Project
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Entered By
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Prize Level
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Grand Prize
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Prayer Shawl
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Emily Armstrong
Aiken, SC
Pattern Source:
Original Design |
Grand Prize:
$500 + $500 to Winner's Charity
Charity:
South Aiken Presbyterian Church
Aiken, SC |
Story: Ladies
from my church are knitting prayer shawls to distribute to
patients undergoing chemotherapy. I am entering one of the
shawls I have made for this ministry. I chose red for
courage and strength, and I have tried to adhere to the
"meaning of three"...
 The outer edges are a border of three
seed stitches, planting peace, healing love, and comfort.
The shawl consists of three sections for the body, mind, and
spirit. One side panel of cabled diamonds shows three stages
of life: child, adult, senior, while the other represents
the love surrounding the person receiving this shawl. The
center panel of trinity stitch is for love, life, and
healing. Pockets were added to hold a blessing. I sincerely
hope that the person who received this shawl feels the love
with which it was made. I know that I have received the
blessing of this shawl, and feel an inner peace for having
created it for someone who is courageously fighting for
life. I hope they can feel the love that went into each
stitch. I know that I am richer for having made it.
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Category: Crochet Shawls
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Half Moon Shawl
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Joyce Lack
Sugar Land, TX
Pattern Source:
Lion
Brand Half Moon Shawl |
Second Place:
$250 + $250 to Winner's Charity
Charity:
Cornerstone Baptist Church
Missouri City, TX |
This shawl was made
for my sister-in-law I have not seen in several years
because she lives several states away, they moved over there
about 9 years ago to take care of her parents who were very
sick...
Within the last 3 years she has lost
both her Mom and her Dad, and has had some physical problems
herself which make it hard for her to travel. I mailed it to
her for this past Christmas; we watched each other open
gifts on Skype. She was so excited when she saw her shawl, I
think she even cried. My brother said she did not take it
off for days. She has a very strained relationship with her
sisters and never thought anyone would go to such efforts to
make something so special for her.
It was such a joy to make her shawl. I only wish I could see
her in it in person instead of photos. It worked up so nice,
I was worried that it would be too heavy when I was
finished, but it was just right, and looked beautiful on
her.
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Half Moon Shawl |
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Edna's Shawl
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Jennifer Fernandes
Kerrville, TX
Pattern Source:
Original Design |
Second Place:
$250 + $250 to Winner's Charity
Charity:
American Heart Association
Dallas, TX
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I was taught to
crochet by my Great Aunt Edna. She was dear to me and she
always made me feel special. She died about 30 years ago,
but her memory is still clear. I made this shawl in memory
of her...
When I think of a prayer shawl I
think about being wrapped in love. My Aunt Edna always
wrapped me in her love. She was am amazing woman. She made
all her own clothes by hand. No machines for her. I wonder
what she would think about all the new technology these
days. I felt close to her while I was making this shawl in
her memory. I am blessed that my Aunt Edna took the time to
teach me to crochet, and to give me her love.
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Edna's Shawl |
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Susan's Prayer / Remembrance Shawl
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Susan Whelan
Tinley Park, IL
Pattern Source:
Other |
Second Place:
$250 + $250 to Winner's Charity
Charity:
S.T.A.R.R. (Second Time Around Animal Rescue)
Schaumburg, IL
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June 18, 2010, will
mark the one-year anniversary of my husband's death, having
lost his fourth battle with cancer, and leaving me a widow
at age 60. This had not been part of "THE PLAN"...
The night before he died, Joe asked me to be "strong
Susan", which I took to heart, later immersing myself
in a myriad of paperwork, and seizing all my new
responsibilities.
Being an avid crocheter, I had purchased six skeins of
Homespun (a favorite), with no particular project in mind. I
came across the contest hangtag and thought "good
idea", but whom should I make it for? After thinking
about it for a few days, I realized the answer was....ME! I
had been neglecting myself for almost a year, and Joe would
have been disappointed in me.
SO....I sat myself in his favorite chair (not my usual
spot), and began stitching, praying, and remembering. As I
worked, I started feeling more peaceful, and joyful. I could
think of "Joe and Susan", not his death, but all
the good times we shared during our 35 years together.
When I wrap myself in this shawl, I think of Joe, and smile.
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Susan's Prayer / Remembrance
Shawl |
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Prayer Shawl for Cheryl
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Catherine Bauroth
Rochester, NY
Pattern Source:
"Infinity Wrap" from Winter '07 Interweave
Crochet
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Third Place:
$100 + $100 to Winner's Charity
Charity:
New Life Presbyterian Church
Rochester, NY
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A friend of mine
from church has a grown daughter who has suffered with a
rare and challenging condition. Recently, she underwent two
rounds of brain surgery out of state. I had struggled with
what to do for her...
I have crocheted gifts for many
people and causes but nothing was jumping at me. Then I saw
your contest on Facebook, and it was grace in action – the
perfect gift. I got to work.
