The Amazing Lace progress report

As you can tell from my limerik, the fish is belly up. I did intend to cast on and start over, but I got some very bad news and I had to take action.

A woman I used to work with is terminally ill. She more than likely won't live another year. The thing that has spurred me into action is that she has no close family. She is divorced, but still has a great relationship with her ex-husband and he is taking care of her.

I believe that all things happen for a reason. I was never meant to knit the Fish Shawl. At least not at this time. I went through my stash thinking about this woman. I pulled out some Lambs Pride (Tiger Lilies is the color and it is beautiful) and will be making her some Fuzzy Feet.

As I stash dove and thought of this woman and what she'd be going through, I suddenly thought I should knit her a prayer shawl. The pattern for Cozy jumped to mind. I've wanted to knit that shawl for a long time and here was the perfect opportunity. But what yarn should I use?

I have some lovely alpaca; some beautiful Lorna's Laces Shepherds Worsted; some Andean Silk from Knit Picks which is a lovely shade of purple. But something wasn't right about any of these choices. I know that wool will travel well from her home to hospital to hospice and keep her warm when she needs it. But what I was worried about was, what if it got really dirty? Wool wasn't a very practical idea then. I could see her ex-husband throwing it in the washer and having it come out all felted and ruined.

I went to the box of petro-yarn I've had for years and there it was. Exactly what I wanted to use. Washable, soft and would see her through. Caron Simply Soft. The color is Antique Rose, which is so un-like me to have. I don't remember buying it. It's a sweet color; one that won't show too much dirt if it happens to miss a wash day, and will keep her warm and know she is thought of and prayed for.

Here is the beginning of the new teammate. I'm very happy with my progress so far, which isn't even two whole pattern repeats. But I think it will be lovely and I know she'll appreciate it.