The Knitters Thread

Seakay

Yes, I think that a washcloth is a flannel too.
It was all the facinating patterns that made me decide to give the idea a go, but I want to see if the corner to corner method gives a very much more stable shape than the bottom to top method, and also, I wanted to see if there was any difference in cleaning power between the different weights of yarn.

rosieben

whatatwit wrote: »

...
There are some interesting patterns on-line...a lot also seem to use them as wash cloths....I presume that's the same as a flannel.

in America flannels are called washcloths and teatowels are called dishcloths - caused no end of confusion when my aunt came home from a life in US to live with me!

Seakay

That is really interesting, because from the size of the items being made I had assumed that the US discloth patterns were for something to use instead of a washing up brush.
Are USA teatowels smaller than UK ones?
These are some of the patterns that I have been looking at - not sure if they are USA or Canada and I suppose that that could add another variable to the mix!
http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/directory/dishcloths.php

Lily-Lu

rosieben wrote: »

teatowels are called dishcloths

Ahhh, now I didn't know that. I could never really get my head around why someone would spend all that time knitting something you'd just clean the pots, and wipe round with:D

rosieben

yes you can imagine how confusing it was when we lived together! She has gradually taught me American-ese over the last 2 years, and if there's anything I dont understand on US websites - like I once read a post where someone said they lived in the 'boondocks' - Aunty is very useful as translator!

I think american tea towels may be smaller (I'll check next time i see her) but we dont really have a standard size here do we? I have some lovely big ones and some very small ones that are not so useful.

rosieben

forgot to say that living in the boondocks is living in the middle of nowhere!

were the knitted dish cloths done in cotton? cant imagine drying up in anything else? or perhaps our term of dishcloth has caught on for a washing up cloth? some of the ones I've seen are very small!

I shall double check this with her as I'm confused now.......

landgirl100

Hi everybody, I've just spent several hours reading every one of your inspiring posts. I have recently picked up my needles again after a gap of 20 years - it's amazing how your hands remember what to do! I've started with a pair of jolly socks for myself, and a very complicated top for DD in Kid Haze with lots of beads.
I do have thousands of patterns and a huge stash of yarn up in the loft, but I am wondering if it's going to be any good after so long? Should I wash the yarn before trying to use it? I did see some mouse droppings up there :eek: and I'm a bit worried about what I'll find when I look more closely!
All your tales of making Christmas gifts have got me thinking about next year - I guess if I start now I should just about make it! Now, has anyone any tips about exercising while knitting......?

Seakay

The knitted dishcloths are all done in cotton yarn, and usually seen to be DK so they are reasonably thick and quite quick to knit as they are about 8 inches square.

Seakay

landgirl100 wrote: »

I do have thousands of patterns and a huge stash of yarn up in the loft, but I am wondering if it's going to be any good after so long? Should I wash the yarn before trying to use it? I did see some mouse droppings up there :eek: and I'm a bit worried about what I'll find when I look more closely!

As long as the yarn is in a sealed dustproof bag or box which hasn't had holes nibbled into it then you should be fine without washing it first

All your tales of making Christmas gifts have got me thinking about next year - I guess if I start now I should just about make it! Now, has anyone any tips about exercising while knitting......?

Haven't thought of this before, but how about those mini bicycle pedal things? Or even a whole exercise bike if you have a good sense of balance and don't need to hang onto the handles!

whatatwit

Crikey Seakay, my Oh thought I was doing well last night.
I was sat in bed...knitting (yet another scarf for Miss Twit..in Wendy Pampas mega chunky). Entering the comps on here on the comps board and watching CSI. If I was on an exercise bike as well. :eek:

Hi Landgirl, I wouldn't wash the yarn before use...on the knittingdaily site, it says to knit up, wash and then block everything before using..to sort of 'set' the yarn I think. The kidsilk is lovely to use...although like knitting with thread. Will you post a piccie of the finished item.