Thankful Thursday: Prayer Shawl Ministry

I have posted many times how thankful I am for my online groups, especially Crochetville. The online community is wonderful and supportive. However, I have long wished for a local community to sit and work with to meet people and to have that personal experience. I recently started going to Church in a town not too far from here. I was thrilled to see a notice for Prayer Shawl meetings and while I had to wait a few weeks for the monthly meeting, I got to go this week.

It was so wonderful to sit with a community of women and just chat. I was the only crocheter, but I can live with that. I even had the chance to teach someone the magic circle. One of the woman, also gave me information about another group that meets in the same town twice a month and I am going to see what I can do to make some of those meetings, too. I am feeling very blessed and hopeful as I post this. One of my dearest wishes has been granted.

When I got home, I dug out some Prayer Shawl books I had purchased on clearance from Annie's several years ago and downloaded some free patterns from Ravelry. The rules are pretty open about what styles we can make, size is more the issue. I also have a couple of books on reserve at the library to preview. I know from making doll clothes, I don’t stay motivated repeating patterns. Having variety will keep me motivated. At some point I think I'll start another page for free patterns as I collect them.

Working on human clothing is a big jump for me, but I will still have my doll donation project going. It is just nice to work with a community on something.

On another note, I would like to wish Happy Birthday to my Mom and my nephew. I hope you both have special days.

Thankful Thursday

I missed last week because I was sick. So first, I am grateful to be feeling better. I am also glad I recovered in time to have Valentine's dinner with my husband.

I am glad he is so supportive of my crocheting and of this doll charity. Only he will drive me to A.C. Moore on a Sunday before a big game because I can get one of my donation dolls for 50% off. That is love folks.

He also supports me by adding patterns to his gifts. Along with a very thoughtful Valentine's gift he added some patterns to my stash. This round I picked up a couple of doll patterns for my donation the Bitty Baby Sweater for the 15" Doll and the Burgundy Red Dress and Grey Poncho for the 18" Doll. To help me with my Easter and April birthday projects he picked up Cowboy Ducky and Marvello the Magician.

I love making crochet gifts for family and to donate. Having someone who supports me in that mission is a wonderful gift.

Thankful Thursday

I regret that finding a local crochet group hasn't worked out for me. However, I am very thankful for the online support I've found among fellow Bloggers and at Crochetville. Today I wanted to say thanks for all the support and encouragement I get. There are so many wonderful people who provide advice and encouragement and I wanted to acknowledge how important they are in keeping my work going.

I also received some special gifts in the last few weeks. As part of the Crochetville's wishlist a Fairy Godmother purchased the American Girl Flower Girl pattern to help me with my donation project. I also received a copy of Crochet Wraps Every Which Way as part of a giveaway at Cute Crochet Chat. This year I've just started making shawls and I love the patterns in the book.

I haven't given up on finding a local group of crocheters, but I have found some amazing people online that do fill the gap.