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ccarter756
New Pal
42 Posts |
 Posted - 08/28/2007 : 9:00:42 PM
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I've knit a number of prayer shawls. I like the term "Peace Shawl" too. People do seem to like the shawls made with Lion's brand Homespun - I've even received one as a gift, and I treasure it. I agree that it's a pain in the neck to knit with. Lion's Wool-Ease and Paton's Shetland are two good yarns to use. I was looking today at a new Lion's yarn called Cotton-Ease, a cotton/acrylic blend. The colors are lovely. Usually it is a good idea to use some sort of washable or superwash yarn.
The shawl pattern most frequently used is the knit 3, purl 3 pattern you will find at the website http://www.shawlministry.com/ For people who practice Christianity, this has spiritual significance, as it represents the Trinity. A quick reference to a stitch dictionary would yield other knitting patterns with repeats that had spiritual significance in other spiritual practices.
Right now, I'm working on a blanket for a dialysis patient who is resolutely atheist. I'm doing it as a Log Cabin blanket, in colors chosen to remind him of a place he loves.
When I give these shawls, I am always amazed by how they are received, as they nearly always are far more appreciated than many of the far more expensive and technically complex things I could knit.
Regards,
Cindy Carter
Cindy Carter
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fwshorty
Chatty Knitter
USA
122 Posts |
Posted - 08/29/2007 : 05:37:21 AM
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I've knit several prayer shawls using Homespun, and I've gotten used to its quirks. I normally loop the yarn around my little finger for tension control. I had to eliminate this because it caused the yarn to hang up -- it was awkward at first, but I got used to it. Its easy to get mixed up on the k3, p3 pattern, so I used markers periodically so I didn't have to count all the stitches in the row to see where I was -- I don't have to do that now, but it helped getting started. And the yarn really frays too much to do a good fringe, so I either leave the end plain or knit in a couple of inches of fun fur. I'm thinking about trying some other edgings on future projects. It comes in such lovely colors and such a reasonable price, its hard to resist!
Others in my group like Paton's Divine. I'm told it washes well. I didn't especially like working with it, but the shawls I made with it came out well.
Eileen |
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prov31wannabe
New Pal
USA
19 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2007 : 12:06:35 PM
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| I'm new in the forums and still finding my way. This isn't exactly a new topic but after reading all the posts I decided to add my comments. Prayer Shawl Ministry is one of the factors that contributed to my learning to knit. As I have gained experience, I would agree that acrylic, easy-care fibers are good choices for the recipients b/c not everyone wants to bother with hand washing. I like the colors for Homespun but it doesn't hold up well with wear and tear, and stitch definition is hard in knitting; it is easier in crochet. I like the names of Comfort Shawl and Peace Shawl; these would be appropriate for a recipient who doesn't claim a faith or practice a particular religion. You can always tell the person, "I was thinking about you while I worked on this project. I made it for you with love and because I care." Another tip I came across for what to include on the tag, was laundering instructions for the shawl. Some people actually cut a piece off the ball band and glue it to the tag to tell the fiber content and laundering instructions. I also like to include the dimensions and the name of the yarn and/or the color name. Sometimes the yarn is "made in Turkey" or something and I like to include that. Sometimes I tell about the circumstances in which I knit, like "while I was on vacation" or "in the evenings during the World Series" or something. Sometimes I talk about why I chose a certain st pattern. I have five siblings. With me that makes six, and whenever I have six sts in a row, I count off all our names instead of counting 1,2,3,4,5,6. Most of all, I have expanded the notion of what constitutes a Prayer Shawl. You can make a Prayer Sweater or a Prayer Vest or a Prayer Sock. You can make it for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, new baby, move, job promotion, or just friendship. |
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Birdie Mom
Chatty Knitter
USA
104 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2007 : 4:40:11 PM
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I've knitted many prayer shawls with Homespun and don't find it bad to use at all. The pattern we use is k3,p3, and then the reverse on the other side. There are several books available about prayer shawls, and a ton of information if you google it. I do agree that any yarn and any pattern is just fine.
Birdie Mom |
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FiberChef
Chatty Knitter
USA
179 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2007 : 1:52:14 PM
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| This project also makes a nice gift for a new mom or mom-to-be. I gave one to a friend because she commented she was always cold when she was up in the middle of the night nursing her first child. Second one came at the same time of year. Not only did she say it was good for snuggling with baby, but it was an attractive way to nurse discreetly in public. And what new mom and baby don't want to be wrapped in love, especially during those early tiring months? |
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Trina
Permanent Resident
USA
1871 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2007 : 10:55:39 AM
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I am going on my 6th year of making these shawls & they are a blessing to everyone including the people who make them. Any pattern is suitable & so is the shape. They are gifts of kindness & in this day & age, we can all use more of that!
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.
-Langston Hughes |
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Lynne604
New Pal
USA
30 Posts |
Posted - 10/03/2012 : 12:44:50 PM
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I love knitting prayer shawls and lap blankets for those in need of comfort. My church has a prayer shawl ministry and to date we have given away almost 20 shawls/lap blankets. Our group is quite small.
Lion Brand Homespun can be a pain to work with, but I use size 13 needles and don't have a problem. Free patterns are available on the LB website. I don't add fringe because Homespun unravels so quickly.
Once a shawl has been washed several times, it won't look brand-new.
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Prayer Shawl
