Knit and Crochet Bible Study

Tag: Knit

  • Colors of Salvation: the ORANGE panel

    In our Colors of Salvation story we are making a project that will allow us to use panels of various colors to tell the Salvation story.

    Today we begin with the color orange. Orange in this story represents the fire of hell. Romans 3:23 tells us All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

    Born as sinners, we are condemned to life in hell. Not the physical death, but the spiritual second death life eternally separated from God.  It is  described in Revelation 21:8 But the fearful and unbelieving, and the abominable and murderers and whoremongers and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is a second death.  Sin is not measured by how big a sin it is. Sin is sin. A lie is a sin as murder is.  Sin, no matter how big or how small, separates us from God. Romans 6:23 says For the wages of sin is death.

    The stitch pattern for this part of the story are fairly easy to do. Just as it is fairly easy to sin.

    The stitch pattern in crochet is called The Alternate Stitch.  The pattern is accomplished by making a single crochet and a double crochet stitch in the same stitch. Skip a stitch and do another single and double crochet in the next stitch.

    Click here to  view a video demonstration of this stitch pattern.

    The stitch pattern in knit is called Vertical Weave

    The vertical stitch is made in a 2 row pattern.  In the first row (right side) “ K2 *slip 1 as if to purl, k1, yo, psso, K2. Repeat from * across

    Row 2 (wrong side) Purl across.

    Click here to view a video demonstration of this stitch pattern.

    You may download a PDF version of the project at: http://www.knittingbiblestudy.com/patterns/ColorsOfSalvation_patternKC.pdf

    Join us on facebook to discuss your progress.

    Next month we will work on the GOLD color

  • All Knotted Up

    I just finished crocheting a teddy bear from a skein of knotted up yarn. Why? I don’t know.

    One of the first posts I made and actually the first writing that led to the creation of the ‘Knit and Crochet Bible Study’ book was comparing my life to a tangled mess of yarn filled with knots.

    I laughed at myself as I realized I obviously have not learned anything because here I was, once again, working on a project and instead of untangling the strands and rolling it into a usable ball, I worked as many stitches as I could from the free yarn. Then I untangled a few more feet of yarn and worked until I ran into another tangle. I worked the entire piece like this!

    Romans 7:15 kept running though my mind: “For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.” (Romans 7:15 NAS)   Do you find yourself doing the same thing? You know what needs to be done, you know how you should do, yet you continue in your old habits.

    I looked through my stash to start another project. I hope I have learned my lesson. You know the old saying, “The third time is the charm”. Hopefully this time I will get it right.

     

  • Daily Contact

    I recently read a post by author and speaker, Kay Arthur of Precept Ministries that reads:

    What difference does it make if you’re not in the Word of God on a daily basis? It makes a critical difference. It’s the difference between a Hi-how-are-You?-By the-way-I’ve-been-meaning-to-tell-You relationship with God and a deep intimacy with your heavenly Father. Check out Psalm 119:2, “How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart.”
    I spoke with a friend on the phone today, we discussed how difficult it is to talk and be mindful of one another when we don’t talk for a long period of time.
    I can’t imagine a day going by without speaking to my husband, our relationship is very special and constant contact with each other solidifies our commitment.
    Looking at how daily contact is so important makes me ashamed that I am so far behind in sending out the newsletter and even posting on the blogs.
    I had surgery on my back in July of 2010 and unfortunately I received no relief from the pain so I had a second surgery in March of this year. I neglected my knitting and crochet, I neglected contacting my friends, I neglected my prayer life and I neglected contact with all of you.
    While still in pain, I am taking charge to seek reconnection with all.
    I have pulled out the yarn, needles and hooks; I have started writing or calling friends, and I am writing to you now. Notice the verse in Psalm 119:2 says “those who seek him”.  Those words imply action. I must seek Him. God is always there, reaching out to me, but He will not force Himself on my life. I must in turn reach to Him.
    I must also seek contact with you. So I am starting over and will be blogging again.  I have a number of posts started waiting for me to finish.
    So grab your hooks, your needles, your yarn and your Bibles. Let’s get back together.

  • Goal Setting

    “The LORD says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.’” (Ps. 32:8 NLT)

    In January I made a list of what I want to accomplish in 2011.  I figured if I did a plan for the year instead of a “resolution” I might accomplish it more easily.

    I made three columns: (1) My Personal Life  (2) Knit and Crochet Bible Study (3) Crafting

    I considered, as many do when a new year rolls around, reading the Bible in a year. I have tried this and after a few weeks, I miss one day, then another, then I am so far behind I get frustrated and give up. I found a group on Facebook that is reading the New Testament in 2011 reading one chapter a day Monday through Friday. If you like to check it out there is the link:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Read-the-New-Testament-in-2011/185576411468685

    For Knit and Crochet Bible Study I had planned to start a once a month radio show/podcast. Perhaps I can get started in February.

    My crafting leaves a lot to be desired.  I have started quite a few projects. Every day new patterns come to me through email, online groups, facebook and twitter that I get excited and jump on in.  I hope during this upcoming blizzard (yes, they are using the word blizzard in the forecast) I can just sit down and finish a few.  Maybe by stating it here I can be accountable to you.

    There is another personal goal: draw closer to God. The verse above, Psalm 32:8 “The LORD says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.’”  He will guide, but I must follow. How many times He points me in one direction and I see pretty flowers along another path that I rush toward.  As He leads I slow down a bit, I stop awhile as He goes forward. I have to run to catch up.  I can understand the Israelites roaming in the desert. God led them, but they wandered other directions. It’s so easy to do, isn’t it?

    So, one month into the new year I have fallen behind in some areas, but I know that the Good Shepherd will not leave me behind.  He will take my hand and draw me to the still, calm waters where I can rest. And that place of rest is better than any flower patch along the road I can find. 

    So, how about you? In a few hours January 2011 will be in the past. Are you frustrated about your own goals? How are you encouraged?  Comment below and/or on the Facebook discussion tab.

  • And the Winner is…..

    Congratulations to Ambar, selected via random dot org. I will be shipping to Ambar 7 skeins of yarn, 2 knitting pattern books, a printed copy of the Salvation Colors Afghan, a set of knitting needles and a crochet hook.

    I wish I could send something to everyone who commented. Each of you have a wonderful testimony. I was excited to read each of the comments.

    I will plan another contest soon. This was a lot of fun.

  • What is a Knit & Crochet Bible Study?

    Take a look at your Bible Study group. Everyone sits around a table or in some group setting. Bibles are open and pens are poised for note taking. Some will say very little, fearful of sounding unintelligent. Others willingly share their knowledge and ideas. But the focus is the Lord.

    Now take a look at the knitting or crochet group. Everyone sits around, project in hand, with conversation and laughter around. The ease of the setting makes it easy to talk and share.

    Let’s combine the two. Take the ease and comfort from the knitting/crochet group setting and add the conversation guidelines of the Bible Study which is to be focused on the Lord. While the others are working on projects, one person reads the lesson and scripture. Discussion questions are stated.

    With the relaxed atmosphere and hook or needles in hand, a sense of sharing instead of studying prevails. For many having the project in hand makes it more comfortable to join in. Insights are made with in depth discussions into how the Word has affected the lives of those involved.

    That is a Knit and Crochet Bible Study. A few guidelines are stated up front:

    All conversation must be God honoring. This is not a stitch and bitch session. Are you mad at your husband or children? You can speak but no demeaning words may be spoken. Male bashing will not be allowed.

    You must be respectful of all persons whether in the room or not.

    Prayer requests are confidential. They are not to be discussed outside the group. They are not to be forwarded with email.

    Prayer requests must not be something that would be harmful information about another. Every family has secrets. Honor those secrets. Seek counsel from your pastor or another trusted person on a one-to-one basis.

    Respect each others view. Don’t argue the gospel. Don’t speculate on the gospel. Use the Word as written.

    There is only one gospel, but when it comes to knitting and crochet, there are many techniques. Just because someone doesn’t do the stitch or hold the yarn the same way you do doesn’t make them wrong. Work together without criticism of needlework abilities.

    And there you have a Knit and Crochet Bible Study.

    With that that in mind, grab your Bible, yarn, needles and/or your hooks; let’s get started.

  • Stitch Patterns

    I found a couple of stitch patterns I thought you might enjoy.  These are the ones referenced in the post, The Shepherd I Shall Not Want

    Knit: Five Stitch Cable (found in Beginner’s Guide Knit Stitches & Easy Projects by Leisure Arts)

    Panel of 5 sts on a background of Reverse Stockinette Stitch.

    Row 1: (right side): Slip next 3 sts onto cable needle and hold in back of work, K2 from left needle, K3 from cable needle.

    Row 2 AND ALL WRONG SIDE ROWS: P5

    Row 3: K5

    Row 5: K2, (K, P, K, P, K) all in next st, pass second, third, fourth, and fifth sts on right needle over first st, K2

    Row 7: K5

    Row 8: P5

    Repeat Rows 1-8 for pattern.

    Crochet: Garden Rows (found in Beginner’s Guide 30 Easy-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches by Leisure Arts)

    Ch 27 loosely

    Row 1: (right side): Dc in fourth ch from hook and in each ch across. 25 st

    To work Front Post Single Crochet (FPsc), insert hook from front to back around post of st indicated, YO and pull up a loop, YO and draw through all 3 loops on hook. Skip st behind FPsc.

    Row 2: Ch 1, turn; work FPsc around first 5 dc, * dc in next dc, (sc in next dc, dc in next dc) twice, work FPsc around next 5 dc; repeat from * across.

    Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as first dc, now and throughout), turn; dc in next st and in each st across.

    Row 4: Ch 1, turn; sc in first 2 dc, dc in next dc, sc in next dc, dc in next dc, work FPsc around next 5 dc, dc in next dc, (sc in next dc, dc in next dc) twice, work FPsc around next 5 dc, dc in next dc, sc in next dc, dc in next dc, sc in last 2 dc.

    Row 5: Ch 3, turn, dc in next st and in each st across.

