{"id":33523,"date":"2015-09-12T08:09:07","date_gmt":"2015-09-12T12:09:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lionbrand.com/community/blog\/?p=33523"},"modified":"2021-10-22T12:34:36","modified_gmt":"2021-10-22T16:34:36","slug":"pocket-prayer-shawls-provide-portable-comfort","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lionbrand.com/community/blog\/pocket-prayer-shawls-provide-portable-comfort\/","title":{"rendered":"Pocket Prayer Shawls Provide Portable Comfort"},"content":{"rendered":"

Blogger<\/a> and author<\/a>\u00a0Kathryn Vercillo is an expert in the area of using crafting to heal, having researched the topic extensively for her book Crochet Saved My Life<\/a>. In this post she tells us about pocket prayer shawls, which are fun to craft and healing for recipients. Read Kathryn\u2019s\u00a0previous blog posts on the Lion Brand Notebook here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Photo credit: Southern Belle Crochet<\/a> — Free pattern available<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

*****<\/center>Prayer shawls provide comfort to those who make them as well as to the recipients of these special gifts. However, it can take a long time to knit or crochet a shawl and some people, although they appreciate the gift of one, don\u2019t ever wear shawls. Pocket prayer shawls address both of those issues, allowing crafters to quickly work up comforting handmade squares that any recipient can carry at any time for constant comfort.<\/p>\n

Learn about the benefits of prayer shawls.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

What is a pocket prayer shawl?<\/strong><\/p>\n

As the name suggests, this is a miniature version of a prayer shawl that is small enough to fit inside of a pocket. As with all prayer shawls, the crafter infuses each stitch with a prayer or loving intention to provide love and goodwill to the person who will receive the small item. Pocket prayer shawls, also called prayer squares and prayer cloths, are small enough to be tucked into pockets, purses and even inside helmets. They can also be carried into surgery and taken on vacations.<\/p>\n

Who needs pocket prayer shawls?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Who might receive a pocket prayer shawl? Anyone who needs the comfort of a handmade item! You might craft an individual pocket shawl for a specific person you know who has had a recent loss or who is going through an illness. Alternatively, you might knit or crochet many of these and make them available to people to take them when they feel that need that comfort. A basket of these shawls, each with a prayer or note attached, can be placed so that those who are seeking extra support can feel comfortable taking one.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

We all need a little bit of comfort sometimes; we aren\u2019t always comfortable asking for that but can often more easily accept the love of a handmade item. Taking a pocket prayer shawl from a basket of them is a way to ask for help and immediately receive it. Create a basket with a sign that lets people know that the prayer cloths inside have been crafted with intention and love and that anyone in need of a prayer is welcome to take one.<\/p>\n

Some of the places where you might place a basket of pocket prayer shawls include:<\/p>\n