Monday, November 30, 2009

There Has Been Knitting

There has been lots of knitting.

When I heard that someone I know is making regular trips to the chemo clinic, I decided to make a warm, cozy prayer shawl for her. I asked for help in choosing the perfect pattern. In the end, after much deliberation, I knitted a wide wrap that has five distinct lace patterns worked across 400 stitches.

This shawl was not a quick knit, but it was an exercise in precision, careful counting and patience. My work was simply a reflection of the persistence and patience that all chemo patients need to persevere and win the cancer battle.




Details

Sampler Shawl from Folk Shawls by Cheryl Oberle. Interweave Press, 2000.

SPA yarn from naturallycaron.com. 75% acrylic, 25% rayon from bamboo. 5 -6 balls (I lost count) in Misty Taupe.

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful posting. Such deep meaning and such a thoughtful gift.
Ragna

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Willow, this is a beautiful shawl and I'm sure the recipient will be so grateful for it's warmth and also the healing wishes that you knitted into it. So lovely!

Jane said...

Your shawl is beautiful Willow and I hope that with all the love you knitted in to it that it gives the wearer lots of help with their treatment. Jane x

Tracy said...

What a beautiful gift, Willow--the pattern and color are just exquisite. I know your recipient will be keeping warm with each warm and loving thought you stitched in to it. What a wonderful thing you've done... bless you! Thank you for sharing. And the note on the shawl, I must check out that book! Happy Week, my friend :o) ((HUGS))

Anonymous said...

So lovely!
Mary P

Dorothy said...

Gorgeous, Willow! What a sweet expression of love!

roxie said...

You will wrap her in love and prayers. She will be enfolded in warmth and care. Blessings on the knitter and blessings on the patient.

Jientje said...

That is so pretty. The person who gets this shawl gets to be dressed in all the love you knitted into it. There is nothing more beautiful.

Anonymous said...

A beautiful and thoughtful gift! As you said, those are not a quick knit. Perhaps, once I learn to knit socks, a prayer shawl will be next. =)
Thank you for sharing your talent.

Robin said...

I love the concept and the analogy. Beautiful job Willow!

Beatriz said...

What a beautiful shawl and thoughtful gift for someone truly in need of comfort, hope and love. I pray all these things are conveyed to her thru the shawl. Thanks for sharing.

snoopydogknits said...

Your shawl is absolutely gorgeous. What a kind gift! Ros

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

It's lovely, Willow. Both in sentiment and execution. She will feel your love when she wears it and I know it carries your prayers as well.

BTW, The Tudor House now has their mince pies (between Thanksgiving and New Year).

Islandsparrow said...

What lovely, lovely knitting - I'm no expert but even I can tell how intricate the design is. Your friend will surely feel wrapped in your loving care and prayers.

Kathie said...

Wow, so beautiful! What an amazing gift of love.

Knitting Linguist said...

Oh, it's absolutely gorgeous, and such a perfect way to let your friend know that you are thinking of her.

ellen b. said...

Beautiful work Willow! It really is wonderful. I wore the scarf you gave me in New Mexico. You have to look closely on the photo of Josh, Dan and I to see it :0)

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Hello, Willow...It's been a while since I've visited...I'm sorry about that...I have missed visiting you. The shawl is gorgeous...it will mean a great deal to whoever receives it--especially during such a difficult time as chemo. You are so very thoughtful! So glad I came for a visit. Your kindness toward others is inspiring! ~Janine XO

Marg said...

An act of kindness from the heart.
How beautiful.

Barbara said...

Wow Willow, that is amazing and I am sure more appeciated than you can imagine. How clever you are.

Flower said...

Beautiful!! It is perfect!!!

Mama Mia said...

Beautiful!!! Love you, Mums! :o)

nikkipolani said...

Oh my, Willow. This is some special kind of beautiful -- so delicate and in an ethereal shade.

Caroline said...

Your post brought tears to my eyes. I've seen prayer shawls before but your is especially beautiful. I can truly imagine it giving comfort to your friend.

violetlady said...

That is just beautiful and I am sure the recipient will love it.