Monthly Dishcloth Overflow

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Welcome to our March KnitAlong Challenge!

-and- Happy St Patrick's Day, says Rosie!

"Olympic Snow" Dishcloth

The real challenge was mine, I designed this dishcloth!
I hope it will be a good knit for you - please know that you are all my Test-Knitters as this has only been knit-tested by myself!

March 15-2018 KAL Challenge
Olympic Snow
- Inspired by the 2018 Winter Olympics, the Challenges of the Ski Slopes

Challenge: Lace Knitting, Keep Count of Stitch Rows [each row has differing number of stitches]

Suggestion: Keep count of your stitches as you go along -Janet's LifeLine would be a help.
Number of stitches for each row are given at the end of each row in directions.

Odd rows = pattern row
Even numbered rows = purl row

K 2 tog = Knit 2 stitches together
SKP = slip 1 [as if to knit], Knit 1, Pass Slip Stitch Over Knit Stitch
YO = Yarn Over [same as YF, Yarn Forward]

Note: ALL rows will begin and end with 2 knit stitches which are for side borders

Supplies: [of course, you can use needles and yarn color of your choice]
#6 needles
1 skein solid cotton yarn, White

Cast on 39 stitches

Border:
Knit 2 rows

Pattern:
Row 1: [Right Side] K 2 [BORDER], K 1, *K 2 tog, K 1, YO, K 1, SKP, K 2* [repeat between * * 4x], K 2, K 2 [END of Row BORDER] [=35 st]

Row 2: [Wrong Side] K 2, P across, K 2

Row 3: K 2, *K 2 tog, K 1, (YO, K 1)x2, SKP* [repeat between * * 4x], K 3, K 2
[=35 st]

Row 4: K 2, P across, K 2

Row 5: K 2, K 2, *YO, K 3, YO, K 1, SKP, K 1* [repeat between * * 4x], K 1, K 2
[=39 st]

Row 6: K 2, P across, K 2

Row 7: K 2, K 4, *K 2 tog, K 1, YO, K 1, SKP, K 2* [repeat between * * 3x], K 2 tog, K 1, YO, K 1, SKP, K 1, K 2
[=35 st]

Row 8: K 2, P across, K 2

Row 9: K 2, K 3, *K 2 tog, K 1, (YO, K 1)x2, SKP* [repeat between * * 4x], K 2
[= 35 st]

Row 10: K 2, P across, K 2

Row 11: K 2, K 2, *K 2 tog, K 1, YO, K 3, YO, K 1* [repeat between * * 4x], K 1, K 2
[=39 st]

Row 12: K 2, P across, K 2

Photo of first twelve row repeat:

Repeat Rows 1 – 12 of pattern three more times, for a total of 4 pattern sets/48 rows

End Border: Knit 2 rows

Bind off.
‘Olympic Snow’ designed by Linda CC Schmidt, c. 2018
Need Help? Email our group - you can also use some of the very valuable websites, such as VeryPink.com

If you want to use Variegated Yarns, just know that the *pattern* gets kind of 'lost' within all the colors ~ for ex.:

Celebrate Saturday on St Patrick's Day with me, says Rosie - it will also be my second Birthday!
which is why I was named, The Wild Irish Rose !

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

March 1st 2018 KAL - Shamrock Cloth

Here is our first cloth for March:

March 1^st 2018 KAL Shamrock Cloth

Materials:

1 skein of cotton yarn, #6 US Knitting Needles.

Cast on: 39 stitches

Border:

Rows 1-4: Knit across.

Pattern:

Row 1: Knit across

Row 2: K4, P31, K4.

Row 3: K8, P2, K2, P1, K4, P2, K2, P1, K4, P2, K2, P1, K8

Row 4: K4, P4, K1, P2, K3, P3, K1, P2, K3, P3, K1, P2, K3, P3, K4.

Row 5: K7, P3, K1, P1, K4, P3, K1, P1, K4, P3, K1, P1, K9.

Row 6: K4, P6, K1, P8, K1, P8, K1, P6, K4.

Row 7: K7, P3, K1, P3, K2, P3, K1, P3, K2, P3, K1, P3, K7.

Row 8: K4, P3, K3, P1, K3, P2, K3, P1, K3, P2, K3, P1, K3, P3, K4.

Row 9: K8, P2, K1, P2, K4, P2, K1, P2, K4, P2, K1, P2, K8.

Row 10: K4, P31, K4.

Row 11: Knit across.

Row 12: K4, P31, K4.

Row 13: K16, P3, K20.

Row 14: K4, P16, K2, P13, K4.

