Savior of Mothers

**Introductory sale: 20% off the Savior of Mothers pattern until September 12, 2026 (Budapest time). No code needed.** When a pattern is born, a story often unfolds alongside it. The “Savior of Mothers” lace shawl carries just such a story: a tribute to Ignác Semmelweis (1818–1865), whose work changed the world forever. In the mid-19th century, many mothers lost their lives to puerperal fever following childbirth. Semmelweis, however, recognized that infections were behind these tragedies, and that doctors bore some responsibility for their spread when they touched women in labor with hands that were not sufficiently clean. By introducing handwashing with a chlorine-lime solution, he dramatically reduced the number of deaths, yet many of his contemporaries rejected his findings. Nevertheless, he did not back down. He believed that the lives of mothers were more important than anything else, and he held fast to this belief despite the doubts and criticism of his contemporaries. He received little recognition during his lifetime, but his discovery is now regarded as one of the milestones in the advancement of medicine. Semmelweis’s story is one of perseverance, humanity, and the courage to stand up for his discoveries. His legacy lives on today in every careful hand movement that serves to protect life. With its embracing shape, this crescent-shaped shawl also evokes protection and care. The rhythmic alternation of the lace pattern, the garter stitch, and the dropped stitches evokes a constantly changing yet cohesive flow. As the shawl grows on the knitting needles, the story of life’s fragility and the power of human perseverance unfolds within it. The “Savior of Mothers” is not merely a shawl, but also a tribute and a remembrance. It is a message that attention, care, and courage truly have the power to change the world. Yarn One skein Malabrigo Sock (100% Superwash Merino Wool; 402 meters / 440 yards per skein). Shown in colourway Polar Morn. Or approximately 400 meters/ 440 yards of similar Fingering weight yarn. Needle Size 4 mm / US 6 circular needle, 100 cm / 40 inch long. Notions Tapestry needle. Blocking wires and T-pins are recommended for best results. Gauge 17 stitches and 41 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in garter stitch on US 6 / 4 mm needles after blocking. Finished Measurements Approximately 160 cm / 63 in (wingspan) x 55 cm / 21,5 in (depth), after blocking. I knitted the white shawl using Lana Gatto VIP yarn and a 4.5 mm knitting needle.