Sunday, March 26, 2017

A shawl for a friend......


Last weekend I met a good friend for lunch and to see Beauty and the Beast.  Wonderful movie by the way but a bit scary for the littles I think.  Anyway as so often happens in life my friend is having a difficult time.  Marriage is not for the faint of heart is it?  It can be a very rough road for many.  Even after 30 years she is not in a safe spot.  I cried with her as she told me what is happening.  Not that all men are horrible but a pretty big percentage of them are, and sure think mainly of themselves and their own needs.  After 30 years of putting herself way down the list she finds that it may not have been worth it.  She cried, I cried and all I wanted to do was hug her forever and tell her she is not alone.  Now I know that is not practical so I did the next best thing, I came home and started a shawl for her.


I saw this pattern on Pinterest where you can find a photo of the shawl and a schematic of the motif.  I was unable to print out that portion of the pattern, so I drew it up for myself.   Keep in mind this is not my pattern, I am no designer, but I thought I would share it with you in case you wanted to make it yourself.


Each little motif is fast to make.  I am a bit of a nutter so I sewed in my ends after each row.  It helped me remember where I was if I put it down in the middle of a row.  Instead of a chain 8 for the start I did a chain 6, it worked better for me.  I also hdc into the first round instead of a sc, I am not sure why I just did.


At the top of the shawl I made these triangles to fill in the gaps so the top would be straight across.  This is my interpretation of what I thought the pattern would be.  Sorry if you follow this and I was wrong,  If you decide to make this pattern just let me know if I did not make sense with these pictures and I will help you out as much as I can.


Here is a good photo of how the motifs join together.  I did a hdc border around the entire shawl to give it a little stability.  I would have gone around again if I had enough yarn but had to settle for two rows of hdc at the top of the shawl and one row around the sides.  This really is a super easy pattern that requires little thought once you get going. 


I used Cascade Yarns Tangier yarn for the project from my stash.  A little over 2 skeins were used so approximately 550 yards of yarn.  I also used a size H hook, but any yarn and hook would work with this pattern.  The thinner the yarn the more motifs you have to make, thus the more yarn you will need.  It needs a good blocking to get those little motifs straight, so if you make it remember that you aren't doing it wrong, it just looks wonky until it is blocked.
  

I intend to drop this off on her porch tomorrow and she will have a surprise when she gets home.  I hope my friend likes it and knows that with each stitch I was sending her a little prayer for peace in her life no matter how things turn out.  Don't we all just want a bit of peace?

As for the politics of this week, well I am again stunned by the Russian involvement, all of the lies, and the bullying that went on to get the ACA overturned and Trumpcare installed.  I wrote to my representatives about the changes in Medicaid that would affect Little Buddy and got a pathetic response.  Just so you know the ACA has not been a disaster as it has been represented.  And further cuts to Medicaid and Medicare would be devastating to so many millions of people.  Little Buddy is at the top of that list.  I am not a wealthy woman, I cannot afford his therapies and specialists.  That was one of the reasons we could adopt him, the state is supposed to take care of his medically complex needs.  Read the facts about these issues before you listen to crazy news.  Thank goodness the Bill got pulled but make no mistake this is not over.  The ACA needs some fixing, that has been known for a long time.  Why not take something that is already working and change it for the better?  That makes more sense to me.  I am so puzzled why this party in charge is so against helping people.  And yes sometimes helping people by providing something for them backfires and people take advantage, but a lot more times it helps people get on their feet again or just plain survive.

As for those of you who do not live in the US, March Madness is the basketball tournament that the elite college programs play in to find the champion of them all.  The Badgers are the University of Wisconsin and that is where many of my in-laws went to school.  Little B has been provided many a Badger shirt by this part of my family.  It is fun to watch the tournament, well that is until the team you are rooting for loses.  I am talking to you Kansas Jayhawks!

Have a good week.

41 comments:

bittenbyknittin said...

Oh, you are a good friend! Every time your friend wears that shawl, she will think of you and your kindness. It will feel like a hug.

I've written my reps in Congress about both the Russian interference and health care. It is the responsibility of the majority to protect the minority, and to provide care for the most vulnerable. It floors me that the Republicans in DC claim to be Christian when they act anything but.

