Category: Crocheting
Week 1 – A Year of Dishcloths 2026
This year, I have decided to repeat the book, A Year in Dishcloths. The book is available (Amazon has it listed for a ridiculous price), however; it can be ordered through Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/a-year-of-dishcloths/11dc1b38-27bd-3b0d-8339-5226a486788e.htmlI debated even continuing to do dishcloths this year. My intuition told me that re-doing this book was a great idea because it
Beautiful Socks, Amazing Hobby…
I love my “sock making” hobby! I am never without something to keep my hands busy and it also acts as a form of meditation. I have knit so many socks that I only need to briefly check the pattern (usually for the heel) and so, it is all about relaxing your shoulders, finding a
101 Dishcloths COMPLETE…
My goal was to use the book, 101 Crochet Squares (which you can now find for about $10 on Etsy) and make them into dishcloths. I used one pattern per week and created 2 dishcloths with each pattern. I didn’t skip a week and I often listened to a book, watched TV or read a
October Dishcloths from 101 Crochet Squares
As this year quickly slides to a close, I am completing 99, 100 and 101 dischcloths from the book “101 Crochet Squares” – you can find it at the link below: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1736828404/crochet-squares-pattern-book-101-unique?gpla=1&gao=1& This has been a fun project full of creativity and colour. A lot of the patterns for the squares are too small to
The Little Ghost Family
This little ghost family was created for my friends in Grimsby. Instead of MORE candy, I included a couple of little gift certificates and created this little family to celebrate Hallowe’en. Do you take time to celebrate the people that you love and care about? You can celebrate with simple homemade gifts – baking, books,
Dishcloths to Celebrate Changing Seasons
Although we officially have about 6 weeks of Autumn left, the frost this morning was a reminder that winter is coming. We woke up to a layer of white on bushes and rooftops and the grass. When I was crocheting these dishcloths, winter seemed a long way in the future and we are still waiting
The Completed Granny Square Sweater
A big thanks to Charles for crocheting the sweater together for me. This was such a fun project full of amazing colours. I am thrilled with the result. This is SO easy – it is a great place to start if you are a beginning crocheter.
Beautiful Colours, Beautiful Dishcloths
Doing chores with beautiful dishcloths can make cleaning more enjoyable, sustainable, and effective. Aesthetically pleasing cloths can turn cleaning into a more positive, less tedious activity, and reusable options like handmade crocheted or knitted cotton dishcloths are an eco-friendly choice that reduces waste from paper towels and sponges. Many beautiful cloths are also highly functional, designed to be
The Cutest Little Crocheted Pumpkin
I have crocheted or knit a lot of little pumpkins over the years. I found this pattern on line and it is the best and easiest I have ever used. Use thick wool and a larger crochet hook (but it doesn’t really matter – thin wool and small hooks make tiny pumpkins). You simply make
The Fish Pond
Helping children learn is one of my main purposes in life. I want children to play, have fun, be kind and generous, take risks and become critical thinking citizens of the world. I invest in children – my time, talents or skills and my money. The only thing that is going to make a difference
Holiday Dishcloths
As I have been walkiung around my neighbourhood, I have become aware that many people are getting ready for Hallowe’e. I think many years of celebrating Hallowe’en as a teacher and principal have toned down my excitement. I do realize that for kids (and some adults) it is SO MUCH FUN. I usually get my
Dishcloths – Variety is the Spice of Life
Can you notice the dishcloth that has snuck into the pile? It is 99 days until Christmas and this little Santa dishcloth has come up as the next one in my book. On these warm Autumn days it is difficult to think that Christmas is coming and Thanksgiving is literally right around the corner. Monday
Two Dishcloths a Week
I love the challenge of trying a new dishcloth pattern every week. I am now on dishcloth 89 out of 101 patterns in the book I am using and so I am already looking for my next book. Do you look ahead in life? Do you anticipate great things and always plan for great things?
