AllFreeCrochet and AllFreeKnitting is proud to announce that we are partnering with Rush Medical Center’s Prayer Shawls at Rush initiative for a charity drive September 7 to October 5, 2015.
By knitting or crocheting a shawl for someone in need, you will be helping to provide a bit of comfort to those who need it most. The shawls often provide the patient warmth and a sense of an embrace when they need it most. Something so simple, is often the brightest thing that has happened for the patient in some time, as many have often driven from great distances and have nothing comforting from home with them.
You can learn more about the history of the prayer shawl in our recent blog post “Comfort with Crochet Prayer Shawls” and at shawlministry.com.
We visited Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Ill. to learn more about this wonderful cause. Check out a video below to learn more about Prayer Shawls at Rush including who gets the donated shawls, and how you can help:
How you can you 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 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 aren’t requiring a certain size, color or shape. Just make sure that the shawl is big enough to wrap around the shoulders of someone who may be sitting in a wheelchair or laying in a hospital bed. Men and women will receive these shawls, so keep that in mind if you’re stuck for 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 do any pattern you’d like – but just in case you needed a little extra inspiration, check out these two wonderful knit and crochet prayer shawls.
Be sure to also check out AllFreeCrochet’s free eBook, Free Crochet Prayer Shawls, for even more free pattern inspiration!
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 the 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, too.
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 Them:
We will be collecting all donated shawls at our offices in Northbrook, IL and personally delivering them to Rush Medical Center in Chicago, IL. Please have your handmade prayer shawls delivered 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 October 5th, 2015.
What’s In It For YOU?
Of course, you’ll get that wonderful feeling of by donating something to charity and helping someone in need. But we’re also offering an exciting prize donated by our friends at Red Heart Yarns, a giveaway worth more than $100! Send us a homemade prayer shawl, either knit or crochet, and you’ll be automatically entered to this fabulous gift pack.
Rules:
We really couldn’t have made this easier. Knit or crochet a shawl, big enough to comfort someone, 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 to 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.
- Contest open to US/Canada residents age 18+ only.
- No shawl to make but still want to enter to win the Red Heart Gift Basket? Just send us a note to our postal address above with your name and address.
Share your favorite comforting quote or thought below, we’d like to share them with everyone!
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If at all possible I will crochet a shawl. However, I have just done three for our church and I have two great grand babies with showers by October 10. I will try, but I can’t promise. Will there be another time that I can send a shawl? I am sure that this is a worthy cause.
Please let me know if I can do one at another time. Thank you.
Jeanne Heffington
Jean: thank you for thinking of us. Not to worry if you’re not able to complete your project by 10/5. We accept shawls all year long! You are welcome to send them directly to us after drive is complete.
If USPostal Svc:
Section of Palliative Care
Rush University Medical Center
1653 West Congress Parkway
Kellog Building, Suite 1125
Chicago IL 60612
Or if using UPS/FedEx/anything requiring signature:
Section of Palliative Care
Rush University Medical Center
711 South Paulina Street
Chicago IL 60612
Thank you for letting us know that we can send them anytime or the year. Sometimes our heart is in the right place but due to previous commitments time is not always available.
That makes so much sense! There is no time limit on good intentions 🙂 We hope this project can help you feel good and not add more pressure to our already stressful and busy lives 🙂
–Susan
Thanks so much for this information! I wanted so much to do this, but time got away from me with other commitments. I may no get to it until after Christmas, but I do plan to make some – I already have the yarn! Again, thanks for the address, and I wish you much success with the prayer shawl charity drive!
Thank you so much! It has already been a huge success and we haven’t even gotten through all of the donations yet. Everyone’s generosity is far exceeding our expectations and we are so grateful.
Susan
Thanks for the chance to with. This beautiful yarn!
If I knew how to knit or crochet I would love to donat. Any sugestions how I could learn for. Free
If you have a yarn shop near you, they may have one night a week to learn to knit or crochet and then attend just to gab while working on your project OR go to Youtube and look up how to crochet/knit….so helpful
Go to youtube and watch videos on how to crochet. Also, The Crochet Crowd has good videios.
go to the local library. they some times have classes
I taught myself how to knit & crochet by watching videos on YouTube with my needles on hand to follow. You can stop, rewind, rewatch as often as you like 🙂
Do a search for Beginning crochet YouTube and you will find multiple videos on crocheting. Hope you are able to learn by watching. It is a wonderful hobby and you will be able to provide warmth to many people.