Row 15: K14, P3, K1, P2, K2, P3, K14.

Row 16: K4, P9, K5, P1, K1, P1, K5, P9, K4.

Row 17: K13, P5, K1, P1, K1, P5, K13.

Row 18: K4, P7, K17, P7, K4.

Row 19: K10, P19, K10.

Row 20: K4, P6, K19, P6, K4.

Row 21: K11, P17, K11.

Row 22: K4, P12, K7, P12, K4.

Row 23: K10, P19, K10.

Row 24: K4, P5, K21, P5, K4.

Row 25: K9, P21, K9.

Row 26: K4, P6, K19, P6, K4.

Row 27: K14, P5, K1, P6, K13.

Row 28: K4, P9, K6, P1, K5, P10, K4.

Row 29: K15, P3, K4, P3, K14.

Row 30: K4, P31, K4.

Row 31: Knit across.

Row 32: K4, P31, K4.

Row 33: K8, P2, K2, P1, K4, P2, K2, P1, K4, P2, K2, P1, K8.

Row 34: K4, P4, K1, P2, K3, P3,K1, P2, K3, P3, K1, P2, K3, P3, K4.

Row 35: K7, P3, K1, P1, K4, P3, K1, P1, K4, P3, K1, P1, K9.

Row 36: K4, P6, K1, P8, K1, P8, K1, P6, K4.

Row 37: K7, P3, K1, P3, K2, P3, K1, P3, K2, P3, K1, P3, K7.

Row 38: K4, P3, K3, P1, K3, P2, K3, P1, K3, P2, K3, P1, K3, P3, K4.

Row 39: K8, P2, K1, P2, K4, P2, K1, P2, K4, P2, K1, P2, K8.

Row 40: K4, P31, K4.

Row 41: Knit across.

Row 42: K4, P31, K4.

Border:

Rows 1-4: Knit across.

Bind off, weave in ends.

Janet Nogle

jcnogle@gmail.com

Monday, February 19, 2018

February 20th 2018 KAL Moss Stitch Diagonal

February 20th KAL Moss Stitch Diagonal

Materials:

1 skein of cotton yarn, #6 US Knitting Needles.

Cast on: Multiple of 8 + 3 (24+3+8=35) 35 Stitches

Border:

Rows 1-4: Knit across.

Pattern:

Row 1: K8, *P1, K1, P1, K5; repeat from * to last 11: P1, K1, P1, K8.

Row 2: K4, P3, *(K1, P1) x2, K1, P3; repeat from *, end K4.

Row 3: K6, *P1, K1, P1, K5; repeat from * to last 5: P1, K4.

Row 4: K4, P1, K1, *P3, (K1, P1) x2, K1; repeat from * to last 5: P1, K4.

Row 5: K4, *P1, K1, P1, K5; repeat from * to last 7: P1, K1, P1, K4.

Row 6: K4, *(P1, K1) x2, P3, K1; repeat from * to last 7: P1, K1, P1, K4.

Row 7: K4, P1, *K5, P1, K1, P1; repeat from * to last 6: K6.

Row 8: K4, (P1, K1) x3, *P3, (K1, P1) x2, K1; repeat from * to last 9: P3, K1, P1, K4.

Repeat rows 1-8 for pattern till desired length, I repeated rows 1-8, 5 more times.

Border:

Rows 1-4: Knit across.

Bind off, weave in ends.

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Rosie says, "Have a Happy Knitting Day!"

hi fellow knitters!
today your challenge will be Knitting a Mitred Square -
Example, below, that I knit in pale green Lion Brand 24/7 cotton yarn:

this involves a center double decrease to learn;
you can also learn the Cable Cast On.

This design was made by Joy Adams. You can find her pattern as a free Ravelry pdf download.

The *new* challenge Center Double Decrease, easily gained by following her simple directions.
[It's like the slip 1,Knit 1, PSSO - only you are slipping two stitches at one time]

NOTE: designer has given you the number of stitches on decrease rows, which is a help so you can count and be certain of stitches!

Suggestions:
Hi-light your stitch count on your pattern -
or use stitch markers to help you keep count.

Cable Cast On gives a nice look, almost a nice even crochet look.
To do the Cable Cast on, consult your own handy dandy knit book -
[everyone should have one!]
or try one of the many online helps - one I like to use is VeryPink:
https://verypink.com/

Love a Mitred Square, by Joy Adams
[thank you Joy for giving us permission to knit your creation!]

