Reconnecting to My Joy of Knitting

 Knitting is very cathartic, meditative, and soul-soothing. When I put it down for long periods of time I often forget that. I walk away from projects and leave them in a WIP (work in progress) state, often for years. Knitting projects often get finished, but on occasion, they get frogged (torn out). 

A couple of weeks ago I picked up one of the WIPs in my knitting basket. I finally finished a cowl that’s been on the needles for in the ballpark of a year, maybe a touch longer. The knitting mood has finally struck and I’ve reconnected with the joy it brings me to create with two sticks and some yarn.

Upon completion of the cowl pictured above, I cast a new project onto the needles. I pulled some yarn from my stash and after doing a rabbit trail of a pattern search, I pulled out my much loved Gradient Shawl pattern. Gradient Shawl by Ola Grefling is available on Ravelry if you’re looking for what I’d call a relaxing pattern. It’s very beginner-friendly and perfect for knitting with friends, on the go, or even while reading a book as I do. 

While I’ve made several shawls over the years, this is my first time making a prayer shawl. This project makes me feel connected to my momma. She created many prayer shawls for her community of friends and loved ones over the years. There is joy in knowing I’m picking up in a place she left off.

So what is a prayer shawl? In my reading about them, they can go by many names - prayer shawl, peace shawl, comfort shawl even mantle. Essentially they’re crated with love and intent for the intended recipient. As you knit you pray, or in my case talk to God about the person you’re lovingly making it for. The thought is to fill the garment you’re creating with love, comfort, kind thoughts, and prayer. In the end, the recipient is supposed to feel those things when wrapped in the shawl. 

So as I pick up the needles and carry on my mom’s tradition of making prayer shawls, I think of the many prayers she put into the shawls she made over the years. I also connect with the joy of knitting again, knowing I’m making a special gift for someone.