 3' each when folded over. One is 6" width and the other is 7" width. I have 15 dc on one and 18 on the other. 

The minimum scarf width for men for the Bridge is 5". If you want to make scarves for this project, you can see the requirements on this page. 

I included a card with my email as requested. I did not wash them but I found the yarn quite soft and I do not let my dog lay on my projects or mess with my yarn. He learned that early on. LOL

So to summarize...

Size: 6"(ch 17) and 7" (ch 20) wide, 6' long

Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Bulky Dublin (5 skeins for the two)

Hook: K for the body, J for the edging
Pattern: double crochet rows for the body and single crochet edging with (sc, hdc, sc) in corners

Misc: Include a card with email addy and wash if needed

That's about it. 

Happy crocheting!
Sandie

hats and sizing

Sandy over at the Bridge and Beyond posted photos of the hats I forgot to take a picture of so I thought I'd share Sandy's pictures. You can see her post about these and all the other donations that are sent for the homeless at the blog site here. 

Sandy asks that items are labeled as to size so I estimated what I thought the size might be for these hats. That's the little white tags you see here. I am TERRIBLE at this but hopefully the hats will fit someone in the right range.

You might recall I've been also working on baby hats. Going from baby hats to adult men hats is an interesting transition. The adult hats always look so large compared to the baby hats. Sometimes I will impose on my husband to try them on and often, although they fit, they could be larger. Men just have large heads! I have a small head so I can't go by my own measurements.

Isn't it funny how we (read *I*) never trust ourselves with sizing. I always wonder if I've made the item too small or too large for the need. Invariably I am reassured by the coordinator of whatever effort I'm sending to, but I still have little confidence! I am not the only one as other crocheters have also talked about it. 

If you are in that situation, there are a couple places with information on hat sizing. One I use often is at Bev's Country Cottage. 

Another one I ran into recently is this one. Southern Threads for Heads sell hats but the sizing info is good for anyone. If you can't crochet or knit and want to just buy one, these are currently $35. (I have no affiliation. I just ran into this site through a link somewhere.)

Of course, I have hat patterns that I designed and I use them myself too! You can find them at http://www.crochetcabana.com/html/patterns_hats.html .

Happy crocheting!
Sandie

charity giving

Every now and then I get an email wanting to send items to me for charity giving. I am not presently collecting anything but there are a lot of organizations who can use your beautiful work.

After my last post, I was asked where to send prayer cloths, so I decided to write a general post about charity giving. This is from MY perspective, of course, and opinions expressed are my own opinions. I've been crocheting for 34 years and have a lot of opinions on a lot of subjects. LOL

There are crafters out there who ask that we send various things for charity. One good place to look for these is Crochetville, which has a section for items needed for charity. Generally the small efforts are started by people like you and me. Most of the time these are legitimate efforts by people who care. But not ALL of them are.

Do your homework if you want to be sure your hard work goes where it will do the most good. Sometimes this is just having a convo back and forth or visiting a Facebook page to see if items are actually being donated and if the charity effort is still active. On Crochetville, you can see when the last post about the topic was made and ask questions.

If the organization is a national one that's been around a while (like Warm Up America for example), it is most likely legit. If it is on the IRS list for tax exempt it is likely legit though that is really only a matter of filling out a lot of paperwork. If the web site hasn't been updated in several years, I'm suspicious. This is sometimes just a fall-through-the-cracks thing if info remains the same through the years. It may also be that the coordinator is too busy actually working with donations to work on the web site. In any case, it's a red flag to check out.

Many of the large organizations have small sub groups, like Crochet for Cancer. These small group coordinators personally oversee things and can often tell you how your items are being used, personally or with a blog or Facebook posts that show distribution.

Can you always be sure a group is actually doing what it says it will? No. Not unless you are there watching them hand things out. But you can have a pretty good idea if you've done some work. I have gotten caught myself a few times by efforts that started off strong and then fell by the wayside, leaving the items you have donated in a box somewhere. Sometimes time passes, contacts leave, hospital policies change and life interferes. Organizations fold through no real fault of their own. As long as there is communication and responsible accounting, that's fine. A long time organization of which I was a part recently shut down after many years of service. This coordinator did it right. Everyone was kept informed and knew for the last year exactly how things would go. It was ended sadly but well.