Creative Dishcloths
“But do you know how old I will be by the time I learn to really play the piano / act / paint / write a decent play?”Yes . . . the same age you will be if you don’t.”― Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity Is there something that you
A New Crochet Project – The Fish Pond
A Kindergarten class and a nursery school are getting a new fun toy this year! I love creating and trying new projects so this is perfect for me. I started by creating the bowls for the fish – I have finished set one, now on to set two and THEN, on to the fish. So
When the flowers match the dishcloths…
This weeks dishcloths are beautiful flowers. They are a reminder of the beauty of the garden and the joy of creating. Everyone has creativity inside them, you just need to “let it out”.
Creativity and Colour in Dishcloths
When I use a granny square pattern, it is always a bit too small. I take advantage of the opportunity to be creative by using contrasting colours to add borders around the square. The creativity of combining colours is one of my favourite parts of the process – in knitting, quilting or crocheting.
Puffy Flower Dishcloths
These dishcloths will work well as scrubbies. Making the flowers was challenging, but I love a challenge. I can normally whip up my 2 weekly dishcloths in a couple of days – these two took me all week. Lots of stitches….lots of yarn, but a beautiful outcome. It is a lesson, everything should not be
The Granny Square Cardigan
I have been working on a new cardigan. I adopted one of my granny squares from making dishcloths and I have about 20+ left to create to complete my project. I am hoping to be wearing this creation by Autumn. I decided to be random in my design; however, you can create one that has
The Dishcloth Saga Continues Every Week
How much would you pay for a homemade dishcloth? Most people would not think twice about walking by a craft booth filled with homemade sewn, knit or crocheted items. I have been there – both walking by and trying to sell – people generally do not want to pay what something is worth. In order
How many dishcloths in one week?
Each week, I crochet 2 dishcloths of the same pattern from a book 0f 101 granny squares. Sometimes, I need to add a few extra rows to make the square big enough to be a dishcloth. I love having some around to use as gifts for friends. If I make a pouch, I can tuck
Making Dishcloths in Summer Heat is a Treat
No matter how hot it is, you can always knit or crochet something…as long as it is small. Knitting or crocheting a blanket in the heat is terrible. The blanket is draped across your legs and it is HOT! So, stick to dishcloths, socks and granny squares in the summer.
Fiber Beauty
I continue to create dishcloths from cotton fiber. Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber, composed of many individual fibers that vary in length. It’s a natural, renewable resource, biodegradable and recyclable. Cotton is a completely natural fiber, meaning it’s derived from a plant, not synthetically created. Cotton has been used by humans for over 8,000
Crochet Dishcloths…Relaxing and Being Active…
What does relaxing mean to you? Is it reading a book, or riding a bike or “vegging” out in front of the TV? For me, being outside is the most relaxing thing for me to be doing. I like to keep moving OR keep my mind active. So, in the evening, when I have crossed
Dishcloths…The Challenge…
This week’s dishcloth was fun and complicated. Anyone who know me is aware that I never back away from a challenge. When I have given away dishcloths, I often hear that they are “too pretty to use”. I always say that you should always have beautiful and practical things in your life that help you
Keep Calm and Crochet On…
“I can calculate motions of celestial bodies, but not the madness of people.” – Sir Isaac Newton As we watch the happenings in the world unfold, this quote resonates. I try to stay out of the dark hole of watching and following the news all the time. Once a day, I do a deep dive
Crocheting for Sale
This year, I am going to contribute some of my homemade items to some local markets. My neighbour is embarking on a side business selling soaps and things so, I had decided to contribute some of my dishcloths/washcloths and socks to the table. I have done this before – very unsuccessfully – long story but,
Dishcloths for Easter
This Easter, we are giving away paska and knitted lambs AND dishcloths. Crocheting two dishcloths a week has been “my thing” for about 3 years now. Easter is about great food, eating a little pile of chocolate Easter eggs and spending time with family. If the weather is nice, it is about a nice walk
Dishcloths – #67 out of #101 Designs
I will be finished this book of dishcloth designs by the end of 2025. Currently, my “batch” of dishcloths will be part of small gifts (including paska and little knitted Easter lambs) for friends and neighbours this Easter. I am hoping “spring” weather comes with Easter – the weather lately is VERY up and down.
