"I Don't Wear Shawls....So Why Would I Knit One?"

Here's why knitting a shawl is, to quote Martha Stewart "a good thing".....

Working in my LYS I am often in the position of assisting clients by suggesting patterns to knit and helping them with yarn selections and notions to complete their projects. When I suggest a shawl, the eyebrows raise, and a look of confusing appears on their face followed by the words, " I don't wear shawls, why would I knit one"? To that I say "I totally get where you are coming from, I use to think the same thing!"

What changed my mind you ask? Okay so you didn't ask but I'm going to tell you anyway....lol....

Months ago a co-worker approached me about taking an online class by Stephen West with her, kind of like a knit-a-long except we would know ahead of time what we would be knitting. As it turned out the project was his "Boneyard Shawl". My first reaction was "I don't wear shawls, so why would I knit one", second reaction why pay for a class to knit something I won't use? After a little friendly debate, she talked me as well as the rest of the staff  into taking the class with her. 

I've been knitting for about 15 years but still have a lot to learn, so I approached the class with this in mind and off I went for my very first online class properly attired in pajamas with no make-up. 

What I took away from the class included more than just new knitting skills, finishing information and ideas. It gave me a whole different mind set about shawls in general. Thus the inspiration for my new obsession in knitting.

Finished Boneyard Shawl
turned to the front.

First thing I took from the class---I will wear shawls! What changed my mind? Stephen West wears his and he is a dude! Wait....what? Yep he wears them! The trick is he wears them like scarves, well why in the world had this never occurred to me? Just turn that shawl around and bring the tails to the front. Voila! Shawl becomes a scarf and I WILL wear that!  That realization opened up a whole new world of ideas and creativity for me. WooHoo a new reason to buy more yarn!(Like I need one)

I got to thinking of the other benefits of knitting my "Boneyard Shawl" ------

Tension consistency(lots of practice k'ing and p'ing)

Repetitive use of a new stitch(so it sinks in)

Construction basics(seeing how it comes to be a triangle)

Memory skills(keeps the mind active)

"Boneyard" in the traditional
shawl position...lol

With these and other positive thoughts about knitting shawls running around in my head I think they are a great way to learn a new technique, hone the skills I have, be creative and create beautiful and useful garments for friends, family and myself. 

Flower Moon Shawl
First attempt at lace knitting

Serena Shadow Shawl

28's Cousin 53
Shawl/scarf hybrid?

 So having said ALL that......Give shawls a try, you just might have an Ah-ha moment like I did!

Knit on my friends!!!!!

Interested in Charity Knitting? This information might be helpful!!!  

8 Charities Looking for Knitted Items 

If you’ve got blankets and hats and scarves to spare, then there are plenty of people in need who would love these homemade items.

We’ve listed some of the most popular national charities below, but don’t forget to look locally for hospitals, shelters, churches, and other organizations that are eager for donations. Click here to see Lion Brand Yarns’s Charity Connection tool, which links you to groups near your zip code.

1. Binky Patrol, http://www.binkypatrol.org/
   Binky Patrol’s mission: to keep kids comforted while they go through traumatic times. Whether it’s an illness, disease, foster care, or another struggle, kids receive handmade blankets as a thoughtful gift so they feel just a little bit better.
   
   They can range in size from 2’x2’ (for preemies) to twin-size, whatever you’d like to make – then just follow these instructions for mailing it in. On that page, you’ll also find patterns and other helpful info.
    
2. Chemocaps, http://chemocaps.com/
   The mission here is simple: Knit hats to donate to your local hospital’s cancer treatment center. Infants, kids, and adults enjoy these comforting hats, and it means something special to get a handmade gift during a difficult time.
   
   The program is in memory of a young knitter who lost her battle with cancer, and the website features a special tag to sew onto hats so that hospitals know what charity the gift is coming from.
    
3. Knit for Kids, http://www.worldvision.org/get-involved/knit-for-kids
   If you know how to knit sweaters, then consider making one for a child from around the world. Knit for Kids sends sweaters, infant caps, and blankets internationally to children in need, so they can stay warm and comfortable even in rough climates. You can download a pattern from the website, or use your own if you like.
    
4. Newborns in Need, http://newbornsinneed.org/
   After donating more than 500,000 items last year, Newborns in Need continues to take donations this year for baby booties, hats (including NICU), blankets, and toys. Booties, blankets, and toys are in higher demand, but anything is greatly appreciated – and you can click here for some knitting patterns.
    
5. Precious Pals, http://www.tkga.com/?page=PreciousPalsProgram
   Precious Pals sends out stuffed animals to police departments across the country – something that first responders and child agencies can use to help comfort children after a traumatic event. Simply purchase a stuffed animal from the store and then knit a sweater for the teddy bear or animal – then contact a local fire or police department about your donation, or mail your sweater-wearing stuffed animal to the address on the website. 
    
6. Project Linus, http://www.projectlinus.org/
   Another charity dedicated to helping kids find a sense of comfort and security, Project Linus donates handmade blankets to children in hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, and elsewhere around the country. Once you’ve made your blanket, click here to find a local chapter where you can drop off your gift. Just make sure the blanket is brand-new and washable.
    
7. The Ships Project, http://www.theshipsproject.com/
   If you’re looking to support the troops, consider sending a hat or slippers through The Ships Project – which has been sending items overseas for more than a decade. Click here to read the specific item guidelines, which include directions for color and type of knitting.
    
8. Snuggles Project, http://www.snugglesproject.org/
   If you’re an animal lover, then consider donating to this charity. It accepts blankets – aka “snuggles” – to give to cats and dogs in shelters who might be frightened and scared. These blankets help comfort scared animals, and there are plenty of knit patterns on the website.
   
   Click here to see where you can donate these blankets – find your state and area code, and then see which shelters have the “snuggles” kitten icon indicating they definitely accept donations (or call ones that don’t and confirm they’ll accept blanket donations before sending).

There are countless other charities out there looking for donations, so don't forget to look locally. Just make sure whatever you make is brand-new and washable, and we're sure someone will appreciate the special gift.

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