We are the knitting, crocheting, and sewing ministry of IPC created to meet people's needs in the name and service of Jesus Christ. You can either join us on the church campus or do your handwork at home. Whether you prefer to work on smaller items like hats and scarves, or the larger items like Prayer Shawls or lap blankets, we welcome your participation. When you are knitting or crocheting for one of our mission projects, we can provide yarn to you free of charge. We also offer free crochet hooks suitable for making the smaller items. Completed articles are donated to children and adults in need, from near to far. From beginners to experts, or somewhere in-between, all are welcome! Many of our regular knitters or crochetiers are excellent and patient teachers if you want to learn.
We offer two options for you:
1) Meet together on the Church Campus:
We meet every Monday (after the Labor Day Holiday in September through June) in the Fireside Alcove from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. During July and August we meet only on the first Monday of the month. We take time during our regular gathering to pray over completed items on the first Monday of each month. We pray for the person who will ultimately receive our gift. We pray for Christ's gift of salvation to grace that person's life and for the Lord to draw the person near in comfort and compassion. Even if you only have an hour to spare, or can only make it once or twice a month, you are welcome to join us. No need to RSVP. Just come and join the fun.
2) Work at Home at Your Own Pace:
We will share our supply of yarn with you to work at home, at your own pace. Recognizing that not everyone is available to meet on Monday afternoons, we've arranged it so that you can still be part of our ministry! Also, some people prefer to knit, crochet or sew when they are waiting at a doctor's appointment, as part of their evening routine, or while watching television. If you are one of these people, we still welcome you to be a part of Have Stitches Will Travel!
How to Make a Prayer Shawl:
IMPORTANT: Please only use Lion Brand Homespun Yarn. This is clearly the best yarn for this purpose because of its wonderful softness.
Knitting Instructions:
Begin with three skeins of Lion Brand Homespun Yarn.
Use #11 or #13 Needles, making a loose weave.
Pray for the future recipient as you knit. Begin by casting on 54, 57, 60 or 63 stitches. Garter stitch. If you prefer a pattern, knit 3 purl 3 to the end of the row. Turn and knit the purl and purl the knit. If you have 57 or 63 stitches, it works out that you will begin every row with a knit. Before you begin the third skein, set aside the yarn you will need for the fringe for both ends. Cut your fringe pieces in 11-inch lengths to tie onto both ends of the shawl. Finished length of fringe will be 5 inches. Shawls should measure between 24-26 inches wide and 60-plus inches long (finish the yarn on your last skein.)
Crocheting Instructions:
Begin with four skeins of Lion Brand Homespun Yarn using Crochet Hook N; or, three skeins with Crochet Hook P.
Pray for the future recipient as you crochet.
Chain 56 with N; or Chain 50 with P. Single crochet or do a pattern of your choice. Crochet Hook N makes a heavier shawl. Set aside the yarn for fringe before starting last skein. Cut your fringe pieces in 11-inch lengths to tie onto both ends of the shawl. Finished length of fringe will be 5 inches. Shawls should measure 22-25 inches wide and 60-plus inches long (finish the yarn on your last skein.)
Written Prayers Accompany Prayer Shawls:
To each Prayer Shawl, attach a prayer card and/or a message from the maker. We can provide you with these prayer cards to attach. If you are an at-home worker, make sure you bring your completed shawls to us to pray over on the first Monday of the month.