Tag Archives: dishrag

New Pattern (s)! Dishcloth Madness!

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OK, maybe not madness, per se, but I’ve somehow fallen behind on telling you about my new patterns.  (I know… heresy!)

I’ve got two brand-new, free patterns with Knit Picks that I’d like to share with you.  Technically, they call for Knit Picks’ Dishie yarn, but really, you could use whatever dishcloth cotton you’ve got laying around. (Though, Dishie is actually really nice for washcloths.)

Pattern the first!

It’s the Twined Dishcloth!  Super classy, super classic.  This bad boy would look great in just about anyone’s kitchen.  It’s a great way to practice cables, and/or reading a chart. I love using dishcloths as a low-pressure way to practice new stitches.  I might not want to try a new technique as part of a big old sweater that might not turn out.  But, a dishcloth is going to be useful, even if it doesn’t turn out how I imagine it in my head.Twined Dishcloth

And second, it’s the Mitered Quarters Dishcloth.  Is it mitered? No.  Is it divided into quarters? No.  Am I bad at naming things? Yes.

But, despite the dumb name, it’s a cute little dishcloth- very modern and sleek (or as sleek as a dishcloth ever is).  If the Twined dishcloth is a great way to try working cables, this guy is a great way to try working short rows.  You cast on on the long side of the green section, then work short rows all the way to the tip of the light gray section, then work longer and longer rows until you get to the bottom of the blue section and bind off.  (Trust me, it makes sense once you’re doing it.)  And, it’s a great way to use up those little balls of yarn that are too big to throw away, but too small to really do anything with.Mitered Quarters Dishcloth

I love when I realize that I have a pattern coming out- sharing my patterns with you all is the best, and even better when I suddenly have two to share! I hope you enjoy them, too!

Do you ever make dishcloths?  What’s your favorite dishcloth pattern?

Kitchen Confession

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I have to admit to something.  Something I’ve been neglecting for far too long.  Something… gross.

My dishcloths have officially turned into dishrags, in the worst possible way.

It’s real grim in my towel-and-rag drawer.  I didn’t think it was that bad, but now that I’m thinking about it, most of my “nice” dishcloths were wedding presents.

We got married 9 years ago.

Yikes.

I thought about posting a picture of the old rags, but I decided against it for 2 reasons.

  1. You really don’t want to see them.
  2. I don’t want you to judge me.  Because… oof.  They’re real grim.

The nicest ones are “only” bleached out from years of washing.  The worst are stained with curry or chocolate (or who knows what) and riddled with holes from being used so many times.

So, in a fit of practicality (and avoidance of the projects I’m “supposed” to be doing), I’m breaking out my bin o’ dishcloth cotton.IMG_1293.JPGThere’s plenty of yarn in there, but none of the colors are terribly cohesive, and there isn’t a ton of any one brand.  I’ve always had grand plans of working up a lovely set of fancy matching dishcloths and towels, but… clearly that hasn’t happened.

So instead, I’m grabbing colors at random and making big ol’ single-crochet squares until the yarn runs out, then switching to the next color.  They might not be the fanciest dishcloths, or terribly interesting to work up, but they’ll do their jobs well enough, and I’m enjoying burning through my stash yarn.  IMG_1301We’ll just have to see how many I make it through before I get bored- so far two and a half, and I’m still going strong.

Have you worked on any really practical projects lately?

Doing the Dishes

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Doing the dishes is not my most favorite chore, but I do them anyway.  I’d rather make something tasty and create a pile of dirty dishes than actually clean them up.  (But, I guess doing the dishes is part of being a grown-up… sigh.)

Anyway, I’ve got a stack of knit and crocheted dish cloths that people have given to me over the years, and they’re the best (I always use them before the store-bought ones).  I don’t know why, but handmade dish rags just seem to work better- plus, I love anything that’s related to knitting.

Unfortunately, since I’ve been using mine for years, they’re starting to get a little ratty and a little bleached out.  A couple are even starting to come apart at the edges.

So I guess it’s time to make a couple more.

This brick-patterned dishcloth is totally classic, and super cute.  I love the contrast of the garter stitch “bricks” and the slipped-stitch “mortar.”

Ballband Dishcoth by Peaches & Creme Design TeamThese interesting circular dishclots are cute, too!  I love the short-row shaping (I get bored easily, and short rows might just be the ticket to stopping myself from giving up halfway through and making another pair of socks instead).

Crazy Eights Dishcloth by Julie TarshaThese are also super adorable.  I love how basic patterns can be the most impactful.  The simple mitered garter square is just gorgeous, and the rainbow of applied I-cord at the edge is the perfect finishing touch.

Sinkmates by Lorilee BeltmanDo you use handmade dishcloths?  What’s your favorite pattern?