The pattern I chose was “Infinity Wrap” from the Winter
2007 issue of Interweave Crochet (by Kristin Omdahl). I did
change the pattern to make it into a prayer shawl from a
long wrap. I also changed some of the design elements. I
love the idea of “infinity” to represent God’s
unending love for us. I picked the colors because they
reminded me of the stained glass at church.
She was surprised and very touched by the gift. I love
making things for other people and this one was quite
special to me. Thank you so much for the inspiration.
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Joseph's Shawl
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Eileen Odell
Plano, TX
Pattern Source:
Original Prayer Shawl Crochet Pattern, shawlministry.com
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Third Place:
$100 + $100 to Winner's Charity
Charity:
The Catholic Community of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Shawl
Ministry
Plano, TX
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For the past six
plus years, the Shawl Ministry of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in
Plano Texas have knitted or crocheted prayer shawls that
have been given to people all over the United States and
some foreign countries...
I am proud to belong to this
ministry. Because we have a large Shawl Ministry, we are
able to provide prayer shawls to our ministers who visit
hospitals and nursing homes and other healing ministries in
our parish and the Dallas area. We also are able to give
shawls to those who call for one.
The prayer shawl I have submitted has been named a Joseph
Shawl as it is made from the yarn that is left over from
other shawls.
The pleasure I get from making something with my hands is
more fulfilling to me than making a monetary contribution.
The prayer shawls are a symbol of comfort – comfort for
me knowing that the person receiving the shawl will be
comforted physically by the warmth, sensually by the
softness of the yarn and emotionally by knowing someone has
made something just for them. I wish that all prayer shawl
recipients find peace and serenity when they wrap themselves
in their shawl.
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Joseph's Shawl |
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African Influence Prayer Shawl
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Donna Hawley
Oak Grove, MO
Pattern Source:
Leisure Arts Afghans by the Pound |
Third Place:
$100 + $100 to Winner's Charity
Charity:
Christ Bows Arrows & Youth, Inc.
Independence, MO
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My Prayer Shawl
submission combines my love for crochet & the people
& culture of Kenya, Africa. I have made the shawl to
send to my friend, Judith Agwanda, who lives in Nybondo,
8,000 ft. above sea level...
I have included a photo of us two
when she took me to visit her 92 yr. old Mother in her home.
Our family has been involved in Missionary Work there since
1997. Our oldest son, Jared, was the first to go at age 19.
My husband, Gary, went to Kenya as a Missionary 7 times in
the years 1997-2001. We also have had dear Kenyan friends
stay with us in our home multiple times over the past 12
years.
It was my desire to get to visit them in Kenya; had plans 4
times, always to have them postponed. Then in August, 2006,
Gary and I were sent together to direct the 1st Youth Camp.
It was surely the fulfillment of the desire of my heart. We
arranged to stay a full month. It was on this trip that I
starting crocheting again after a very long hiatus.
My entry shawl is a direct result of our 2006 trip to Kenya.
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Category: Knitted Shawls
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Diamond Shawl
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Wilma Nock
Skokie, IL
Pattern Source:
Lion
Brand Diamond Shawl |
Second Place:
$250 + $250 to Winner's Charity
Charity:
Edgebrook Lutheran Church
Chicago, IL
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When I started the
shawl, it was just another that I intended for our Edgebrook
Lutheran Church Prayer Shawl Ministry...
When my daughter's husband lost his
job just before their anniversary, I felt it was the perfect
gift for her (the model in the photos). She was very
surprised because she didn't know she was the recipient when
the photos were taken.
Our prayer shawl ministry was started two years ago and
has distributed over 200 shawls. We have recently expanded
to baptismal blankets, hats for babies and cancer patients,
and most recently, at the request of a local hospital,
blankets for stillborn burials. The ministry has been a
blessing for both the makers and the recipients.
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Diamond Shawl |
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Tree of Life
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Jacqueline Jones
Mount Vision, NY
Pattern Source:
The stitch design came from Barbara G. Walker's "A
Treasury of Knitting Patterns"
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Second Place:
$250 + $250 to Winner's Charity
Charity:
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Dallas, TX |
She was the eldest
of seven -- all girls. Her mother died after the birth of
the seventh. She was 18. Suddenly, she became a grown-up
when her father wanted to give up her new sister...
She wouldn't hear of it. Day after
day, year after year, she raised her little sister.
She gave up her life as a young girl to become a young
woman, responsible for the life of another. She provided the
roots for this young girl, a girl who became my so-close
friend, my daughter-in-law, who I watched as she married,
provided branches to her life in the form of marvelously
loving offspring.
And, now, this eldest-of-seven woman was diagnosed with
breast cancer. She had a radical mastectomy. They are never
sure if they got it all, are they?
So, I will help. Each of the thousands of stitches in this
shawl has a prayer wrapped in it. For this woman I admire.
It is the least I can do.
