TA DAH, Pink Poodle Progressed to DONE

Are you Energized?

Energize, to give energy to, to activate or invigorate. That's the definition I found when I looked up the word. I knit and I crochet each and everyday; but I'm not the one that makes the most to donate, nor are my skills the best of those that donate to Bridge and Beyond.

Bridge and Beyond is a grassroots charity I started to aid the local homeless in Central Ohio. Through the help and generosity of many other knitters and crocheters, we've accomplished quite a bit over the last couple of years. My blog, Bridge and Beyond focuses on the need, documents the donations, and reaches out to attract others who can help.

I knit and crochet hats, scarves, mittens, slippers; and I assemble afghans from donated squares. But, I believe my biggest asset is that I Energize, Activate, and Invigorate others. Through my blog, my computer...I Energize others into action, and together through the help of many pairs of busy energized hands we make a difference.

*This is my E post for the Z-A challenge.
**Apologies if this post seems conceited, it's not my intent to sound self important; rather to draw attention to how we knitters and crocheters come together**

Camo Cotton Cloth

Nothing fancy about this 100% cotton camo washcloth, but I like it anyway. It's made using the basic corner to corner method starting with casting on 4. I used size 8 needles. I was hoping to get 2 cloths out of the one skein, but that's not going to happen. The variegated Sugar'n Cream is only 3 oz vs the 4 oz of the solid colors. I used 1.7 oz making this almost 11 inch square cloth and therefore only have 1.3 oz. left.

I cast on 4 as mentioned above, knitted 2 stitches before my yo (yarn over). The label suggested size 7 needles. So maybe if I make one a little smaller and use smaller needles I can get a 2nd cloth? I knit until I had 55 stitches before starting my decrease cause I wanted it sized for a man.

For fun I figured out how many rows and stitches. So, adding 54 + 54 =108 plus the middle row of 55 stitches =109 rows, but then you substract 8 (cause you cast on 4 and bind off with 4 stitches still on the needles), and you're back down to 101 rows. Funny, never really thought about this before, but a group of us were talking about how good it is to have a quick, fast project. Adding the stitches now that's a different story. Adding 4-5-6 etc until you get to 54, then multiplying that by 2 (2 halves), and adding 55 the middle row you get 3,987 stitches. That seems like a lot of stitches for a quick easy project doesn't it. I was surprised. Anyway...sometimes a person's mind wonders. This is probably more then anyone wants or needs to know about the knitting of a corner to corner cotton washcloth...but there you have it.

This will packaged with soap and other personal care items and donated to Bridge and Beyond next month, as 100% cotton will be our focus for the month of June.

Whoa Nellie, it's Wednesday

Well, I've made lots of progress on my Poodle Blanket. Believe I've completed 4 sections since my last post and picture and am at the writing of this (scheduled ahead a wee bit), almost at the half way point. Hopefully, by the time you read this I will be on the decreasing half vs the add a stitch half. Somehow, mentally that always makes you feel you're closer then you really are. After all it takes the same amount of time to do the 2nd half as it does the first half...or does it? You do perhaps spend more time on the first half decided when and where to change colors which is less of an issue the 2nd half....though realistically this one isn't x number of rows and it's not precise. No need to do that really with the yarn. I named this one Poodle Blanket since my last post because the colors make me think of the 50's and poodle skirts. And black and white saddle shoes. It's made with 2 different skeins of JoAnn's Sensations Rainbow Boucle. This yarn is listed as a bulky yarn and that always surprises me as it's very light weight to work with. It suggests size 10 needles on the label, but I grabbed size 8. To me 8 is the average, the one you use the bulk of the time with knitted worsted which is what the yarn seems to me like. It might go faster though with size 10.
I've made no headway with the red scarf for The Red Scarf Project since last time. Since it's a long way off, I've laid it aside for awhile. Likewise, the pretty blue with the long 300 stitch cast on..I've not done anymore on it either.
Instead I decided to cast on this pretty yellow butterfly washcloth. I needed a little project to tote around and this seemed like a good idea. The problem I'm having is the cotton fiber does not slid nicely on my Denise Needles. I probably should have grab some old metal needles for this project. It's fine for the regular knitted rows, and or even the regular pearl rows; but the rows where you're purling a purl it seems very tight and hard to move and is hard on my hands.

