Experiment: Can I actually knit something other than a scarf?
Experiment Taken From: Notebook Entry 05.15.08
Materials Needed: Please see The Purl Bee for specific directions on how to complete this experiment. I completed the pattern for the Stockinette Washcloths to give as gifts to friends and family. Instead of the yarn that was recommended, I purchased some Sugar ‘N Cream cotton yarn, in various colors. One ball of yarn will make about two washcloths. I picked size 9 needles and did 35 stitches on each pattern, no matter what the directions said, so I wouldn’t have to buy new needles.
Results: I am really trying to expand my knitting skills and didn’t want to get stuck in a scarf rut. These washcloths were great for practicing patterns and stitches, without being committed to a large project. I did find the seed stitch border to be a bit tedious, but with each washcloth, I got a little better and a little faster.
I did look on the internet and tried other patterns for washcloths too. I made this simple beginner dishcloth pattern and this “learn to purl” dishcloth. Of all of the patterns, the one from The Purl Bee was the hardest, but had the prettiest results.
I also got bored and started alternating the patterns… and sometimes I alternated the patterns because I forget to turn it. I actually thought this added a little something special to them so I didn’t try and take out the stitches.
Conclusion: I CAN make something other than scarves and it helped me become more familiar with how to read a pattern. These were a great beginner project and are going to make some lovely hostess and birthday gifts for family & friends. Thanks to The Purl Bee for sharing this amazing pattern!
17 Responses to “Notebook Experiments: Can I Knit Something Other Than a Scarf?”
I feel the same way about crocheting and afghans. I would love to try something actually useful but the cat precludes that from happening.
[Reply]
I love those dish cloths! My grandmother makes them and they are all I use. One thing she does that I thought I’d throw out there for you is she uses them as favors – like for a wedding shower or something. People in our family can’t wait to pick our new colors! Great job!
[Reply]
Yay! Before you know it you’ll be moving on to things with sleeves! And knitting in the round! It’s so much fun…
Steph
[Reply]
fun! Now that you can follow a pattern you can do anything.
[Reply]
These are so cute! I love the fresh colors! You’ve inspired me to get knitting again (though my skills are kind of stuck at the beginner level). I love receiving a hand knit washcloth from my grandma on occasion…one of life’s simple pleasures since they are so nice and soft. Keep up the good work. Love your blog!
[Reply]
Good job! Washcloths are so fun and they satisfy the need for (fairly) instant gratification. Keep up the knitting!
[Reply]
Those are lovely, Amy! What a beautiful, thoughtful gift. My 89-yr old grandma still crochets netting into the greatest scrubbies ever created. There’s something doubly charming about something that was thoughtfully hand-made AND efficiently useful! Great job!
[Reply]
Those are great! Another thing you could make are felted pot holders. Felting is super fun and hides mistakes.
[Reply]
I love those colors! My aunt made me a couple of dishcloths like that and they are awesome for washing little faces! I really need to take some knitting lessons from you!!!
[Reply]
You should try purses next! they are just two squares swen together. I have a couple free patterns on my site that are super easy.
[Reply]
Very nice!
[Reply]
Can I recommend a fun project that the kids will love? Knit a wig: http://tinyurl.com/5sw2h
The project can be done with any yarn you have laying around. The pattern is extremely simple, with the exception of a few new stitches that you’ll love having in your repertoire.
[Reply]
Looks like your ready to move on to more than washcloths. They look great and I love the colors.
[Reply]
Super. Cute. Adorable – I love the yarn you chose – I’ve used some the Sugar ‘N Cream yarn too! Great job!
[Reply]
Those came out great. I only use a cotton washcloth for washing dishes now. . .
[Reply]
great photos, Amy!
These are some of the prettiest stacks of knit dish towels I’ve seen.
[Reply]
I love these colors! They look great!
[Reply]