They can be called prayer shawls, comfort shawls, nursing shawls, or in at least one case (mine) “big, fuzzy hugs.” ;-) The shawls can be knitted, crocheted, sewn or quilted. They can be created from ribbon yarn, the finest silk on tiny needles or bulky yarns on big ones. The colors can be earth tones, rainbows or anything in between.
They can be created by crafters working alone or in groups gathered in sanctuary meeting rooms or member’s homes. The shawl can be presented anonymously, one on one, or in moving ceremonies during worship services. The shawls or throws have been given to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, newlyweds, new mothers, the disabled, graduates, retirees, or to a friend who needs a hug and a reminder that whatever life is throwing at you right now, you don’t have to go through it alone.
This pattern is knit three, pearl three, each row ending with knit three. The stitch pattern can stand for the trinity, the holy family, or the apostles. Or it can stand for unity. Every stitch depends on the others. The first stitch is just as important as the last. And maybe it’s an example of how when we stand together, we can create miracles.
I have this dream of getting several ahead so that I have one handy when I need it. But, for some peculiar reason, I can't seem to manage it. Somehow they seem to keep disappearing
3 comments:
When I worked in a prison hospital, they were given to the Hospice inmates. I know thay took a lot of pleasure in those shawls. You make me want to learn to knit or crochet! --Cin
There's a group of women at work who get together and knit during lunch everyday....EXCEPT during the warmer months in Spring and Summer. Weird. It's a cold weather thing with them.
Russ
I've been wearing mine quite a lot lately... Lisa :-]
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