Both the yellow washcloth and the pink poodle blanket will be donated to those in need at Faith Mission, through Bridge and Beyond.

I've asked several people in their blogs, but haven't yet received a reply...so will ask here. Does anyone know how to make those little graphs you see on people's blogs that show percentage done on any given project? I've wondered that many times and would like to add a couple here, I think. I've seen them on RAV. as well, but am more interested in posting those here on the blog. Please leave your instructions in the comments. That way, others who might be interested will also see them, and I won't delete them in emails or have to go sort through to find them. Thanks

So many projects In The Works

*I return all WIP comments*
This afghan is a real piece meal effort. Some of these squares are squares, others rectangles. Some of these squares are knitted, some of these squares are crocheted. Some of these squares are big and some are small. The largest squares are around 12 inches, and the smallest is about 5 inches. As you view the picture about 2/3 of the squares have been edged and joined. I'm going about this in a different manner then I typically do. I'm edging in one color (dark forest green), and joining in a different color (dusty rose). Normally I use the same color. I'm using the join as you go method (crocheting squares together), sorta. I say sorta, because it's not continuous due to the variety of sizing and the need to piece meal, with lots and lots of measuring to determine how it will come together.

My stash often dictates how I put ghans together, as well as what method I use. I see what colors I have that will work, how much I have on hand. Crocheting them together takes more yarn then whip stitching them together. Whip stitching though takes longer. Crocheting them together adds texture. I didn't have enough of either the dark green or the dusty rose to do this all in one color, and thus decided on the merging of the 2 colors. I think it actually is helping to pull all the various shades of green and pink together; so rather like the look so far.

This is a ghan being made of so many different sizes of squares because the squares come from lots of people. They were donated through my blog, Bridge and Beyond for the homeless and abused Mother's and Children at Faith Mission.

I like to name afghans I work on, and have so named this one, Rose Garden.

**Added most popular posts to the right side bar, please check them out.**

Hat Doctor

These 2 hats were part of a rather large garage sale donation for Bridge and Beyond. Where the color changes is what was sent. A sweet little elderly lady (who's no longer with us) had crocheted these. Perhaps she didn't realize they weren't finished, long enough to stay on someone's head, or snug enough to stay on. I'm not one to let things go un-used and so...doctored them a bit and sent them on their way to warm the head of someone in need. When forming your initial ring (when crocheting a hat), you do not want a hole. Snug up your draw string. These both had a 1/4 inch hole in the top that needed attention. I've seen this problem listed as one of the most common mistakes when someone makes their first hat. Several methods will work to snug it up. You can stitch it together if your drawstring won't get tight enough and add something to the top. You can also go around it twice with your draw string using every other stitch to get it tighter.

In the green hat, I decreased when adding the brown to make it more beanie in style. The yellow one was pretty wide so I decreased much slower and it gives it more of a tam/slouchy style. A third one I forgot to take a picture of was solid green. I happened to have the same color of green...can you believe it and made it like the two tone green and brown.

Hope you're all staying warm, staying safe if you're traveling, and getting all your projects done if you're stitching for Christmas. I finished a scarf for my older brother before heading to his retirement dinner the other night; also forgot to take a picture of it. I loved the yarn and will have to see if I can get a picture to share with you. Was nice tans, browns, gray...very manly wool. Taos, a favorite of mine to knit with.

