Sheep Square Washcloth

Here's a new square based on the Knitter's Mitten pattern I posted awhile back.  It's a Baa Baa Black Sheep theme that would make a nice baby blanket square, maybe with the Hickory Dickory Square and some of the others. 

This square is 38 stitches wide by 50 rows tall , using a worsted weight and size US 7 needles, or a DK weight and size US 5 needles.  As a baby blanket square I would do this in colorwork to emphasize the Black Sheep of it all.

Grey squares represent purling on the RS, knitting on the WS.

White squares represent knitting on the RS, purling on the WS.



Freebie Friday - Partridge Square Cloth

It's been a busy week in design and paperwork.  I've been so wrapped up in the book project that I haven't been translating drawings into computer files unless they pertain to the book.  Sorry!

This is the Partridge on a Fence.  This square is 38 stitches wide by 50 rows tall using a worsted weight (Cascade Cotton Rich or Pima Cotton)  and size US 7 needles, or a DK weight (Cascade Ultra Pima) and size US 5 needles. 

Grey squares represent purling on the RS, knitting on the WS.

White squares represent knitting on the RS, purling on the WS.

Enjoy!

Dishcloth/Washcloth Battles

I knit washcloths.  I know several other people who knit washcloths.  I use them as bathing tools, particularly for facewashing.  I like the way they exfoliate gently, and the organic cotton I use feels "healthy" somehow.  I tend to use washable microfiber cloths and sponges for housework. It works for me.

I know other people who do not use washcloths of any kind for bathing, and use their knitted washcloths to wash dishes, wipe children's faces, clean counters and minor spills, and even to wipe down their bathroom.  They have decided which textures best suit their needs, and they are happy.

Then there's that third group of people whom I don't really understand.  They not only don't use washcloths, they are ANTI washcloth.  These are the people who "would never use a dishcloth.  GERMS!"  Really?  (OK washcloth people, settle down.  The Anti's will get theirs in a second.)  They are washable, like your dish and bath towels.  You can wash them after every use, or every day, or as often as you like.  You can use anti-bacterial cleaners.  You can bleach them.  Assuming that because they exist in someone's home they must be germ-infested colonies of the plague is a little extreme.  These same Anti people are reasonable about other things.  They do not change their sheets every morning.  They do not store their toothbrushes in bottles of mouthwash.  They do not wash their hats and gloves more than once a season. 

I'm surprised by the intensity of the judgement, and think everybody needs to calm the heck down.  One can only surmise that these germless women are the same women who understand how men think, are immune to the powers of chocolate, and whose children start performing charity work in the womb.  I don't get it.

If you love making washcloths, make 'em.  If you love using washcloths, use 'em.  If you think they're a terrible idea, don't make 'em or use 'em.  And if you use 'em and don't wash 'em for weeks at a time, change your ways.  That's just gross!  OK?  Move on.

Mittens for the Mister

Things are at a standstill with the two color brioche stitch.  I'm not getting anywhere with the written directions, and I haven't yet found a friend who has experience in this to teach me one on one.

In the meantime, the Mr. really would like a pair of extra-warm mittens.  I shopped a little today, and succeeded in collecting what I believe will be ideal mitten materials.  The Mr. seems to have had a minor case of frostbite a few years ago, and now winter is very painful on his fingers.  I collected a Tahki Yarns Sedona hand dyed in a clear cool grey, and a really soft and lofty AslanTrends Bariloche kettle dyed.  Both are a heavy worsted, and I plan to knit them up of 6s or 7s to make a very wind-resistant, warm and lofty mitten which will also shed water if the Mr. uses them to shovel or make snow balls.  The AslanTrends has polyamid in it, making it a stable choice for wet work.  The Tahki is all merino which might grow a little if it weren't knit in a fair isle or blended colorwork pattern with something like the Tahki.

I'm looking at a variety of patterns from the Robin Hansen book, Favorite Mittens. I haven't chosen, but it will keep my fingers busy until I can talk to a few more knitting friends and get two-color brioche lessons. 

Another back-burner project which may finally get some attention is making me another pair of socks.  Since I fell in love with the Schaeffer Nichole sock yarn, I haven't made myself a pair of socks, though I've made two other pair that I have gifted.  I cast them on today, and will probably use them as my travelling project. (Waiting for appointments, killing time while travelling, etc.)

Between these, my monthly washcloth pattern, and designing an Andean Mountain hat for my youngest, my knitting future looks very busy.  Just yesterday I was all caught up!  It's my Karmic task to have perpetual knitting tasks.  Where else would I work to combine creativity, patience, and a willingness to trust directions blindly?  Bring it on!

Spa Gifts - Free Pattern

I'm giving this gift myself. Washcloths and face cloths seem to have gone the way of rotary phones.  Yet very little is as good for the skin as simple friction with a gentle organic soap.  All the chemical cleansers and exfoliants are great money makers for cosmetic companies, but at most high end spas you'll find simple cleansing and moisturizing as the treatments of choice.  (Think clay masks and cucumber eye treatments.)

If you're looking for a quick last minute gift, try beautiful washcloths and artisan soaps.  Two handmade cloths wrapping some fine handmilled soaps and tied with a ribbon would make a lovely gift for anyone on your list.  (Modern men are into skin care, too.) Add a candle or two, and it's a spa experience you can even tuck into a stocking!

Use some organic cotton or bamboo fibers, and these cloths will gently exfoliate skin.  Choose a boutique artisan soap that fits your friend's personality: chocolate, olive oil, lavender, and oatmeal are all popular handmilled soap types.  (If you're in the Buffalo NY area, stop in to Village Artisans on Main Street in Williamsville for a lovely selection of soaps and candles.)  Or coordinate soap and candle colors to the yarn colors used for a pretty visual. Need something more substantial?  Add a pedicure brush or a facial brush, bubble bath, and a natural moisturizer.  Enjoy!