The Shall We Gather by the River Crescent Shaped Lace Shawlette or Scarf is my nod to Americana and the Christian heritage the United States was founded upon. The hymn “Shall We Gather at the River” was written in 1864 by American poet and gospel music composer Robert Lowry. The song’s lyrics concern the bible verse in Revelation 22: 1-2 which speaks of a crystal clear river with the water of life flowing from the throne of God, offering everlasting life, restoration, and joy to believers. It can also be seen as a literal picture of church believers here on earth being baptized in a river. The shawlette is knit in just 1 skein (310 yards) of pure Merino Wool DK weight yarn by Malabrigo Rastita in their peacock shade (shades of blue to symbolize a river). It has subtle color variations that add interest to the project, and is slightly felted for soft texture. It has a “wingspan” of over 6 feet…enough room to wrap around your shoulders or neck as either a shawl or a scarf. This shawlette is just under a foot wide at its widest point. It is edged in a simple but elegant “Ripples and Ridges Lace” to represent a flowing river, which creates a nice scallop on the edge. The stitches in this lace even “gather” together in knit 2 togethers and slip slip knits just as the church members would at the river! The body is knit in an easy-to-wear crescent shape using stockinette rows. Before casting off, several rows of “Tiny Stained Glass Windows Lace” is worked at the top that represents the church. It is machine washable (delicate cycle, separately, re-pin to shape flat to dry).