RANDI K DESIGNS giveaway

Knitting with Sandra Singh  (if you would like to see some absolutely beautiful work and get your name in for some wonderful giveaways...go visit this site...she has a link to RANDI K DESIGNS...they're wonderfully done. ;)

BLOCKING

Some INFO from the CRAFTSY site:

If you've never BLOCKED any of your work, this really does help your pieces look better.

Their blocking process goes like this:
1) Fill up the sink with lukewarm water and a squirt of Soak Wash.
2) Immerse the shawl and gently squish the water through.

3) Spin out the extra water in the dryer.
4) Pin the shawl out on top of a rug.

6) Want to wear it the next day, so dry it with the hair dryer.

COSTA RICAN TEAM update

In case you haven't read the COSTA RICA TEAM website...


they posted here about delivering the shawls from our ministry...


:)

PSM update

First, welcome to our newest member, Emilia, who joined us on Wednesday.  We hope you will join us every week as we continue to serve God and hug the world one shawl at a time!  There have been several newer folks recently and we thank God for sending us more workers for the fields.  Please remember, whether you are a new member, a veteran who has been away a while, or a “regular attender” (sounds like Davis speaking)  we love having you any time, and all the time.  If you forgot how to do what you are doing, please come by and let us refresh your knowledge and refresh your spirit as well.  You are always welcome.  Just click your heels together and say, “there’s no place like Prayer Shawl Ministry” three times and you will be transported back into our colorful, soft, cuddly world!! 

Do you believe in miracles?  Really, ask yourself…do I truly believe God can do miracles?  Well, here is proof.  We have just delivered 110 prayer shawls to the Costa Rica mission team!!!  YEA COSTA RICA AND PRAYER SHAWL TEAMS!  These shawls will be used to comfort women who have been victims of domestic violence for the most part, and others who are potentially at risk for the same.  It is a vision given to the Barry B. by God and we have been part of making that sign of healing and comfort come to the people of Costa Rica.  Thank you to all those who have crocheted their fingers off.  The commissioning of the Costa Rica teams will take place on Sunday June 26^th at 930 and 1100 in the main sanctuary, and the blessing of the shawls will take place that same day at 1100 in the youth Warehouse.  I would love to invite as many of you as possible to be there for that special occasion.

That being said, I have taken a great leap of faith by giving Barry all those items from our closet.  Communion is in 16 days and we are very short on those items.  I have total faith that God wanted us to proceed in this direction, and so He will provide what we need for the time we need it.  He always does.  So, if you are still working on fast, open weave items, keep them coming.  Atlanta is hot in the summer and we could use more for our own folks here at the end of June.  God has certainly looked out for us in that we have not had to deliver a prayer shawl to anyone within our community in almost 2 weeks.  When we finally sit down to listen to Him, we can get just a glimpse of His Master Plan!!! 

Can any of you help me with the shawls on the 26^th?  I will have just gotten back from seeing my extended family the day before so am beginning to make plans now.  I will need to bounce around between all three services upstairs and the youth service downstairs.  As many of you as can lend me 15 minutes of your time to help place shawls on the rails and gather names for our book would be greatly appreciated.  Please let me know as soon as you can.  I will need help at 740am prior to the service, 910am, 1040am and after the last service ends around noon.  I don’t expect we will have many to put up after the last service, so this should not take too long. 

This Tuesday morning begins our morning PSM meeting.  Come and join us in room 311 from 1030 to 1230.  Bring a friend or two.  I will have some coffee available for this meeting.  I will be there early that day to get organized so if you want to be there earlier, just let me know and I will accommodate that request.  I am truly hoping to expand this ministry to many other women and men, youth or seniors who want to be a part of this incredible mission.  Spread the word like butter on toast and we will cover our community in love. 

Keep praying for blessings for the hands that prepare the items, the feet that deliver them, and the words spoken over the items and over the recipients.  Keep praying for God to expand the hearts of many to allow us to work greater miracles all for His glory and for His Kingdom.  I love you all like sisters that we are in the ministry of the King.

In Christ,

Dana

PSM update 5-31-11

Where did this month go?  Wasn’t it just Christmas and here we are living in the heat of a Southern summer.  Wow.  I have a great idea.  Come on inside and crochet or knit!  We need you, and especially right now.  So, with that introduction…

Beginning Tuesday June 14^th, we will be starting a new daytime version of the Prayer Shawl Ministry.  Meetings will be in the same room  (311) from 1030am to 1230pm.  If folks want to do lunch afterwards, we will make that happen.  For those who cannot come on Wednesday eves, or are teachers and cannot come during the school year, this is your opportunity to get started.  Please join us even if you never have crocheted or knitted before, and bring friends.  I am hoping to expand our ministry to handle the increasing demands for completed items.  There seems not only to be an increase in need, but an increase in awareness of our ministry.  That is great news.  God has provided us with so much and now I ask Him for more workers.  We are happy to teach so please send folks to us.  Additionally, I sense God telling me that it is time we take our show “on the road” so to speak.  I will be lining up PSM sessions at local restaurants, coffee shops, book stores, etc. for the summer.  I will of course check with the store prior to invading with all of us, but it is time the outside world sees what we do.  I feel that God is calling others not in our church to come be a part of our amazing group.

Speaking of new members, we want to welcome Vanessa M to our group.  Vanessa joined us last week and is excited to be with us as we are to have her.  Also, Martha W. joined us last week to learn to crochet.  She has been a member for a while, but has not been on the “production” side of things.  Welcome Martha.  And, if you come visit me at home, I put you to work.  This is how we have Anita S. in our group now.  She spent an evening at my house and left with crochet hook and yarn.  Welcome to all of you from all of us!  Anyone who visits is up for recruitment.  We are grateful to have our new folks and grateful for all those who are faithfully stitching away.  For those who have not been in a while, we will offer refresher classes anytime you need them. 