Can you slow down?
Part of what I like about creative arts is that it slows you down. You can’t knit or crochet or sew fast, you have to stop, think and plan. You have to consult a pattern, choose colours of yarn and fabric and pull out errors. I like to move fast, take action and get things
Crochet a Washcloth – Try some Self Care
You can travel around the whole world but you’ll never find anyone who deserves you love as much as you. To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance. – Oscar WildeWhat lies behind us and what lies before us are tine matters compared to what lies within us. – Ralph Waldo Emerson Loving
The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Complete
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a children’s book by Eric Carle. In the book, the caterpillar eats every day for a week…Monday – 1 apple, Tuesday – 2 pears, Wednesday – 3 plums, Thursday – 4 strawberries,Friday – 5 oranges, Saturday – chocolate cake, ice cream cone, pickle, Swiss cheese, salami, lollipop, cherry pie, sausage,
Dishcloths for This Week…
Every week I churn out 2 new dishcloths. I get to think about the colours and try new stitches and designs and add them to my pile of things that I have to give away whenever the need or desire arises. I am always on the lookout for cotton yarn that is “on sale”. I
A Row of Chickens…
What do you do with bits of yarn? Granny squares are a fun project and a great way to learn to crochet. You can find a free pattern for the chicken at this link: https://www.sweetsofties.com/2024/09/granny-square-chicken-modifications.html I ended up making 20 (or more) little chickens. The final 20 that I made (at least for now) or
Can you crochet the day away? You might just create a dishcloth!
Be Your Own Hero1. Find joy in the little things. 2. Move your body – often. 3. Cultivate multiple sources of connection. 4. Give back in some way. 5. Let go and have fun. 6. Build financial freedom – live within your means. 7. Don’t turn people into projects – you do not need to
Getting Ready for Spring Dishcloths
By now, we are all looking forward to spring. Will March come in like a “lion” or a “lamb”? Can we wait 23 days until the first day of spring? What do you do to get ready for spring? Do you do spring cleaning? Washing curtains and windows, dusting walls and baseboards is a great
How Many Dishcloths Do You Need?
I keep creating dishcloths. I use the pattern that is available and then I just keep adding until it gets to be the size I want it to be. I love creating and in times of stress, creating is so important. I create for many reasons, to express myself, connect with others and to try
Dishcloths
Just a couple more dishcloths to add to my collection – ready to give away for Valentine’s Day!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Part 1
One of the fun things about having a friend who teaches kindergarten is that you get to create such fun things! My current project is a crocheted version of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. You can find the pattern on Etsy. I have started with the “food” that the caterpillar eats and it is SO fun
Dishcloths Never Go Out of Style
We all want to live a good life – live up to our potential and take advantage of all the opportunities that come our way. It is up to you to take control and responsibility for all of your thoughts and behaviours. There you will find fulfillment and you can change the world. Right now,
Crochet Square #55 out of 101 Designs
2025 will be the year for me to complete 101 crochet squares as dishcloths. I always complete 2 squares of the same kind each week in order to make sure I have practiced the stitches from the new square so that I can re-use them. In order to complete these squares, I have to slow
Dishcloths – An Ordinary Routine
