So I’m using today to organize. I’ve written down what I’m doing on my works in progress so I could make them again without re-calculating everything. They’re not so much patterns as notes so I’ll understand what I did, though they might become patterns in the future. I just finished a custom order of a pair of elbow length fingerless gloves with a braided cable pattern on the backs of the hands.

I’m working on a lace motif wrap for a client who’s very excited about taking it on her cruise at the end of the month. But I’m ashamed to show it publicly until it’s been blocked. Yes, one day soon I should discuss the importance of blocking with before and after pictures.

I’ve also been getting interested recently in knitting and crochet as a visual art. I have one project going, lots of ideas – we’ll see where it goes.

And, I need to go through my yarn and see what I have to start making Spring things. Well, not specifically Spring things so much as not-Winter things. Right now my inventory consists of mostly hats. Wool hats. Gotta get on that.

Ack! And it’s my last chance to work on the painting I told my teacher I would bring back to class this week.

That’s a lot of work for a day where I can’t get any crocheting done.

machine washable dish scrubbers!

If you’re like me, you may be not really surprised and yet still a little alarmed to learn that your kitchen sponge is by far the filthiest thing in your house. You might as well wipe off your toilet seat and then wash your dishes with the same rag – it would be more sanitary.

Sure, you could boil your sponges, or soak them in bleach solution, but that’s creating another chore. It’s another step in cleaning the kitchen. I don’t know about you, but if the dishes are clean, the counter and floor are not sticky, then I am done.

You know what we need, dear reader? A machine washable dish scrubber. Do the dishes, rinse out the food particles, and throw it in with the towels. No more patient zero kitchen sponge, and no extra work in kitchen cleaning.

This is a great practical way to use up scraps and oddballs. I was thrilled to finally come up with a suitable use for my lime green economy acrylic. (I inherited it!) For this project, the stiffer the acrylic, the better.

Materials

• a small amount of worsted weight cotton yarn (less then 1 oz)
• a small amount of worsted weight acrylic or nylon yarn (less than 1 oz)
• size ‘H’ hook (or ‘I’ hook if you crochet tightly)

Gauge isn’t important for this pattern.
Special Stitch – Popcorn stitch: 5 dc in next st, drop loop from hook, insert hook in 5th stitch behind loop, pull loop through

popcorn stitch step 1

Popcorn stitch step 2

Popcorn stitch step 3

Soft Side – with cotton yarn:

Rnd 1: make magic loop, ch 3, 14 dc in loop, pull magic loop tight, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch 3

Alternate Rnd 1: ch 5, join with sl st in 1st ch to make ring, ch 3, 14 dc in ring, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch 3

Rnd 2: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch 3

Rnd 3: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc, * 2 dc in next st, 2 dc * around, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch 3

Fasten off.

Scrubby Side – with acrylic or nylon yarn;

Rnd 1: same as rnd 1 of the soft side

Rnd 2: ch 3, dc in same st, *popcorn st, dc in same st, 2 dc in next st* around, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch 3 – There should 7 popcorn stitches.

Rnd 3: ch 3, popcorn st in same st, dc in same st, 1 dc *dc in first dc of popcorn st, 2 dc in next st, popcorn st, 2 dc in next st* around. The popcorn sts in this round should be in the second of the three dcs between popcorn sts in the previous round. In last st, work 3 dc; sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch 3 – There should be 8 popcorn sts.

If your scrubby side is a little smaller than your soft side, then work Rnd 4: ch 1, sc in same st, *3 sc, 2 sc in next st* to last 5 sts; 3 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, sl st in beg ch

Assembly
Trim the tails in the center of each piece so they are no longer than the radius of the circle. Hold the pieces wrong sides together and join with slip stitches around. Fasten off. Weave in tails, or tie them together and trim the ends to form a loop if you want to hang it for storage.

Update!

I’ll post here if I’m not going to be at the Flying Monkey Artists’ Market any given Saturday, or probably if I am. Winter has been spotty. This is Alabama after all and I don’t think I’m alone in thinking that a forecast high below freezing means it’s too cold to leave the house. Add precipitation and nothing is getting done that day. (Except lots of knitting and crochet.)

Also if you’re local to North Alabama and you see something you like here or at the etsy shop, you can pick it up at the artists’ market. Just send me an e-mail at hellolittlebirds at gmail you-know-what-goes-here com.  I don’t bring my full inventory every week because of space constraints, so just give me a heads up and I’ll make sure to have it with me.

Works in Progress -

I’m working on three custom orders right now: a pair of elbow length wool gauntlets with a cable down the back of the hands, a motif crochet cotton wrap, and I just ordered wool/silk blend yarn for a wrap with sleeves like this garment.  It’s gonna be pretty awesome if I do say so myself. Look for more of works in progress.

Also coming soon – patterns. Free patterns. Knit AND crochet patterns.

We are very proud to offer two blankets in 100% cotton yarn. Who knows? One day these soft, comforting afghans may even achieve the status of “blankie”.  Nothing could make us happier.

We also have a smaller afghan perfect for in the car or crib.  This soft textured 100% acrylic yarn will keep its shape and vibrant color through years of washing and snuggling.

You can expect great things from us, too. Please visit our store at Etsy.com. We’re adding new items every week.  If you don’t see exactly what you need, just click the custom order button.

Lacy Fingerless Gloves

We gather with other artists every Saturday at the Flying Monkey Arts Center located in the historic Lowe Mill.* Stop by between noon and 4PM. There you can feel the quality and see the variety of items we have for sale. Find exactly what you need. Pick up the perfect gift for your next baby or wedding shower.

Talk to the artist and place a custom order. Do you want to pick the colors? We’ll discuss your needs and advise you on the best material for the job. Let us do it all or buy the materials yourself. Just drop them off with your deposit and we’ll have them ready for pick up on the promised Saturday.