Knitting for Warmth

This is an open, community knitting time for anyone who would like to create a prayer shawl. Your shawl will be given as a gift of love, hope, and comfort to someone who is critically ill or in crisis. Knitting instruction and materials provided.
Meets: 10-11:30 am on Fridays at the church
Contact: Carolyn Peterson or Joann Dawson

Pray Shawl Ministry at 1st Pres
Shawls Distributed to Date:  499
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How it Started
Margaret Campbell was given a prayer shawl in 2014 as she started her cancer treatments - it was a comfort.  This gift planted a seed that led her to present the idea of starting a prayer shawl ministry at 1st Pres. This could be a wonderful and loving ministry, not only to those who received the shawls, but to those who make them.

Betty Cheeley and Madie Pray presented the idea to the Board of Deacons who gladly supported the idea, not only in concept, but financially.
The Gift
Each shawl comes with a small cross attached and a greeting card explaining that the shawl was created with prayerful care. The prayers prayed ask that the Lord wrap His arms around the person receiving the shawl and give them His comfort and peace.
Our Crafters
Most, but not all of the knitters and crocheters are from 1st Pres. Anyone who would like to get involved is welcome - you don't need to attend 1st Pres! 

Crafting Together
Due to COVID restrictions, we are not meeting at the church currently. We can arrange to pick up completed shawls and will deliver new yarn upon request.  Completed shawl can be delivered if church pick up is inconvenient. Call Carolyn Peterson or the church office.

Donating Supplies
Our Deacons fund the yarn purchase but monetary donations are welcomed. The Knitting for Warmth members purchase yarn when it goes on sale. Please contact the church office or Carolyn Peterson if you would like to make a donation.
Materials Required for Healing Prayer Shawl Pattern
  • ​3 skeins (same dye lot)
    Lion Brand Homespun
    (acrylic & polyester, 185 yds)
  • #10 knitting needles or K crochet hook​
Healing Prayer Pattern
healing_prayer_shawl_pattern.pdf
File Size: 206 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Other Patterns
beginner_prayer_shawl_-_crochet.pdf
File Size: 92 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
rice_stitch_prayer_shawl_-_knit.pdf
File Size: 256 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Shawl Pickup & Distribution
  • Choose a shawl from  the inventory in the conference room near the office.
  • Use the sheet found on top of the cabinet to record the pickup date and who the shawl was given to.

Join Us!

If you would like to join this group or simply want more information, please contact Carolyn Peterson or the church office.
History of the Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry was founded in 1998 by Janet Severi Bristow and Victoria Galo. The two met while attending Women’s Leadership Institute at The Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut. They joined together with the idea of combining a love of knitting and crochet with the desire to reach out to those in need of comfort as well as joy.

Lyon Brand has a blog post with more information including patterns for both knitters and crocheters!
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Lyon Brand post :: ​What is a Prayer Shawl
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Original Prayer Shawl designed by Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo.