How this CAL works:
On the 4th of every month, I will release a new shawl pattern and update the ebook file. Those who purchase the ebook will receive an email and a Ravelry message with a link to the new file, which gives them access to the new pattern AND all of the previous patterns.

Join the Ravelry group for this CAL HERE

What’s the goal?
At the end of the year, all those who participated in the CAL will donate their shawls to a local or children’s hospital to be given to mothers of ill children. Not only are these shawls practical, as hospitals tend to be cold, but they provide a measure of comfort to women who suffer one of the greatest pains a parent can feel.

What’s the story?
On May 26, 2015, we received the worst news possible: that our beautiful baby Charlotte had brain cancer. Two months later, she died in our arms. During her treatment at Riley Hospital for Children and in the aftermath of her death, I turned to crochet for comfort and purpose. I began to design in her memory, and my design business kept me moving forward through the darkest time of my life. Though the main intention behind my business was to save money for adoption or fertility treatments, I soon began to see my designs as a way to make a difference for other people.

Last year’s CALs featured hats and scarves to be donated at the end of the year to people who don’t have a way to keep warm in the winter. My original intent was to do a “scarf mugging” by hanging the items from trees in neighborhood that could benefit from them. However, the school where I teach sent out a memo at the end of November asking for donations for students who walk to school without proper accessories. Through the CAL, I was able to give as many hats and scarves as were needed.

This year, an acquaintance started taking her son to Riley Hospital for monthly check-ups and procedures. She was speaking with one of the chaplains, who mentioned that the chaplain group likes to pass out prayer shawls to mothers who come in with their children. However, they don’t have enough shawls for every mother to get one. This acquaintance asked our local crochet group to make prayer shawls for Riley so she could take them down during her son’s monthly appointments.

As a response, I’m taking her request one step further and designing a new shawl pattern every month. I’m encouraging those who participate in the CAL to make at least one shawl from each monthly pattern and donate them to a local or children’s hospital. Don’t forget to come back here to Ravelry to post pictures of your finished shawls!

eBook

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