PRAYER SHAWL (OR SHAWL OF HOPE)

KNITTING DIRECTIONS

SUPPLIES:

Three 3.5 oz. (100 g) skeins of suitable weight wool (I have used Bernat Softee Chunky)

Size 1 or 00 Canadian needles (We are trying to achieve a loose, comfortable weave) I find size 12 m most comfortable in my hands.

PATTERN:

Cast on 54, 57, 60, 63 or 66 stitches, or some multiple of three. I use 66.
Knit three; purl three to the end of the row. Turn and knit the purl and purl the knit.
IF YOU HAVE 60 OR 66 STITCHES, YOU WILL BEGIN EVERY ROW WITH KNIT.
A weave pattern will develop. Knit two skeins in pattern. WHEN YOU ARE READY TO BEGIN THE THIRD BALL: STOP AND TAKE TIME TO MEASURE OUT WOOL FOR TASSELS.

MEASURE FOR TASSELS:

Measure cast on edge of shawl and 1 inch. (Many place tassels at each inch).
Cut 14″ strands B three for each tassel. (For example if you have 27 inches: [26 plus1 = 27] then 3 x 27 = 81 fourteen inch strands for one end plus 81 fourteen inch strands for the other end.)
NOTE: The fringe can be as short as 3 inches or as long as 8-9 inches. It is up to you.

Continue knitting shawl in pattern until the end of your third skein of wool.

ADD THE TASSELS AT EACH END:
Place a pin at each inch including corners. Take three strands together and with a crochet hook loop strands in half and pull through inside case on edge and knot. Repeat across.

PRAYERS (Or positive wishes)

It is suggested that you weave prayers or hopes into your shawl as you knit, at the beginning or at the end of the project. Many gather for a collective blessing of the shawl before it is given away. There is no wrong way to knit or create these mantles of love and care. My personal prayer is that this work will bring comfort to someone battling breast cancer and also will bring the knitter feelings of support, peace and joy.