Our next communion Sunday has been changed to June 26^th.  This gives us a little time to get our inventory back up.  We can use shawls, cloths, caps, and about any color and size are needed.  As we just sent 160 prayer cloths to Joplin, MO., we are short on those.  That is not as much of a commitment as a whole shawl would be. 

I will send out a prayer update after our Wednesday eve class.  Until then, keep praying for those already on the list as well as for God to expand our ministry in both group members and vision.  He is a most awesome and worthy God and we love to watch His work and His workers in action.  God bless all of you and all the folks this ministry touches. 

Will write more again very soon. 

Blessings,

Dana

PSM update 5-23-11

Hello precious ladies.  I wanted to let you know how yesterday went.  Did you know that yarn, once spun into shawls, caps, and squares have wings?  Well, I have proof for you.  we placed 75 shawls, 8 chemo caps, and many square cloths on the altar….and they flew away like birds being chased by a cat!  Every single shawl was claimed.  God is amazing.  We did not have one leftover request which means….God knew the exact number we would need to have on hand and we get yet another example of trusting God for His provisions and for His timing.  Isn’t God amazing!!!

We have around 96 items donated to Costa Rica so far with a minimum number of 110 needed by end of June.  They are hoping for 150, and I can promise you that if they are praying about this and have even whispered it into God’s ears, He will arrange for us to come up with those as well. 

I mention all of this to give God the glory for all He has done and for all He will do.  Speaking of which, I am putting you on high alert…. I am praying that God bring us new sources of shawls, be they knit or crochet.  I am praying for new members to our ministry and for those who have not been active for some time to return to us so we can continue to grow and serve God’s children here and over in foreign lands.  It is not yet summer, technically, and I am thinking about what we will need in October through December already.  OK, so I cannot even plan dinner for tonight, but I am thinking way advance for this ministry as we need to stay that far ahead of our requests.  If you cannot do a full shawl and only want to tread a toe or two into the ocean of commitment, will you please consider making some prayer cloths to replenish our rapidly dwindling stock?  I am attaching a few patterns for you.  As much as possible, I would like to have cloths with crosses on them.  The pattern with the open cross is the ideal for crocheters, but if it is too difficult, please don’t give up.  you can make simple patterns and we can always embellish them with a cross.  We need many so any you make will be valued and appreciated.  Forget how to crochet or knit….no problem!  We will be happy to give you tutoring in person.  Just let me know.  You can always go on You Tube and find the series of video clips called “Crochet by Teresa”.  She is an excellent teacher. 

I thank all those who helped place shawls on the altar or gather names for our book.  Your small investment of time makes a huge impact for the Kingdom.  God multiplies those kindnesses in the lives of all who are touched by this ministry in any way whether it is actively making products, delivering items, praying for requests, donating funds or materials, or receiving love through receiving an item made with God’s love, mercy, and healing touch.

I love you all for who you are and for whose you are.

In His name and for His sake,

Dana

a thank you note

Wanted to share this with you.  sometimes we get simple notes, and other times, long epistles.  This one was special and I wanted to share it with you.  we received it on 5-15-11.  It states:

Prayer shawl ministry,

The “Bridges Class” today were sharing stories about how prayer blankets and prayer shawls have been such a blessing to family members and friends.  The blankets mean so much to the individual who is sick and the family members.  The individual acts of kindness by you is incredible.  The love and praises of God is flowing out of your ministry!

God bless you!

Here is another one:

I am the recipient of one of your beautiful prayer shawls.  As I ws recuperating from recent surgery, the shawl was a visual conveyance of your love, care and concern.  As I face the fight ahead, I continue to be uplifted by your act of kindness.  Thank you for reaching out to others during their times of need.  Sincerely,  Geneva

And another:

Words can’t express how much the prayer shawls meant to my husband and myself.  Thank you for your time and prayers.  They are working!  He still will need a lot of prayers and healing in the months ahead, so thank you in advance.  I hope in time we can visit you to say thank you in person.  You make such an amazing difference in peoples lives.  Blessings, Ken and Mary

And another:

Thank you for the beautiful prayer shawl.  Every time I put it around me, I know I’m surrounded by God’s love and the love of others.  Thank you so much for thinking of me and providing me with the prayer shawl.  I will be wrapped in love and prayer every time I have it on.   God bless you all, June

And another…..

Thanks so much for the beautiful pink shawl that you made for my mother.  Though she never got to use it, it would have meant so much to her and now means so much to me.  I will think of her and remember your kindness each time I use it.  In His love, Susie

I get many of these cards each week.  if you want to see others, there is a shoebox collection of them.  Just let me know.  I wanted you to know how much your time and talent means to so very many people.  God is blessing the many from work from this ministry.  From humble beginnings, to His glory, we keep on working and keep on blessing.

Love to all of you,

Dana

PSM update 5-18-11

Greeting to all!  We had another incredible evening for the ministry.  Barb Conner came by with several triangular shawls for Costa Rica.  Nancy dropped several off, but left after.  We hope you feel better soon Nancy!  Dorothy made a “bikini” shawl.  Don’t let the name fool you, it is totally appropriate to wear – just made from a mix of colors with that name.  it is awesome!  Zena, Beverly, Loretta and myself all worked on some items for this weekend as well as Costa Rica.  Mills stopped by with shawls from Martha and Carolyn.  Let me just say…the crocheted shawl that Martha made did not make it 5 minutes before it was taken for someone in need.  Good work Martha!  See crochet isn’t so bad after all.  We even had a special guest, Sarah Solty, come pray with us.  We are honored to have new guests, even for one evening.  If you were not there, you were truly missed.  We notice when you are gone and pray for you to return to us.  It was wonderful to have Lenore stop in for a visit.