Sometimes you can tell when a person does not seem to be excited about his or her work and will not follow through. Sometimes things take off too fast and the coordinator can't catch up. It becomes overwhelming and they drop out. Again, communication is key.

Some projects are time sensitive. When an event occurs in the news, crocheters and knitters want to help. Finding a legitimate way to do that can be difficult. Partnering with a well known organization is a good idea and can get things accomplished in a timely manner. When things take off, they are prepared through long experience in dealing with these types of situations. This is especially true of situations occurring in a country other than your own.

Getting back to prayer cloths or specifically pocket prayer cloths. If you google prayer cloths you will see a lot of information, some of which is misleading. Prayer cloths that you make and give to someone do not contain special healing properties. They are a reminder to that person that you care for them, have prayed for them, that God loves them and cares what happens to them. I like to make the ones with the cross on them as this is pretty much a universal Christian symbol and a good reminder to keep hope and faith alive in difficult situations. These are generally given to people of faith for which the cross will mean something.

You don't HAVE to put a cross on your prayer cloth. It can be a simple rectangle with no adornment or make it plain and attach a charm of some kind. You could make a heart or some other shape if that has special meaning to you or the recipient if all you want is something that lets them know you are thinking of them. Right now, however, I'm talking about prayer cloths made from a Christian perspective.

You will also note sites where prayer cloths are made of fabric and not crocheted or knitted, some are offered for free, some are sold. Some places say you are not to sell them. Like all things on the Internet if you search long enough you will find someone supporting your idea. I think selling cloths is a matter for you to decide. Not everyone can crochet or knit but they may like the look of these cloths and they can do their own praying for the person to whom they intend these to go. I do not sell my own prayer cloths. Any I make are freely given.

Where are prayer cloths needed? St. John's Lutheran Church includes a prayer cloth with the food packages given out to the needy from the food pantry. They can be any color. I suggest putting each cloth in a sandwich bag to keep it clean.

Another organization that accepts cloths is Sadie Sunshine chapter of Crochet for Cancer. These cloths can be any size or color.

100% wool cloths can be sent to soldiers but I don't know of an organization doing that right now.

When donating to ANY charity effort, you should make sure that what you are making fits their current needs before sending. Make sure any item you donate is well made, properly finished (sew those long tails in - no knotting and cutting at the knot!), and in whatever colors and yarn the organization requires.

If prayer cloths are not your thing, perhaps you enjoy making scarves. I enjoy trying out new patterns this way. I thought I'd just put a plug in here for those. Two great organizations that will get your scarves where they need to go are The Bridge and Beyond for the homeless, and Knit Your Bit for veterans. Both sites are informative and have been around for many years.

Happy crocheting!
Sandie

The Bridge and Beyond

Another charity organization that I've long been involved with is Bridge and Beyond run by Sandy Holladay. Sandy and I got to know one another after Hurricane Katrina when I took over Squares For Survivors from Jackie Garrison. She was invaluable to that effort and has been the driving force behind the effort to help the homeless in her native state of Ohio. 

As before, I'm including a few photos of donated items. It was very difficult to choose only a few as Sandy always amazes me with her talent for assembling a hodgepodge of squares into a beautiful afghan and the volunteers are very generous in their donations as well. Note that squares are only collected at certain times of year and are not needed presently. 

I have tried to show a variety of items that are most appreciated by the homeless community. Socks (store bought or handmade) are always on the list!  

Here are Sandy's answers to the interview questions.

The name of this organization is ... Bridge and Beyond

You can find the web site at http://homelessbridge.blogspot.com/ .
[Crochet Cabana: There is also an active Facebook group here.]

Please introduce yourself and let us know your position or connection with the organization.
Sandy Holladay, Founder

How and when did the organization begin?  
Bridge and Beyond started in the fall of 2008.  From memory I want to say October.  Can't find the first post, seems blogger has nixed it.  The oldest post I see was Dec 3 08, where I talked about adding counters, so I know it was before that.