Every night, I spend 20-30 minutes working on a dishcloth. Every week there is a new pattern, new yarn to choose and a slightly different focus but, generally, it is a routine. As you already know, I give these dishcloths away – attaching them to the top of a jar of homemade jam or chutney
The New Year begins…Dishcloths
Today was quite the day. Between Donald Trump tweeting about how much Canadians would like to be the 51st State (not) and Prime Minister Trudeau’s resignation (sort of) and a group of Ontario College Faculty planning a strike in the middle of an immigration nightmare that impacts enrollment (and possibly forgetting that the rest of
The FINAL Dishcloths of 2024
What are you doing for the last time this year? Maybe you are looking for an “end of 2024” playlist. Here are some of the best songs for New Year’s Eve… “What are you doing New Year’s Eve?” by the Orioles“This Will Be Our Year” by The Zombies“New Year’s Song” by Tim McMorris“The Final Countdown”
Just keep crocheting….dishcloths…
When you are putting together a little Christmas basket for someone, just tuck in a couple of little dishcloths and a jar or two of home preserves and you have a gift that keeps on giving. You can guarantee that these two dishcloths will make an appearance this Christmas – adding some joy and colour
The Hooded Jacket (for kids)
A couple of years, I crocheted hoodie sweaters for Charlotte and Mason and…guess what? They grew! So, this year for Christmas, it was time to create new sweaters for them. I am sharing the link to the pattern….https://shopthemoulehole.com/products/jessy-hoodie-crochet-patternThe pattern will cost about $10 Canadian but, it is well worth the money. It is called the
Puff Stitch Dishcloth
I just finished two new dishcloths. These dishcloths feature the puff stitch… The puff stitch is a crochet stitch that’s often used to create fluffy items like hats, blankets and flowers. It’s part of the same family as the bobble and popcorn stitches, but is different in that you don’t complete each stitch individually. Instead, you accumulate
The First Snow and Summery Dishcloths
Today was the first snowfall of the season. It was mostly a dusting but, left about 1 cm of snow on the ground. In the midst of all the Christmas preparations, I continue to crochet 2 dishcloths each week. This weeks dishcloths look like a big slice of watermelon – a little summer on a
Happy American Thanksgiving…
My dishcloths for this week are shaped like the American Flag. This weekend is the American Thanksgiving and then a dive into the Christmas Season. A new year is ahead, I feel that no matter what side of the aisle you sit, there is always some apprehension when change is on the horizon. I will
Dishcloths for a Homemade Christmas
Our house is decorated, inside and out and we are continuing to plan for ways to celebrate the people in our circle, with both time and gifts. We want to celebrate our lives, feel gratitude and settle into the aspects of life that are most important. There are many things to worry about – there
The Granny Square Chicken
Are you looking for a simple little project with Granny Squares? This is such a fun project and would be great to use with young children who want to learn to crochet and have a fun project to work on. As you might know if you follow my blog, I am a big fan of
The Granny Square becomes a Dishcloth
There are 8 basic crochet stitches and these can combine to create many more stitches. Over 150 crochet stitches or “stitch patterns” more accurately have been designed since crochet came to be. The treble crochet is probably the hardest working stitch of the crochet world. Whether you’re making a ripple blanket, a granny square or fancier stitch pattern,
Popcorn Dishcloths
The “popcorn” stitch is simple – 5 double crochet stitches into the same stitch, pull up the last stitch and put the needle through the first double crochet of the 5 and pull the last stitch through – the stitch that is made looks like a kernel of popcorn. This dishcloth features the popcorn stitch.