Jo said...

oooh! lucky friend. I really like that shawl, my kinda colours and a bit hippie in a floral way. H
Have a good week. Jo x

CJ said...

Wow, what a gorgeous shawl, your friend will love it and know how much you care about her. So sorry she's going through a horrible time. Men can make life absolutely unbearable at times I think. I hope she is in a better place soon. Sorry that the authorities are still trying to withdraw healthcare from those who need it most, it's appalling, don't know how they can sleep at night. Where is the kindness, the help, the generosity? I feel for you, I really do, and I dearly hope the healthcare Little Buddy needs won't be taken away. CJ xx

A Whole Lotta Magic said...

You are so talented!
xo

Bridget said...

That shawl is just lovely, and your friend is lucky to have you in her life.

So far, one of my teams is still in the March Madness tournament (Gonzaga), though I think SC and Oregon have done amazing things. I always end up involved even when I think I won't be ...

Take care, Meredith.xo

Pradeepa said...

The shawl is beautiful. How surprised she would be when she finds it on her porch! I hope your friend gets back to her normal self soon.

Teresa Kasner said...

Meredith, you are such a beautiful friend.. how lovely of you to make a shawl that your friend can wrap herself in like a warm hug from you. I hope your friend makes it clear to her husband that she won't tolerate that abuse any more.. sometimes all it takes is to stand up and say.. NO MORE!

I'm also glad that they did not pass the AHCA - it was a stinker of a bill. How anyone would think a tax bill for the rich would pass for a healthcare bill is beyond me. And the millions that would lose their health care? What is wrong with those guys, tRump, bannon and ryan.. have they no heart or care of others? I guess not. We must continue to fight their plans to destroy America. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Araignee said...

What a wonderful friend you are!!! The shawl is gorgeous. Just perfect for wrapping yourself up with when you need a hug. My heart is breaking for your friend. The Mister is a good guy in his old age but what he put me thorugh to get us to here was not for the faint of heart. I won't even mention my first husband. That is a terrible tale of woe.

I held my breath all day Friday waiting for the vote on the ACA. Daddio would have had zero chance of staying in his nursing home if it had been repealed. I can breathe a bit easier-for now but I don't think this is over yet.
I'm in first place in the family March Madness pool. At least I was. I better go check. Things happen fast.

Babajeza said...

I'm sure she will feel peace coming from the shawl. Hugs to you! Regula

Chris said...

Aww you are the best friend ever... your friend is very blessed to have you in her life. I hope she finds the peace she needs. That shawl is so pretty and I'm sure she will wear it and feel a warm and protective hug from you every time she wears it.
The political situation... it just boggles our minds. Everyday something new and bizarre pops up ... I don't know how you are coping . Hope your week runs smoothly .

Kate said...

Of course you know that your friend cannot get back to her normal self when all sense of "normal" has been yanked from under her feet. I'm glad some of the people commenting don't quite know how devastating this is--I hope they never do. But as a woman who raised two wonderful children and was always loyal to her husband, only to be very publicly and painfully ditched after 25 years, (which was 25 years ago and I am still processing the results), I know how important such a tangible sign of your love as a shawl will be. I think it's also very important to reassure your friend that you have some idea how badly she has been betrayed and do not expect her to "perk up" any time soon. But I think you know how to help her, and please pass along my love and support, even though she has no idea who I am. thank you.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

No, marriage certainly isn't always a bed of roses. My husband and I go round and round on one particular subject and when I asked him if we would still be fighting about this when he's 70 years old, he said probably. Really! A friend here is going through a hard time and her mom told her she has made her husband the man he is. I've said that for years. Men have to be trained and it's a constant struggle. Another friend yesterday told me that she's found men get more odd as they age. Ha-ha! We all have stories to tell, that's for sure. Whatever happens for your friend, she will be fine. I hope she knows that. And your shawl is the perfect hug for her. May your hands be blessed and your heart be full always. As for politics. Ha! What a frickin' joke each and every day. Why is that man even allowed to open his mouth? He is not running a business. He is not the deity he believes himself to be. God help us all.

Jo said...

What a beautiful shawl, the colours go together so well. I'm sure your friend will love it and she will feel as though you're giving her a hug each time she wraps it around herself.

Christina said...

You are a wonderful friend Meredith, kind and thoughtful and warm. No doubt you are a great support for your friend in need.
As for politics, the sheer incompetence and a lack of concern for people in this government is mind boggling.
Have a lovely week! x

Nance said...

Your friend will love her gift. Will you be tucking a pot or two of your lip balm in with it? That way, you'll be giving her a kiss and a hug!

kathy b said...

Mere,

The shawl and the sentiment behind its creation are lovely. You are such a comforting person. THank you for being you as you are, because you bring a light into this world. You make a difference. Sometimes the one who is the light cannot tell they are the light. But looking into our eyes you would see your goodness reflecting back.
Thank you for writing and charting the creation. I needed the words part.


Wanderingcatstudio said...

Beautiful shawl. At the very least it will make your friend smile.

Up here in Canada, most of us have our fingers firmly crossed for our friends south of the border. I generally believe in less government as a rule... except when it comes to things like healthcare. Our healthcare system isn't perfect, and yes we do have high taxes, but I don't have to worry that I can't afford it when I need to see a doctor. And I'm fairly healthy. I can't imagine the costs for someone like your little guy. The whole concept of use-pay healthcare just boggles my mind.

Betsy said...

Meredith, what a kind and loving person you are. I'm sure your friend will feel the love that you put into every stitch of that shawl every time she wears it. And how sweet of you to take the time to write down the directions for other people to use. My Hubby and I do a lot of marriage counseling. I'm astounded when I hear some of the stories people tell of their married lives. As my husband always tells people marriage is not 50/50. It's 100/100. As overly simplistic as that sounds, it's true. If the each person always puts the other person first, there are virtually no problems in the marriage. We have seen that over and over with people we have worked with. I was so amazingly and absolutely blessed the day I met my dear husband. Thank you for the love you spread to everyone around you Meredith.
Blessings, Betsy

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

What a beautiful gift for your friend! Now she can put that on whenever she needs a hug and remind herself of her beautiful friend. She is so fortunate to have your support.
Have a fantastic week, sending love,
Andrea

Karen said...

Beautiful shawl and your friend will feel comforted, covered in your prayers. I work in a mental health office and the ACA has been made great strides in providing people with better care. I agree, they need to work on some of the kinks, but to throw the whole thing out would be just foolish.

Anonymous said...

That is a lovely shawl. The colors are so peaceful. I hope it brings your friend a sense of love every time she wears it.

As for Trump ............I think he is doing exactly what he promised. He's a knee-jerk kind of man. He's going to reduce the budget and, as long as it doesn't hurt HIM in anyway or even better makes HIM a profit . . . he's going to do it.

He never even THINKS about the ramifications of what he is cutting. As long as those numbers are lower, he thinks he is a winner.

While, of course, we all lose.

Between Me and You said...

You're such a good pal. I've just read 'The Senator's Wife' by Sue Miller. I won't give away any spoilers but it gives an interesting perspective from the wife of a bounder's point of view.

Suzan said...

Lovely shawl - perfect colors!! How blessed your friend is to have your shoulder!!
I took Sadie to see Beauty and the Beast this weekend!!
Music was awesome and I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, but feel it's more for the grownups that grew up with the cartoon movie and 10 yrs. and above. Too long for a 4 yr. old and several times, Sadie was in my lap.

kristieinbc said...

What a wonderful, thoughtful friend you are. I'm sure your friend will be thrilled when she finds it waiting for her on her porch. As for weighing in coverage for a medically needy child before adopting, I can totally identify with that. We had to take that into consideration before we adopted my youngest son, who is a quadruple amputee. The cost of prosthetic limbs would have been prohibitive if we had had to pay out of pocket. I hope that the bill being pulled helps your situation, but I have to admit to being somewhat confused about the whole medical scenario in the US.

AnnieOBTextiles said...

The shawl is absolutely beautiful especially as every stitch is filled with love. I'm sure it will bring much comfort to your friend.

Vera said...

