Prayer Shawls

     I've been crocheting since I was in my teens.  Shawls and poncho-type garments have gone in and out of style over the past 40-50 years.  The poncho, so hot in the 1970's, was hot again 5 or 6 years ago.  Shawls were something my great grandmother wore because houses didn't have central heating in her day -

My Great Grandparents

In my day, they were lacy affairs worked in sparkly yarn and they were worn with prom dresses.
     People starting making prayer shawls in the 1990's as a way to comfort people recovering from illness.  The maker prayed for the recipient before, during, and after finishing the project.  The recipient would be warmed by the shawl, and perhaps be reminded of God's love.  http://www.madewithloveuumc.com/prayer-shawl-ministry/
     At the April meeting, the Burlington County Crochet Guild asked members to make prayer shawls for local hospital cancer centers.  Chemo patients get chills during IV infusions.  Our shawls could fight of those chills.  A written prayer, or some encouraging words included with the shawl, could lift the recipient's spirits.  Another organization, South Jersey Women Making a Difference, donated much of the yarn to get our project started.  We collected more than a dozen finished shawls at our May meeting.
     Here's my shawl -

The border yarn came from the South Jersey Women.  I found the green in a clearance grab bag at Michael's.

 

Pretty in Pink

Lovely colors

One Dozen Turned In and Counting

     Here are the directions:

     You'll need about 20 oz. of worsted weight yarn and a size G crochet hook.  Don't worry about the gauge.

     

     Pattern Note: Chain 3 at the beginning of double crochet row or round counts as first double crochet.

     Row 1: Ch 6, sl st in first ch to form ring, ch 3 (See pattern note), 2 dc in ring, ch 1, 3 dc in ring, turn.

                (2 dc groups, 1 ch sp)

     Row 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch sp, ch 1, sk next 2 dc, 3 dc in last st, turn.

                (3 dc groups, 2 ch sps)

     Rows 3-55: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, ch 1, [3 dc, in next ch sp, ch 1] across to last 3 sts, sk next 2 sts, 3 dc in last st, turn.

                       (56 dc groups, 55 ch sps on row 55)

     Row 56: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, ch 1, [3 dc in next ch sp, ch 1] across to last 3 sts, sk next 2 sts, 3 dc in last st, do not turn.

                  (57 dc groups, 56 ch sps)

     Edging:

     Working on outer edge, ch 1, 4 hdc in end of first row, [3 dc in end of next row, 4 hdc in end of next row] 27 times, 3 dc in end of next row, 4 hdc in ring, working on other side, [3 dc in end of next row, 4 hdc in end of next row] 28 times, working in sts and ch sps of last row, hdc in each of the next 2 sts, [2 hdc in next ch sp, 2 hdc in next st, 3 dc in next st] 55 times, 2 hdc in last ch sp, hdc in each of the last 2 sts, join with sl st in top of beg hdc.  Fasten off.