Prayer Shawl Pattern

This patten was a free crochet shawl wrap I downloaded.   I was looking for something fast and simple.   This is it!!    Instead of crocheting and changing colors, I simply got a variegated yarn and repeated Rows 2 and 3.     If you have time and want to change colors, it makes a very interesting pattern.    For me quick and easy for the trick so add this one to your list of "must crochet".    You'll love it and the prayer shawl will bring warmth and comfort to the one who receives it.

Crochet Wrap
Row two - starts with beginning chain string from first row on right    I used a variegated yarn and repeated Rows 2 & 3 until it was 20 inches wide.    It's worked lengthwise.    Love this simple and easy pattern.   You can look up the photo of the one that uses different colors on the link below.    But for a "make it easy" day, just use one color or a variegated. 

image: http://d2x7flet1wqc2h.cloudfront.net/images/easy.jpg

Crochet Hook: I/9 or 5.5 mm hook
Yarn Weight: (4) Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran (16-20 stitches to 4 inches)
MATERIALS:
Caron Simply Soft:
A: Grey Heather (9509), 3 skeins
B: Plum Perfect (9761), 2 skeins
C: Charcoal Heather (9508), 1 skein
D: Off White (9702), 1 skein
Crochet Hook: I-8 (5mm)
Yarn Needle
SIZE:
Approximately 20"/51 cm wide x 75"/190.5 cm long
GAUGE:
4 pattern repeats and 8 rows = 4"/10 cm
NOTES:
1. Wrap is worked lengthwise.
2. To change color; work last st of old color to last yarn over, yarn over with new color and draw through all loops on hook to complete stitch.
STITCH PATTERN (multiple of 3 sts + 1; +1 for foundation ch)
Row 1 (RS): (Sc, ch 3, dc) in 2nd ch from hook, *sk next 2 ch, (sc, ch 3, dc) in next ch; repeat from * across, turn.
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in first st, (sc, ch 3, dc) in each ch-3 space across to last ch-3 space, sc in last ch-3 space, ch 2, dc in last sc, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first st, ch 3, dc in next ch-2 space, *(sc, ch 3, dc) in next ch-3 space; repeat from * across, sc in last dc (turning ch), turn.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 for pattern.
WRAP
With A, chain 224.
Rows 1–3: Work Rows 1–3 of Pattern Stitch—75 sc and 74 ch-2 spaces.
Continue working in pattern stitch changing colors as follows:
4 more rows with A, *1 row with D, 2 rows with A, 2 rows with C, 4 rows with B, 1 row with D, 4 rows with B, 2 rows with C, 2 rows with A, 1 row with D, 7 rows with A; repeat from * once more.
Fasten off.
FINISHING
Using yarn needle, weave in all ends.

Author Talk with Raymond Atkins

Belles & Books - Book Club and Guest with Author, Raymond Atkins

Janet Deal and Raymond Atkins at Book Signing

Georgia Author, Raymond Atkins

Belles & Books- Book Club

Friday, November 20, 2015 the Belles & Books-Book Club hosted an author talk with Georgia author, Raymond Atkins.    Ray lives near Rome, Georgia and teaches English at a north Georgia college.    His first book "Front Porch Prophet" won the Georgia author of the year award in 2009.   His book "Camp Redemption" won the Georgia author of the year award in 2014.   He was second place in Georgia author of the year for "Sweetwater Blues".    His stories are humorous, folksy, spiritual and entertaining!    Just wanted to share so you might try this author.   We've already booked him for our club next year when his new book comes out.

Prayer Square Pattern

Linda, Bev and Darlene at the November 18, 2015 meeting

Prayer Square Pattern
This makes a larger square.   You can make a smaller one by chaining 14 and turning and chaining in 2nd chain from the hook.    Then you have 6 SC, PC, 6SC  to replace Row 3    Then adjusting the popcorn stitches to SC 6, PC, SC 6 and on the 15th row SC, SC, PC, SC, PC, SC,PC,SC,PC,SC,PC, SC,SC     Eliminate rows to make only 7 PC down and 5 across.