I taught myself how to crochet from videos on Youtube. I watched videos from Crochet Guru (https://www.youtube.com/user/CrochetGuru) and they were extremely helpful.
You can find loads of video tutorials on YouTube for both knitting and crochet. Some people find crochet easier, some people think knitting has too many things to manipulate. Ask around your friends, neighbors, senior center or community center, there is almost certainly someone you know that knows how to knit or crochet that you are not aware of who can help you. JoAnn’s, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby and Ben Franklin often have free classes to learn too! Good Luck!
I am teaching a lady how to crochet at the senior center that I go to. We meet once a week and mostly work on our quilts. But we also crochet and knit when the mood strikes.
I’m sure if you contact your local senior center you will find a group of nice ladies that do different kinds of needle work. Crochet, knitting, quilting embroidery etc.
You will probably be able to find someone who will get you started.
Thanks for the idea!
You can look up how to’s on youtube for visual aide in learning or you can google how to’s for written instructions. once u know how its easier than it seems. Good luck!!
I learned by watching you tube vidoes. Good luck
Feel free to also check our AllFreeCrochet’s YouTube channel for lots of great free video tutorials! https://www.youtube.com/user/AllFreeCrochet
You can find videos on you tube to learn to crochet or knit. I like very much the learn to crochet videos by Mikey on you tube. He makes very good videos. You could be crocheting a prayer shawl in no time at all by watching the how to crochet videos.
We have several groups here in Wichita, KS that are open to any and all.
There are groups meeting in many of the churches…membership not required…also a free group meeting at the public library….had a very nice article about them in our local newspaper this week…. so to find ASK…people at the businesses that have yarn for sale… even those shopping ….
we are loving the people that have found our group….
Linda in KS
YouTube has lots of crochet channels for beginners.
I belong to a small group that makes Prayer Shawls for our church’s ministry to shut-ins and the elderly.
That sounds like a wonderful group you have going on. If you’re looking to reach a larger audience please think of us over at Rush in Chicago!
I have been crocheting lap robes for our Wounded Warriors for several years.
I thought when I saw the email I received, I would send a few lap robes to this organization. These people are just as important. I also send hats, gloves, etc to “Warm Up America. So if anyone is interested, the items are sent to those in cold climates here in the United States.
Wow Jean-it sounds like you have been helping a lot of people over the years through your craft and our patients will certainly be grateful too. Keep up the amazing work.
-Susan
Need a project . Thank you .!
our church makes these for people in hospitals and nursing homes.we could use more material.
That sounds like a wonderful group you already have. I hope you might win some of the prize packs to help keep you going.
I am looking forward to knitting a Shawl for a recipient of your Project. What a great idea!!! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to help someone with a skill I know. Cynthia Oliver
We so look forward to your contribution. We and our patients are very appreciative. You can feel confident that whatever you make will go directly to a patient of their family and be a tangible way for them to feel the extra care that’s coming from all over the community.
A dear friend of mine has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer and I crocheted her a prayer shawl to comfort her during her painful days and to keep her warm when she gets chilled. I love working with the Unforgettable yarns and purple is her favorite color. I also made her a matching cowl scarf to keep her neck warm when the weather gets cooler. When creating the shawl and cowl scarf, I said prayers for her to be healed and to have less pain and discomfort.
Thank you for sharing your story. It sounds like your gift to your friend was so thoughtful and made with such care and love. We hope we can provide some of that to our patients.
I work for St John Providence In Detroit Michigan we have been doing Prayer Shawls for 6 years volunteer that are staff about 12 of us here at the Hospital and have made almost 1500. We could use some help to continue to provide for our Palliative Care and Hospice Patients. Our pt families seem to say Oh that’s my mother/father’s favorite color and then they cry. I wish we could provide for each one of our Palliative patients.
