What We Do

The news isn't good.  A family member, or a dear friend, is facing a life crisis and, whether they are near or far, you reacts as any loved one would, with shock, sadness, and hope.  However, as a knitter, there is additional response, the hands ache with the desire to create.

There is an intense need to "do something" and the mind constantly churns with the desire to make the right healing, prayer-filled project. Patterns are selected and rejected, decisions of which yarn is right, which color is best, are constantly bouncing around in the knitters head. 

As the ideas fall into place and the needles begin to click, a sense of peace descends, the knitter's angst, sorrow, hope, love and prayers flow through busy fingers. The act of creation begins, the mind stills, the project grows, and feelings of hope and love become more prevalent as prayers fill each stitch.

This shawl is for a loved one in need of all my prayers, all the positive energy I can muster, and all my hope. This is where my mind, my fingers, find peace, this is my way of crossing the miles with loving care. 

I have been the recipient of many hand knit prayers and can attest to just how touching, inspiring, and wonderful it is to feel this gift of love from the hands of another knitter, a caring friend.

As often as I can, as often as needed, knitting for others fills me peace, fills me with love and hope for the person in need.  Whether you knit for someone you know, or your knitting is share with an unknown, there is nothing like giving a gift created as prayers, and love, flow through your fingers.

Comments

[Anna]

Adding my prayers and positive energy for your loved one...and some for you too.

[Marijke]

Hope the knitting brings both you and the recipient comfort.

[Vicki]

So true. Sending positive energy!

[Carole]

Yes! Knitting for someone we love who needs help is a gift both for the knitter and the recipient. When I knit your shawl while you were having heart surgery it just made me feel better - as if I was a part of what you were going through. I am sorry you have a friend who is facing something horrible but I am glad you have found a tangible way to express your love for them.

[Kym]

Your shawl will surely surround your friend with love, support, and all your positive energy and prayers. Knitting provides such comfort -- for knitter and recipient. It is beautiful, Margene.

[CindyCindy]

My prayers go out to you and your loved one. Your post is so beautifully worded and as a recipient of a knitted prayer I can attest to the power of that gift.

[Ann]

I agree, Margene -- knitting for someone in need always makes me feel like I'm helping in some small way too. Your shawl and the hopes and prayers it represents will be much appreciated.

[Anne]

THAT is the honest truth. Nicely put.

[Suzy]

Something so pretty to send and she'll be wrapped in prayers and love!

[Beverly]

I'm sending my good thoughts to your loved one. We knitters are fortunate to be able to manifest our prayers and good wishes through our hands...you are so right about that!

[jill]

Beautifully expressed.

[Kristin]

I've spent some time trying to calm my natural impulse to knit in crisis....mostly because it's felt at times that that would be the only knits I would do. Perhaps, however, it's time to revisit that.

[linda-kay]

Also sending positive thoughts to you and your loved one. I also knit for those in need and am always amazed at the process. It's as though your sending someone a very warm and comforting hug, that they can put on whenever they need it.

[Amy]

"As the ideas fall into place and the needles begin to click, a sense of peace descends, the knitter's angst, sorrow, hope, love and prayers flow through busy fingers."

Exactly.

[marianne]

So True, and beautifully expressed, in all ways. Adding goodness in thoughts for your loved one and for you.

[Rebekah]

What a lovely post, and so very true. I love shawls for that reason, when I wrap them around me I feel the warmth of the yarn and its like a hug, even if it was made by myself, it just comforting.

[knitnana]

Yes. Candles lit.
(((hugs)))

[Rachel]

So perfectly put into words, I hope your knit will help!

[Chris]

Sending my thoughts along to your loved one...

[Susan Voegtly - aka CintiSue]

Did you just finish all of those shawls? The top one in the first photo, is so beautiful, and so you. I am sure that the gift shawl will be perfect for your loved one. A lovely physical sign of being loved, thought of, and cared for.

[Bonney]

Lovely!! What is the pattern for the multi-colored blue shawl in the first picture. I agree with what you say about doing something. Adding my good thoughts to the mix.

[Elaine]

Sending warm thoughts and prayers to you and your loved one. Knitted prayer shawls are powerful.

[Kim]

Prayer shawls are beautiful gifts of love. Many healing thoughts are headed your way for your dear one.

[Mom2Schnauzers]

Well said! So meaningful...

Keeping you and your loved one in my thoughts!

[Cookie]

Being so far flung, sometimes the only comfort we can offer is through our knitting. Thankfully, the hope, prayers and love knit into every stitch echos endlessly in every shawl.

xo