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Tree of Life |
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Battle for Neva
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Lois Barrett
Menomonie, WI
Pattern Source:
Original Design
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Second Place:
$250 + $250 to Winner's Charity
Charity:
Mars Hill Community Church
Sacramento, CA |
Last October, my
sister Neva returned to California after our dad's funeral
to find that her mammogram was abnormal. Biopsies confirmed,
a mastectomy was performed. To support herself, Neva works a
full-time job plus ministers as a church chaplain to the
sick and grieving...
She has deep spiritual strength and
is a great comforter. During this time she had a couple of
very vivid dreams. Because of her deep spiritual strength,
she shared these with a pastor who gave her a spiritual
application. In one dream, Neva was standing overlooking a
valley filled with invaders. In a subsequent dream, warriors
were fending off and defeating these invaders. The warriors
represented the prayers of God's people holding back and
defeating the cancer invaders.
Her mastectomy was performed and the reports stated that
there was no "invasion" of the breast, and the
"sentinel" node biopsy was clear. In the shawl
design, the white stripes represent the warrior ranks. The
barley color was chosen to represent brass colors the
warriors may have worn. Each section represents a group of
soldiers with increasing numbers of white-stripe ranks
showing increased intensity of prayer protection
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Battle for Neva |
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Hugs from God!
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Linda Ivins
Mounds, OK
Pattern Source:
Lion
Brand Cable Comfort Throw
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Third Place:
$100 + $100 to Winner's Charity
Charity:
Agape Pregnancy Center
Okmulgee, OK
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My son is a hospice
chaplain. I have been knitting prayer shawls for his clients
for several years. I always sew 3 tags inside them: one says
"Handmade with Love", one says "Jesus Never
Fails" and the other says "God Cares for
You". These folks have less than six months to live...
Many are very frightened and they
look to my son for guidance and hope. As he cares for their
spiritual needs, they need tangible evidence that they are
thought of and cared for. God loves them and I want them to
know it. Each shawl I make is different, as is each
recipient. I want them to feel a warm, soft hug from God. I
usually add a fringe or ruffle to each end, but instead I
made this one extra long so this person can wrap up with her
grandchild. I chose Lion afghan pattern and used seed stitch
instead of garter for borders (it lays flatter and won't
curl up). Thank you, Lion Brand, for beautiful yarn,
generously free patterns, and the satisfaction of knowing I
can give my very best because of you!
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Hugs From God! |
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From One Mom to Another
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Karen Williams
Riverton, UT
Pattern Source:
Original Design
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Third Place:
$100 + $100 to Winner's Charity
Charity:
Hungry for Life USA
Draper, IL
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On June 19th,
2010, my son will marry a very special girl on her parent's
ranch in Wyoming. This young couple has overcome the
obstacles of a difficult beginning. Brandon, my son, is
serving in the US Army and was deployed to Korea for 1 year
shortly after becoming engaged. Through countless e-mails
and the blessing of "Skype", their love endured
and grew...
Brandon was encouraged and loved not
only by his his own family but by his fiancée's family as
well. They welcomed him with open arms and hearts and
encouraged him every step of the way. In just a few weeks
our families will celebrate together the marriage of Brandon
and Melissa as well as Brandon's home-coming. I wanted a
tangible way to thank and affirm Melissa's mother for her
role in my son's life as his "other mom". A Prayer
Shawl was the ideal way to do this. Every stitch was an
opportunity to think of and pray for Yvette. I hope that as
she is wrapped in it's warmth, she will remember the genuine
good will and special bond of motherhood that we will soon
share as our Children are united in marriage. I also have
prayed daily for God's grace and peace to abound in her
heart and home in the coming years. I joyfully look forward
to presenting this "lasting hug" to Yvette in just
2 more weeks. The pattern I chose was a simple cable which
represents the unity and intertwining of our families.
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From One Mom to Another |
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Prayers for Susana
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Yolanda del Rio
Sugar Land, TX
Pattern Source:
Leisure Arts Big Book of Quick Knit Afghans;
"Exquisite"
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Third Place:
$100 + $100 to Winner's Charity
Charity:
St. Jude's Children's Hospital
Memphis, TN |
My best friend
Susana, suffered a major car accident, She survived after
several surgeries but lost her eye and left leg, Susana
never complained or said "Why me," on the contrary
she often says "Thank God I have a second chance"...
Five years ago we moved back to Texas, we share times
together as often as possible, she walks with a little limp,
thanks to new technology has an almost perfect prosthetic,
she won’t even allow me to hold her arm as we walk along,
she says "thank you but I’m OK, just stay near in
case I need you".
Susana is such a positive person, despite hardship is
able to make the best of any circumstance. Just this year
her husband underwent surgery for liver cancer. Susana,
without complaint, has been at his side caring for him. This
special shawl is my way of reaching out to embrace with
warmth support and strength to my beloved friend.
If this shawl can provide, not only comfort for my
friend, but possibly a donation for the children of St. Jude’s
hospital, then my prayers will have reached a hundred times
as far as I could have ever hoped.
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Prayers for Susana |
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