Our card
states
“This Prayer Shawl was made for you, with hope for your swift recovery and complete healing in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ. May it warm you when you are chilled and comfort you when you are feeling down. And my God bless you with His healing touch. With Love and Blessings The Prayer Shawl Ministry of St John Hospital and Medical Center. Detroit Michigan
Beautiful! Can you give me the address? I love to crochet for a meaningful cause. I will make as many as I can & send them your way.
Carol
czk39@oh.rr.com
Carol,
Here is the address to send your shawls:
Prime Publishing, LLC
Attn: Prayer Shawls for Charity
3400 Dundee Road, Suite #220
Northbrook, IL 60062
6 years! 1500 shawls! What an amazing accomplishment and industrious group. Would be great to hear more about your group since our group at Rush is in it’s infancy.
You can message us through our website
http://prayershawls.wix.com/prayershawlsatrush
Or facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/prayershawlsatrush
Your group sounds wonderful. I love the prayer card you give with each shawl.
Thank you!
Thank you for this wonderfully beautiful way to give someone a little comfort.
The best way to learn how to crochet and knit for free, try you tube.
What a wonderful idea. Look forward to doing this!
Can I donate more than one?
Yes, feel free to donate as many as you want! 🙂
I will send one soon. I make them for my local cancer center and usually have a prayer shawl on my needles.
You asked us to include a comforting quote: “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Thank you so much Jean. It sounds like you have already provided so much warmth and comfort to people in your community and we are appreciative that you would think of us as well.
-Susan
I spent a month in the hospital recovering after a car accident on 9/1/11. I spent several months in a wheelchair before I could even attempt to learn how to walk again. I started crocheting afghans as gifts soon after my accident. I would love to make a prayer shawl for your organization. Thank you for the opportunity.
Thank you for sharing your story. We welcome your meaningful contribution.
–Susan
This is great! I’m already knitting a shawl, using Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable in Candied! I was taking a small break, and went back to working on my grandsons crochet afghan for his big boy bed, but I can hardly say no to a good cause!!!
It sounds like you have a lot of knitting on your plate already and we’re grateful for the time you can devote to our group.
Susan
I have some new yarn that I have yet to find a pattern for. Its wonderful to see you helping those that could use the kindness and I will do my best to make one for them.
Thank you Sasha. We couldn’t do this if it wasn’t for the kindness and generosity (and energy, and talent) of everyone who is making these shawls.
–Susan
I also going to make these, Can I do it in variegated yarns… Also I live in Maryland, would love to find out one here that I can also do..
Yes, variegated yarns are welcome!
Thanks!
What a wonderful project! When my sister was going through cancer treatments a local church regularly made lap blankets with a beautiful message on each one. They came around to the patient rooms & just delivered them. There were so many that people actually could choose a color or style they liked. It really touched my sister Sue’s heart. She passed away 3 years ago & that lap blanket is a treasured memento.
Thank you so much for sharing that personal story Sue. We hope to be able to pass along that level of care and personal attention to the people we care for at Rush.
–susan
I would love to do this. Wher can I get this pattern? I’m not a fast knitting but willing to make it and pray the hold time working on it. Thank you Donna
you can do any pattern you’d like – but just in case you needed a little extra inspiration, check out these two wonderful knit and crochet prayer shawls:
http://www.stitchandunwind.com/free-crochet-prayer-shawl/
http://www.stitchandunwind.com/free-knit-prayer-shawl-pattern/
Thanks!
I am just learning.Thank-you for
I have been the recipient of a prayer shawl and can only say it is such a wonderful thing to wrap it around me and feel the love and warmth in it. I shall try to have one done in time for you to receive it. Can you use it if it is late? I sure hope so.
Jay,
Rush University Medical Center accepts shawl donations year-round. You can send shawls directly to the hospital at any time! In order to enter to win the Red Heart giveaway, you must mail your shawls by Oct 5. to Prime Publishing’s office in Northbrook. Hope this helps!
Thanks!
Jay: thank you for thinking of us. We accept shawls all year long! You are welcome to send them directly to us after drive is complete.
