For the second year in a row, AllFreeCrochet and AllFreeKnitting are proud to announce we are partnering with Rush University Medical Center’s Prayer Shawls at Rush initiative for a charity drive November 7 to December 5, 2016.
By knitting or crocheting a shawl for someone in need, you will be helping provide a bit of comfort to those who need it most. The shawls often provide the patient warmth and a comforting embrace during difficult times. Something so simple can be the brightest thing that has happened for the patient in some time, as many have often driven from great distances for treatment and have nothing comforting from home with them.
You can learn more about the history of the prayer shawl in our blog post “Comfort with Crochet Prayer Shawls” and at shawlministry.com.
We were fortunate enough to visit Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL to learn more about this wonderful cause. Check out a video below to learn more about Prayer Shawls at Rush, including who receives the donated shawls, and how you can help:
How You Can Help:
This is the part we know you’ll enjoy… either knit or crochet a shawl and send it our way! As you’re working, think warm thoughts or say your favorite prayer. Your hard work will have a comforting and lasting effect on the recipient, because your prayers and thoughts of healing are woven into the fibers of the shawl.
Knit or Crochet Shawl Requirements:
- We do not require a certain size, color or shape. Just make sure the shawl is big enough to wrap around the shoulders of someone who may be sitting in a wheelchair or lying in a hospital bed. Men and women will receive these shawls, so keep that in mind if you’re stuck on color choices.
- Do your best to avoid wool and other exotic yarns, as these may cause allergic reactions. Cotton and acrylic yarns are recommended.
- Attach a short note with a warm thought or prayer. Many of the patients like to know who made the shawl for them, so please be sure to add your first name and where you’re from.
Need Inspiration?
Our friends Marie Segares and Jessica Anderson have generously donated two exclusive full patterns that will work beautifully for this charity drive. Of course, you can work up any pattern you’d like – but just in case you need a little extra inspiration, check out these two wonderful knit and crochet prayer shawls below.
Be sure to also check out AllFreeCrochet’s free eBook, Free Crochet Prayer Shawls, for even more free pattern inspiration!
And, if you’re feeling extra charitable, don’t miss AllFreeKnitting’s “Knitting for Charity: 23 Free Hat Patterns” collection.
Crochet Prayer Shawl Pattern
This crochet prayer shawl by Marie Segares features an easy to memorize stitch repeat, so you’ll be able to concentrate on healing thoughts as you work. Choose any color combination you think would be a comfort to the recipient. The rectangular shape makes this an easy-to-customize shawl.
Knit Prayer Shawl Pattern
Written by Jessica Anderson, this knit prayer shawl pattern features a triangular shape that works up quickly. If you use a self-striping yarn, the pattern is lively and fun. The unique sections of textural stitches not only add interest, they also give you a chance to change up your thoughts, thus weaving more than one good vibe into the fibers of the shawl.
Where to Send Your Shawl:
We will be collecting all donated shawls at our offices in Northbrook, IL and personally delivering them to Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL. Please send your handmade prayer shawls to:
Prime Publishing LLC
Attn: Prayer Shawls for Charity
3400 Dundee Road, Suite 220
Northbrook, IL 60062
Shawls need to be postmarked no later than December 5th, 2016.
What’s In It For YOU?
Of course, you’ll get that wonderful feeling by donating something to charity and helping someone in need. But, we’re also offering an exclusive yarn bundle featuring various skeins of yarn and knit and crochet books! Send us a homemade prayer shawl, either knit or crochet, and you’ll be automatically entered to win this fabulous prize.
Rules:
We really couldn’t have made it easier! Knit or crochet a shawl, big enough to comfort someone, and weave a few warm and healing thoughts into it as you work. Then, box it up and send it to us. The only thing you MUST DO is put a slip of paper/card/giant sign/something INSIDE the box so we know who sent it. Information on the outside of the box does not count!
- Please include your name, address, phone number, and email address with your donation for contest entry.
- Your donation must be postmarked by December 5th, 2016 for contest entry.