What a gorgeous shawl and what a wonderful friend you are. Your friend will feel wrapped in your arms when she wears the shawl.

Toni said...

The shawl is beautiful, and I hope it gives your friend a big hug every time she wears it.

I've been wondering when we decided that we were just a mean nation that cares nothing about others and is willing to destroy lives rather than help them.

Unknown said...

The shawl is simply stunning, and such a sweet, caring thought: I'm sure your friend will love it and it'll help her through this hard time.

The Well Fed Wheel said...

Your friend is lucky to have you to confide in at least. It can be so important in times of trouble. Someone you trust to lean on. I love the shawl and I'm sure she will too! Those colors go so well together. As for the politics......well what does one say......it's the never ending nightmare! I was so glad the health care didn't get repealed. Yet anyway. And the Russian involvement is deplorable. I can't believe they haven't all been locked up by now!

Mylittlepieceofengland said...

What a beautiful shawl, how kind and thoughtful a friend you are, the colour is quite stunning. I'm sure your friend will love it xx

Lulu said...

lovely shawl

Needles and Wool said...

I hope your friend gets the peace she needs. I think she will be so happy to see your shawl and it will lift her spirits to know she has a friend like you to count on.

Judy S. said...

Your beautiful shawl was such a kind and compassionate gift. You are a very nice person, Mere. I look forward to reading your posts!

Willow said...

How sweet of you to make that shawl of love and comfort for your friend. Love the colors! Those are just right for March.

My hubby has his chart filled out and so far his #1 team is still in the running.

Olga Poltava said...

Such a beautiful shawl!

linda said...

I'm sorry to hear your friend is having such a bad time of it Meredith, she is going to be touched that you made that lovely shawl for her, she's so lucky to have a friend like you, a shawl is like a big hug. :) xx

Melanie said...

How blessed your friend is to have you in her life! That shawl is gorgeous - I know your friend will absolutely love it. How sweet of you to do that for her, and to give her comfort. Makes me sick to think of what could happen with Little Buddy's care - and so many other people, too. Such scary times we live in.

handmade by amalia said...

Your friend is sure to love it and the thought behind it. It reminds me of the sea.
Amalia
xo

Neighborhood Watch said...

What a gorgeous yarn! I love that you made your own charted pattern. I am sure your friend's day will be brighter for having this wonderful surprise!
I have a question for you. I may be heading to Asheville, NC for the first time. What was that farm/yarn place you once featured on your blog that was near there. They had alpacas?
I am writing postcards nearly daily to my congressmen. There are enough issues to write about to fill each day of the week and then some, aren't there?

Gillian Roe said...

You are such a good, kind person, Meredith, making your friend such a beautiful and thoughtful gift. It won't change her situation, but it will cheer her and remind her how loved and valued she is.

The US political situation continues to dismay and shock us here in the UK, and we have enough bad news of our own to deal with the Brexit. I hope Little Buddy's medical needs are not compromised. xx

Jodiebodie said...

Dear Meredith,

I agree with Nance's sentiments in previous comments. A hug and a kiss! I feel for your friend who is in a bad situation.

Escaping domestic violence is not as simple as just saying 'no more'. Women in these situations are at their most vulnerable, in the most danger when they start speaking up for themselves and when they leave an abusive relationship. You are playing an important role, Meredith, as a safe friend, with a safe place both physically and emotionally.
Often women know what they need to do but hesitate for all sorts of reasons.

When your friend is emotionally ready to make a change, your reassurance that she is doing the right thing will go a long way in giving her the courage to make the change.

Australians are currently having long public conversations about domestic violence, in the media, in parliament and socially too. It is now something that is discussed openly with the message that it is not okay and domestic violence is everybody's business. Australians are trying to make social change for the better around this issue. No longer "what happens behind closed doors stays behind closed doors'.

Shame that it takes a dollar figure of "the cost to the economy" to be touted to the politicians before they do anything though! One lady you may be interested in is Rosie Batty. She is a remarkable woman and one of the leaders in domestic violence awareness, influencing change through her Luke Batty Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosie_Batty

Good luck to both you with your mindfulness course and to your friend with whatever her issues are. Your shawl is a very special gift, as is your friendship. xx