Knitting is therapy. Every stitch a prayer, applying a balm of sorts to our souls. Our hands actively working away worry, pain and stress while undertaking the creation of something that will provide tangable armor to the owner. Protecting bodies from cold tempuratures, harsh elements or decorating our visage for celebration and in the armor of those stitched out prayers.

The Happenstance shawl is just one possible imbodiment of these ideas. A tratidional Hap style shawl knit from the center out it finishes with an elegant yet functional feather and fan lace edge. Worked in Queensland United Foursome the transition of colors make for a modern color block look without taking away from the classic quality of the design.

The square shape of Happenstance makes it a hug around the shoulders when folded in half. But unfurled it lends itself to perhaps a more noble purpose. The Happenstance is an elegant receiving blanket. The first gift to many a families answered prayers. Light enough for swaddling a newborn, and engaging in texture enough to prove to be a childhood favorite blanket.

Perhaps as a shawl the Happenstance can be the answer to a prayer. The ability to drape a shawl around the shoulders gives so much security. The opportunity to cover the lap of someone who is in need of extra love and compassion during a difficult time would make them feel more elegant and joyous.

The creation of the shawl is just the first of the therapeutic moments that come from the compassionate art of knitting. The life of the garment and the life of those that it touches can be altered for the better thanks to a few hours of prayerful stitching.

You can find Happenstance on Ravelry for purchase and Queensland Collection United Foursome yarn ( shown here in this model)