This summer, I would like to make an informal offer to have a daytime prayer shawl ministry meeting.  I am taking suggestions on days of the week and will come up with a majority decision, so send that info in to me.  This would be a great time to invite someone who cannot drive at night or may be a school teacher and cannot make it during the school year.  We will not have childcare, but we welcome children.  Please respond within a week.  We will continue our evening meetings but will adjust the schedule some.  We will take the week of camp meeting off (third week of July)  If other changes are made, you will get plenty of notice. 

Barry will be counting the Costa Rica shawls tomorrow and give us a firm count on them.  We believe we are over half way on this project.  Great work everyone and thank you so much for all the extra effort.  God will be glorified and many people blessed through this amazing project. Keep them coming.

Attached is a crochet pattern for one skein triangular shawl made with simply soft.  I might have to try it out this week since it looks so good, and fast.  Do the knitters need easy patterns?  Let me know and I will be looking for good new ones.

Another thing to think about… I would love to have a one day crochet workshop on a Saturday.  We can meet at the church if I can get permission, or we can meet out in the community or in someone’s home.  I am happy to offer mine unless you are allergic to cats.  We have 3 indoor cats.  I would love to pull down some of the unfinished projects from the back of the closet and get those taken care of.  We can use folks to come and just edge off projects, or tuck in loose pieces, or join squares, etc.  We can all have lunch together and just enjoy the day.  Anyone up for that?  if so, please let me know if you would be able to attend on a Saturday and which one might be better for you in June or July.  If we don’t plan it now, it won’t happen.

Communion is Sunday and I still need some volunteers to give 15 minutes of time before or after services.  Truly it is not that time consuming, but many hands make it less stressful on everyone.  I have had two folks volunteer to help.  Are there any others please?  I will be there around 730am to sort out and set out the shawls.  We will then reposition them at 910 for the next service, add on at 1040 for the last service and clean up at noonish.  Any help we can get is welcome. 

No new names were added to our prayer list, but if you have one, send it to me and I will get it recorded.  I will be delivering one to my friend Cheryl Hood who just lost her father to cancer.  Loretta took one for someone in her church.  Send me details as I forgot to get them from you. 

Have a great week and please respond to any suggestions made in this email. 

You are a wonderful part of this ministry.  God bless you,

Dana

PSM Update 5-13-11

Happy Friday the 13^th to all.  As I don’t believe in superstition, it is going to be another fantastic day here in the Kingdom.  One reason to celebrate is that God has sent us a new member!  Sheree has joined our group and wait until you meet her – she is amazing!  She is in the process of making a beautiful shawl out of some new yarn recently purchased with donation funds.  I hope you will welcome her into our group when you see her.  I hope you all will also keep praying for God to send more workers into our ministry.  We could definitely use some more as we have room for many more and need for even more than that.  God please expand our ministry with workers, with donations, and with desire to serve those who are in need.  What a blessing this is!  No matter if you crochet, knit, buy yarn, deliver items, or join us in prayer, we treasure your participation in this ministry. 

We had a pile to pray over again this week.  God has been very good to grant us so many blessings.  We are pretty much approaching our minimum and beyond for our Costa Rica mission and still have many to place on the altar rails next Sunday.  With 9 days to go we can even add on more than that.  Yes! The Costa Rica items will be packed up by late June for the initial shipment and if we need to send others, they will be shipped the following month.  Try to make them light weight, open weave patterns to make it easier and less costly to ship as well as to accommodate the warmer weather there.  I am doing most of mine in V stitch, 2 foot wide by 5 foot long rectangles. 

Well, I must run off to high school where I feel like I am going through a second teenager experience.  It was hard enough to be a teenager the first time, but when you live at high school at age 55, it can be pretty ugly…and exhausting.  High school is definitely not for the faint of heart or body!  If you get bored, or need a change of pace, come see the Collins Hill HS Chorus show in the HS theatre at 7pm, tonight and Saturday eve.  You won’t be disappointed! 

