Knit an “All Shall Be Well” Shawl

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As I knit my version of my grandfather’s shawl, I found a quote running through my mind from Julian of Norwich (circa 1342–1416), an English mystic. She acknowledges the pain in life and then adds, “But all shall be well and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well.” This comforting message spoke to me not only of the healing power of working with my hands, but also of the hope with which I am sure my grandfather, Sheldon, knit his own shawls.

Jacqueline Blix’s modern adaptation of a shawl her grandfather knitted while convalescing from an injury he received during World War I. Photo by Joe Coca

Materials

• Cascade 220 (worsted weight), 100% wool yarn, 220 yards (201 m)/100 g skein, 5 skeins of #8888 periwinkle (main color)
  
• Cascade 220 Quatro (worsted weight), 100% wool yarn, 220 yards (201 m)/100 g skein, 2 skeins of #5016 pale lilac (contrasting color)
  
• Needles, size 9 (5.5 mm), 24 inch (61.0 cm) or longer or size needed to obtain gauge
• Crochet hook, size I/9 (5.5 mm)
  
• Tapestry needle