My grandma Grace French was many things — a loving wife, mom and grandmother, a knitter and a traveler to name just a few. But for many years, she was also the magician’s assistant to my grandfather, Ed. She helped him to perform shows that brightened the days of children and even for troops heading overseas during World War II. Like my grandmother, this prayer shawl has a bit of magic to it. It includes mock cables that are made without a cable needle. And hearts that magically appear from knit and purl stitches. Knitting itself is magical, making a beautiful fabric from yarn using just two needles, or wands. And this finished prayer shawl has the magical ability to ease the pain of someone going through a rough time. Here’s hoping this pattern adds a bit of magic to your knitting life.

Materials - 700 yards worsted-weight yarn. I used four skeins Plymouth Encore Worsted for one shawl and four skeins of Lion Brand Basic Stitch for another.

Needles - Size US 9