Love to all, even when I am overly busy and way too distracted,

Dana

PSM update 5-10-11

Hello to all my favorite people!  I hope this finds you well and happy.  It has been a while since my last email and I ask your forgiveness in the delay.  I have had to attend to many things in the past few weeks which has distracted me from the weekly updates, and I apologize for not getting any information out to you.  My youngest daughter, Sarah, is involved in Chorus at Collins Hill HS and the annual chorus show is this coming weekend.  I put together their program, which is a huge undertaking.  I also do road signs as well as 500 little details along the way!  If you are in need of some very good, very inexpensive fun this week, come see the show on Thurs, Fri or Sat May 12 – 14 at 7PM at the HS auditorium.  Sarah has a group act each night, but a solo on Saturday.  Proud mama will be so happy that night! 
Unfortunately, I have also had to deal with the loss of our cat Kevin.  She was the sweetest little girl and loved to be with you at all times.  She adored crochet activities from winding yarn to sitting on the project as I was creating it.  she was always so supportive of my work in the ministry!  She died suddenly last week of seizures, and I am not over that yet.  She was the cat we got from my father-in-law when he remarried.  Kevin was very special and dear to all of us, and I know she can never be replaced.  Just know that I cry easily these days so if you ask a question, I may answer it with tears in my eyes and shakiness in my voice.
The PSM is going nuts for Costa Rica!  We have finished about 60ish items towards our initial goal of 80.  I hope you can help out with either making an item or donating some yarn for others to create shawls with.  I have gotten many donations of yarn, so feel free to come by and join the fun.  if you need to work at home, I can help get you yarn and patterns (after this weekend is over though).   I make most of mine as 20-24 inch wide and 4.5 to 5.0 feet long rectangles in either V stitch or another open weave such as dc, ch1, dc repeats.  We have a deadline of 5 weeks max from now, so keep on keeping on!  It may take a village to raise a child, but it also takes an entire church to send off a mission team.  We are going on this mission without even leaving the zip code! 
Not this weekend coming, but the following one, May 22^nd, is communion Sunday again.  Time flies.  We will be putting our items on the altar rail for the congregation to bless through prayer and for them to take for themselves or for others in need.  It is a time that I can use all the help I can get.  It is difficult to put the items out as folks want to talk with you about a special request and others are wanting to get information and still others need their requests placed in the prayer book.  Please consider donating 30 minutes of your day to help make this offering to God effective in reaching His people.  Let us all chip in a little bit here and there to share the burden of work, but more importantly, to share in the glory God will receive through your love and support.  Even if you have not made any items or have not been active in many months, please consider joining in as we serve our Christian family on that day.  Help will be needed from 740 until 8am, 900 until 930, 1040 to 1100, and then briefly at noon for 15 minutes to gather any remaining items and take any names down for a waiting list (has been happening rather routinely lately!).  The expression made popular by “Field of Dreams” is “If you build it, they will come”.  I prefer to think of this ministry as “if you crochet or knit it, they will come claim it!” Email me with your schedule availability please. 
I will add to the prayer list tomorrow, but wanted to get this part to you right now.  Sorry for the late hour, but sleep has not been my friend lately.  I am sending you the list of prayer requests that came from the pink book.  I am absolutely positive that I am missing some so please let me know if you have one we need to share with the group.  I have listed them from most recent back to the last communion Sunday.  I don’t always get the privilege of knowing each person on this list, or even to deliver to these folks.  If you know any of the names below and can update our information, please do.  For those who are devoted prayer warriors….we need you!  keep praying for these recipients and for our ministry to always be under God’s watchful eye and loving heart. 
Have a great day.  I am finally cutting off for the night.  I doubt I will be at the meeting tonight, but if things go well, I might make it.  Dress rehearsal is after school and I might be one tired little girl by the end of it!
Thanks for all you do for all of God’s children. 
God is good, all the time!
Dana

PSM Update

Got several things for you which will be arriving under separate covers today as I get time.  First…the beginning.  As always, we love having you part of this amazing ministry.  If, however, circumstances change in your life and you would care to be removed for any reason, just let me know.  We would miss you, but understand the load of emails can be overwhelming. 

I have added one more name to our roster.  Barbara D. came by on Wednesday to meet us and we adopted her the moment she said hello!  She will fit right in with us and I hope you will welcome her into our group.  Barbara and Zena spent some time comparing notes from life in Jamaica and we all were thoroughly entertained that they knew so many folks in common!  Welcome Barbara!

If you know someone who does not currently knit or crochet, but is interested in learning, have them come on in.  Beverly and I will be reviewing some crochet DVD lessons.  We will be happy to teach anyone to do either skill, or both!  Now is a great time to join….but wait, there’s more!  (as seen on TV).  If you join in the next…oh several months…you will be part of some exciting projects.  Not only will we give you the membership with all its benefits of fun, friendship, and hilarity, but you will be part of sharing God’s love with many people.  We will be making up to 150 loosely crocheted or knitted shawls for the folks in Costa Rica.  Barry B. has asked us to make some for his group to take when they go in July.  It will be a true blessing to shower our sisters and brothers in Christ with our love, and believe me when I say that we will get even more out of it than we put into it.  I know this sounds like an overwhelming task, and frankly, it is.  But what is impossible with man, God makes light work of.  If God is for us, than nothing can stop us and we will be able to get this done.  I will be researching very open, fast working patterns for us to make.  We won’t have to have shawls for communion in April, July and August, so we do have some time this next month to work on building up a supply.  I will be placing a “want ad” in the epistle for anyone who knows how to knit or crochet to help us with this project. 

Also, we want to make a baby blanket for our very own Andrew dnd his wife Kristin as they are expecting their first baby this fall.  I have a pattern attached for an open cross prayer square.  Let’s all practice making that pattern (and adding to our dwindling supply of squares) and if we get good at it, I will buy some lovely baby colors for us to make squares for a baby blanket.  What do you think about that idea?  I know this church will be blessed by baby Erwin as much as it has been by Rev. Andrew and his bride.  Hey, and while we are at it, we are blessed by Andrew’s parents and grandparents as well.  Just ask Sam and Kathi T!

We will not meet next week, April 6^th, during spring break week.  when we return on Wednesday April 13^th we will have patterns available for you and we will practice the open cross pattern together.  For those who need to come early, just let me know and I can try to get there by 5pm if needed. 

Will send out our prayer list this afternoon as well as other info, so stay tuned! 

I love you all for your prayers and offerings.  You are the hands, the feet, the words of God shining light on a sometimes darkened world.  Keep your light shining and give all the glory to our Father in Heaven, for He is good all the time; all the time God is good.

Dana

PSM meeting

Hello all.  We will be meeting this week, same time (530 – 730) same place (room 311)! Please bring any completed items to be prayed over.  We will NOT meet next Wednesday, the first week of April, due to Gwinnett County school spring break.  When we return a week later we will be starting a fun new project!  I will send a hint after the meeting tonight, but until then, be blessed and please come see us, and all our fun yarn.

Love to all in Christ,

Dana

The evolution of the sweater

 

Coordinated sweater, scarf, and tam as winter fashion accessories in Fleisher Yarns' advertisement in The Ladies Home Companion, December 1920. (Courtesy Susan Strawn)

Comfort and Good Looks: Sweaters and Scarves as Fashion Essentials
by Susan Strawn
Knitted sweaters and scarves are a mainstay of the modern American woman's wardrobe. Surprisingly, however, it was only a century ago that they began to claim their place in mainstream American fashion.
Knitting was long considered a utilitarian craft, best suited to making warm socks, gloves, and mittens. As early as 1846, Decorative Needlework by Miss Lambert provided patterns for such handknits but focused mainly on soft infant and toddler garments and bassinet covers.
A few adult sweater patterns appear, tucked among the counterpanes and domestic whimsies, in late-nineteenth-century knitting books. The Butterick Publishing Company's Art of Knitting (1892) includes a pattern for a man's "foot-ball sweater" (a turtleneck pullover), but patterns for women comprise only accessories, capes, and shawls.

 

An advertisement in the July 1922 issue of The Delineator for the summer issue of Needle-Art. The copy states, "Scarfs that match will be worn with slip-on sweaters this Summer, making them 100 per cent more attractive. How shall you make the scarf? The Summer Needle-Art will give you full instructions..." (Courtesy Susan Strawn)

At the close of the century, women were becoming more active outside the home, some entering careers, and these women wanted simpler styles suited to their new roles. For some time, people had been agitating for dress reform, maintaining that the tight-fitting fashions of the time were not only uncomfortable but unhealthy as well.
Sweaters, it could be argued, played a role in dress reform and gave women greater comfort and freedom to pursue an active life, including sports.
Women's sweaters and scarves attained fashion status during the 1910s, and in 1917, The Ladies' Home Journal declared sweaters a wardrobe essential.
Sweaters of the early 1900s were long, typically worn with a wide matching scarf or "girdle" (belt). Department stores and mail-order catalogs sold millions of commercially manufactured sweaters, and abundant patterns were available in books, needlework magazines, and in booklets published by yarn manufacturers.
After World War I, American fashions became increasingly youthful and more casual, reflecting the greater freedom and equality that women had earned. Nonetheless, Paris still was a dominant arbiter of taste. Elsa Schiaparelli and Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel in particular popularized knitwear. "Paris now knits her blouse," proclaims the magazine The Delineator.
In barely two decades, knitted garments for women had transformed from utilitarian to fashion essential. We can thank an unlikely combination of influences—the turn-of-the century craze for sports, dress reform that suited changing roles for women, a multitude of new knitters during World War I, and the brilliant Parisian designers who popularized knitwear—for making knitted sweaters and scarves a wardrobe mainstay.

PSM update 3-20-11

God is good, all the time.  Today was no exception.  Communion Sunday is a day where we get to come together and reconnect with God.  We get to admit that we are far from perfect, and we get forgiven all over again.  Grace enters us through the elements and through it we are renewed in the spirit and in our relationship with the Lord.  Communion Sunday is also a day where we get to offer something back to God.  We place our prayer shawls upon the altar rails as an offering to the Lord.  It is a sacrifice of our time, our resources, and ourselves to something much bigger than us.  We don’t know who will receive any given prayer shawl, we are just obedient to place them there.  We don’t know who will be in need when we begin a new item, nor do we know who will be the instrument of delivery for that item.  There is a lot we don’t know, but one thing we can be sure of is that God knows all the details.  He knows when items are needed and how many.  We witness that each week when items come in for prayers and blessings.  He gives us yarn when we need it, and sends new members when we have asked for them.

Today was a day to watch God in action.  We had only 3 weeks to restock from last communion.  That is the shortest turnaround time we have, and last month we had given everything out plus some IOU’s.  This month we had an abundance.  Three services later we had less but still some for the coming week.    There was one shawl which really was too big to be included.  It was gigantic.  It was sent in to us and I personally struggled with what to do with it.  we prayed over it and left it in our inventory.  Wednesday eve I was still struggling with it.  for some reason, this one was bothering me.  At 8am, I decided not to include it in today’s offering.  I figured we had enough to cover, but at 1125 I just felt a pull in my heart.  I got it out of the closet and put it in the cart.  At noon someone came to me while we were packing up and asked to receive that one item.  It surprised me, but I offered it to that person.  Come to find out, the recipient who it was intended for is a 6 year old girl struggling with issues way beyond her years and fighting stress that no one should understand, ever, at any age.  The folks who took it for her thought it was perfect.  I pray that it is.  I know God thought it would be or we would not have watched that miracle unfold.  Yes, it was a miracle and I was blessed to be part of it. 

There was a young man who took a shawl off the altar at the 11am service.  As he left, I was in the wings on the other side of the building, but saw it on the camera.  I wanted so badly to get his name to pray for him, but figured that would not happen.  God knew better.  He sent this man straight over and into the hallway where I was waiting.  I talked with him for some time.  He really looked like someone who normally would not be here, but God sent him to us…today…in time to receive a gift of His grace.  God knew all along who that shawl was intended for.

There are many stories like these, and many more to be written which God alone will create.  It is an honor to share these stories with you.  It is a privilege working with such a great group of dedicated workers.  It is a blessing to hug a stranger and know that God’s love is going back and forth from each of you to the other. 

The world is changing.  Each day there are new challenges.  Each day there is news of conflicts, disasters, economic misfortunes, political unrest.  Each day there is also a new sunrise and a new beginning.   God gives us unlimited opportunities to do good in this world for all of His children.  Please hear His call for your life, for what He has in store for you.  Take that call, take that chance, take that opportunity to pray, to connect, to study, to crochet, to send a letter to a shut in, to donate blood, donate yarn, donate your time, speak to those who need a kind word, to show God that He is important by putting His will as your priority.  Jesus did, and I want to grow in wisdom, in strength, and in favor with God.  Will you come on this wild ride too?

