So she knitted a humble dishcloth
I finished knitting a cotton dishcloth. Haven’t made one of these for ages, partly because they last so long. No need to replace them that often. This one is a garter stitch corner-to-corner. It is a quick knit, using 100% cotton yarn. The cotton is variegated, which I never think shows the intricate and complicated stitches up to their best. So garter stitch is perfect.
I’m not sure that knitting your own dishcloth is quite so popular in the UK, as in other countries. It certainly went through a dip. In the 80s, I remember balls of dishcloth cotton being on sale, outside the draper’s shop (long since gone), in our local market town. You bought it along with your tea towels, nets and curtains. I can’t remember what else the shop sold. It seemed to go back, like an Aladdin’s cave. Anyway, it was a small basket for the dishcloth cotton yarn. Presumably, not a big demand for it. The cotton was always the same off white colour. As dull as the dishwater it was destined to sit in. Now, at least, I can find a lot more choice.
I use my dishcloths for cleaning surfaces rather than dishes. I mix up a homemade white vinegar and rosemary cleaning solution to wipe the surfaces. I’ve been refilling the same bottle for 17 years. As old as my Eldest teen, which is no coincidence. From the start, I didn’t want her coming in contact with harmful chemicals. I’ve stuck to the same recipe ever since. I’m sure, in years to come, my children will be hurtled back to the memory of their childhood, kitchen table, at the mere whiff of rosemary. Before you ask, the smell of vinegar does not stick around for long.
Back to the cloths. Maybe it’s just me, but I find the reusable cleaning clothes, on sale, a tad thin. They don’t feel substantial enough to stand up to the elbow grease that’s sometimes needed.
Begone you congealed gunk, from last night’s feast.
In contrast, the knitted cloths are much easier to scrub with. My knuckles are safe and don’t feel like they’re in direct contact with the counters. Once I’ve finished cleaning, they are easy to clean. Ready to be used again.
Being cotton, they don’t shed microplastics every time they go in the washing machine, which is a plus. Cotton does have a down side in the environmental cost of producing it, but this cloth will long outlast its microfibre cousin. There is at least one brand of recycled cotton yarn, which I’d like to opt for next time, to cut down on the impact on the Earth’s resources. Small? Yes, but it counts.
I like knitted dishcloths. I like knitting them too. It always gives a good buzz to finish something that is going to be useful. Not much more basic and functional than a cleaning cloth.
Have you ever knitted/crocheted dishcloths? Do you use them? Would you like to give it a try?
September Yarn Along
Hello September. Good to see you. You always feel like the beginning of the warm and cosy months. I’ve already baked a couple apple and blackberry crumbles, so no surprise that you’re here already. Evenings are spent processing food from the garden, rather than outright gardening. Time to read and craft. I like the gradual switch.
The start of the month also heralds the time to share my current books and knitting project. I’ll start with knitting.
Knitting
I’ve made progress. I do love to knit. I love how my twisting and wrapping yarn around two sticks can produce something wearable. Inch by inch it grows. Pattern slowing appearing.
I’m working on my red noughts and crosses cardigan. (Purple version here.) I finished the back in August, and am working on the first sleeve. I love knitting the cable panel. Just one more sleeve to go before I can put it all together. I’m feeling confident that I’ll be wearing this before autumn/fall has run its course.
Books (affiliated links)
I finished Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaimen. Loved reading it. Slightly different from the TV series. Part left out and another added. It was worth reading. I’ve also finished The Secret Lives of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. A really good read. It is not a beekeeping book, but interesting how the story wove beekeeping in and out of the characters’ lives, with a subtle touch. I’ve been sending love to every bee I encounter, ever since reading it. It dealt with family relationships, loss, racism and belief, set in the South Carolina during the 1960s.
I’ve also been digging into the Lost Words Spell songs. This is a truly fabulous book. The sort of book that makes you aware of a sob, so deep inside you, that you have no idea where it came from, or even that it was there. (That might be just me, of course.) A feeling so strong that you know it will explode if not let out.
If you’ve read Lost Words by Robert Macfarlane and illustrated by Jackie Morris, then the Spell book is the next step. It comes with a CD, featuring the nature poems set to music. The resulting music is haunting and deep-down thought provoking. The creativity is fascinating. As are the illustrations in the book.
Not sure what I’ll read next. I find good books always need a slight pause before a new book can even be contemplated. Time to savour the story a moment more. I’ll give it till the weekend.
Linking up with Ginny’s Yarn Along and Anne’s Book Worms Monthly. What have you been reading this month? Any yarn projects on the go?
Yarn Along August
It’s time for a knitting and book catch up. August Yarn Along already. To be honest, you’d be forgiven for thinking, that it all looks remarkably similar to last month. Just me re-using last month’s photos, perhaps? No. As if! I promise you that there are subtle differences. Progress has been made.
Let me kick off with the book. I’ve almost finished Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaimen. I’m enjoying it, despite not giving myself enough time to read. An evening out in the garden is so tempting and rewarding at the moment, that my book is left to gather dust, some days. Not too thick a layer, as I do manage a few chapters every so often. I’m OK with it. I’d rather weed the sweetcorn, at the moment. They won’t need it in November, that’s for sure. Fortunately, this book is forgiving and let’s me pick up the story easily, wherever I left off last.
Knitting, on the other hand, has made more progress. I was working on the left front of my cardigan, last month. This month, I’ve finished both the left, and the right, and I’m over half way up the back. Not the most exciting part, as it is stocking stitch the whole way.
I’m looking forward to moving on to the sleeves. They have the cable stitch panel, which is why I chose King Cole 4076 in the first place. I prefer the concentration of knitting rows that keep me on my toes. Counting and twisting stitches, backwards and forwards, mean that I don’t switch off. I hesitate to use the term mindful, but the more complicated the rows, the more I’m there in the moment, and not thinking about my next unrelated task.
Although, knitting is currently on hold since yesterday. I sliced my finger. The irony is not lost on me. Need to start applying the art of mindfulness to food prep and be more in the moment when slicing veg. Sharp knives and wandering thoughts do not mix. No sympathy please. I don’t deserve it.
Next book is waiting in the wings, so hopefully, this time next month my knitting and book will have changed. Well, book at least. Fingers (carefully) crossed.
Linking up with the lovely Ginny’s Yarn Along. What are you all reading and knitting?
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