Crochet Washcloths and Dishcloths

This week I made crochet washcloths for my husband and the boys. I used Bernat Handicrafter 100% Cotton yarn ( off white, white and pale yellow) and made them 8 x 8 inches and 10 x 10 inches square. I did not use a pattern, and most of it was done using single crochet. However, I took the opportunity to improve my tension and to practice the stitch variation that I shared earlier this year in my chunky cowl project.

Crochet washcloths and dishcloths are fun and simple to make. They make a great beginner crochet project. You can try a combination of stitches or practice one particular stitch. They are perfect gifts on their own or can be included with other items to create a gift set.

Here is a list of tutorials for making your own:

Single Crochet Mesh Dishcloth or Washcloth
LuLu B Washcloth Patterns
Spa Washcloth Crochet Pattern
Chunky Stitch Crochet Dishcloth Pattern
Three Color Simple Stitch Crochet Dishcloth Pattern
Gingham Dishcloth
Tunisian Crochet Washcloths

You can also find some great ideas on our Pinterest board:

Making a Hand Embroidery Appliqué - Part 2

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful weekend. This weekend I have been catching up on a few projects, including my hand embroidered appliqués, that I mentioned several weeks ago. My plan is to make an apron; but as I mentioned before, I needed to do something to repair a hole in the fabric and I think that an appliqué was the perfect solution. Placing one flower seemed a bit skimpy, so I decide to add three flowers. My original plan was to do three different sizes, but I think in the end there is not a huge difference in the size.

I used a combination of chain stitch, running stitch and French knots. I really like the way it turned out and I think that the combination of stitches works really well for the pattern. I also changed the colours slightly, to give each flower a different look. I used two stands of embroidery floss, doubled the thread and knotted the ends together.

My appliqués have been sewn onto my fabric and I am excited to finish my apron. I will be sure to share with you the finished apron.

What do you think of the finished appliqués?

Goodbye Summer Garden

This past weekend my husband and I said our final goodbyes to our summer garden. The last of the blooms are fading and many have died down. We took advantage of the great weather and got a head start on cleaning the yard before colder weather arrives.

We both enjoy gardening and really love doing it together. This year we had the challenge of dealing with lots of rabbits and squirrels, so needless to say we lost quite a bit of what we had planted. Regardless of our losses, it was lots of fun and so rewarding to see the beautiful blooms.

It was great being outside, chatting and getting things organized. I also had a chance to admire the remaining blooms and took several pictures. There are several new bulbs that will be planted in the coming weeks, and beautiful blooms to look forward to next year.

Have you said goodbye to your summer garden? Are you planting anything new this fall?