I love you all dearly and pray blessings shower you and your family on this Sabbath day.

In Christ’s name and for His sake,

Dana

Calling all PSM members...quick note

Good Thursday to all of you!  I wanted to send out an update for the ministry, and so here I go!

First..This Sunday is communion (have you ever felt like déjà vu – been somewhere, done something, got the email recently).  It has only been 3 weeks since the last one which might make this one difficult, but God has already worked out a plan for that, so we don’t need to worry.  Praise be to God!  I do however, still need help with placing the items on the altar rails.  I can use some extra hands for maybe 15 minutes (truly, it does not take very long) at 745AM, 830AM, 1040AM and noon.  There have not been any left to pick up for the last couple of times and I suspect the same will occur this month.  I will need the help placing the items out, and help gathering names for our prayer list.  If you can help with this important task, I sure would appreciate it.  please let me know ASAP.

Next…I would like to find out if anyone is interested in joining a morning edition of the PSM.  We will teach knit, crochet and supply your needs as we do in the evening, but this would make it easier on those who cannot get out at night or have conflicts.  Please let me know if you would attend such a meeting.

Next next…WE NEED NEW MEMBERS to help us keep the shelves filled.  We have plenty of yarn and patterns, but need hands to create items.  It is becoming important to add new members as the demands for our items has risen.  Please be in prayer for our ministry and if you know of anyone who would like to learn, participate, or just plain make and donate items, I would be so grateful.  It would be such a relief.  No prior experience necessary. 

Please come by next Wednesday eve and check out the supply of new or nearly new yarns we have been given.  As some of these yarns have been in storage for a while, it is a good idea to gently wash all items made with these yarns prior to their submission. 

I miss you when you  are not there, enjoy your company when you come join us, and love you all the time no matter where you are.

Blessings,

Dana

BLOCKING...how to do it

From Lion Brand Yarn:  
Blocking refers to the process of stretching and shaping a finished piece to ensure it is the proper size and shape. There are many ways to achieve this, depending upon the yarn used. Blocking can be used to finish any item and even out stitches. Because acrylics are sensitive to heat, they should not be steam blocked. Always follow the care instructions on your yarn label.

WET BLOCKING
Note the measurements of your garment and wash according to yarn label instructions.
Lay your garment flat on a clean towel and roll the towel, pressing out as much water as possible.
Repeat this with other towels until the item is mostly dry.
On a flat, clean surface, such as a towel or blocking board, lay out your item and pull it into the desired shape.
Pin to a blocking board if desired.
Let the garment air dry.

STEAM BLOCKING
Lay your item on a clean, dry towel on a flat surface.
Place a cool wet washcloth over your item.
After heating your iron to the appropriate setting for your fiber, press the iron on your washcloth for a few seconds. This will create steam.

Repeat as necessary, rewetting your washcloth as needed.
Pull your item into the proper shape while steaming.
Afterward, allow your item to air dry. Pin to a blocking board if desired.

SPRAY BLOCKING
Lay your item on a dry towel on a flat surface. Mist with a spray bottle of room-temperature water. Pull the item into the desired shape. Pin if desired. Let the piece air dry."

Jer. 33:3

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

Blessings,

PSM update 3-2-11

Good morning to you!  I hope you had a wonderful week.  We had great success with prayer shawl items on Sunday as once again every item was taken off the altar rails and a wait list of 6 items was recorded.  God is so good that we had that many almost ready to be prayed over.  Beverly and I finished up a few and prayed over them on Monday so we are back in business with items in our closet.  To God be all the glory for this amazing ministry! 

Couple of things to remember.  We will meet this week at our usual time.  Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday.  We will meet only from 530-645 that day so we can all attend services at 7pm.  If you have items to bring in and pray for, please join us early that eve.  If you choose not to attend the service you are welcome to stay in the room working on a project, but the Ash Wednesday service is very moving.  Try to be there for it if you can. 

I am sending a couple of new patterns.  The country tweed is a great way to integrate yarn colors.  It is a bit more advanced than the other pattern which is all done in half double crochets.  It goes very quickly and you can use many different types of yarn for this project.

Got coupons? Consider getting one or two skeins of yarn this week to share.  Michael’s still has some homespun on sale for $2.49 (discontinued colors only) as well as many discontinued types of yarn as they prepare to transition into their new Loops and Threads yarns.  They are really nice (Northlake carries them already), so I am excited for the change.

Is anyone interested in beginning a day time prayer shawl group for those who don’t like to travel at night?  It would be awesome to have another set of folks praying and creating.  Give that some consideration and much prayer if you will.

Got to finally go to sleep, so see you all later on.

Blessings,

Dana

Prayer Shawl Ministry Update

Good morning to all.  Just a quick note to remind you that this coming weekend is communion.  As always, we are putting our prayer shawls out for the congregation to pray over and take as needed.  If you have any items which need to be prayed over, please bring them to the meeting on Wednesday or contact me by tomorrow for pick up as needed.  I will not be at the meeting on Wednesday eve as I will be chaperoning 20 high school students in Savannah for All State Chorus.  Beverly will be helping me get these items ready for Sunday.  I will be back in town late Saturday night.  Can anyone help us put out the shawls at 740AM, 900AM, 1045AM and put them away at noon?  We could use the extra help at all these times.  I find it difficult to get names for our book, put items out, and talk to people in need at the same time, so if you can at all spare just a few moments on Sunday, let me or Beverly know. 

March madness is coming soon, and that will mean…more fun!  Details to follow, but be on the lookout for spring activities.  If you know of a friend who is interested in joining our ministry, please let us know.  The need is great and our fingers can only work so hard before we need to go on to other activities.  We would love to have new friends! 

