Every Once In a While, You Have to Learn Something New

Over the past few months, I had seen a lot of posts of other crocheters making this beautiful shawl called a Virus Shawl (I found the pattern here: https://www.woolpedia.de/english/crochet-tutorials/shawl/). 

This was the first time I learned a pattern by watching YouTube videos.  The links to the videos are on the website listed above.  I was somewhat apprehensive about learning the pattern this way.  I was fearful that I would forget how to do the pattern, but once I made it through all of the videos, it was like second nature.  Each row fell into place perfectly.  I have made 4 of these shawls so far.  All of them were made with Mandala by Lion Brand Yarn.  The first 2 photos that are below are of shawls that I made for me, the last 2 shawls are prayer shawls that I made for others.

 If you crochet, I highly recommend that you give this pattern a try.  The pattern works up quickly, so there is the satisfaction of having a quickly completed project.

After A While, I Don't Really Know Where to Start

I know I haven't posted in a while. It isn't because I haven't been knitting or crocheting. It isn't really because I have been busy. I guess it is that the spark to blog just hasn't hit me in a while. I am still Co-Coordinator of the Needlework Ministry at FUMC Schenectady. The majority of my needlework time is spent creating projects that make the recipient feel loved. My main focus has been on prayer shawls, prayer blankets, baptism blankets, and confirmation blankets.

Over the past year, I have been crocheting rainbow hearts. I have made close to 800 of them since the beginning of the year. Some of them went to the United Methodist General Conference and were handed out by Pastor Sara of FUMC Schenectady and others. Some were put out on a table at FUMC Schenectady and have been taken by those that needed a reminder that they are loved.   In less than 2 weeks, 500 of them will be making a trip to Syracuse with me for the Upper New York Annual Conference and will be placed at the MFSA booth, to remind our LGBTQIA Siblings in Christ that they are still loved even though the plan that was passed at General Conference makes it feel like they aren't. 

Even in the midst of this darkness, we need to remember that there is hope.  Even though we feel as if we stand alone, we are surrounded by the love of others. May be be led in peace.