I have to admit, sometimes it seems like I'm sending all my knitting off to others, and it makes me feel really selfish for a moment. Why shouldn't I be making things just for me? It's my free time, and as I don't have much of it as it is, I should be able to reap the rewards of my knitting. Then, there's times that I realize just how important my church's shawl ministry is. While we were doing Meals on Wheels on Christmas Eve, I noticed that a lady was wearing a beautiful scarf. Then, I noticed that the label on it said "UMC Shawl Ministry" and realized its significance. This lady had lost her son during the past year in an unexpected accident. The scarf was more than just a scarf. It was a symbol of all the love that we as a group had for the woman and her family.
That realization really spoke to me, and I've decided that I'm going to try to do at least one item a month for the shawl ministry during 2008. I don't do resolutions, so I'm choosing instead to call this one a goal. Big and/or time consuming items count as one thing, while baby hats will only receive half credit.
So, in the spirit of knitting for others, here's item #1. I did another So Called Scarf because I just love the pattern. To be honest, I tried about three different patterns and nothing at all looked good enough to me. The yarn really pooled and I was concerned that it wouldn't do that with the second skein and one side of the scarf would look different - it didn't. Both skeins behaved the same, so I lucked out!
I used Vanna's Choice in Charcoal Print. I packed really, really inappropriately for such a long visit, and found myself at Hobby Lobby itching for a new project. A knitter must have something on her needles at all times!
Overall, I was pretty happy with the finished project. I don't really care for the yarn too much. It just kinda felt weird in my hands, but it was a nice quick project for me, and that made me happy.Pattern: My So-Called Scarf
Yarn: Vanna's Choice in Charcoal Print, 2 skeins
Needles: Size 11
Time: A couple days of TV knitting with the fam
Total Cost: Less than $6
6 comments:
What a very wonderful goal!
Knitting for others gives me a bigger thrill than knitting for myself. If there is anyway I can help you maintain your goal - let me know. (knitterbay on Ravelry). Good luck!
I've got the "So-Called Scarf" in my to-do stack. Is the stitch tricky?
I'm a "churchy" gal myself... I appreciate hearing stories like that. I think God was sending you a message that your knitting is appreciated... and obviously you got the message. Thanks for sharing. It's a good reminder to all of us to appreciate what we have.
There is nothing wrong with knitting for yourself or knitting for others! When I have leftovers from projects I either donate to those who have the time to knit for those who are less fortunate than myself or I knit and donate. I do believe in karma. God sees when you are doing good for others and when you find yourself in need he will send someone to you also. That is the beauty in God.
I love the My So Called Scarf. I have one on the needles and yours is making me itch to pick it back up!
Hi Amanda,
What a wonderful story. I always feel great about donating knitted stuff for worthy projects (like hats for preemies, or scarfs for people who need warm clothes). But I also knit for me because I need some love too (and need to remember that I deserve something great too).
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