This is the resource page for the Rafka Box pattern (available for purchase here).
What’s With The Name “Rafka”?
Why “Rafka”? The Rafka Box is name after St Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès, a lebanese nun who died in the early 1900s. Rafka is an alternate spelling of her name which is similar to the name “Rebecca”. St Rafka lived in an convent community which raised silkworms and made priestly vestments, and when an illness left her blind and bedridden, she continued to serve her sisters by knitting socks. When I designed this special project, I looked up the patron saint of knitting and came across her story. She isn’t the “official” patroness of knitting , but I feel like her story should be known. The kind of heart that still serves those she loves despite of suffering and illness is a beautiful heart indeed. St Rafka, ora pro nobis! Learn more about St Rafqa here.
Tips For Working With Zippers
The Rafka Box features directions for installing a zipper on a curved seam. The following video shows 7 tips that will help you install your zippers.
Hardware Resources
The Rafka Box pattern requires a 3/4 inch [19 mm] D-ring and a 3/4 inch [19 mm] D-ring clasp set, as well as a 22 inch [55 cm] zipper (see pattern for more requirement details). If you are unable to find these pieces in your local fabric shop, I recommend the following online retailers based on my experience working with them.
