Prayer Shawl Ministry | Review

Last month when I asked what eBook you would like me to review (and host a Giveaway for) next, many of you asked for Prayer Shawls – so this month I have selected the following two eBooks to review:

• The Prayer Shawl Ministry – Reaching Those in Need (Lion Brand Yarn Company)
• The Prayer Shawl Ministry – Volume 2 (Lion Brand Yarn Company)

What I truly love about this month’s pick – other than the obvious – the generosity of those making the Prayer Shawls and Friendship Shawls – is that this month’s pick includes both Crochet and Knit Designs! So if you have a friend who is a Knitter you may want to let them know about this Review and Giveaway too 🙂

Book 1:

Title: The Prayer Shawl Ministry – Reaching Those in Need; Lion Brand Yarn
Publisher: Leisure Arts, Inc.
ISBN: 1-57486-591-9

This heart-warming eBook begins with the section A Tangible Evidence of Prayer and outlines how different Religious Groups choose to assemble and create Prayer Shawls for their chosen recipients. All agree the act of creating and donating a shawl to someone in need is rewarding to both the recipient and the person who created the shawl.

“Over the centuries, shawls have come to symbolize shelter, peace, and spiritual sustenance”

direct quote from The Prayer Shawl Ministry, and Lion Brand Yarn Company

The next section of The Prayer Shawl Ministry includes letters Lion Brand Yarn Company has received from Prayer Shawl Recipients and Prayer Shawl Knitters and Crocheters – each with a extremely moving and touching story. You can read additional letters of Hope and Healing, or share your own story on the Lion Brand Website.

On page 12 we learn about how to choose your Lion Brand Homespun Yarn Colours and the traditional meanings of these colours. Also included are the birthstone colours for another option on how to decide which colour yarn you should use for your shawls.

From pages 14 to 20 a selection of Prayers for different occasions have been included – as well as recommendations on how to prepare for the process of making the Shawl. Included in this section are the following:

• Before Working The Shawl
• While Creating a Shawl For Healing
• For The Distressed
• For Those Who Mourn
• For Those Who Travel Or Move Away
• A Jewish Shawl Blessing
• For A New Baby
• For a Graduate
• For Newlyweds

The Prayer Shawls really do make a difference – to both the giver and the receiver. Whether you crochet them with official words of prayer and blessing, or with your own silent wishes, for love, peace and comfort. These Shawls will make gorgeous gifts that are sure to provide comfort and surround the recipient with your love and best wishes.

Crochet Shawl Patterns Included:

• Rectangle Stole (30″ x 72″)
• Small Throw (40″ x 52″)
• Triangular Shawl (65″ x 33″)
• Wide Scarf (18″ x 72″)

Knit Shawl Patterns Included:

• Rectangle Stole (34″ x 72″)
• Small Throw (41.5″ x 54″)
• Triangular Shawl (65″ x 33″)
• Wide Scarf (18″ x 72″)

Each pattern is written using American Crochet / Knit Terms and the difficulty levels are all listed as EASY. The projects all appear to be very straightforward – diagrams are included where needed (i.e. showing how to make a fringe, etc.) and the stitch pattern repeats will make the projects work up quite quickly.

An example of a Prayer Shawl Journal is included on page 36; followed by General Instructions (p 38), Abbreviation (p 38), Gauge (p 38), Basic Crochet Stitches & Techniques (p 39) and Basic Knit Stitches & Techniques (p 41).

The Shawl pictured on the front cover of The Prayer Shawl Ministry, Reaching Those in Need – Crochet Wide Scarf is available for free on the Lion Brand Yarn website. They also link to a free Knit Pattern for a Prayer Shawl / Healing Shawl.

Other resources available from Lion Brand Yarn include printable Prayer Shawl Cards, Suggested Messages and Do’s and Don’ts for your messages in your cards.

Book 2:

Title: The Prayer Shawl Ministry Volume 2; Lion Brand Yarn
Publisher: Leisure Arts, Inc.
ISBN: 13: 978-1-60140-856-3, 10: 1-60140-856-0

The second eBook in the series includes even more stories, Prayers and shawl designs for inspiration. Lion Brand also makes note of a new movement called FriendshipShawl.org created by The Warm Up America! Foundation. Similar to Prayer Shawls, Friendship Shawls are crocheted, or knitted for those in need – to commemorate a special event, offer comfort and moral support or simply to celebrate friendship.

Volume 2 begins with reflection on how the Shawls are Still Reaching Those In Need and examples of Letters to Lion Brand (which are so very touching! I suggest you have tissue ready if you read this section). Pages 14-18 include additional Prayers you may wish to recite when you are creating your Shawls.

Homespun Yarn is explored next in more than 50 beautiful colours.

Knit Shawl Patterns Included:

• Garter Stitch Shawl (24″ x 60″) – BEGINNER
• Cabled Shawl (24″ x 60″) – EASY
• Chevron Shawl (22″ x 68″) – EASY
• Lacy Shawl (32″ x 62″) – EASY

Crochet Shawl Patterns Included:

• Open Mesh Shawl (20″ x 72″) -BEGINNER
• Wave Shawl (22″ x 68″) – EASY
• Lacework Shawl (35″ x 66″) – EASY
• Elegant Shawl (25″ x 73″) – INTERMEDIATE

Additional Letters to Lion Brand are included within the pattern pages.

Next we are introduced to Friendship Shawls and we receive 2 additional patterns.

Crochet Friendship Shawl Pattern:

• Granny Square Shawl (19″ x 61″) – EASY

Knit Friendship Shawl Pattern:

• Diamond Shawl (72″ at widest point) – INTERMEDIATE

The General Instructions are included next (Abbreviations, Gauge and Terms). Hints are also included here (p 40). Then Basic Crochet Stitches and Techniques followed by Basic Knit Stitches and Techniques.

Each pattern is written using American Crochet / Knit Terms and the difficulty levels range from Beginner to Intermediate. Diagrams are included where needed. The patterns are presented in a very straightforward manner.

Both publications include some very easy to follow patterns for both Crocheters and Knitters. I like how Volume 2 presents designs with more detail and variety – as well as introduces us to the Friendship Shawls.

Enter below for a chance to win your own copy of The Prayer Shawl Ministry, Reaching Those in Need and The Prayer Shawl Ministry, Volume 2:

This Giveaway is open worldwide where allowed by law.

Start Date: July 7, 2015, 12:00 am ET
End Date: July 13, 2015, 11:59 pm ET

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you are not the lucky winner of the giveaway and you would like to purchase your own copies of The Prayer Shawl Ministry, Reaching Those in Need and The Prayer Shawl Ministry, Volume 2, you can get them directly from Leisure Arts:

I’d like to thank Leisure Arts, Inc. for providing me with review copies of The Prayer Shawl Ministry, Reaching Those in Need and The Prayer Shawl Ministry, Volume 2 and for the giveaway copies for my readers!

All images are used with permission from Leisure Arts, Inc. For more information about Leisure Arts, Inc. visit their website, Facebook or Twitter!