- Contest open to US/Canada residents age 18+ only. Void in Puerto Rico, the Province of Quebec and where prohibited.
- No shawl to make but still want to enter to win the exclusive yarn bundle? Answer the question below by leaving a comment on this blog post. Please note that the giveaway begins November 7th – comments will only be considered beginning then.
- There is a maximum of one entry per person. Commenting on this page will enter you for a chance to win the prize. Duplicate comments will be deleted and will not be tallied.
- The winner will be contacted by the e-mail address provided in their account. Please do NOT leave your e-mail address in the comments – you already provided it when you created your account.
- You have until December 5th, 2016 at 11:59 pm CST to leave your comment on this post. Comments submitted after the deadline will not be counted.
What is your favorite comforting quote or thought?
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Does it have to be these patterns? I found one I wanted to make here:
http://thecrochetcrowd.com/linked-shell-shawl/
Hi Virginia,
You are free to use whichever pattern you please.
Thanks!
Be the Change you want to see in the World…
Even one step forward can lead to big results.
This, too, shall pass.
God does not give you more than you can handle
My hands won’t let me knit or crochet, but my favorite comforting quote for patients is from the Bible at Isaiah 33:24-“And no resident will say ‘I am sick.’ ” I hope this feels like a loving hug to someone who is down.
With your quote and my ability to crochet we will team up… I will send a prayer shawl in your s and my name!
Susan Sullivan..
Okay Shirley I have sent a prayer shawl in your name and my name…I hope you check this and know that I did this… God bless
“At first I was a victim, then I was a warrior. Now I am a gardener.”
I crochet prayer shawls on a regular basis. Some are donated to a local women’s ministry and other I give to individuals that are in need. It has and continues to be very meaningful for me. Until I started crocheting again a couple of years ago, I had not crocheted in 40 years.
I would encourage everyone to try. It has been a blessing to me.
Carole T.
There is power in prayer.
Isaiah 40:31~ But those that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
With God all things are possible.
God does not comfort us to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters.”
~John Henry Jowett~
I’m not much for words. I just know that God doesn’t give you a bigger cross than you can bare. 🙂
“LET GO AND LET GOD”
Never run back to what broke you.
Due to finances sadly I cannot do a shawl this time but hopefully next year Somehow there is a wonderful feeling that goes with making things for people you will never meet that will get the things you make with love hoping they will enjoy using them as much as you enjoy making them……I donate locally so I say this from the heart I wish everyone the best of luck and yes, through God all things ARE possible
If you send more than one shawl, do each have to be sent separately or can they be in the same box?
Hi Merryann,
The shawls can all be sent in one box.
Thank you!
Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light. – Raymond Edman
Psalm 23
There’s no reason to be afraid because The Heavenly Father cares and protects you.
Beautiful prayer shawls.. I haven’t crocheted or knitted in years, I’ll have to get some yarn and try one of them!
The Serenity Prayer
The Lord is my shepherd, i shall not want.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
AMEN….
I have so many it’s hard to choose one.
No weapon formed against me shall prosper. Isaiah 54:17
Looks as if I might be the first (real) commenter, although the others have been inspirational. I work too slowly to produce a shawl by December 5, so I will send good wishes this way. I will start a shawl, however, and perhaps I can send it in when I (finally) finish it.
Hi Diana,
If you finish your shawl after December 5th, feel free to send it directly to Prayer Shawls at Rush.
If using USPS:
Section of Palliative Care
Rush University Medical Center
c/o Erin Bagwell
1653 West Congress Parkway
Kellogg Building, Suite 1125
Chicago IL 60612
If using UPS/FedEx/anything requiring signature:
Section of Palliative Care
Rush University Medical Center
c/o Erin Bagwell
711 South Paulina Street
Chicago IL 60612
Thank you!
This too shall pass.
Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet leaves on the heel that crushed it.
Hi….just found you, & would love to contribute, but see your drive runs out the end of the year. If you continue for 2017 I would love to help out. I have been crocheting prayer shawls for my church’s ministry for over 15 years.
