Acosta's Knitting Skills Help Others
In 1941 when she was in seventh grade, LaRue Baldock answered the call to knit yarn squares and send them to England to be made into afghans for British soldiers fighting in World War II. Young LaRue didn’t know that one day she would adopt knitting for others as her Christian ministry.
In the early 1950’s as a young wife, our own LaRue Acosta became interested in improving her knitting skills so she took lessons at a local San Antonio department store Wolf and Marks which gave free yarn in exchange for paid lessons. LaRue spent years knitting clothing mostly for her family.
Following the tragedy of 9/11, LaRue responded to a news article from the Ethical Society of New York to donate knitted blankets for children in poverty in Afghanistan. She also began knitting for the St. Thomas Episcopal chapter of Threads of Love whose mission is to knit clothing and blankets for premature infants. Other agencies who benefit from the talented knitters of Threads of Love are Any Baby Can and Seaton Home.
In 2003 Susan Jorgensen and Susan Izard published the book
Knitting into the Mystery-A Guide to the Shawl-Knitting Ministry. The book includes such topics as the history of the shawl-knitting ministry, contemplative knitting, knitting instructions, knitting alone and as a group, keeping a knitting journal, and many prayers for knitters and those receiving the shawls.
Jorgensen made a stop at Viva! Bookstore as part of her book tour and set LaRue on the road to her shawl-knitting ministry. Even though over time she has knitted with one group or another, LaRue says she knits on her own now and knows of no other knitters still contributing shawls. Though she says the softest, most recommended shawl yarn is only available online now and all associated costs are rising, she hopes to continue her work.
Her other knitting ministry is contributing hand-knitted scarves and hats to Merchant Marines of the North Atlantic and the Great Lakes through The Seamen’s Church Institute. The SCI is an affiliate of the Episcopal Church that provides pastoral care, maritime education, and legal advocacy services for mariners. SCI provides official patterns for those knitting garments for the sailors.
If you wish to give one of LaRue’s prayer shawls to a friend or relative who is ill or in a residential facility, contact Marilynne Herbster, St. George Director of Pastoral Care.
Written by Pam Piedfort