Not sure this is going to work

This isn't the best of pictures, so hope you can see this well enough to see what I'm talking about. This is a scarf in the works, made from very small crocheted granny squares. These granny squares were part of the garage sell donation from Krystinne. I didn't want to use these in a ghan due to their size and thought I'd try a scarf. Was in the mood to try something different and so didn't line them up as squares to join, but as diamonds. Joined and edged...well the edging is still in the works. What I'm not sure about, now that I'm this far is if it will be thick enough between diamonds to not curl too much. I don't necessarily need it to be rigid....but will this work as a scarf?

My plan is to donate this through Bridge and Beyond.

Seems it would be appropriate for a teen through one of the 2 free clinics we donate to.

Thoughts? Have you done before? I've seen zig zag type scarves and thought this would be similar.

Hope you are all getting things done for holidays, staying warm, and being safe.

Getting Things Done?

A busy time of the year has once again come upon us. Are you getting things done? I made my usual homemade egg noddles for Thanksgiving with the help of my DD. We spent the better part of Wed, the day before Thanksgiving working on them and made 3 large batches. A little over a batch is needed for the meal, the rest always gets divided between my Dad and 2 SIL's. This year we had a problem. I thought I'd done the noddles in the crock pot before, though DD says no. Anyway....it didn't work. I don't know if the crock pot simply doesn't get hot enough, or I didn't allow the brother to get hot enough before adding the noddles. We had a gooey mess. So, I got the egg noddles done....sorta? My Dad had since enjoyed several meals from the uncooked he went home with. My brother is on a gluten free diet so the one SIL didn't take noddles this year. I still have some here.

I managed to finish the above purple and green wool scarf for DD. Had hoped to have it done by the time she arrived on Tuesday evening; didn't quite make that deadline. Managed to finish it the next day after we'd made the ill fated noddles. I love this yarn, it's Taos, light, soft and very warm. Green and purple are her favorite colors. So, I got it done, just not quite when I had hoped. At any rate, she was able to pack and take back with her...which was the plan even though I thought I'd give it to her at Christmas. Heck, between now and then is a whole month of cold.

Been working on the scarf (from the previous post), which will be for my young niece for Christmas. Finished 3 ghans (for Bridge and Beyond) and all need to be laundered and blocked....maybe I'll get that done tomorrow?

Managed to start another scarf, and do some trim on a couple of pair of mittens for The Bridge as well.

Spent today with Dad in Urbana, my elderly aunt had cataract surgery. That went real well, I'm pleased to say.

So, how bout you...are you getting things done with the end of year fast approaching?

Young, Youthful or not?

When I bought this yarn I wasn't sure if it would be a scarf for a gift, or a scarf for me. I liked the colors but, just wasn't sure who it was appropriate for. I started it just before leaving for Mexico, as I thought it would be a good small, light weight item to pack and work on during my travels. I'm using a lacy stitch pattern. Not sure how much you see the lace in this picture as I'm holding it up to get snap the picture with my other hand. Believe it moved a bit. (I think you might see the lace pattern better in the first picture I took when it was started, click on I bought this yarn).

So, my question is...is it youthful looking or not? If it's youthful looking it may end up being part of a Christmas gift for my niece who's 14, I think. I'm terrible at birthdays and remember ages; but believe she just started middle school this year. If it's not youthful, it may go to a charity for battered women that likes lacy and pretty scarves. This scarf though lacy, is also warm as it's 100% wool, made with one of my favorite yarns to work with, Taos. Then again, it might find it's way around my neck because it is a warm scarf. Generally, I make light weight scarves for those battered women; not knowing what climate they're in. Light weight works for all as an indoor scarf for decor and comfort. A wool scarf would only be welcomed by those living in cold climates part of the year, so is less usable.

Open to you thoughts and ideas. What do you, Young Youthful, or Not?

Continuing to work on a scarf for DD, which I should be able to finish by tomorrow when she arrives. Finished the corner to corner ghan for Bridge and Beyond 2 days ago, worked some yesterday on tucking in the ends; just a few left to do today. On last section of the blue and burgundy squares also for Bridge and Beyond; should finish it today. Hoping to get both those ghans in wash so I can block them. Have some fun colorful yarn sitting here starting at me, calling my name. I might have to give in and start something with it.

