Close to my Heart

Coming to an End

This KAL has been inactive for some time now , and I think it is time for it to come to an end.
Thanks to all who participated, and I hope you were able to complete some nice and functional dishcloths.

Dishcloth Revival

The last little while, there has been a big resurgence of interest in the dishcloth knit-a-long.  I think it is largely due to this listing of knit-a-longs.  A warm welcome to all that have recently joined in.  I fear that I have been a bad KAL host.  Heck, I haven't even knit a cloth myself (and I know I'm not the only one)!!!  My excuse is that shortly after beginning the KAL, I was "off" from knitting for a while due to my carpal tunnel or whatever it is.  When I was finally able to knit again, I wasn't too enthused about knitting dishcloths.  But really, dishcloths are a great item to knit.  For one, it is a great way to try new stitches, and to experiment with design a bit yourself.  Also, now that the warmer weather is here, they'd be great to knit while out camping or watching your kids play ball.  They'd also make great end of year gifts for your kids' teachers.

And another good reason to knit a dishcloth, Susan has just designed and posted this new dishcloth pattern, maybe give it a try?  Thanks Susan!

So, please consider joining this knit-a-long.  I promise I'll try to be a better hostess and actually knit a cloth myself.  Also, I've noticed that many knit-a-longs are now boasting their own yahoo group or blog.  Let me know if you think this would be a good idea for this KAL.

Dishcloth Knitters

Alison

Amanda

Amber

Becky

Bliss

Bren

Brenda

Bronwyn

Carrie

Caryn

Christy

Elisabeth

Erin

Jackie

Janet

Jo

Kathy

Laura

Lillium

Marlo

Martina

Mary Alice

Mary Beth

Sandy

Sarah

Sarah Elizabeth

Shannon

Stacey

Sue

Susan

Sue

Traci

Uli

Vera

Dishcloth spotting

While doing my evening blog reading tonight, I spotted a dishcloth that Shannon has made for the knit-a-long.  Since it is pink with hearts, I couldn't resist showing it on my blog:

Pattern details can be found by visiting Shannon Knits.

Dishcloth Patterns

Check out these two great new patterns over at Bruxknits.  Click here if you want the direct link to the PDF file.  I know I'll be trying these!

Dishcloth Knit-a-long

Button by Missa, thanks! 

I thought I'd clarify for everyone what is happening with the dishcloth knit-a-long, considering that the start date upon us.  All you have to do is knit a dishcloth (or as many as you want), and post about it on your blog.  If you don't have a blog, feel free to send the information (pictures etc.) to me, and I'll post it here.  Dishclohs are a great way to try new pattern stitches and techniques, and then have a useful object as the final result.  If you would like to join, please leave me a comment, or send me an e-mail (brendalynnhatyahoodotcom - you know how to make this into a real e-mail) and I will add you to the list.

As for me, I'm thinking that I'll be knitting a basic garter stitch dishcloth and trying to see if I can change myself from a continental knitter to a english knitter. Not that I would completely change to that method, but I'm wondering if this might be easier on my hand and wrist.  Seems worth a try anyway.