Part Inspiration and Part Instruction
By Janet Severi Bristow & Victoria A. Cole-Galo
Taunton Press, $19.95, 155 pages
The Prayer Shawl is part inspiration and part instruction. The book begins with the basics with various stitches and even addresses the left-handed knitter. Knitting and crocheting abbreviations are covered and then crocheting stitches are explained. Each stitch has numbered instructions, as well as, drawings of each step. Technique notes are highlighted on the pages. Some pages include inspirational thoughts and quotes. The Prayer Shawl chapter is divided into the twelve months. Each month lists a quote, color, gemstones, flower, tea, music, scent and symbols. Subjects to journal about are suggested and are followed by several pages on lined blank pages. Additionally, a stitch of the month is proposed, along with a picture of the stitch and directions.
Colors are muted and there is a very peaceful feel to the book. Lined drawings are detailed. The next section of the book is patterns. Each pattern is identified by skill level, finished measurement, yarn, needles and a full-color photograph of the shawl. Then another note taking section begins so that the knitter can document projects they want to make, projects they have made, yarn inventory and a chart to document knitting and crochet needles. The book ends with more references and a section on how to start a prayer shawl ministry. The Prayer Shawl feels very intimate. The authors are knowledgeable, passionate and have included tons of useful information. Just reading this book feels relaxing!
Reviewed by Seniye Groff
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