If you're traveling for Thanksgiving, travel safe and enjoy.

Art, wearable Art

This is the jacket I bought at this years art festival. I really liked it when I got it in the summer; but now that's it's cool and jacket season....I don't know. Put it on to go to dinner the other night and it just didn't seem right. I loved the big buttons and the way the collar folds down like a big cowl; but the rounded scooped cut of the jacket made me feel like it should be on someone smaller, or at the very least someone without a stomach. Love the fun colors, the circles and squares; but....wondering if this would fit my niece. Looks good I think with snazzy jeans with the blues.

Purchased it from the same lady I had purchased from before and her sewing is so nice, am disappointed that it just doesn't seem right to me now.

Chipping away at a scarf for DD, a scarf for my niece, two ghans for Faith Mission through Bridge and Beyond. Looking forward to DD arriving for Thanksgiving. Hubby and I tried to purchased a new washer and dryer today; but looks like it will be on sale on Black Friday. Groan....I usually avoid all shopping on that day; but...it's a good price break. So, think that's our current plan.

Hope you all have a good week end.

Busting Blue Stash

Busting my blue stash now. This is the 3rd color. Process continues the same. Dump bag, sort, separate, roll, and yank out small balls to add to the corner to corner ghan. It's been fun organizing my yarn, reminding me what I actually have, and fun to see how the ghan is taking shape, in hues of the same color done in batches.
Will work until the blue's gone, or until I feel like busting another color. This ghan will be for Bridge and Beyond.

Thinking, Planning, Designing Orange Fall

Felt like throwing squares and rectangles on the floor to get those creative juices going. I remembered I had a fair number of orange-ish squares in my mish mosh bags. Drug those out and added some recent rectangles with that same fall orange flare to them. Lots of sizes here as you can see. Some pieces are knitted, some are crocheted, some are sampler type squares/rectangles and others granny style made in the round. Several of these large knitted squares are from my Darling Daughter, some have been donated through Bridge and Beyond by Alexis, RoseMarie, and some are left overs from previous defunct groups. Some I've had a while; but a squares doesn't get old you know. It's like wine, I use no square before it's time. lol
It's time. I like to photograph what I think the lay out should be, to get idea how much I need to change the squares/rectangles to make them fit. Once I pick them up and start that work, I often have to look at the picture. I really can't remember how I put them together size wise. Sometimes though the give and go of squares with different yarns and stitches changes and they do get moved from the original template.

However, this is step 1 for me. Next is step 2, what color to edge and join with. Debating with myself now between black and brown. I'll have to check the amount I have of each in my stash and go from there. It's a work in progress and will be donated to Faith Mission, the latest beneficiary I've added to our The Mission of Bridge and Beyond.

I also like to take pictures from the both the length and width views, as it helps with sizing issues.

Working on Works in Progress

Doubt I'll get all my WIP (works in progress) turned into FO (finished objects) by years end; but am making headway. Last night finished a scarf for The Bridge and Beyond. Finished and have ready to mail a scarf for Oklahoma Brain Tumor Foundation (the one pictured here), which is knitted with 2 strands of yarn. The dark purple is Plymouth washable wool, and the light purple (which looks almost gray in the picture) is super soft Red Heart Plus...or at least I think that's what it's called. The wrapper was no longer on that yarn. It looks and feels like mohair; but having used it previously I know it's not. It's very thin and soft. This isn't a charity I'm real familiar with, but am doing this through the group Sharing our Gifts, which I just recently joined.

I've just separated some baby items, and am getting those ready for mailing, where did I put that address? lol...seriously, I cleaned my desk off the other day and it's caused me problems about where I put stuff when I got all neat.

A light at the end of the tunnel!

