Friday, August 04, 2006

You're My Favorite Waste of Time...


What have I been working on these last few weeks? I've been dodging the question somewhat, because it seems somewhat embarrassing. But the truth is that I have been bitten by the washcloth bug. Hard. And then this has been followed by the dishcloth (I can't quite bring myself to call it a "dish rag") bug... I've got 'em both, bad.

I blame my mother for getting me started - while in Tennessee, she enlisted my help with knitting some washcloths. Of course, I am glad for the opportunity to help out my moms, but I'll be the first to admit I wasn't thrilled by the project.
She introduced me to the washcloth pattern - she found it written on an index card amongst her mother's old things, and thought she'd give it a try. I like working with the cotton, a nice change from all the wool I've been using, particularly in this heat! I like the "fancy" little edge - it really is a fun little project.


However, in addition to being a fun little knit - these are the most awesome washcloths ever! I never dreamed that I would care at all about a thing like a washcloth, but I really do love these. So far, I've made 5 for my mother, and 9 more since returning back home. I've given a few away as gifts (how nice to have a stash on hand for when the occasion arises!), I'm keeping a few to use, and I figure I've now got "stocking stuffers" for all of my female relatives.
I keep thinking I should maybe try to sell these, simply because I am so smitten with them, but I just don't know how to go about it - is anyone besides me going to get that excited about a washcloth?

While the washcloth obsession snuck up on me, and took me completely by surprise - I deliberately introduced the dish cloth. However, the dish cloth was supposed to wean me off washcloths, not become a fullblown compulsion of its own!


I received Mason Dixon Knitting as a gift, and noticed this pattern in it. At the time, I thought that even though I like working with this yarn (v. similar to the washcloths!), that I probably wouldn't be making any of these because they looked a little fussy and old ladyish. I may be well on my way to acting like a cranky lil granny, but it doesn't mean I want to knit like one!

Then GoodToBeGirl showed me that if you update the color palette, these dishcloths are really pretty hip! (Or at least I think so. Please don't shatter my illusions if this is not the case!)
A new obsession is born...

18 comments:

laura capello said...

I can sing in your choir -- I LOVE YOUR WASHCLOTH!

And you can call me an old bitty any old time (as long as old bitties listen to punk rock, that is).

Anonymous said...

I would like to place my order please. I would love to buy some fancy schmancy wash and dish cloths. Just call me and enabler.

Anonymous said...

not and enabler... an enabler.

3 to get ready said...

These are beautiful! And inherently practical, which always appeals to me (what a glam-queen I am!). You wouldn't consider sharing the pattern for the washcloth, would you???

Anonymous said...

My mother had someone knit her a washcloth, and she liked it so much she sent me a huge spool of varigated cotton yarn and asked me to make more. I find crocheting easier (and faster) than knitting, so I crocheted them instead, but they still came out very nice. I think the crocheting gives them a little more weight.

Anonymous said...

How do I get one??? How??? I'll do it! Whatever you say, just as long as I can get me one of those super cool washcloths.

Leslie said...

Is there any chance you could share the pattern from that index card? :)

Anonymous said...

yes dishcloths. every year i do the dishcloth BLITZ before the month of may. I give nat's mom, nat's 95 yr old grandmother, and my mom about 5-8 dishcloths a piece for mother's day, they in turn are supposed tot hrow away the raggedy ones fromt he year prior. Than i have my sister's b-day in june and she loves them too so i have a big ass blitz starting in april every year.
i made 38 of them this year. Then i hate them and don't want to make any more til next year! :D
i also do the same corner to corner one and the mason dixon one. the mason dixon one is from a peaches and cream ball band i've had for awhile anyhow.

Anonymous said...

So cute; I really should start knitting again. I'm glad to find your blog!

Anonymous said...

These are just awesome, and you could make a mint at any booth at a hip crafty-type fair like Bazaar Bizaare, Crafty Bastards, or what have you.

Plus -- did you just quote Marshall Crenshaw? Be still my music-geek heart!

MéLisa said...

I love the blue & brown ones (one of my fav color combos)! My oldest friend made me some washcloths as part of my wedding gift & I just love them! I use them for washing my face because they are so soft & work great from getting eye make up off!

Anonymous said...

I love to make wash/dishcloths! Can you tell us what's wrapped around the rolled-up cloths in the picture? Presentation is everything, you know! : )

Kristy said...

Ooh I love these!Just come by your blog via Autum.

Cristina said...

the washcloths look awesome!!!! can you tell me what type of cotton you used here (brand?). the pattern calls for that cotton stuff that comes in particularly obnoxious colors...nothing like what you have here....btw...i hope you belong to the KAL!! email me if you dont and want to:)

AmyArtisan said...

Welcome to the wonderful world of wash/dishcloths!

Growing up my grandma always kept us stocked with the simple dishcloth pattern - called "Grandma's favorite" by any. In 1997 I had her teach me to knit with that pattern & love doing them. In addition to dishcloth size I also knit them much larger to make cozy baby blankets.

Have fun!

THE KNITORIOUS MRS. B said...

Two of my favorite cloths to knit! Pretty color selections!

LunaMoonbeam said...

Love 'em, love em! I received a set of two crocheted washcloths as a wedding gift. My sister informed me they were the COOLEST THINGS ON THE PLANET...so I rolled them up, stuck them in a drawer and made sure never to use them. I didn't want to damage them!

I pulled one out this week...and I'm. In. Love. Now, if only I could figure out how to knit! Or crochet. Or sew a straight line. Sad...

Anonymous said...

This pattern is available at: http://www.jimsyldesign.com/dishbout/kpatterns/grfavorite.html