I like knitting

Quick, ego boost knitting project:  Wavy lace washcloth

Ugh.  Enough already with the crafting projects that are way over my head.  This one,  for example.  Or this other one I've been working on (no link provided because I have yet to find a sufficient amount of Vaseline to smear on my camera lens in order to photograph it properly).   

I think I broke my sewing machine.  I'm too ignorant to know what's wrong with it and too lazy to figure it out.  Upon recognizing this, I did not throw a tantrum and tip over an ironing board in the manner of Annie Savoy in Bull Durham.  No, I am a well-adjusted, mature human being.  I do not engage in such behavior.   

Hey, Briana, here's an idea.  Forget all this sewing bull sh...how about doing something you're good at?  What the?  

It's true.  I'm a good knitter.  

I really needed an ego boost.  A mini project to restore my confidence in myself and affirm my...not...sucking.  In an uncharacteristic burst of enterprise, I decided to pick up my needles and knit a pretty little wash cloth to prove to myself that I don't, you know...suck.  Quick, fun, instant gratification.  

This is the perfect project to quell one's irritation.  Knitting by itself is so meditative and calming, but I've found that it gets even better when paired with another tranquil activity.  Namely, listening to This American Life podcasts.  Didn't you all know that Ira Glass is the world's best knitting companion.  (I have an enormous crush on Ira Glass.  In an entirely non-romantic way, of course.  Similar to my infatuation with Tim Gunn or Barack Obama.  Love, but don't want to marry).  

Anyway, I was listening to this episode of This American Life while I was knitting this perky little washcloth.  In act one, David Sedaris reads one of his essays from Naked, entitled, I Like Guys.  So, David Sedaris is pretty successful, wouldn't you say?  I decided to take a cue from David and name this here blog post, I Like Knitting.  Because I do, and I'm good at it.  

Here's how you make it:  

Wavy Lace Washcloth

Yarn:  worsted weight cotton

Needles:  US 7

Cast on 43 stitches.

Row 1:  Knit

Row 2:  Purl

Row 3:  P5;  K 4 together;  YO K1 (6 times);  K 4 together;  P5;  K 4 together;  YO K1 (6 times);  K 4 together;  P5

Row 4:  Purl

Repeat rows 1-4 13 more times.  Cast off.  

 

 

Totally easy.  You can do this project in the span of about 2-3 podcasts. I highly recommend this one.  It's about inmates at a maximum security prison rehearsing and staging Act V of Hamlet.  I know what you're thinking.  Ew, Hamlet?-I'll probably be compelled to learn something if I listen to this one-No thanks.  But just trust me, it is truly amazing.  And all the objectionable learning doesn't hurt that bad.  I also really like this one about music lessons with David Sedaris and Sarah Vowell contributing.  And don't worry, there's hardly any learning to be found.  You'll just laugh.  

So.  Now I have redeemed my faith in myself to the point where I just might have the determination to dig out my sewing machine instruction manual.  I just might have the mental fortitude to actually read it.  I may even possess the true grit and valor to pick up and properly stow my ironing board.  It's been a good day.  

Comments

[Lanie]

Hey! I think I can do this one! ~Lanie

[Jacqueline Acevedo]

lovely!!
8-)

[Megan C.]

Thank-You. I have been looking for a pattern like this! I just failed at making my first sock, and I wanted something quick and easy to give me a break before I start again. THANKS!

[Rebecca Wellington]

Help! I love this washcloth. But on row 3 I only can see 33 stitches not 43. What am I doing wrong? Please answer. I want to take this on a vacation because it is small to transport
Thank-you in advance
Becky

[briana]

Becky, I think I know what might have messed you up (entirely my fault, the pattern directions are kind of unclear).
On row 3, you purl 5, knit 4 together, then you yarn over, knit 1 (6 times) (So, YO, K1, YO, K1, YO, K1, YO, K1, YO, K1, YO, K1). It looks like you must have YO and then Knit 6 giving you 33 stitches. Does that make sense?
I'm going to make a quick edit to the pattern so it might be better understood.
Thanks for your comment!
Briana

[Dishandwashclothmania]

This is a beautiful pattern. It has been added to my list of Items to Make

[Chelsea]

I love this pattern!!!!!! I have only been knitting for a few months- I'm a little confused about row 3-where it says k4 together- I've done k2 together- but I can't actually get 4 stitches onto the needle at one time- let alone complete the stitch- any advice/suggestions???? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you *sidenote- love your comments about This American Life! I'm a huge fan*

[briana]

Thanks Chelsea! I'm glad you like the pattern. I don't really have any advice for you on the k4 together. You really have to fit all 4 stitches on your needle and complete the stitch like you would k2 together. Maybe your tension is too tight. ?? Try knitting a little looser and that should make it easier. Also, I suspect you're using cotton yarn for the dishcloth. Cotton is hard to knit with because it just doesn't stretch or give at all. I don't know what to say...just keep at it!
Thanks so much for your comment. Happy knitting!
Briana

[Ali]

Chelsea, I had the same problem. Try using a small crochet hook. It worked for me, but it will slow you down a tad. Hope this helps!