”Courage did not come from the need to survive, or from a brute indifference inherited from someone else, but from a driving need for love which no obstacle in this world or the next world will break.”
― Gabriel Garcí­a Márquez, Love in the Time of Cholera

Most of us are anxious and feeling isolated right now. Whether we are self quarantining and/or have seen our income dwindle as events close down around us, our world is experiencing a massive dislocation. We are told this situation is likely to persist until May, and perhaps longer. We are being advised to think in months, not weeks. It boggles the mind.

Much going forward is uncertain, but one thing is not. The power of love to overcome adversity, heal broken hearts, and bring us all closer together.

Let’s turn social distancing into social knitting and support not only our community, but raise funds to support others at the same time!

The shawl will be a deep crescent lace shawl, requiring 800 to 1000 yards of fingering weight and a US size 5 32 inch or longer circular needle.

I would classify the pattern as medium difficulty.

I thought I would share a few more details of the design, while we wait.

The shawl will be a top down crescent shape, with alternating bands of lace and other patterning. The design reflects the course of the pandemic and our worldwide response to it, emphasizing the theme of “together apart”. You will get to knit eight different stitch patterns over the course of the 4 weeks. The return rows are mostly purl back, for ease in construction, and there are no skills required beyond the essentials of yarnovers and decreases. There will be an optional edging at the end for those with more yardage and the desire for more knitting.

I have set up a group for the KAL here. We can introduce ourselves, share our yarn choices, tell our stories, and enjoy the comradery of others.

Clue release dates:

April 24
May 1
May 8
May 15

While the shawl is designed for a gradient, ultimate yarn choice is, of course, up to the individual knitter. If unable to find a gradient of sufficient length, I recommend using 2-3 shorter gradients and alternating to get a longer color run. Pattern will include directions for doing so.

Proceeds will be split evenly between the CDC foundation and Meals on Wheels Covid-19 Response Fund

THE CDC FOUNDATION

This non profit organization, helps serve ALL OF US, all of the many needs that arise during an emergency response that the federally-funded CDC cannot cover.

Your dollars will:

• help communities prevent, detect and respond to COVID-19
• deploy emergency staffing with the skills required to meet the needs on the front lines at the state and local level
• fund and deliver critical home essentials, such as food and medical needs to quarantined and isolated individuals
• develop education and awareness campaigns to advance prevention and reduce stigma
• build capacity and infrastructure for global response efforts and other immediate needs as they evolve

MEALS ON WHEELS COVID-19 RESPONSE

Vulnerable seniors are at the greatest risk amid COVID-19. Local Meals on Wheels programs are on the front lines every day, focused on doing all they can to keep older Americans safe and nourished in communities across the country. The costs and efforts needed to protect seniors from COVID-19 require additional emergency funds, and that is why we are asking federal lawmakers, corporations, foundations and the general public to remember these vulnerable seniors in our national response. Give to the Meals on Wheels COVID-19 Response Fund to help local communities across the country meet the increased demand for nutritious meals that can keep our seniors safe and healthy.

I am already partnering with Twisted Fiber Art (TFA) and Fiber Optic (FO). Color options pictured at left are:
1) TFA PB and J
2) TFA Spice
3) TFA Berry
4) FO Damson to Gold
5) FO Tangerine toUltraviolet
6) FO Cameo

I invite other dyers to participate. Please contact me and I will add a link.

Pattern will be available in English and German. If anyone is willing to donate their time to translate into other languages , please contact me directly.