washcloth – Dramatic Lyric

Washpocalypse

My husband commented the other day that we had run out of washcloths. *Gasp* how could this be? I immediately cast on for a washcloth with the half-ball of Peaches and Creme that I had in my stash and ran to the store for more.

cotton yarn

Then I commenced washcloth knitting hard-core. Ok, hardcore may be a bit of a stretch, but I had a goal to prevent the Washpocalypse!

The first washcloth was the simplest garter stitch square. Cast on 50 stitches, knit 50 garter ridges (100 rows) bind off. Pure zen.

I like a generous washcloth, but this one was a little too big. The next one was log cabin, and I aimed for a 40 stitch/row square.

This was oh so satisfying! I really wasn’t sure about the log cabin pattern until I picked up the 4th log, and then I truly began to love it. I see more of these in my future.

The 3rd washcloth is the Ballband Dishcloth from the first Mason Dixon Knitting book. I’ve been meaning to knit this for quite a long time. It was such a fun knit! I can’t believe what I’ve been missing out on! Stripes, with slipped stitches. Instant colourwork!

I think I’ve begun to amend the problem (it turns out doing the laundry also helps with the washcloth situation), so I think I’ll take washcloths off the “must make now” list for the time being. But I still have a few balls of dishcloth cotton in my stash. You know, just in case.

What is your favourite washcloth pattern/recipe?

Sometimes You Just Need to Knit a Washcloth

My husband was looking for a washcloth the other day. Apparently he was having trouble finding one, because he told me we need more (We used to have piles and piles of washcloths. I don’t know what happened to them…). Instantly I went into knitter mode. Must. Find. the Cotton. Yarn!!

green cotton yarn

It turns out I had precisely 1 ball of washcloth cotton, and it was only a partial. What a pity. I just had to go buy more yarn. That really broke my heart.

cotton yarn

I am really loving the simplicity of garter stitch right now. I have so many plans and projects and thoughts in my head that I need to just slow down and knit one stitch after another. Since I have lots of colours now, maybe I will join the Fringe Association LogAlong bandwagon. Everyone keeps saying how fun and addicting log cabin is. And I do need washcloths….

knitting garter stitch

Quick Projects

Sometimes I need a break from big projects like blankets and shawls, and even socks (socks take me a while to complete, so they count as big projects). In those times I like to cast on something small and manageable, something that I can see clear progress on in a matter of hours.

circle

This washcloth worked up super quickly. I love the size of it, the look of it, and the ease of it. I used leftovers of Peaches and Creme and US 8 5.0 mm needles.

yarn

This yarn is a practice skein (the fiber is undyed Southdown wool), an etude in preparation for a symphony. It is a singles yarn, which is why it looks kinky. When you first start spinning you are trying to spin a finer and finer yarn. To the point where it becomes very difficult to spin a thick singles. In order to practice thick singles, teachers suggest that you spin an intentionally slubby yarn…which I don’t particularly love. I was prepared to do what needed to be done, though, for my symphony, but I was pleasantly surprised when I (fairly easily) started spinning thick singles. Tadah!

And lastly, a quick-ish project would be my Raindrops and Wildflowers Cowl, available for 20% off until Wednesday (July 5). Get it while it’s hot!

Simple Washcloths: A Recipe

A week or two ago my husband told me that some friends of ours are having a housewarming party. I immediately decided to knit them some washcloths. I had some Peaches and Creme worsted cotton in my stash, and some US 9/5.5 mm needles were free, so I cast on. Here is my washcloth recipe:

Using a cotton yarn and corresponding needles (I like Peaches and Creme or Sugar and Cream Worsted and US 7-9/4.5-5.5 mm needles) CO 4 sts. K 1 row.

Increase row: Sl 1, K1, YO, K to end of row. Continue increasing in this way until you have as many stitches as you want. I like big washcloths, so I usually increase up to 60 or 65 stitches.

When you have the desired number of stitches begin decreases: Sl 1, K2tog, YO, K2tog, K to end of row. Repeat until you have 4 stitches remaining. BO and weave in ends.

washcloths

I think that washcloths make a great gift. They are useful in the kitchen, bathroom, and generally in life. And they are quick to make. Work up a set of 2-4, tie them up with ribbon, and give them with a smile. You will be the star of the party!

ribbon

If (like my husband) you don’t like the holes on the edges, simply use a different increase:

Increase row: Sl 1, K1, KFB, K to end of row.

Decrease row: Sl 1, K1, K2tog, K to end of row.

Do you use handmade washcloths? Do you have a favourite pattern or recipe?

Artsy Fartsy Washcloth

Log Cabin Washcloth

The center is knit on the bias as follows:

CO 4 sts
K2 sts, YO, K to end of row.
Increase to 31 sts.
K1 st, K2tog, YO, K2tog, K to end of row.
Decrease to 4sts.
Cast Off

The outside stripes are knit in a log cabin pattern.

Yarn: Sugar ‘n’ Cream in Hot Blue and Robin’s Egg; Peaches & Creme stripes (blue, purple, green, white)