What is the purpose of this organization?
To help homeless in the central Ohio area through knitting and crocheting.

Personal hygiene items

How many others, besides yourself, are involved in leadership?
Really none in terms of the blog, or processing the mail - getting the mail, opening the boxes, counting the items, photographing, editing the photos, then writing a blog post, sending thank you emails, posting same on Facebook.

I deliver to Homeless Families Foundation and Faith Mission.  I have a friend Lynn who distributes to Holy Family and the schools in need, and a lady in Vinton County connected with St. Vincent de Paul who delivers there.  I deliver to Rae who delivers directly to those living under the bridges etc when she takes meals to them.

cotton cloths wrapped around bars of soap

Do you personally deliver the collected items to the intended recipients? If you do not, who does and how do you ensure that the items get where they need to be?
Expanding on above, all items are hand delivered, not dropped off.  

socks are always needed

How can fiber crafters help? What types of items do you accept?
Knitted or Crocheted Hats, Mittens, Slippers, Afghans, scarves, and cotton washcloths. Each item collected has an information tab on the blog with important specifics regarding size, color and fiber to ensure items donated meet the need.

wash cloths

Do you accept all types of crafting - knitting, crochet, loom, quilting, cross-stitch, plastic canvas etc.?
No, not all types of crafts are appropriate to keep people warm.  Knitted, crocheted, loomed, or quilted items are accepted; not cross-stitch or plastic canvas. [Crochet Cabana: Store bought items are also accepted, such as socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, lotion, hair brush/comb, razors, dental floss, chap stick, handwipes, and hand warmers]

scarves and hats also always needed (check the tips on the blog for colors and sizes)

  
Are there any special tips or requirements for the items needed?
Yes, items need to be durable and warm, not lacy or light weight.  Items need to be clean and free of animal and people hair and odors.  See item specific tabs on the blog for detailed information.
Yarn colors, finished size of items, yarn used (wool, acrylic, sport, worsted, bulky...) Wool should not be used except for washable wool, which is fine. Fun fur and suede should not be used, nor any novelty yarn.  Acrylic, and bulky work well, as does washable wool.  Depending on what you make, sport yarn might not be as warm.  Colors should NOT be pastels and should not be super bright.  Homeless do not like to call attention to themselves, so solid dark colors are always best.  White, beige, tan should NEVER be used.  Items made in solid colors are preferred over stripes because they blend in better.

hats, please label with size

It is understandable that you need to have a person's contact information in case there is a problem and for record keeping. Do you allow participants to remain anonymous to those who receive the items?
All donations are anonymous to those who receive them.  The only exception is those who receive an afghan when they transition out of shelter living into their permanent housing situation. In that case, they receive a letter of congratulations and best wishes for their future with care instructions (laundering instructions) for their afghan from the Group, "Bridge and Beyond".

rain ponchos

Is there a particular item that you yourself enjoy making more than any other?
I don't actually get to knit or crochet as much as I used to.  I spend enormous amount of hours maintaining and promoting the blog, and processing the donations.  I enjoy assembling afghans from donated squares (though I'm currently not in need of squares, and therefore am not currently accepting them). I find it lets my creative juices flow.

Does your family participate in your charity effort? If so, how? If not, are they supportive of your work?
My daughter gets involved by helping to design afghans when she's home for Christmas typically.  She also knits and crochets.  Hubby helps by lugging boxes and bags here and there, up and down the stairs, and into the car for delivery.  He put together a work space so my "shipping and delivery" area has its own space vs constantly needing to move it around the living room.

donated yarn, always useful for square edging and afghan assembly

What do you feel makes folks hesitate to participate in a charity that is not a 501(c)(3) charity other than tax benefits? What would you say to convince them your effort is honest and trustworthy?
I'm actually not aware of anyone not participating because it's not a 501(c)(3) charity.  I get such positive feedback from people who like the grass roots nature of my charity, Bridge and Beyond.  Many in fact have had a bad or negative experience with larger organizations/501(c)(3)'s.  They like that everything is visible. They like that their donation is acknowledged. It's not even so much that they need or want to be thanked, but they do want to know their donations arrived, and many that used to donate elsewhere never knew if their donations were received.  Some even had issues with their donations being sold or not reaching the parties they had intended them for.

