Dishcloths to banish the kitchen blahs

Since my first cure for the blahs is working so well, I've decided that it's time to get specific.  I've been putting off the serious ass-kicking fiddly work that both my kitchen and bathroom need to be ready for entertaining.  The two combined are nearly a third of my (tiny) apartment. This swap is perfect - what better stimulus than the thought that someone might ask for a picture? 

Besides, it's spring!  I can throw the windows open and Simple Green everything to my heart's content without passing out from the fumes.  Not that pine is a bad thing, and Simple Green is far less noxious than most cleansers out there. 

Off to the Farmer's Market I go!  Tra la, tra la!

Dishcloth swap questionnaire:

1. When did you learn to knit? Who taught you? I learned to knit from my second grade student teacher, Mr. White. He had a slubby, pumpkin-coloured scarf on giant pink metal needles that he let me keep. I knit on the same project until sometime in fourth grade. I’d brought the yarn & needles to Mrs. Shaw’s fourth grade class, and someone stole ONE needle. I stopped knitting for quite some time after that, and concentrated more on crochet and latchhook and embroidery and sewing.



2. What was your very first completed object? Your most recent? I don’t remember my first – probably something for my parents or stuffed animals, but I have no idea as to what it might have been. I just finished a shifting sands scarf that I’m in love with.



3. What was the very first thing you sent to the frog pond? (pulled out and started over) Your most recent? I just pulled out the moss green swatch intended for knee socks, and cast on again for a gauntlet. The drama involved in finding suitable complimentary yarn is really more trouble than it’s worth (especially since I didn’t get the Sundara yarn I bid for). Again, I don’t remember the first thing frogged.



4. What is currently on the needles for you? Oh, lots: Hoh gauntlets, red & white striped ankle socks, Shedir, pink lace stockings, Lizard Ridge, two La La scarves from Greetings from the Knit Café, secret things for my KTE spoilee.



5. What types of needles do you enjoy working with? What have you tried and hated? I really like wooden needles the best, with bamboo coming in second (but not for socks! The stickiness drives me batty). Plastic needles are my least favourite, and metal needles are only for sometimes – if I need the speed, or the slick surface.



6. Have you knit dishcloths before? Yep. Just two kinds, and I liked and disliked both of them for different reasons. I’ve knit your basic square dishcloth a few times. They’re a quick way to give yourself something bright and new for cleaning. How fun is that?  Then I knit the flower washcloth from Weekend Knitting as a gift. It’s lovely and soft and went over well. If I ever knit another one I’ll switch to metal needles. Chenille + wood = frustration.
7. Do you use homemade dishcloths or face cloths yourself, or give them as gifts, or both? Both.



8. What are your favorite and least favorite scents? (For your body, such as soap/lotion/etc) My favourite perfume oil EVER is Croquet, by Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab. How can one resist a line of scents inspired by Alice in Wonderland? For soaps and lotions: My skin is sensitive, so I don’t use bar soaps for my body. I like lotions and scrubs, though. Rosemary, lime, basil, lavender, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves are my favourites. For my kitchen, I love rosemary and lemon and sage and lavender. I’m not big on most other florals.



9. What are your favorite colors? Blue, followed by green and orange. I love colour in general, though. Of the rainbow, I certainly don’t have a least favourite.



10. What colors (if any) are your bathroom and kitchen decorated in? My bathroom is robin’s egg blue and white, currently with bright orange accents. My kitchen is pale green and white with copper accents.



11. What other hobbies and crafts do you enjoy? I sing, write, bellydance, garden, bake & cook, design, spin, dye, bead, embroider, weave, crochet, make paper, and sew all sorts of things. I’m a DIY sort of girl.



12. Chocolate: Dark? White? Milk? Ew? Good chocolate of any kind. Local and organic is a bonus.



13. Do you like salty treats? What kinds? Not usually, no.  Nuts are my exception, and I've got to be in the mood.
    



14. If you could go anywhere in the world for one day and spend the day any way you wanted, where would you go and what would you do?  Just one?  Ack!  I'll have to answer this later - probably in a blog post.  This is going to take some thought, as I have so many things that I want to see and do and experience.
    



15. Do you have any allergies? (Yarns, foods, etc. that might impact what your pal can send). Cigarette smoke. Air freshener, like Febreze and Glade and Oust. Also, whatever is used to scent dryer sheets and laundry detergent. (Aren't I fun? All of my clothing is washed with hippie-style Seventh Generation soap and fabric softener, and my house is scented by essential oils and candles.  A pain, but I like being rash-free.) Otherwise, no.

Comments

[Your Dishcloth Swap Partner]

Hi chicky! I'm your partner for the dish cloth swap. Can't wait to put your package together!!!! tt4n!

[Devon]

If you are interested I have put together a little contest for my group - check back to the dishcloth swap site for the info.

[rhoda]

hi there! Just wanted to stop by and say yes, I have received the card you sent, my dear KLS savior! ;) I will be writing as soon as I possibly can.