If USPostal Svc:
Section of Palliative Care
Rush University Medical Center
1653 West Congress Parkway
Kellog Building, Suite 1125
Chicago IL 60612
Or if using UPS/FedEx/anything requiring signature:
Section of Palliative Care
Rush University Medical Center
711 South Paulina Street
Chicago IL 60612
—
Susan
What a wonderful double-sided give away! Love is sometimes tangible and touchable, which we found staying at Ronald McDonald Houses.
That is so true Suzanne. We hope to give something tangible and beautiful to our patients and families to hold on to during times of great stress and loss.
Susan
I have been crocheting for m-a-n-y years and I am stumped. This question is for the purple, white and navy shawl. I have tried for two days to make line two work and I am just about ready to tear it out and find another shawl to crochet. My first row ends with 5 single crochets and I can fix that if necessary. But no matter what I do, the instructions do not match the stitches available. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.
I, myself am digressing (I don’t know what word to use) with the fight of cancer. I was in a swap group on Ravelry. One of the things that was sent to me from my swap partner was a Prayer Shawl. I can tell you all from a person who is receiving Palliative Care’s point of view, I could “FEEL” the prayers that went into making that shawl. The tears I have put into that Shawl just brings the Prayers to the top.
For as long as I can, I will be making Prayer Shawls for my fellow cancer Sisters and Brothers. This helps me to forget, if only a moment, that I am not well. I can no longer get out of my house to go around and pass them out personally. I want to send the BIGGEST {{{{{{HUG}}}}}} to Stitch and Unwind for putting this donation in progress. I also send a THANK YOU to everyone who takes time to care.
There is a “Knitters Prayer” if anyone doesn’t have a Prayer to use.
Thank YOU for your kind thoughts!
Wow Judy, thank you for sharing your perspective and generosity. Hearing first hand from you and knowing that these shawls are meaningful is so important.
Susan
I would love to make a shawl and send but I have 2 baby blankets in the works. But I will surely try to make one I am a nurse by trade.
Thank you for thinking of us Demetria. I can imagine that you already provide much care and comfort to the people you care for as a nurse.
Susan
I would love to have the extra yarn to make some prayer shawls to give to some elder ladies in my church. I am a teacher and work with the youth at our church.
I have made 4 wheelchair covers these are for people in my church that I concsider church family. Therre legs are cold and need more protection.
I have also made 4 shawls for our church family who are going through a rough time in their life and could use a hug. We get them blessed by or pastor.
I have also made baby blankets and booties for our hospital here calles St. Mary Mary Medical Center in Langhorne,PA
Thank you
It sounds like you are very productive! We certainly have people with chilly legs in Chicago too and they will benefit from the warmth of these shawls and blankets.
–Susan
i love make new shawls for my friends.
pluse i make rugs,and baby booties,hats,foe the sids kids in melbourne.
I bought the yarn used in the pattern because I loved the colour. I have knitted half a ball and am very disappoined because it is not knitting up like the picture. Could you please advise the yarn used in the picture of this shawl
Thank you.
I work in Palatine n would like to physically drop off a few prayer shawls close to the deadline, save on shipping costs. Is there a timeframe or someone I should ask for? Thanks
That’s wonderful- thank you! Anytime between 8-5 is great, Monday through Thursday. You can ask for Jenny Benoit, but I don’t HAVE to be here in order for you to drop it off– Anyone at the office can take it 🙂
Thanks again!
I’m new to knitting (just finished my first baby blanket!) I won’t be able to send a shawl this time, but would like to get involved with knitting for a good cause.
Rhonda: thank you for thinking of us. We accept shawls all year long! You are welcome to send them directly to us after drive is complete.
If USPostal Svc:
Section of Palliative Care
Rush University Medical Center
1653 West Congress Parkway
Kellog Building, Suite 1125
Chicago IL 60612
Or if using UPS/FedEx/anything requiring signature:
Section of Palliative Care
Rush University Medical Center
711 South Paulina Street
Chicago IL 60612
Since my 20’s I was very fortunate to have individuals help me personally when it worked with their schedule. Thank you for providing other mediums now so that I can continue to produce beautiful projects that are practical for others.
Thank you for your generosity and giving nature Mrs Randell.
–Susan
Is there a local chapter I could donate to? I live in California. If not I would still love to participate although I may not be able to meet your deadline this time around.
Maria: thank you for thinking of us.
