Wee giftie: the big big (tiny) ocean

A few weeks ago, I asked Silas what we should make for Papa (my dad) for his birthday. Silas said we should make him a big big ocean. Since an ocean is a little difficult to package and ship 2000 miles, I made a tiny felted ocean scene instead. It's maybe 4 by 3 inches at most. My father said they will hang it on their tree.

I am becoming increasingly familiar with sea creatures and needle felting techniques. Papa's tiny ocean was just a warm up to the big December project I'm in the middle of. I will take some pictures and talk more about this project as soon as I can...

Below, Silas helps get the tiny ocean ready to send to Wisconsin, along with a dishcloth. My parents use the other dishcloth I sent to them and requested more. This one is Diamonds in Your Dishrag, by S.M. Kahn.
Much more knitting/felting to do for the Holidays...

Bubble Up

My bathroom is probably the least favorite room of my new house. It's small, awkward, and could really stand a remodel. But that's not going to happen for...I don't know how long. In the meantime, I felt like it could stand for a hand knit touch.
We still use the garter stitch bath mat, which has actually held up pretty well for the 5 or 6 years we've been using it. But I wanted something more...a hand towel perhaps. Enter the Bubble Up Towel by Susan Luni.
I thought this was such an smart design. As far as I'm concerned, anyone who can use bobbles elegantly has my vote. Needless to say, I'm very happy with the result. Now, if only I had a totally remodeled bathroom to hang it in :)
In a continuing effort to knit from my stash, I've started a short sleeved raglan cardi using some Wool-Ease thick n quick procured at a Rotary Auction ages ago. Not really my favorite of yarns, but the price is right and I know my bank account will thank me for my stash-busting endeavors. Anyways, you can see the newly cast-on project in my son's hands. What you can't see from this still shot is that he's about to bring the needles up to his mouth and pretend that they are slugs, yummy, delicious slugs that he just can't resist eating. Thankfully, no needles, or yarn were harmed in the making of this photograph.

Just one (or two or three) more

I never imagined that I'd be stocking up on Peaches N' Cream cotton yarn and queing pattern after pattern of nothing but dishcloths. Apparently, I just can't help myself. They're quick, useful, and mildly addicting. I really do need to move onto something else. At least, that's what I keep saying...right before casting on for another dishcloth. "Just one more," I tell myself. Right.

Anyways, above and below is the Harmony Mosaic Dishcloth. I LOVE this pattern. The outcome is so pretty! I skipped one pattern repeat because I was running out of the cc yarn, but I don't think it matters much.
And below is my most recent fo: the Scrubby Washcloth, designed by my friend Amelia.
See the whitish tufts in the picture below? that's tulle, sliced into strips and knit along with the yarn. It creates an abrasive surface that should be great for scrubbing dishes and counter tops. Since I just cast off a few hours ago, dh and I have yet to break this one in, but I have a feeling we will like it so much, I'll have to knit just one more dishcloth (or maybe two) before the month is over.

Garterlac Dishcloth

My friend Beth made some lovely dishcloths using garter stitch entrelac. I've never done entrelac, and thought a small dishcloth might be a suitable introduction. The next day, a ball of Peaches n' Cream dishcloth yarn appeared on my desk, courtesy of Beth. I could resist no longer: That weekend, my first handknit dishcloth was born. My darling house husband has asked for a total of 7. I will surely make a couple more from this pattern, but have also been searching on Ravalry for a few more ideas. There is no want for dishcloth patterns, let me tell you.

If you have never knit a dishcloth and can't figure out why anyone would want to, consider this: They are quick to make, useful, make good gifts, and cost next to nothing to produce. Whenever I'm between projects, I might just have to whip one up!