    **  Soft worsted weight yarn - pastel solid color
    **  Size F crochet hook

Abbreviations:
CH = chain
SC = single crochet
DC = double crochet
PC = popcorn stitch
SL ST = slip stitch
YO = yarn over
SK = skip a stitch

Finished size approximately 5" x 7" or smaller depending on yarn used.

POPCORN STITCH -
Make 3 DC in the same stitch.  Take the hook out of the loop of the last DC and insert the hook in the top of first DC.  Hook the loop you just dropped and draw it through the stitch.  Pull tight and then CH 1.  Push the popcorn stitch to the front as you go to the next SC.

CH 18 loosely.

ROW 1 - Starting in the second chain from the hook, SC in each chain (17 SC total).  CH 1, Turn.

ROW 2 - SC in each stitch across (17 SC total).  CH 1. Turn.

ROW 3 - SC 8, PC 1, SC 8. CH 1. Turn.

ROW 4 - SC in each stitch across (17 SC total). CH 1. Turn.

ROWS 5 - 14 - Repeat rows 3 and 4 (5 times)

ROW 15 - SC 2, PC 1, SC 1, PC 1, SC 1, PC 1, SC 1, PC 1, SC1, PC 1, SC 1, PC 1,
SC 1, PC 1,  SC 2. CH 1.  Turn.

ROW 16 - SC in each stitch (17 SC total). CH 1. Turn.

ROW 17-22 - Repeat rows 3 and 4 (3 times)

ROW 23 - SC in each stitch (17 SC total)

BORDER - CH 2, SC in each row, SC 3 in the corner, SC in each stitch across the bottom, SC 3 in the corner, SC in each row  up the side, SC 3 in the corner, SC in each stitch across the top, SL ST in the beginning SC at the corner and finish off.

Rachel's Blanket Ministry Meets at Brookdale

Fun day at Brookdale with Jimmie Lou and Betty.    From Left to Right Top to Bottom(Bev, Debbie, Marge, Betty, Jimmie Lou)

Rachel's Blanket Ministry Visits Brookdale

The February meeting of Rachel's Blanket Ministry was held at Brookdale Assisted Living.   Jimmie Lou Price and Betty Schulhof were the special guest.   Ms. Price has made dozens of blankets, scarves and caps for the Rachel's Blanket Ministry.

What Rachel's Blanket Ministry has been up to in 2014!!

Broach, Beverly and Shelia from Rachel's Blanket Ministry

 

The year has flown by!!    Rachel's Blanket Ministry was busy this year.  We added more projects and members.   Some of the activities of the group in 2014 included the following.

• Baby Blankets - Blankets are made and donated to the Douglasville Pregnancy Resource Center.   The blankets go in their "store" and women participating in the program can purchase the blankets with "points" they earn by participating in the program.
• DFUMC Baby Blankets - Blanket as made and given to each new baby born in the DFUMC family.   This year we also included "grandbabies" of members.   Two of our own members had their first grandbaby and blankets were given to Beverly and Sandy for their new grandchildren.
• Angel Blankets - Blankets are made for Wellstar Hospital in Douglasville, GA.   These blankets have a special mission because they are use for infants of fetal demise.   A tragic but important ministry.
• Scarves and Caps for Burnett Elememtary School - Scarves and Caps are made for the clothes closet at Burnett Elementary School.    DFUMC has adopted this school and this project is one of many that support the teachers and children of the school.
• Scarves and Caps for Department of Family and Children Services - This project is new for 2014.  Rachel's Blankets partnered with DFUMC Women's Missionary Union to provide scarves and caps for children that come for services.
• Military Skull Caps - Each year in November military skull caps and goodies are sent to service men and women of DFUMC family and friends.   A special dedication service is held in November and veterans in the congregation participate in the pray and dedication.
• Prayer Shawls - Prayer shawls and lap blankets are made for DFUMC Stephen's Ministry.   The blankets are given to people experiencing illness, grief and or hardship.   

Throughout the year, the blankets, shawls, caps and scarves are dedicated in the three services at DFUMC.   All members donated the materials, time and talent to make these beautiful items.   The team's influence has been felt around the world and has touched many lives.