mittens

   
Do you have any advice for anyone trying to start their own charity effort?
Start small and actually think it through before you get warm and fuzzy.  lol I've talked to a good number of people throughout the years who've considered starting their own charity.  People do want to help others; but it's been my experience sometimes they're unaware of the time commitment.  It's always easier to start small and build vs making commitments to help x y z and falling short ... feeling like you've failed.  

People who are vague about whom they're helping or who are too broad in their scope typically fail.  There have been a number of groups who've started a charity with information close to this -- "Send me your handmade items and I'll give it to people in need." That's wide open. It doesn't say what's needed, how it will be delivered, or whom it will go to.  But, I've seen this type of thing too often.  Good folks get on the band wagon and a couple of weeks later the group closes, the blog becomes inactive etc.  Throughout the years, I've received odds and ends from groups that started without considering the time commitment and or people lost interest.  

I couldn't resist this picture. Snuggly warm sweater and matching scarf.

Is there anything else you'd like people to know about your charity effort or you personally?
I consider my charity, Bridge and Beyond, a job.  I take it very seriously and I'm always thinking how best to continue, or how to alter to improve things.

************************************************************

I'd like to thank Sandy for taking the time to answer these questions and give us some insight into what it takes to run a charity organization and specifically what is being done in her area of Ohio to help the homeless. 

If you are interested in numbers, Sandy has an accounting from 2008 to 2012 of the number of items collected. To give you an idea, over 3000 hats have been provided to the homeless in the central Ohio area through this effort during that time. Good job, Bridgers!

Happy crocheting!
Sandie

Doctor Who babyghans

I have finished the two baby Whoghans. :-)

My measuring tape fell apart while I was trying to measure these. Overwork I'm thinking. LOL The two ghans are slightly different in size but generally about 38 x 40.

Both are made with the same yarns with the exception of the brown. One uses Knit Picks Sienna (right) and the other uses Stylecraft Special DK walnut (left).

Both use the same pattern (my adaptation of the original knitting numbers from Chris Brimelow at doctorwhoscarf.com; used with permission of the new owner).


I will have the pattern written up in a few days.

The foundation chain is 151. I used a G hook and worked single crochet rows. The ghan pictured on the left is edged in khaki. The one of the right is edged with Sienna. The edging is (sc, ch 1, sk 1) using (sc, ch 2, sc) in corners.

There are 195 rows and 44 color stripes.

The yarn (original BBC colors - my colors):
Burgundy - Stylecraft Special DK Burgundy
Camel -  Stylecraft Special DK Camel
Sunshine - Stylecraft Special DK Sunshine
Rust - Stylecraft Special DK Copper
Grey - Stylecraft Special DK Graphite
Greenish Brown - Stylecraft Special DK Khaki
Bronze -Stylecraft Special DK walnut for the last one (on the left) and Knit Picks Brava Sport Sienna for the first one (on the right)

I have been very pleased with this yarn. Only a few knots to cut out, though one of these I missed because it was only 1 strand knotted and I have to rip back a row which did not make me happy. I can't complain too much though because mostly it was smooth sailing.

I've gotten used the orangy yellow yarn now but if I found a deeper gold tone DK yarn I'd probably switch to it. The other gold I had was too thin. This one was perfect.

Now I'm going to work on finishing that Season 18 I started way long time ago with the Lion Brand Suede. I have several feet done but there are many more to go if I do the whole thing. I'm not enamored with the suede yarn. It's not that there is anything wrong with it really. Perhaps I'm just thinking off all those tails to sew in later! LOL

Besides that UFO to finish, I have in mind to make some scarves for Knitting for Good (they also take crochet) and the Bridge Project. It is starting to get cold in the north and they really could use help in that regard.


Happy crocheting!
Sandie