Montpelier's The Knitting Studio (7 Main Street/229-2444) is offering a 10% discount on specified yarns in support our Christ Church Prayer Shawl Ministry. For the baby blankets, they are making available Berroco Vintage, a washable acrylic and wool blend ($7/skein--need two skeins) and Berroco Weekend, a cotton and acrylic blend ($6.50/skein--need two skeins).  For the prayer shawls, Marble Chunky, an all-acrylic bulky yarn, with 341 yards per skein, is $14 and you will need 2 skeins.  They also offer Berroco Vintage Chunky, an acrylic and wool blend with 130 yards per skein (need 4-5) for $7 each.  Prayer Shawl Ministers can simply identify themselves as members of the group to obtain the discount on these yarns.

Our thanks go to Lee and Leslie and the other owners of The Knitting Studio!!

PSM supporters who want to buy local may consider purchasing a gift certificate for the Prayer Shawl Ministry or simply buying yarns in the amounts noted above from The Knitting Studio. Other stores that carry yarn that works include Joanne's in the Berlin Mall, Michael's in Burlington, and A.C. Moore in Williston. All sell gift cards.

To date, baby blankets have been presented to the parents of the two babies baptised last month and prayer shawls for healing/support presented to Mary Mansfield and Steamer Walke.  Each shawl is blessed as part of the worship service before presentation.

If you are interested in participating in the Prayer Shawl Ministry or have any questions about it or want to suggest a recipient, please contact Rilla Murray at 229-0416 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  The PSM meets the second Sunday of the month after the 10:00 a.m. service in the parish hall.  Bring your work with you.

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Do you enjoy knitting or crocheting?*

Call to a new Christ Church Ministry!

If you enjoy simple knitting*, please consider participating in a new prayer shawl ministry starting at Christ Church.

The idea behind this new ministry is to offer prayers and blessings to others -- those who may be suffering from ill health or grief, families with new babies, and other who welcome support in meeting the challenges of daily living -- through the knitting of soft blankets. The blankets range in size from shawl (wrap around the shoulders) or lap size to baby blanket size to a pocket-size shawl just big enough to finger and take comfort from when needed throughout the day.

Each item is begun with prayerful intention by saying a prayer for the intended recipient. These prayers and intentions are continued throughout the blanket's creation. When completed, the shawl is offered with a final blessing before being sent on its way.

Note:  As of the end of November, two baby blankets were knitted for the baptised babies and a wonderful shawl was presented to Mary Mansfield who broke her collar bone in a fall.

Many congregations integrate prayer shawl ministry into pastoral care and outreach. Knitters can work alone at home or meet from time to time to knit and pray together. The companionship among knitters is a plus for some, but hard to schedule for others. All are welcome. There is no "production quota"--you work at your own pace and as much as you want to.

What you need to participate:

·      Ability to knit (purling is good too but not necessary) OR willingness to learn.

·      A pair of knitting needles size 10 1/2 or 11 (relatively large) or a 29" or longer circular needle the same size for the shawl and pocket shawl; a pair of needles size 8 or a circular needle of the same size for the baby blanket

·      Soft, washable yarn--such as Lion Brand Homespun (see below), which is available at Joanne's and other craft stores--about 3 skeins for the shawl or lap blanket size, scraps for the pocket size; for the baby blanket, about 12 ounces of Baby Caron Simply Soft (see below). Any soft, washable yarn that will produce the intended gauge is fine.

*Note to those who do not knit or who prefer to crochet: You are welcome to participate!! This is a prayer shawl ministry, not a knitting ministry.

Rilla Murray will have some samples and PATTERNS available after the 10:00 a.m. service on October 23 and will be happy to answer questions at any time. If you think you might be interested, please call or email Rilla at 229-0416 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Soft, Silky & Beautiful! A uniquely textured yarn that works up quickly and easily. From shawls to sweaters to afghans, this yarn can't be beat for softness and sheer touch-ability.
98% acrylic, 2% polyester. 6 oz./170gm (185yd) pull skeins. Machine wash and dry.

6.00 oz./170 g (185 yd/169 m) 98% acrylic, 2% polyester
Gauge:
Knit: 14 stitches x 20 rows = 4" (10cm) on size 10 (6mm) needles
Crochet: 10 sc and 10 rows = 4" (10cm) with size K-10.5 (6.5mm) hook

Here are some patterns to consider