Have a great day and hope to hear from you soon.

In Christ,

Dana

Prayer Shawl Ministry Update

Good evening to all.  We had a wonderful meeting again this week.  Wish you all could be there.  We need to set up our lap tops and do a “Skype” session.  If teens can talk face to face only through computer monitors, well, we can have a satellite campus running out of your own home as well!  Would that be progressive or what?

We added about 8 new items to the finished closet this week after distributing some right fresh off the prayer line.  Thanks to all who contributed and thanks to all who are praying.  Keep thinking of creative ways to invite friends to join us in our mission to place God’s comfort on the shoulders of all those in need, with unconditional love and limitless prayer. 

For those who are computer wise, and have lots of change just lying around…. I have taken to putting all my spare change daily in a jar and rolling it up weekly.  Well, it used to be earmarked for general spending money, then it was for youth activities at church.  Now, I gather up under $2 in change in less than a week, go to Michael’s or Joann’s with their 40 or 50% off coupons and buy one skein of yarn.  I love that because it is not a very big drain on my budget, yet it helps the ministry.  So, get out the piggy banks, mason jars, coke bottles, or whatever the spare change goes into and make something beautiful out of something small and seemingly unimportant.  Whereas one penny seems a small amount of funds not useful for any purpose, a week’s worth of daily pennies is enough to pay the tax on a skein of yarn.  If you decide not to do that permanently, try doing it for lent.  I try taking on a new habit in addition to breaking from something that is important to me.  Let’s make that our group challenge activity for the lent season.  God will take old, dirty, beat up pennies and make beautiful shawls out of them.  YEA!!! 

Have a great evening.  I hope to see you all very soon.  Feel free to email back just to catch up if we have not seen or heard from you in a while.  You will continue to be one of us no matter where you are. 

In Christ,

Dana

Quote for the day: Intelligence is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.  Wisdom is not putting it in fruit salad.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Update

Good Tuesday morning to all of you.  I hope you are enjoying the sunshine out there.  We have had the craziest weather this season.  More reasons to keep crocheting and knitting!!! 

I want to continue with a quick math refresher course.  It goes like this.  0 items left on the altar last weekend plus three requests equals -3 items in the closet. Next…  -3 items plus many prayers = 13 more in closet on Wednesday eve.  Next, 13 shawls minus the ones given to those in need plus several crisis calls on Thursday eve equals enough shawls to cover all the shoulders in need of a prayer shawl, plus 12 more in the closet.  If that sounds like the kind of math you were taught in school, then maybe you went to a faith based school!!!  God has been so very good to us.  Now, my father was an accountant and he was a very good accountant in his time.  His boasting included keeping several active Mafia members in NY out of prison without doing one illegal thing in the process. (can’t tell you the names since dad used code names for them!) BUT… my Heavenly Father is the greatest math major, accountant, and provider ever.  He makes things possible using Love instead of Law, Faith instead of Fact.  Here is where we have an exercise.

I say:  God is good

You say: All the time

I say: All the time

You say: God is good

And we all say AMEN!!!!

· Traveling mercies at all times for our team of faithful deliverers.  It is an honor to do so and I appreciate your help.  Travel safely on these crazy Gwinnett roads.

· Blessings to all those preparing items to share with those in need.  Prayers for God to guide your hands and find time to crochet or knit while still getting everything else done.

· Thanks to God for His provisions of funds for this ministry, materials to prepare items, and His love to keep us all sane!!

If you have a name of someone who either needs a shawl, cap, or square cloth, or someone who may have received one but is not listed for prayers, please let me know.  The items given come with the promises that someone is praying for them.  Don’t take that entire responsibility on yourself.  Let us help you with this.  We are all one family and pray for each other whether we know the people or not.  God expects no less from us and has equipped us for this service. 

Love you all dearly whether you are next door or next state over.  Be well, keep up the fabulous work and look for info soon on a new video driven lesson session coming to a PSM meeting soon.

Dana

PSM update

Hello wonderful sisters.  Just a quick note to let you know how valuable you are and how important our ministry is……………

Today was Communion Sunday.  As has become our tradition, we place our shawls, chemo caps, and squares on the altar rail for the congregation to pray over and claim for themselves or others.  We encourage all to take them for anyone they know is hurting, having a rough time, or just needs a tangible reminder of God’s love in their lives.  It is such a blessing to put these items out and watch what God does with this.  Often, we will place 50 total items out for all 3 services and we have about 6 or 8 left.  This month God provided us a bounty of items.  He just kept delivering and delivering and we kept busy praying over them.  It seems fitting to say that God surely knows what He is doing.  Not only did we put out more items than usual (I believe it was around 70 to 80 items), not only did I clean out the closet downstairs as well as the extra supply upstairs, even my secret stash for emergencies, not only did we give EVERY shawl, cap and over half the squares away, but we now have a wait list of at least 3 people who need shawls this week.  Of the ones I got to talk with, people were taking items for events which have only happened in the last 2 weeks, explaining to me why God stocked us up so very well.  Isn’t God great in His wisdom and grace!!! 

I am appealing to all of you to help restock the cabinets.  I would very much appreciate if you are currently knitting or crocheting items, to continue to do so.  Please consider using larger hooks or needles, making the items a bit more open which makes the project easy to complete in a relatively short period of time.  I love the tighter weaves for those who need a warm item and don’t want to discourage that technique, but if you are just starting a new project, feel free to make it the “jiffy” way!  Most of our shawls are 24 inches wide by 60 inches long.  Lap blankets are wider and shorter.  You are always welcome to take yarn stock from our closet or purchase your favorite yarn to complete and donate an item.  Remember that if you purchase your own yarn, you may keep the receipts and use them as a tax deduction to a charitable organization.  They add up and will give you a nice little break on your taxes!