My favorite verse which carried me through 4 years of dealing with my husband’s cancer journey & death is 1 Peter 5:10.God DOES restore & strengthen you.
Blessings to all.
Hi Glenda,
If you finish your shawl after December 5th, feel free to send it directly to Prayer Shawls at Rush.
If using USPS:
Section of Palliative Care
Rush University Medical Center
c/o Erin Bagwell
1653 West Congress Parkway
Kellogg Building, Suite 1125
Chicago IL 60612
If using UPS/FedEx/anything requiring signature:
Section of Palliative Care
Rush University Medical Center
c/o Erin Bagwell
711 South Paulina Street
Chicago IL 60612
Thank you!
In God all things are possible.
“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you”
He walks with me and He talks with me. He tells me I am his own.
Do not worry about anything. Phil 4:6
Let LOVE conquer ALL!
Love to win yarn!
I love when people come together with such wonderful works as this. God bless each and everyone of you.
“May God always hold you in the palm of His hand.”
May God bless you and comfort you
My favorite saying is from the movie-” It’s A Wonderful Life” : ” No man is a failure who has friends”. I truly believe this! Friends- true friends!- are comforting- just like these beautiful shawls!
With God, all things are possible
Psalm 23 – Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for You are at my side…
We are a Church Ministry that make prayer shawls and would like to donate a box of them to you.
We are not interested in being included in winning the yarn package. Is this feasible and do you accept prayer shawls all year long or only for this time period. I would love to call and speak to someone about this.
Thank you
Joyce Costello
Hi Joyce,
We would love to receive a box of donated shawls! Thank you so much in advance! Our office is only collecting shawls through December 5th, but Prayer Shawls at Rush accepts them all year long.
If you finish your shawl after December 5th, feel free to send it directly to Prayer Shawls at Rush.
If using USPS:
Section of Palliative Care
Rush University Medical Center
c/o Erin Bagwell
1653 West Congress Parkway
Kellogg Building, Suite 1125
Chicago IL 60612
If using UPS/FedEx/anything requiring signature:
Section of Palliative Care
Rush University Medical Center
c/o Erin Bagwell
711 South Paulina Street
Chicago IL 60612
Thank you and please let me know if you have any other questions!
thanks for the great giveaway
Will you take them after Dec 5 if the contest prize isn’t important?
Hi dusty111,
If you finish your shawl after December 5th, feel free to send it directly to Prayer Shawls at Rush.
If using USPS:
Section of Palliative Care
Rush University Medical Center
c/o Erin Bagwell
1653 West Congress Parkway
Kellogg Building, Suite 1125
Chicago IL 60612
If using UPS/FedEx/anything requiring signature:
Section of Palliative Care
Rush University Medical Center
c/o Erin Bagwell
711 South Paulina Street
Chicago IL 60612
Thank you!
What beautiful prayer shawl. I love the look of them and they look comfortable. Beautiful.
I recently had to resign as a healthcare provider due to a serious medical condition. The transition has not been easy. Crocheting is therapy and donating the finished pieces to others makes my situation bearable. I am happy to help others as a very dear friend has helped me. Each stitch is crocheted with love and prayers.
Awesome thing to do one was given to me after a surgery and I still use it
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord: Psalm 100
I’ve just had hand surgery, so knitting and/or crocheting a shawl before December 5th is extremely unlikely. I have several finished, but none are cotton or acrylic. I WILL send in a shawl or bring one to my local infusion suite before Christmas.
Inspiration: Take comfort in those who take comfort in you. Sharing love and life is the essence, the beauty of our world.
Hi Susan,
If you finish your shawl after December 5th, feel free to send it directly to Prayer Shawls at Rush.
If using USPS:
Section of Palliative Care
Rush University Medical Center
c/o Erin Bagwell
1653 West Congress Parkway
Kellogg Building, Suite 1125
Chicago IL 60612
If using UPS/FedEx/anything requiring signature:
Section of Palliative Care
Rush University Medical Center
c/o Erin Bagwell
711 South Paulina Street
Chicago IL 60612
Thank you!
