Friday, August 27, 2010

REVIEW: The Crocheted Prayer Shawl Companion

The Crocheted Prayer Shawl Companion
by Janet Bristow & Victoria A. Cole-Galo
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Taunton Press (September 7, 2010)

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The term "prayer shawl" has come to mean many different things to many different people.  To some it's tied to prayer, to others simply about good healing vibes.  It is not necessarily about any particular religious believes, but about the concept of comforting someone in need with a shawl that has been knit or crocheted with love (and those good vibes or prayers, whichever you choose).  Crafters are known to be a generous bunch and shawls are just an extension of that fact.  Chances are if you know someone who is in need of a little comfort, the first thing you do is whip out your needles or hook and some beautiful, soft yarn.

Janet Bristow and Victoria A. Cole-Galo, the founds of The Prayer Shawl Ministry, continue to carry on those sentiments and touch the lives of many through their latest release, The Crocheted Prayer Shawl Companion.  In this follow up to their 2008 best-seller, The Prayer Shawl Companion, Janet and Victoria have once again brought crafters of different faiths and cultures together to showcase 37 beautiful shawl patterns and some heartwarming stories.  The patterns have been designed by everyday crocheters, as well as some celebrity knitwear designers including Nicky Epstein, Mary Beth Temple, Kristen TenDyke, Amy Shelton and Doris Chan. 

A wide range of styles and patterns are offered, ensuring there's a shawl fit for every need.  The majority of the 37 patterns are labeled "easy" with a few advanced beginner and intermediate ones as well.  Instructions are written clearly and the photographs throughout show great detail of the projects.

My personal favorites include:
  • Genevieve's Journey Shawl, a lacy open shawl that really reminds me of the ocean
  • Special Occasion Shawl, a lovely shawl perfect for fall, it even includes two small pockets
  • Gossamer Blossoms Shawl, another lacy shawl crocheted in a mohair blend that gives the fish-net like pattern a little "oompf"
  • Cheer and Victory Shawl, a comforting shawl sure to put a smile on anyone's face, it is edged with daisies
If you enjoying crocheting shawls, you should certainly consider adding The Crocheted Prayer Shawl Companion to your collection!

About the Authors: Janet Bristow and Victoria A. Cole-Galo are authors of the bestselling Prayer Shawl Companion and founders of the Prayer Shawl Ministry. They travel nationwide to conduct shawl ministry workshops. Both women are graduates of the Hartford Seminary’s Women’s Leadership Institute.

6 comments:

SissySees said...

I bought yarn to crochet a shawl last year. Maybe I'll eventually give it a try...

gMarie said...

I love the idea of knitting something with lots of love and good karma knit into it. I often knit socks that way - prayers, maybe. g

WonderWhyGal said...

Great to have a book with patterns. I'll stick to making Kidney Kozies and Lung Lovies...a whole lot more love is put into them. Of course, I'm biased being the daughter of a double lung recipient.

Bubblesknits said...

I wish I had more talent with my crochet hook. le sigh

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! Happy BLOG HOP Weekend. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

Sue said...

I've been experimenting with crochet a little lately, but I don't think I'll ever enjoy it enough to do a whole shawl.

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