The Swinging Ghost
These cute little ghosts are a fun addition to my Hallowe’en crocheting. They are easy to make and fun to give away. You can find the pattern here: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1572112963/ghost-sit-on-swing-crochet-pattern-ghostFun Facts About Ghosts…1. The United States is the most haunted country in the world. This is based on the number of reported ghost and UFO sightings and
The Crocheted “BOO” Bag…
Each year for special occasions, I try to create a little treat for some friends to celebrate those in my circle. Having solid connections in your life is so important. These little ghost bags are easy to make and will make a fun way to share some treats with all the little people in my
Some “Middle of October” Dishcloths…
Time flies, as the saying goes. Thanksgiving has come and gone, the pool is closed for another year and I just had the winter tires put on our car. The seasons change and “time marches on”. How do you slow down and enjoy each moment? One way is to add some margin to each day
The Great Pumpkin for Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving! I decided to try the largest pumpkin size with very thick yarn and a size 7 crochet hook. I used a striped pattern and some “different” colours and I am happy to share my GREAT PUMPKIN for Thanksgiving! https://sarahmaker.com/crochet-pumpkin-pattern
The Autumn Garden (and some Dishcloths)
The Autumn garden changes to purples and golds and the grasses in the garden become wispy in the wind and the rain. I start trimming back and pulling out but, the flowers still bloom and I remember to be gentle with the zinnias because they remain beautiful late into the Fall. I will soon be
Crochet a Pumpkin
This cute little pumpkin is easy to make and can be made with any thickness of yarn and any size crochet hook. It is a fun gift that you could add eyes and mouth to change into a jack-o-lantern. I definitely like to keep my hands busy while I am reading and watching TV and
Nourish Your Well-Being
Over the years (especially in the last 5), I have learned the importance of nourishing your well-being. That doesn’t make you selfish, in fact, I think it has made me more generous and more outward-looking because I take the time I need to be stronger physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. Having hobbies and trying new
Dishcloths that Celebrate Flowers
I love dishcloths that are created to look like flowers. But, nothing beats the real thing! What do you think are the names of the 20 most beautiful flowers in the world. Flowers are one of life’s simplest pleasures, representing beauty in its purest, most flawless form. There’s nothing like a vase of flowers to
Dishcloth Reflection
Sometimes when I am crocheting or knitting, I start reflecting. Recently, I have run across a couple of books with “questions for reflection” and so I have been pondering some of these…What habits do I want to cultivate this year?What habits do I want to eliminate this year? What can I do to enhance my
August Dishcloths – Making the World a Brighter Place
Another set of dishcloths to brighten the summer days. Isn’t is great to live in a world where we experience the freedom to do things that we enjoy, that relax us, that bring us peace and that, ultimately make the world a better place. Everyone has the capacity to become more enlightened and more self-aware.
New Dishcloths…New Stitches
The “front post double crochet” and the “back post double crochet” work together to create this dishcloth. Pushing yourself to try new things is so important! Taking risks is called “Discover Mode” and refers to living your life scanning for opportunities, like a “kid in a candy shop”. You think for yourself and you grow.
Here come the YIP YIPS…
The Martians, sometimes called “the Yip-Yips,” are interplanetary visitors, presumed to be from the planet Mars, who are terrified by things like clocks, telephones, and computers on Sesame Street. When frightened, they hide beneath their lower lips, which shoot up to cover their faces. They rarely come face-to-face with other characters on the show. In their skits,
Dishcloth Pattern #30
I am continuing to work through the book 101 Crochet Squares, making them into dishcloths. https://www.google.ca/books/edition/101_Crochet_Squares/wvByDQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcoverToday, we spent about 5 hours in the car, driving to the airport to pick up our sons who spent 10 days in Scotland. So, I spent the time finishing my dishcloth, working on my knitted sock and crocheting my
Dishcloths in the Kitchen
I have given away LOTS of dishcloths and I often get the comment that they are “too pretty to use.” It reminds me of growing up with my mom’s good dishes – we hardly ever used them. They were expensive and breakable and “special”. Now, young families do not have “good china” and buffets full
Dishcloths in the Garden
Today’s new dishcloths are featured in my beautiful summer garden. The garden is in its prime right now. Every day there are new blooms and now the butterflies and bees and rabbits are enjoying the beauty and serenity. We are feeding the squirrels and the birds and there are some days when I feel like
Why do I Crochet Dishcloths?
I would say the biggest reason that I do it is because it feels good. I recently read a book called, Just Feel Good. I loved the book because it stressed taking a few minutes every day to intentionally experience positive emotions – not stifling them with worry or doubt or requirements. So, in the
Flower Scrunchie
Summer Solstice is just around the corner and to celebrate long summer nights and warm floats in the pool, I found this scrunchie. I have made a bunch and they seem to be a hit with my little circle. The pattern is free so, I have included it…as well as some pictures of my scrunchies!