Here is a link where you can find groups in your state.
http://www.shawlministry.com/link_map.htm
Not to worry if you’re not able to complete your project by 10/5. We accept shawls all year long! You are welcome to send them directly to us after drive is complete.
If USPostal Svc:
Section of Palliative Care
Rush University Medical Center
1653 West Congress Parkway
Kellog Building, Suite 1125
Chicago IL 60612
Or if using UPS/FedEx/anything requiring signature:
Section of Palliative Care
Rush University Medical Center
711 South Paulina Street
Chicago IL 60612
Just mailed a prayer shawl to you today! Thanks for opportunity!
Thank you so much!
-Susan
I have made pillow cases for con kerr cancer, this is my first for shawl’s. found a wonderful pattern. Hope who ever receives it enjoys it as much as I enjoyed making it. Started it in Florida, finished it in Texas, helping my daughter recover from surgery, so it has traveled a lot of miles…
Thank you Nancy. I’m sure whoever gets your beautiful shawl will love it. We take care of people from all over Illinois, some of Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin so maybe your shawl will have continued travels.
–Susan
Thank you for inviting me to participate in this great charity event. I sent two prayer shawls yesterday by UPS for the patients at Rush University Medical Center to the requested address. I have been making prayer shawls for men and women for 2 yrs now. It is my ministry of comfort to those who need to know that someone cares. I pray that each time they wrap these shawls around themselves they will feel the presence of God and know that they are loved. It is so rewarding to give these shawls to those who are very ill or struggling with various issues and just need to know that someone cares and are praying for their healing. I sent one blue man’s prayer shawl and one dusty rose lady’s prayer shaw. They are scheduled for delivery to you on Monday, 9/28/2015.
Every stitch made in prayer and love.
Georgia Strain
Fort Worth, TX
Goylady@att.net
Thank you so much for your generosity Georgia. We are very grateful.
-Susan
A very special thanks to all free crochet for letting us know about this on September 28th. I don’t have time to buy yarn, let alone make a shawl. Sorry everyone. Let me know if you do this again.
Susan: thank you for thinking of us. We accept shawls all year long at Rush independent of the drive! You are welcome to send them directly to us after drive is complete or whenever you wish.
If USPostal Svc:
Section of Palliative Care
Rush University Medical Center
1653 West Congress Parkway
Kellog Building, Suite 1125
Chicago IL 60612
Or if using UPS/FedEx/anything requiring signature:
Section of Palliative Care
Rush University Medical Center
711 South Paulina Street
Chicago IL 60612
Do you also accept lapghans? I have three of them ready to give. Thanks for a reply.
We certainly would happily accept your lapghans. Thank you for thinking of us.
–Susan
Hello,
I was amazed at the level of peace that I experienced, as I quickly crocheted two Prayer Shawls for this Charity event. The shawls were mailed today, and should arrive by the 10/5/2015 deadline.
Thank you so much Frances. We always hope that making the shawl can be as rewarding as giving and receiving the shawl.
Susan
My little granddaughter started me into a shawl ministry a few years ago and mine are usually given to people who are prayed for from first cast on, but I just happen to have one that I made, trying out a new pattern, that needs a person. Will mail on Monday. Thank you.
Thank you so much for thinking of us Mari.
–Susan
I decided I’d try my hand at crocheting a prayer shawl, which I had never done before. I printed & tried to make the one shown in purple & navy. I tried twice to get the 3rd row right, never did. So I found another
one that was up my alley. I ended up using several colors. I was really pleased on how it turned out. I
made it after dinner dishes were out of the way & I watched Jeopardy & Wheel of Fortune, relaxing me.
I plan on making one next year.
Is the prayer shawl project still continuing after the October 2015 deadline? I just found out about it this Nov 2015. Do you still in need of shawls? What width and length? What size for men? Do men like the shawls?
Hi Sandra,
While we at Stitch & Unwind are no longer collecting prayer shawls, you can mail them directly to Rush at:
Section of Palliative Care
Rush University Medical Center
1653 West Congress Parkway
Kellog Building, Suite 1125
Chicago IL 60612
The shawl patterns included here are designed to fit both women and men, and men do also have use for the shawls. Thanks for reading!