Mom is still in ICU, though several tubes have been removed. Breathing is still quite labored with the aid of oxygen; but the ventilator has been removed. We've been very pleased with the nursing care she's received and are very grateful for all the prayers and good wishes from you all. It's possible she may be moved from ICU tomorrow to a less critical care unit. We're taking one day at a time. The highlight of her day today was getting a pop sicle! She is still being feed through a feeding tube and I've not heard anything about it coming out anytime soon, so the pop sicle is more of a treat and pick me up then food at this point.

She's more comfortable today than she was yesterday and so we're hoping tomorrow brings more good news.

My best to you all, and again many thanks for your support.
Sandy
(I did another mini update over on The Bridge, please pop over)

Projects in the works:
Baby Booties
2 preemie blankets
Opal ghan (I've not been able to work on this in 2 wks)
Completed 2 scarfs which will go to the Bridge (maybe I'll get pics up tomorrow)
Candy Corn Ghan (I've not been able to work on this in several wks)

My head hurts!

Can any of you, I know you're out there...more tech savy people than me. Can anyone out there explain to me the difference, importance of google ranking vs Alexa? I've posted the widgets...look on the right in the sidebar.......and now that I've done so, what do they mean? Clueless back in cold Columbus.

I managed to knit 3 pair of booties and a hat (pictures posted in here), while we were out of town. Got back last night and did an update over on The Bridge Blog today. PLEASE, check it out. Pass on your thanks, and or see if you can help.

I spent the bulk of the day unpacking, doing laundry, and putting stuff away. I did post a travel rant, not sure that can really be counted as a traveling suitcase update. Although........some good advice there.

**My 2 cents worth for today**
"Our time on earth is what we make it, so get ready and cook something up!"

WIP (for you non knitters and crocheters), works in progress:
Christmas Ghan (crocheted)
Opal Ghan (crocheted)
Candy Corn Ghan (crocheted)
Scarlet & Grey Scarf (knitted)
*****Packing box for womans shelter in Michigan, Caring House which includes, hats, booties, sweaters for wee ones, toiletries (shampoo), conditioner, lotion, soap for women in need. This box will go out tomorrow*******

WIP, FO...and progress there of

Posted recently completed scarf and mittens on The Bridge Project page, 2 less WIP and one more FO (work in progress AND finished object for you non crafters), and here is some more progress on perhaps the longest living wip I've had. The Candy Corn Ghan...it's not a real square and I don't want it to be, sorta modern version of a square if you will. I won't it to be off...and funky, but traditional in it's colors at the same time. So, it's a real piece work. A few rows of this, then I stare and decide what to do next based on the amount of whatever color I have.

Fabulous massage yesterday, need to run errands next, sun is melting some of the snow....see me dancing in the streets?

**wonderful updates on The Bridge Blog, please hop over via the badge on my side bar.

***working a bit on Twitter...jury's still out on that to see if I'll carry it forward....

The end of Darling Daughters Yarn

You might recall DD bringing home a bag of yarn at Christmas, yarn she wanted scarfs to be made from. Several she wanted for herself, others for her housemates; and I think a fellow teacher or two.

I've posted them off and on here since, the finished projects that is. Not the housemates. lol

Just tucked in the last ends on this scarf, one more from The Light n Lofty Yarn she likes so much


And another hat for recess. It's cold when you're a teacher on recess duty. This is the 3rd hat I've crocheted for her. Though the pattern called for puff stitches, I only had the one skein of Lion Brand Jiffy #325 El Paso, and so did the whole thing in DC. It's certainly thick enough given the bulky yarn; just doesn't have the texture her 2 previous hats did.

The hat is made from a now favorite hat pattern Puffy Sloucy Hat. I printed it from a free site here on the net, will look and come back with link for you all. Nice pattern. Good change from the tight fitting, I've had a hat on my head patterns.

Things are really moving along nicely on The Bridge Project. Please take a minute and check it out.

My SIL, is having fun with her blog. If you've not had a chance, please stop by and chat. If you're a teacher, a mother, a grandma in need of quality writing suggestions/games for children, her blog truly is a must read. Got a particular problem, post it for her help.

