Shawl Ministry Pins
by Ina M. Isobe jerseyknitterl51.blogspot.com Delight the members of your shawl ministry group with these little pins to fasten to a jacket or a project bag. They symbolize miniature prayer shawls in progress (with my apologies to those who create shawls by crochet or other means）.
Shawls have been used for prayer, ritual, healing, comfort, and rejoicing in many cultures for centuries. In 1998 at Hartford Seminary, Janet Bristow and Victoria A. Cole-Galo added their interpretation to this beautiful spiritual tradition. For more information, see their website, shawlministry.com. Materials for l pin 5 yds (4.5 m) sock or fingering weight yarn US 3 (3.25 mm) double-pointed, circular, or straight knitting needles 2 round toothpicks 2 6 mm wood beads permanent fabric glue popsicle stick or similar to wrangle the glue 1 1-inch pin back optional adornments such as small crosses or charms Pattern Protect your work surface and yourself as fabric glue sometimes can form long, messy strings. Do not inhale glue vapors.
| Knit a miniature garter st shawl. CO16 sts. Rows 1-l6: Slip 1 purlwise, k 15 sts. Row 17: Slip 1 purlwise， k 7 sts. Other stitch patterns may be substituted， although at this scale, garter stitch is simple and effective. Do not cast off. Break yarn, leaving a l2-inch tail. |
| Assemble miniature knitting needles by pushing the blunt end of a toothpick into hole of a bead. The fit should be tight; no glue is needed. Some beads may need a bit of coaxing and a few may be too small unless reamed. | |
| Place mini shawl on mini needles. Slip 8 sts onto 1 mini needle and slip the other 8 sts onto the other mini needle. Be careful to orient the sts correctly -- this is where double-pointed or circular needles are helpful, although not necessary. | |
| Fold the mini shawl. Placea dropof fabric glueon the back of the top mini needle and secure， letting the rest of the mini shawl hang freely. Watch out for long pesky glue strings. A light hand with the glue works well. | |
| Form a miniature skein by winding the yarn tail around two fingertips. Roll tight against the mini needles and glue to the tips. |
| Clip the cast on yarn tail short. Glue to the back of the mini shawl. | |
| Apply glue to the flat part of the pin back. Place on the back of the pin with the hinge to the right for right-handers and to the left for left-handers. Add adornments， if desired. | |
| Let dry 24 hours. Admire the results, particularly if you make a flock of pins for friends. | |
| Repeat as needed. Give with love, wear with joy. ? ）Ina M.Isobe November 2010 All rights reserved | |
This pattern is offered free of charge for your personal, non-commercial use. In keeping with the spirit of shawl ministry, this pattern and products made from it may be given away, but never sold.