Pattern photo and pdf pattern available at:
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/love-a-mitred-square

Supplies needed:
1 skein solid cotton yarn
1 pr # 7 needles

Abbreviations:
k – Knit p – Purl

st / sts – Stitch / Stitches

cdd – Centred Double Decrease: slip two stitches
together knitwise, knit the next stitch and
pass the two slipped stitches over it.

k2tog – Knit two stitches together
sl1, k1, psso – slip one, knit one, pass the slipped stitch over

(RS) – with right side facing

(WS) – with wrong side facing

To get started:

Cable cast on 49 stitches
(you can use whichever cast on method
you prefer, but I think the cable cast on
balances the garter stitch nicely).

Rows 1, 3, 5 and 7 (WS): Knit.

Row 2 (RS): k23, cdd, k23 (= 47 sts)

NOTE: Row 24 should read [= 25 stitches], not '35'

Pattern photo and pdf pattern available at:

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/love-a-mitred-square
[then, click on 'free Ravelry download']

My knit-in-progress is in a coral color :

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

February 1st 2018 KAL

February 1^st 2018 KAL Grandma Favorite Heart Shape Dishcloth

Designer: Cathy Mangaudis

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grandmas-favorite-heart-shaped-dishcloth-revised

file:///C:/Users/jcnogle/Downloads/Grandma_s_Favorite_Heart_shaped_Cloth%20(3).pdf

Materials:

1 Ball of Cotton Yarn, Size #7 or #8 US Knitting Needles, Darning Needle

Stitch Holder.

Notes: KFB = Knit the front and the back of the next stitch. For instructions you can visit knittinghelp.com. YO = Yarn over, Tog = Together.

Directions:

Cast on 3 stitches.

Row 1: K1, KFB K1 (4 sts).

Row 2: Knit across.

Row 3: K2, YO, K to end.

Repeat row 3 until there are 36 stitches.

Next: K2, YO, K2Tog, K to end.

Next: K2, YO, (K2Tog) x2, K10, K2Tog, place remaining 18 sts on holder.

Next: K2, YO, (K2Tog) x2, K to end.

Repeat last row until 8 sts remain.

Next: (K2Tog) x2, YO, (K2Tog) x2 (5 sts)

Next: K2Tog, K1 through back of next st, K2Tog (3 sts).

Next: Knit across.

Next: Bind off three stitches.

Move 18 sts from Holder onto needle and attach yarn.

- K2, YO, (K2Tog) x2, K to end.

- Repeat last row until 8 sts remain.

- (K2Tog) x2, YO, (K2Tog) x2 (5 stitches)

- K2Tog, K1 through back of st, K2Tog (3 sts)

- Knit across.

- Bind off three sts.

The designer crocheted a border after completing the heart.

NOTE: Designer states she did not write the original pattern that it has been on the web for years. The changes she made to the pattern are in the point at the bottom of the heart and the peaks at the top of the heart to give them what she thinks is a more realistic shape.

To get a PDF copy of her pattern go to:

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grandmas-favorite-heart-shaped-dishcloth-revised

Janet Nogle

jcnogle@gmail.com

Friday, January 19, 2018

January 20th 2018 KAL

Copycat Dishcloth

Materials: #7 or #8 US Needles, 1 skein cotton yarn.

*Designer named it copycat because it resembles a store-bought cloth. *

Notes:

Slip the first st of every row knitwise.

Purl the last st of every row.

Knitting Instructions:

Cast on 40 stitches

Work 8 rows as follows:

Row 1-Row 8: Sl 1, Knit to last stitch, Purl 1.

Work 6 rows in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) ending with a WS row as follows:

Row 1: Sl 1, Knit across to last st; P1.

Row 2: Sl 1, Purl across

Row 3: Sl 1, Knit across to last st; P1.

Row 4: Sl 1, Purl across

Row 5: Sl 1, Knit across to last st; P1.

Row 6: Sl 1, Purl across.

Work in Garter stitch until piece measures 8 ½ inches. Typical 45-50 rows.

Work 6 rows in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) ending with a WS row as follows:

Row 1: Sl 1, Knit across to last st; P1.

Row 2: Sl 1, Purl across

Row 3: Sl 1, Knit across to last st; P1.

Row 4: Sl 1, Purl across

Row 5: Sl 1, Knit across to last st; P1.

Row 6: Sl 1, Purl across.

Work nine (9) rows of garter stitch as follows:

Next 9 rows: Sl 1, Knit to last stitch, Purl.

Bind off

Weave in Ends.

Leah can be found at https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/leah-michelle-designs and http://leahmichelledesigns.com/

Sunday, January 14, 2018

Rosie says,
"I've got MY yarn!!"

hi fellow knitters!
Happy New Year!

