Overcomer Shawl: Week 1 CAL
Oh my gosh!! Guys!! I can’t believe that week 1 of the Overcomer CAL is here!!
It really feels like it came so fast and I am just so excited to share it with you. This shawl was designed in the middle of one biggest adjustments of my life. This shawl was saw so many tears, prayers and hope. It really did see me at my worst.
At the beginning of March 2021, I started experiencing some some discomfort in my left hand. I figured it was due to how much I had been crocheting and decided to take a break and rest. A week later everything was fine and I went back to crocheting all the things. The following week my right hand started experiencing pain in the same spot as my left hand did. I found this very strange and made an appointment with my doctor.
After many x-rays, a couple of rounds of blood work and a physical, it was confirmed that I have an autoimmune disease called rheumatoid arthritis. I honestly couldn’t wrap my head around this diagnosis and I wanted it to be wrong so badly.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes pain and swelling in your joints. It can cause destruction of your joint leading to more pain and disability. Because it is a systemic disease it can also cause damage to your organs, like your heart and lungs.
Made By Melissa, Made By Melsie
There was a point at the beginning where I couldn’t crochet, cut vegetables or lift anything heavy because my hands were so sore. I don’t think I have ever been so afraid and uncertain of what was happening to me.
I read so much and joined support groups but a lot of what I read scared me more so I left the support groups and tried to stop using Google.
Made By Angie, Emma Parker Stitches
Things have gotten much better since then. The medication I am on seems to be helping. I am still experiencing some discomfort so I am not 100% sure if this medication will be enough or if something else will need to be added but I am still grateful for the improvements that have been made and I will learn more about what my new normal is.
I know this post seems sad and it’s not my intention. It has been difficult for write it and it has brought forth many emotions but I really wanted to show you the behind the scenes of the Overcomer Shawl.
Once I started to feel better, I picked up my hook and slowly got back to creating. It felt so good to do what I loved doing and the stress I had been feeling had, just dissipated for a little while.
Not only did crocheting help, my family and amazing friends were always there to talk, pray for me and encourage me through this process. I even got brave enough to reach out to the crochet community and personal social media groups to find others who are like me. The support I found is invaluable and I am so grateful to everyone who has offered words of encouragement and advice.
Does crochet help you with stress?
Made By Debbie
So this shawl is less than perfect but it represents the beginning of my journey perfectly. The stitches are uneven in some places due to pain and stiffness, I vividly remember how I was feeling in certain sections and it shows healing, acceptance of what is and perseverance to keep going. This will always be a piece I will cherish forever and it will serve as my reminder of what I can do in the years ahead.
Made By Crystal, Simply Smith Creations
Week 1 of the Overcomer Shawl CAL is going to consist of getting your yarn picked, gathering your materials, familiarize yourself with the stitches we will be using and working your gauge swatch!
It’s a pretty simple week but I assure you, we will be having a lot of fun in my Facebook group, so come join me!
Overcomer Shawl - Week 1
Material List:
6 mm crochet hook (or hook to obtain gauge) I used a Furls Odyssey Hook
Any worsted weight (4) yarn. I used Furls Wander Yarn.
Colour A approximately 115 yards
Colour B approximately 230 yards
Colour C approximately 200 yards
Colour D approximately 100 yards
Yarn needle
Measuring tape
Scissors
Gauge:
First 3 rows of the pattern = 3.5 inches wide by 2 inches tall
Stitches you will be working with:
CH: Chain
SC: Single Crochet
HDC: Half Double Crochet
HHDC: Herringbone Half Double Crochet: Yarn over (YO), insert hook into the next ST, YO and pull through the ST and the first loop on the hook, YO and then pull through the last 2 loops.
CHDC: Crossed Half Double Crochet: Skip next ST, HDC in next ST, then HDC in the skipped ST.
PS: Puff Stitch: Yarn over (YO), insert hook in next space. Pull yarn back through the space, creating 3 loops on your hook. YO, insert hook in same space. Pull yarn back through the space, creating 5 loops on your hook. Repeat this process until you have 9 loops on your hook. YO, pull through all 9 loops.
SLST: Slip Stitch
STS: Stitches
Notes: Written in US terminology. All CH 1/2 do not count as a stitch. If you are having trouble matching the gauge, you may need to go up or down a hook size.
Gauge Swatch: 6 mm hook
WITH COLOUR A
CH 2
Row 1: 7 HDC in 2nd CH from the hook, turn. (7 STS)
Row 2: CH 2, 3 HDC in 1st ST, CHDC over next 2 STS, 3 HDC in next ST, CHDC over next 2 STS, 3 HDC in last ST, turn. (13 STS)
Row 3: CH 2, 3 HDC in 1st ST, HDC in next 5 STS, 3 HDC in next ST, HDC in next 5 STS, 3 HDC in last ST, turn. (19 STS)
Made By Sarah, Maddie Lee & Little D’s Crochet Corner
There you have it!
You have made your gauge swatch and now you are ready for week 2.
Be sure to check in the Facebook group through out the week for your chance to win a prize for completing week 1! Feel free to ask me questions about this shawl, rheumatoid arthritis and everything in between. I will answer them.
I love to see your progress, feel free to use #overcomershawl when you are posting your photos, so I can admire your work!
The photographs and pattern contained in the document are the property of A Knotty Habit Designs. You may not reproduce, redistribute, or share this pattern. You may sell your finished items but please give credit to A Knotty Habit Designs.
9 Comments
Sara
I am so excited to start. I may even do 2. 😆 Thank you for all or your hard work. I hope your diagnosis doesn’t hurt too much. 🥰
Danielle Arseniuk
Ohh! You have me so excited to see what colours you choose! I can’t wait to see.
Thank you for your sweet words!
Right now, I am doing pretty good and I hope to stay there. Only a little bit discomfort!
Bobbie
So sorry you are having to deal with such a difficult issue. You seem like you are in the right place and will overcome it and be stronger because of it. Stay strong and don’t let it own you.
This shawl is lovely and I am hoping to start it soon. HHDC and CHDC are new stitches for me so it should be fun, I love learning new ones!!
Prayers to you and your crochet 😀
Danielle Arseniuk
Thank you for your kind words! It took a little bit to comprehend and accept but as one of my dearest friend told me, rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t define who I am.
Thank you for the prayers!💕
Danielle
Pingback:
Maggid
Do you make video tutorials with your CAL’s?
Danielle Arseniuk
Hello Maggid,
At this time I am not set up to do video tutorials but I am looking to do them for future CALs. If you get stuck, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me and I will do my absolute best to assist you!!
Danielle
Pingback:
Pingback: