We had one of our sisters go through a very difficult period. Within weeks of finding out she had an aneurysm she was under the knife having brain surgery. When she came to tell me, the only thing she asked for was prayer and a hat. I can't tell you how fast I made that hat. I was determine that when she needed it, it would be there waiting for her. I knitted a heart into it so she'd know she was very close to mine. (The heart came about as part of one of my designs from earlier in the year. (More about that in the next post.))
Once she let the others in the group know, we (without her knowledge of course) all came together; we had to figure out what we were going to do for her. Without hesitation, (I think they had already talked this out, hummm) I was asked if I could come up with an afghan, designed for her. And so 'In My Heart' was created. The levels of each knitter was taken into consideration; so the design included garter stitch, cables and the hearts. (Previously I'd designed a blanket that individuals could work on, but when put together it would look like the work of one person.) Everyone was given the chart for creating the heart but was free to place them wherever they wanted in their panel. 
There is no top or bottom. Whichever way the afghan is picked up, you are looking at the hearts floating down towards you.
I've worked with these women on other projects but when we got together for this, everyone wanted their part to be perfect for our friend. There was no hemming and hawing; all other projects were 'kicked to the curb' and the knitting began.
I'm very glad to say that our sister and friend came out of this and is back with us knitting and chatting and having fun. She has expressed her thank you to us in so many ways. Each time I hear her tell how she keeps that afghan near (sitting on the couch, taking a nap, reaching for it when she feels a chill) it brings tears of joy to my eyes and a happiness to my heart.
(I know, the pictures aren't the greatest but...)
Until I see you again,
HAPPY CRAFTING
Coukkii
