COEUR d'ALENE - It was Eula Hickam's first and only shawl, a college assignment heading into her senior year at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Wash.

She wove it on a loom for a teaching elective 55 years ago, passed the class, gave the shawl away, earned her education degree and launched a 34-year career at the head of classrooms.

Did the assignment earn her an A?

"That was 50 years ago, beats me," said Hickam, Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho board of directors chair. "I passed."

Five decades later, and the black, wool top piece is back, and up for auction.

Hickam gave the shawl to her grandmother after crafting it, but received it back 40 years ago after her grandmother passed away. It has been in storage ever since, coming out only for the auction block as a donated item for HFHNI's third annual Hearts for Homes auction and dinner 5 p.m. Saturday at the Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn.

The nonprofit already has 40 silent auction, 50 raffle and eight live auction items, but it's the dark and gold colored shawl that's likely been around the longest.

It can be worn around the shoulders, draped along the neck or "I suppose you could wear it like a skirt," Hickam joked. "If you're a hippie."

Hickam taught every grade up to eighth in Washington during her three decades as a teacher. She joined HFHNI around 1993 as a volunteer, and has been with it ever since. Saturday, Hickam's one and only shawl could find a new owner through the home building organization.

"I love Habitat for Humanity," she said. "I want to give it anything I can."

She doesn't have plans to replace the shawl, should it sell, by making another.

"I don't have a loom," she said.