    Repeat Rows 2-5 for pattern.

  • The Shepherd I Shall Not Want

    Years ago when I first learned of Psalm 23 I was quite confused

    You see, the Sunday School  teacher was saying this is a passage that offers comfort. For me it offered something else to worry about.

    I read and memorized the first line “The Lord is Shepherd I shall not want.  In my immature mind, I kept thinking this said I don’t want this shepherd. I couldn’t figure out why the  teacher was talking like this was an encouraging passage.  Then the next verse said “He makes me lie down in green pastures”.  He MAKES me lie down, like when I was in trouble and got sent to my room.

    As I grew and matured in stature and in God, I understood the true message. My needs are met by my Lord.  He cares for me.  He helps me to rest when I am weary and keep running in circles.

    Another thing I learned about the first verse of Psalm 23 is to look at punctuation. There is a comma after The Lord is my Shepherd which separates it from the thought following -I shall not want.

    That’s what Bible Study offers; a chance to grow in the knowledge of the Lord. I asked questions, listened to sermons, talked with other believers. I learned more about this Shepherd they spoke of.   I had to become familiar with God to understand His Word.

    The same goes for reading a knit or crochet pattern. I had to learn what PSSO stood for, and watch for commas and parenthesis in phrases like K2, (K, P, K, P, K)all in next st, pass second, third, fourth and fifth sts on right needle over first st, K2.    Or how about  Ch 1, turn; work FPsc around first 5 dc, *dc in next dc, (sc in next dc, dc in next dc) twice, work FPsc around next 5 dc; repeat from * across.

    Pattern reading , like Bible Study takes time and commitment. You must learn to see not only the words, but the punctuation and the context of each passage. Context is very important. In patterns and in Scripture you need to know what is happening around the verse. My friend, Debi Stack, loves to tell about her favorite ‘out of context’ verse; Deuteronomy 14:26 Use the money to buy anything you want.  This is great verse to take with me when I head to the mall, but not exactly what is being commanded.

    Sometimes a passage of Scripture, like a pattern, is understood more clearly if read aloud. At other times it may require speaking to someone with more knowledge. With today’s technology you can search online for errata (pattern corrections); you may also contact the designer in person via email or website contact.

    Don’t become discouraged if the Scripture is confusing. Stop, take a deep breath, read it slowly, out loud, and take notes; meditate on His Word.  Most importantly, don’t give up; reach out and take the hand of the Shepherd you DO want and rest in Him.

    Keep your eyes on Jesus , who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed, that exhilarating finish in and with God. he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there , in the place of honor, right alongside God.  – Hebrews 12:2

    NOTE: If you’d like to see the full stitch pattern to those referenced above, check out the post dated today called “Stitch Patterns

  • The Proverbs 31 Woman: God’s Work In Progress

    Are you a Proverbs 31 woman?

    The woman described in Proverbs 31 seems elusive, perfection, impossible to achieve.

    The Knit and Crochet Bible Study, Book 2 “The Proverbs 31 Woman: God’s Work In Progress”  looks at the Proverbs 31 woman to discover she is not someone born of perfection, she is a woman knit together by God’s hands over her lifetime.

    Every day God stitches himself into her life as she grows and matures. She learns wisdom and fear of the Lord through her daily activities.

    God started by knitting you together in your mother’s womb. He isn’t finished yet. He has not finished off His work in you, nor has He tossed you in the frog pile.

    This fun study is created to offer you the chance to discover for yourself you are closer to becoming stitched into this woman than you thought and also enjoy a skillful craft.

    Learn to knit, to crochet, to seek a deeper relationship with God and others in these lessons.

    You can find Amazon purchase details by CLICKING HERE.

     

  • Seaming It All Up

    Theologians tell us there are 400 years between Malachi 4:6 and Matthew 1:1. What was happening during that time? Was God trying to come up with a Plan B, C or even D?

    No, Gods plan of salvation was already in the works in Genesis 1. There is no Plan B.

    From Genesis to Malachi we find evidence of a sacrifice to be offered up to bring reconciliation between God and man. In the Gospels we find testimony of the manifestation of the sacrifice made. Acts to Revelation offers us testimony and encouragement to accept that sacrifice and a pattern to live for Him eternally.

    In the Old Testament people were looking toward to the cross. In the New Testament they looked back to the cross. God’s sacrifice on the cross knitted the two together seamlessly.

    The Salvation Colors afghan project brings together several panels which can be used to describe the story. Now it is time to seam the pieces together.

    As you bring together your knitted or crocheted panels remember the sacrifice that was made so that you may be a part of this story. Each panel is stitched together in black, referencing the sin which separates us from God. But don’t fear that sin, we will complete the picture with the ultimate gift from God, the sacrifice of His only begotten Son, so that we may live forever with Him. This is represented by the red edging around the entire project. A cross stitch is included to offer an additional reminder of God’s love. You will note that each panel is touched by this final edging; just as the blood of Christ touches each and every life.

    Recite John 3:16 before continuing: For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.

    Whosoever means you.

    For the seaming and edging click here.  A PDF reader is required.