Mr. Mitten has a story you might enjoy reading.

BBBBBBBBBbbbbbbbbb

And now...I give you the letter B, which translates in knitting and crochet language into the following:

Finally after frogging a knitted pair twice, getting one mitt of a crocheted pattern done, Crochet Princess designed a crocheted mitten pattern that makes sense. So, I now have a pair of mittens for The Bridge Project Completed. Hubby showing them off, but not showing himself off. lol She has sent an improved and updated pattern to me, which I hope to start on tonight after work. Thanks bunches Beth.

JoAnne's had a nice sale of cotton, 5 of super sized cotton balls for $10.00. So 5 of them wanted to come home with me. Got 2 of the blue. These will be bibs, for Lil_Troppers. Marine Corps Kids, and perhaps Caring House. Aren't they pretty colors


Bottie....singular, as I need to knit it's mate. Plan to several pair.
**snowing to beat the band, gotten head to work, stay warm and safe all

TGIF and then some!

WOW........what a week. Work was tough this week, soooooooooo happy I have today off. Worked some long and late hours this. Heading to the chiropracter soon which is much needed and will make me feel better.

Hasn't been a super productive week, yarn wise. I did get those 4 scarfs done and off to my daughter, I did search for mitten patterns both for knitting and crocheting. Started the knitted one yesterday, and wasn't happy with it; thought it about last night..check size again this am...nope, not gonna work. Just pulled it off the needles to be frogged. Sigh Started a hexagon sweater the other day I think it's next in line to be frogged (it's crocheted)...not liking the feel of it with the yarn I'm using and hook size...might revert to my tested pattern and try this new one again later. I did manage to make an infant sweater using the tried and true pattern I like so much, though I need to tuck ends and sew on a button. It's the blue sweater pictures above. I love the blue varigated and am sad to be at the end of it. Bought a bundle of it a few years back when it was on a super sale. It's nice Caron yarn and I've used in lots of differnt projects, (little boys hats, a ghan for a little one who lost his grandmother, scarfs etc.). Think it was called denim.

One of my goals for this year was to try and learn some new things with knitting and crochet, try new patterns etc. Thus my quest to knit mittens above. Haven't yet thrown in the towel, believe I'll try the pattern again with larger needles then suggested and see if I get the result I need...not right now though. Gotta lower the frustration level by making something I know how to do. lol Might though try the crocheted pattern I found for mittens. I really want to get some mittens done for The Bridge Project.

Been a SUPER DUPER SUPERCALAFRAGALISTIC week for donations for The Bridge Project. Please hop over to the blog and look around at the wonderful items people have made and sent. Some are knitted, some are crocheted, many sizes to cover a variety of people. How truly heart warming to know so many people care about their fellow man. This has indeed been the highlight of my week. HUGS and THANKS to all.

**still searching though for good, fast and easy mitten patterns. Please post them if you got some, or email me at sandycrochet@gmail.com

Isn't this ADORABLE! Came in a Christmas Card from a fellow crafter. Denise you rock!
9 Rectangles for Warm Up America. I'll be making more, trying to use up some odds and ends. This was one of my January focuses, remember. This will be going to James (from one of my groups) to put together. I could save postage by dropping off at a local JoAnne, Michaels, or yarn shop; but like the idea of joining them. They'll get distributed quicker that way to those in need.
When finished this will be mailed to my daughter. It's double strand. A thin purple yarn blended with a multi-colored homespun. I love the feel of homespun, but am always irritated at the quality of the skeins. This 1 had 2 knots, plus one area of badly twisted yarn I had to mess with. They really have some quality assurence issues. This isn't the first time this has happened to me working with this yarn. I quit buying it, but daughter loves it and brought the yarn home for me to make her a scarf.

Almost done with a black, grey, and white scarf (should be by tomorrow), for The Bridge Project.

Finished putting away the rest of the Christmas Decorations today.

I'll pick up the looking back (family story) in my next post.