Prayer Shawl (E)

I was first introduced to a prayer shawl when a family member received one. It was during a terminal illness and the shawl, a present from a close friend who lived a long distance away, was a big comfort. The shawl represented the hugs and comfort the friend would have physically given if the miles didn't separate them.

Papa and I frequently visit a local senior residential facility and it seemed like prayer shawls might bring some hugs and comfort to some of the residents. In talking with the staff, I learned they are also useful in providing warmth without the encumbrances of bulky sweaters or jackets.

I did a little research and found prayers shawls are common in the Jewish faith. They have become more widespread in recent years, including the establishment of a Prayer Shawl Ministry in 1998. The basis, as I understand it, is to knit, crochet, or sew a shawl with mediation and prayer. The Prayer Shawl Ministry website has great information on the process, patterns, prayers, inspirational photos and more.

Although I feel inept at reading even the most basic crochet or knit pattern, the intrigue of making one of these comforting shawls motivated me. I could picture a few ladies at the senior facility who might appreciate such a gift. I had a couple skeins of baby soft pink yarn that felt soft and huggable when I held them to my check and seemed perfect for the project. It was worth a try.

Materials used:
 - 2 skeins of Caron Simply Soft soft pink yarn
 - Size "K" crochet hook
It took me approximately 10 hours to complete this shawl.

Stitches used (links to video tutorials for these stitches):
  - Cast on/chain & single crochet
  - Half double crochet
  - Finishing

One of the requests from the staff is to make sure shawls do not extend past the middle of the back. This helps to minimize them getting in the way of sitting or becoming cumbersome in removing.

Directions:
Because I avoid directions (yes, I need to practice reading patterns...on my list), I just started. Hopefully you can follow my unconventional directions.

To start: Chain approximately 150, or create a chain about 42" inches long.
I wanted the shawl to have a horizontal pattern vs. a vertical one, so it is a long chain. Plus, following the staff's wishes, I wanted the shawl to end mid-back vs. coming to a triangle point.

Row 1: Single crochet in each chain.
             At the end of the row chain 2 to transition to the next row,
             and turn your work to prepare for starting the next row.
Row 2: Half double crochet in each stitch along the first row,
             At the end of the row chain 2 to transition to the next row,
             and turn your work to prepare for starting the next row.

These first two rows create a "frame" for the shawl, protecting the more delicate center. Now, the the foundation of the frame created, it is time to work on the shawl itself. Rows 3 through 37 will be repetitive rows using two stitches: the half double crochet (HDC)  and chain stitch. At the end and beginning of each row, we will be expand the shawl's frame and adding stitches to create the "V" formation.

Row 3: This is the hardest row because it forms  the pattern for the shawl. Take your time and it will be fine.

Beginning frame
In the half double crochet video, she tells you to skip the first stitch after you turn your work. For this shawl, not only will you crochet a HDC in that first stitch, you will crochet two HDC in the same stitch. The reason is to make end row slightly longer, thus creating a "V" shape to the shawl.

In addition, you will be creating the solid frame for the shawl by crocheting a single HDC in each of the next three stitches.  (edge frame finished)

Now it is time to create the lacy center of the shawl.
(see picture of shawl at the top of this post, click for larger image).

Repeat the following across the row (stopping before the last 6-7 stitches):
 - chain one, then
 - skip a stitch in the base row (in this case row #2) and put a HDC in the next stitch.
This chain (top) and skip (bottom) creates a larger opening giving the center of the shawl a more open, lacy feel.

That's it. You repeat the chain and HDC across the row until you get to the end with six-to-seven stitches remaining. Stop after completing a HDC (see yellow #1 in pic: "Where to stitch").

Ending frame
At the end of the row, you will need six stitches to complete the frame. Again, I'm a rookie so bear with me as I try to explain. The six stitches will be the reverse, or mirror image, of what you did at the beginning of the row (see photo to right):

 - chain one (yellow #2 in pic) and skip one stitch in the base row (as you have been doing),*
 - crochet one HDC in the next three stitches (yellow #3 in pic),
 - crochet two HDC in the final stitch (yellow #4 in pic), which is at the cap of the row where you chained two,
 - chain two and turn your work to start the next row.

*NOTE: If you have seven stitches left in Row 3, no worries. Skip two stitches instead of one. Not ideal, but it will correct the stitch count for future rows. This is the best row to make the correction.

Rows 4-37**: Repeat Row 3, adding the HDC in the large open stitch and chaining one between each HDC. Remember to add the frame stitches to the beginning and end of each row. You will notice the "V" shape taking shape after a few rows.

**NOTE: My finished shawl was 18 inches, including the 1 inch top frame. Depending on your gauge (defined), you may need more or fewer rows to reach 17 inches. Keep measuring your shawl as you progress. When you stop is up to your discretion. 

Time to finish and create the top frame of the shawl.
Row 38 and 39: This will be easy. No need to increase the row length so simply crochet a HDC in each stitch along the row. No chains. End the row by chaining one instead of two, and turn your work.

Row 40: Finish the shawl with a single crochet in each stitch.  Finish by tying off and weaving your end yarn pieces into your shawl.

Block your shawl (link to YouTube video on blocking)
Especially if you use a cotton/natural fiber yarn, it is important to block your shawl to give it a finished, professional appearance. With a prayer shawl, add a few drops of essential oil (lemon, jasmine, or vanilla are good scents) to the water to give you final shawl a soothing scent.


UPDATE: This shawl seemed to be needing just a little something else. I added a few glass beads around the top frame. Not only does it embellish the collar area a bit, but it will be an object to fiddle with for the senior residents who receives it.

THIS PRAYER SHAWL IS PART OF THE SANTA FOR SENIOR PROJECT.