I am so very excited to tell you about our first Challenge of the new year which is Double Knitting!
And the best part is, one of *our own* members* is the designer of this pattern which she has allowed us to use!
And please take a look at her website, "KraftersKorner.org"
I suggest that you read thru the instructions first - then grab your needle and yarns, and go! It truly is easier than it may sound on paper! I will post my photos on our blog, [Monday afternoon] so you can take a look at how it progresses.
Here we go! [thanks so very much, Dixie!] ~ Linda

My rows using Purple for border's first 3 rows
and for set-up row [increase row]
- and first stripe is my contrast color, Mint Green -
now, starting again with purple, after Row 6:

My finished Dishcloth, top photo is front; bottom photo is opposite side:

Striped Double Knit Dish Cloth

designed by Dixie Sanderson

"I am so honored that Linda our NY Hummingbird has chosen my pattern for our January challenge KAL.

My name is Dixie Sanderson. I was fully sighted until 13 years ago, when I suddenly lost my sight. This mint I had to relearn how to do my crafts with different techniques. I have been a member of this group for several years, and have learned so much from the KALs that Janet and Linda have posted here. This has made it so I am able to teach a monthly knit dish cloth on line at www.KraftersKorner.org using adapted techniques for those of us blind knitters. This is a pattern I created for one of my classes, and thanks to Linda it is better than it was the first time I shared it."

Striped Double-Knit Dish Cloth

Copyright Dixie Sanderson 2018

Edited by Linda, our NY Hummingbird!

Supplies:

2 balls worsted weight cotton yarn in contrasting colors

Knitting needles size 6 or 7

Stitch markers

Tapestry needle to weave in ends

Abbreviations:

K = Knit

WYIF = With Yarn in Front

SL -= Slip stitch

KF&B = Knit in the front and back

PM = place marker

CB = Border color

CC= contrasting color

What is double-knitting?

Double-Knitting is knitting 2 layers of cloth at the same time.

This technique is sometimes used to knit things like sleeves or socks in which you would knit both the front and back of the item at one time.

In this project we are going to start with the border, then increase our stitch count significantly for the body of the cloth.

We will then knit one side of the fabric while slipping the stitches for the other side of the fabric.

Then in the next row we will knit the reverse side of the fabric and slip the stitches we used in the prior row.

It sounds a lot more complicated than it really is.

We will be slipping the stitches as to Purl.

With Your Border color, from here on referred to as CB . Cast on 33 stitches.

Knit 3 rows for the border.

Body:

Row 1, increasing row: (With CB) K 3, PM, (KF&B, K1)13 times, K1, PM, K3. (46 stitches)

We are now going to start with our second color.

When starting a second color you want to bring the working yarn up and underneath the old yarn from the prior color.

There are any number of ways to mark your yarn so you know what color you’re using.

For example, I like to string a pony bead on the working yarn of one ball of yarn before using that color. Then I just need to remember if the ball with the pony bead is my border color, or my contrast color.

Another option would be by putting one color into a ziplock bag and the other color in a different type of bag. You could put one so the ziplock bag had a little hole in the bottom corner, and then feed the yarn through that corner. That would mark one ball and have the other ball come out of the zipper side of the bag.

Another option would be putting a safety pin around the working strand of one color.

So now that you know which skein is which, let’s get started with the second color.

Row 2: (With CC) K3, (WYIF SL1, K1) 20 times, K3.

Row 3-5: Repeat row 2.

Row 6: (With BC) K3, (WYIF SL1, K1) 20 times, K3.

Row 7-9: Repeat row 6.

You should start to be able to feel the two layers of fabric by pulling the front away from the back.

Repeat rows 2-9 for desired length ending on a Row 5.

Decreasing row: (With CB) K3, (K2Tog, K1) 13 times, K4. (33 stitches)

Border: Knit 3 rows in CB.

Bind Off.

Dixie

@-> + <-@

Copyright Dixie Sanderson 2018

*************
My own Photos, row by row, in my cloth, using Purple as my Base Color,
and Mint Green as Contrast Color

knitting my row 4: -you can see it changing from alternating colors of green and purple,
to all green stitches

start row 7:

start row 8:

start row 9:

__________________________

My first finished dishcloth, which I did plain, no stripes - reversible, green/black variegated on one side, beige on other - I wanted to see how *double knitting* worked - it's really cool how you are knitting 2 dishcloths together! [to do it this way, you have to use the method of keeping yarn in front of work on some rows - you can find various methods online to do it]