What a glorious idea our Church (Prince of Peace) also has a prayer shawl group it is a ministry that truly touches the giver as much as the receiver. May God Bless all that prepare and all that receive these beautiful gifts.
Im going to make one for my Aunt. She’s a breast cancer Survivor, now she’s had a stroke. She has always crocheted and quilted but can’t do either now. I know she would love one. Thank you for the patterns. May God bless!
I got a prayer shawl when my mom was in the I-C Unit . My thought then and now is when i am down my prayer shawl will let me get better because I usually pray for health and happiness and to keep going one day at a time. I keep my prayer shawl close buy..
God never leaves you if you obey his words…..
God’s love is everlasting and pure. Think positive thoughts daily. Believe in God and he will give you all you need.
Yes, I will contribute some of my shawls which I had crochet!
I’m very happy to contribute to this. 🙂
Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be. God bless, you all.
I have led a prayer shawl ministry at church for quite a few years. These creations are among the most beautiful and loving gifts that can be given.
I’m not religious but the credo/comfort/thought I live by is; “Everything happens for a reason. It may be hard to find the reason in the darkness, but hang on to your spark. Because a spark can start a fire, which creates the light you need to see thru that darkness…”
Am sending a small shawl and hope that whoever receives it is filled with comfort and warmth by wearing it. I enjoyed making it for someone in need.
Here is a hug to wrap around you, and know that I love you. This is what I will include with each shawl I knit/crochet.
God bless all the recipients and the creaters of the lovely prayer shawls. I make them for my church in Oakbrook Illinois also
God writes straight with crooked lines.
Where there is great love there are always miracles.
– Willa Cather
wondeful!! i am afraid I found this too late, but I will gladly send one!! Wonderful what you do!!
I firmly believe in this ministry as I have done several of these these past few years. I hope to continue in the future. It us certainly a Wonderful ministry. Thanks. Mamie Jones, First Presbyterian Church, Huntsville! Al 35801
What a wonderful ministry. I am a returning crocheted after about 30 years. I was looking for an activity that will challenge my brain and hands as I have multiple sclerosis and I can’t bare the thought of sitting in front of the computer. This will be a great opportunity to develop new skills while doing good. As always I pray for the person I am gifting so this will be a gift to me as well…
“don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” Dr Suess
Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. I will send shawls in the New Year. Unfortunately l have no time right now for anything else. I pray for all and God Bless. Julie
Psalm 41:3 The Lord will sustain him upon his sickbed; In his illness, You restore him to health.
My favorite verse: (partial verse)
They will SOAR on wings like eagles.
Isaiah: 40:31
God is good. All the time.
I left a comment on this page once before when I first found out about the program but I do not see it here. I would just like to know if you received it.
My favorite comforting thought is sitting on a sandy beach by the ocean
Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the worls.
It’s never too late to start a new beginning.
When one door closes, somewhere he opens a window.
What a wonderful thing to do. I’ve never heard of this cause.
There is power in prayer.
Yes,
I was contacted by your office and told that I was the grand prize winner.
I was told over 2 weeks ago that you had mailed it out and I am concerned because it has not arrived yet.
Do you have a tracking number for it I can check to see what is taking so long
Thank you,
Susan Sullivan
I am having problems with row 1.
I chained 233. I have frogged it twice. When I follow the instructions I have had 3 chains leftover both times. Do I need to do 233 + 2? OR am I suppose to just single crochet in the last 3 and turn? I am new to crochet. Is there a video tutorial for the crochet prayer shawl? Thank you.
can u please donate one box to our church.we have member, friends and love one in need. most with cancer, and other sicknesses, just lost my mother n law ,she was 93 wish I had known of this.her homegoing is this Saturday. 2018.my sister in law needs comfort.ive lost six loveone to cancer.and had a brother dealing with colon caner now,