Bridge and Beyond

The blog for Bridge and Beyond does more than just invite you to knit or crochet for the homeless community of Ohio, it educates the reader. The information available is useful whether you’re in Alaska or in London.

For those willing to embrace the recommendations, the knitting experience is not just fun but practical and the end product more useful.

I was impressed and inspired.

 

 

Knitting for the Homeless

Some may believe that Anything is better than nothing and so there is no need to consider what would work best when knitting for charity. I will agree that Something is better than nothing when options are not available. If all you have are bunny slippers and there is a man walking around barefoot by all means give up the bunny. But if you have the option of some brown, sturdy shoes allow the man the dignity of the shoes and give the bunny slippers to your Mom, or Aunt Mary for her birthday. You, Aunt Mary and the barefooted gentleman would all be happier in the end. I’m sure you can agree with this fictional scenario.

The point is that if you have the time, the money, the will and the love to knit for the homeless why not do the best job you can with the resources you have. There are special and unique needs and preferences in this community.  Bridge and Beyond helps give you the information to make the best choices. Choices that will count positively and greatly benefit the receiver of your precious handmade gift.

Color

Oddly enough, I never considered the color of most of my charity projects for the homeless until I visited the Bridge and Beyond blog.

Yes to Darks. According to the Sandy, the founder of Bridge and Beyond, solid dark colors are best. They don’t show dirt and “Homeless don’t like to call attention to themselves with wild colors.  Dark colors work for everyone, kids, teens, women, and men.”

No to Lights.  Sandy asks that you avoid Whites, ivory and pastels because of the dirt factor. 

 

Yarn

Another issue I never considered until I visited the blog was the yarn I would use.

The right specifications: Dark solid colors,100 % Machine washable, worsted weight Acrylic or Wool. No suede or novelty yarn.

 

What to Knit

Bridge and Beyond accepts the following items according to the site:

[ Image Credit: Bridge and Beyond ]

Hats: 
Scarves: 
Socks: 
Afghans: 
Slippers: 
Rain Ponchos:
Mittens:
Cotton Wash Clothes: 
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho’s, Skirts 
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, hand-warmers, cowls/gators and all meal prep related items, Dolls & and ; associated items, stuffed/crocheted/knitted toys

Knit Squares

Sandy sews knitted 8×8 squares together to create beautiful, one of a kind afghans for their Welcome Home package (housewarming gifts to those leaving shelters and moving into their permanent housing). They are truly works of art.

On the website homepage, under the SQ tab you will find more details and specifications for knitting or crocheting the squares. Sandy is very specific about what she needs and why.

For a FREE Loom Knit Pattern and Video Tutorial for the 8×8 Square: Click Here

 

[ Image Credit: College made up of: Center by LoomaHat.com , Outer Pictures by Bridge and Beyond ]

 

In Conclusion: Great Website – Great Cause

This blog is so worth visiting if you care about knitting for homeless people. Sandy, the founder and webmaster comes across as a warm and caring, no non-sense, hard-working humanitarian. After reading just a few post you get the feeling that you’ve known Sandy for a long time.

Unlike a lot of Blogger sites this one is easy to navigate. She has made good use of the menu tabs. There are regular posts which many times include an updated donation count. If you donate items your name is posted on the website. This lets you know the charity is current and your donations are in good competent hands.  Personally, I like that very much.

You can communicate directly with Sandy through her personal email if you have any questions, comments or need mailing information. There is also a Contact Form right on the homepage.

Her email address: sandycrochet@gmail.com

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Tagged: charity, homeless, loom knitting for charity