Prayer Shawl Ministry (Leisure Arts #4225) [Paperback]

I recently started thinking about what crochet work I could do after I finished my last family afghan project and wondered what charitable opportunities there were for crocheters. An internet search revealed a number of great charitable causes and ministries, however, the one that most appealed to me was the shawl ministry. I looked at the websites of both The Shawl Ministry (where it all began) and Lion Brand for information and inspiration. I also looked at the websites of a number of faith communities which are doing shawl ministry.

Along the way, I discovered this book, The Prayer Shawl Ministry, by Leisure Arts and Lion Brand. I was hesitant to buy it because of concerns expressed by some reviewers, but after prayerful consideration, I bought the book and am pleased I did.

My reasons for buying the book: 1) I acknowledge I do much better with a crochet book in my hand, than with a pile of print outs of free patterns and information from the Internet. 2) The book seemed like a concise volume which I would find helpful and I didn't mind that the publisher would make a little money off my purchase. It's not the first time I've bought a book to use in ministry, knowing the book was clearly sold for profit by the author/publisher. 3) Some reviewers mentioned another book about shawl ministry, but from what I could tell it was for knitters and I am a crocheter. 4) I am starting a shawl ministry as a personal ministry and will not have the benefit of a group to support and encourage me, so having this book as a resource seemed appealing.

I now have the book in hand and am pleased I bought it. The book includes a few prayers, which can be used throughout the process of making a prayer shawl and there are some suggestions on how to do the ministry. The book highlights three churches doing shawl ministry in the Little Rock, Arkansas area (home of Leisure Arts). There are also four crochet patterns and four knit patterns for shawls/throws. All are Easy and use a simple repetitive pattern that can be meditative in nature. (And yes, one of the crochet patterns and one of the knit patterns are available for free from the Lion Brand website.)

My only issue with the book and why I rated it four stars rather than five is a section of stories from those who have used the Lion Brand Homespun yarn and how the yarn was helpful in their shawl ministry projects. There is helpful information in these stories, especially for someone new to shawl ministry, but I had to get my brain past the Lion Brand marketing in these stories.

Despite the marketing aspect, this is a helpful book for those starting a shawl ministry. In addition to purchasing this book, I would also encourage people to check out the Shawl Ministry website and the websites of the many religious communities who are doing this ministry for additional help and inspiration.

7/19/07 Update to my original 5/4/07 Review: I have now bought (through Amazon) a copy of the knitting book I referenced above, called "Knitting Into the Mystery". Even though it is written by knitters from a knitting perspective, I could easily relate to it as a crocheter. "Knitting into the Mystery" is a spiritual book filled with stories and prayers, and in my mind, it is a good companion to "The Prayer Shawl Ministry" book, which is more of a concise "how-to" book. Both books are good in different ways.

An excellent book for knitters, crocheters, people interested in starting a shawl ministry, and anyone who wants to help others. Published by Lion Brand Yarn and Leisure Arts, the book is 8 1/2 x 11 format, thin, lightweight and easy to tuck into your needlework bag. The book is well laid-out with plenty of colorful pictures and well written patterns in an easy to read font & size.

Contents include information about several established shawl ministries, and ideas; letters from shawl makers; choosing yarn colors by color meanings & birthstones; patterns for 4 knit & 4 crochet shawls; general instructions including charts of crochet hook & knitting needle sizes, terminology, pattern difficulty (Beginner, Easy, Intermediate and Experienced); chart of yarn information; how to knit and how to crochet basics; and prayers from several religions.

All 8 patterns in the book are rated Easy, but a good variety of sizes, shapes and designs.

This is a very well put together book with clear instructions and good illustrations. It outlines the Prayer Shawl Ministry and builds on the basic patterns available on websites. To their credit, some of the patterns are available free from the Lion Yarn website.

This book serves as a guide to the ministry while addressing the use of shawls and lap throws for men as well as women. I've bought this book twice and twice given it away to women starting their own prayer shawl groups. It's a good book for the price.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 30 reviews  4.4 out of 5 stars