Thank you to all who helped put the items out on the altar rails and pews.  I could not have done this without your help.  It took three of us to restock after the 8am service and before 930.  I am going to come up with a system to encourage everyone who takes one to email the information to me for our prayer list.  I want to encourage the praying of the recipients by name when we can.  When we don’t have a name we rely on God’s knowledge of the recipients.  I am also going to put out information to search for new members to help create these “Master”pieces. 

You are a true blessing to me and to the body of Christ.  Keep up the good work whether that is knitting, crocheting, purchasing yarn, delivering items, raising funds for our ministry or praying for all aspects of this ministry.  You are vital to our success and everything you do helps share the message of God’s love to others.

Love in Christ,

Dana

PSM update

Hello to all members and fans of the Prayer Shawl Ministry.  Hope you are having a wonderful week.  We had a great group this week.  Thanks to Robin who gave us a wonderful prayer and reminded us that this ministry belongs to the Lord.  He has blessed us so very richly with an abundance of completed items as well as yarn to work with.  God is good all the time.

I am attaching two patterns that have been requested.  One is the wheelchair wrap pattern that has been so well received.  The other is a specialty item.  It is a bag that goes on a walker for those who need walkers to get around.  It enables the user to carry things while keeping their hands free for sturdy grip and good balance.  If you have any questions on either one, please ask me and I will try to help you with them.

LAST CALL to help out with a donation of a Michael’s gift card to dear Mildred, a friend of Helon Gragg who made 10 incredible hand knit sweaters for us to sell at $35 each to help fund our ministry.  She paid for all the materials herself, and we want to help encourage her generosity.  I am fronting some extra funds, so if you can contribute, please let me know ASAP.  Every dollar is a blessing. 

For those of you who have not yet heard, Zena got an A+ report card from her doctor today.  She is now the star student and is cleared to resume normal activities.  Her tests and EKG were all normal.  Welcome back to the hustle and bustle of life Zena and we celebrate with you.  Beverly and I had the honor of going to Zena’s home on Wednesday afternoon to deliver a prayer shawl for her.  We prayed together, asking God for His healing power and thanked Him for all He has done.  Zena was very appreciative and we all agreed that it was not the shawl, but the prayer sent up to the Lord in earnest love and faith which has touched God’s heart and healed Zena’s.  PRAISE GOD.

Do you know of anyone else needing a prayer shawl or just prayer in general?  If so, let me know and I can share that news with the group.  Before I send out a new revised copy of the PSM members, does anyone object to sharing their contact information?  By next newsletter I want to send you a revised list with all the members in case you want to contact one another or pray for each other. 

We are always in need of a few more sets of hands.  Consider inviting a friend to the meetings.  All levels welcome as we will be happy to teach beginning knitting or crochet.

Continue to shine your wonderful light into this world, reflecting the Father’s love on those who need a bit of sunshine (or SONshine) in their lives.

In Christ,

Dana

PSM update - 1-19-11

Well, it is another great day in the life of the Prayer Shawl Ministry.  We had a lovely meeting last night and lots of fun going through yarn bins.  We have sorted the yarns by color group or texture.  If you love Homespun, we have lots of it now, and we have many different shades of red heart yarn.  Like fuzzy yarns, we have some!  Come and join us next Wednesday and pick out something for you to work on at church or at home. 

I wanted to mention that we have been blessed to have an angel among us.  Helon has a friend, Mildred, an 86 year old woman who makes children’s sweaters.  She buys all her own yarn, designs and knits these amazing sweaters.  Each year the proceeds of the sale go to a charity and this year we were designated as the one!  We would love to thank her with two things.  First, we have a card which you can sign.  If you did not get a chance this week, we will hold it until next Wednesday. Also, we would love to have everyone chip in just a few dollars to help send her a Michael’s gift card.  What she does is so generous and gracious that we truly would love to give back a portion.  Would you please consider chipping in some funds?  This does not have to be big, just a thank you gift.  You may get the funds to me anytime, or at the meeting next Wednesday (last day for collection please) or give me a reply and we will make connections.  If you see Helon you may get the funds to her as well.  A big thanks to Helon for making this all possible.  You are truly a blessing to us.

I am attaching a few patterns for you to look over.  I have another meeting tonight at 7pm so I will send out the full prayer list later on.  Until then, stay warm, keep knitting or crocheting and be blessed.

Dana

Prayer Shawl Ministry Update

Well, Happy January to all and I do hope you will be able to enjoy this beautiful day before we are all trapped inside for a while.  Good news – we live in the south and it will warm up again soon, melting all the snow.  Extra good news – we can crochet or knit all day long and not feel guilty! Bonus for us!

Next, we will be meeting this Wednesday if the snow is not bad.  I do hope you can join us.  We have lots of new yarn and colors to play with. If you need a home delivery, please let me know.  Because we did not have communion in December, we do have quite a nice supply of shawls and blankets in our closet.  If you know of someone in need, just let me know and we will get you what you need, and deliver it for you if you would prefer.  Our next communion is the end of January.  We will need some volunteers to help place the shawls on the altar rails at 7:45am, 8:30-8:45am, 10:30-10:45am, and remove any leftovers after the 11 service ends. Please let me know if you are available.

I am so proud of the work you are doing for God’s glory.  Keep up the good work, whether it is crochet, knit, deliveries, supplying yarn, or simply praying for our concerns. Every part is essential to God’s plan and for His sake.  Be blessed.  I will send out another email within the week with new patterns to try out.  Until then, be well, stay warm and stay safe.

In Christ,

Dana