I find it hard not to be "doing." I'm just that sort of gal. But as all the medical professionals have been reminding me, I've had surgery and my body needs REST to heal and recover. I shared with friends on CaringBridge that my mind isn't concentrating enough to dig into my BSF study of Isaiah (deep, deep stuff) and even reading a novel has been hard to do; my thoughts keep wandering. Movies don't hold my attention long enough right now either.
I received a Christmas bouquet Friday from my primary health care provider and her nurse. The card read, "Get lots of rest! Thinking of you. Love Jane and Sharon." It made me laugh that they knew without seeing me that I needed a reminder to rest.
Then I discovered a solution. I can hold an ice pack under my arm and knit at the same time. And I don't have to think too hard. I discovered this while knitting the final two inches of a scarf I started a couple of weeks ago.
I am not an expert with knitting needles. I did some knitting back in the 70's, but when I started writing, while also working fulltime and being a mom to young girls, something had to give. Knitting (and sewing and painting and acting in a theater troup) faded away. Three years ago, I felt the need for a hobby again and knitting reentered my life. I've had lots of fun making funky scarves for family and friends.
Since I needed something that would keep my keister on the sofa, I decided I wanted a bigger project than one of my fun scarves. I went through my knitting books and settled upon the Beginner's Prayer Shawl pattern in Knit with Debbie Macomber, Back on Blossom Street. It seemed very appropriate to me that I should work on a prayer shawl while healing from surgery. As I've worked, God has called to mind others who are fighting their own battles with cancer, and it's been my privilege to lift them before the Father as I knit and purl.
The photo at right is what I've achieved so far. It isn't yet a fourth done, but I think you can see how pretty it will be when finished. (Click on the photo to see a larger size.)
I'm learning that some churches have prayer shawl ministries. It's all about making shawls and wraps for people who could use some comfort. I believe I'll be making more of these in the coming months.
At left is a photo of another prayer shawl I want to make when I'm feeling a bit more courageous, not to mention experienced. The pattern is intricate and says it is for advanced/experienced knitters. I'm not sure I'm there yet, but I'll let you know when I am.
~robin
That’s awesome! It’s going to look fantastic!
Camy
Robin…
I am learning to crochet and had also read Debbie McCombers book. I am inspired to crochet some prayer shawls. I have made 3 baby blankets for friends that their daughters will be having babies but a shawl prayed over is something I want to achieve. I am also a Blue Star Mother and will be crocheting prayer cloths to send to our troops. Something much quicker and to pray protection over them. Hope your knitting is coming along. I’d love to knit also.
Shan
Thanks for stopping by, Shannon, and sharing about your crocheting. I'm only about half way done with my knitted prayer shawl. It definitely takes more time than the funky scarves I've made for myself, my family, and some friends. It's close to a month since I started it, and I'm just about halfway finished. I had more time to knit while I was recovering from surgery. Now I'm back on the computer for the majority of my days.
Crocheting, according to my daughter who both crochets and knits, is much faster. Faster sounds good. <g>
Robin