Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Sorry

If anyone is reading this and hoping that I will post more patterns, I'm sorry. I've had some family emergencies going on in the past few months, from my dad passing away to non-stop problems with my ex. I'm still working on my knitting and crocheting, just not as much as I would like to do.

Currently on the needles: Another bag that is done entirely out of thread, dishcloth done in thread, and slippers (or dorm boots) for me and the kids.

On those dorm boots: I'm using the pattern for the Lopi Boots but made some changes to it. Like the needle size and the yarn used. I'm allergic to wool. Very allergic. Plus I don't have enough circular needles to do what the pattern called for. So using the basic pattern, I divided it up onto 4 double point needles from Lion Brand. The following picture is of my daughter's finished boots and what it looks like in progress with my son's boots.

Yes, it's a slight trick to knitting on double point needles like this in the beginning, but it's worth the results when they are done. If anyone wants to try to do this pattern the way I did, I used size 7 for my daughter's boots, size 8 for my son's and probably will use the 8's for my own boots as well. Just not sure yet. These were also made slightly larger than they probably should have been, but then there is enough room to wear socks if you want. Oh, before I forget, the yarn is Red Heart Super Saver worsted weight yarn.


Monday, April 23, 2007

The Scrubby Sponge

Ok, decided to add another crochet pattern. This one whipped up very quickly, like in 2 hours for me. Please, don't hesitate to let me know if there is any errors in this pattern.


Scrubby Sponge



2 balls Size 10 crochet thread (I used bedspread cotton)
Size B hook
Kitchen sponge

Holding 2 threads together, Chain 23

DC in 5th chain from hook. *ch1, sk 1 ch, DC in next chain, repeat from * to last stitch. (DC, ch 1) 3 times in last chain. Now start working on the other side, doing the ch1,sk 1 DC pattern, using the same stitch from when you went across the row. End with 2 (DC-ch1) in the end hole (the beginning 4 chain). Do not join, but start to work in continuous rounds using the DC-ch1 pattern in the holes made from the first round.

When you get it as tall as the sponge, stop with DC at one corner, then do ch1, HDC in next stitch, then *(ch1, HDC) 2 times in the next hole, and around again until you reach the hole just after the HDC. CH1, sc in next space, slip stitch in next space. Cut thread and weave in ends.

Now take the thread you have been using, and chain 40. Cut off and leave the tails (or if you prefer, weave the tails back in). Find about center of the top, and using the hook, pull chain through, do a simple tie and you’re on your way to scrubbing!!

I’m sure that if you want to, you can sc the top shut, but I prefer to be able to change the sponge out when it becomes too gross to be used anymore (and that includes running it through the dishwasher several times), or if the sponge is totally worn out and falling apart. I just don’t like to throw away my handiwork like that.

Monday, April 2, 2007

Chocolate Hobo Bag

Here is my favorite Pattern, the Chocolate Hobo bag. Hope you have as much fun as I did making it.
Chocolate Hobo Bag















One lb cone Peaches-n-Cream worsted weight Cotton, Chocolate or whatever color you choose. (If doing the stripes, then have a contrasting color yarn handy, but make sure it is cotton yarn as well)

Size 8 double pointed needles (must have 5 in the package)
Size 8 Circular Needles (I can’t remember the length at this time)
Size G crochet hook (optional)
Button of choice (optional)
Yarn Needle for sewing
Ring markers.

Using double pointed needles, leaving about a foot length of yarn, cast on 8 stitches and divide between 4 needles. Join, being careful not to twist them.

Rnd 1: Increase in each stitch knitting
Rnd 2: knit one, increase one around
Rnd 3: knit 2, increase one around
Rnd 4: knit 3, increase one around
Rnd 5: knit 4, increase one around
Rnd 6: knit 5, increase one around
Rnd 7: knit 6, increase one around
Rnd 8: knit 7, increase one around
Rnd 9: knit 8, increase one around
Rnd 10: knit 9, increase one around. During this round, it might be helpful if you put stitch markers right after your increase. Also, remember to mark the beginning of the round at this point.
Next rnd: knit
Next rnd: knit until one stitch before marker, increase.
Repeat these last 2 rounds until you have a total of 144 stitches, switching to the circular needles when necessary.
Next rnd: Knit straight until desired length. If desired, add stripes in the body of the bag.. Mine was 5 rnds of white separated by 10 rnds of Chocolate, then another 5 rnds of white. Then worked with chocolate again.
Next rnd: knit 36, bind off 36, knit 36, bind off 36.

Now we will be working in rows, forming the handles.
Knit first row
Purl next row
*Knit 1, knit 2 tog, knit across until last 3 stitches, knit 2 tog, knit one
Purl next row. Repeat from * until there are only 16 stitches left. Use Stockingette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) until half of desired length of handle.

Repeat for the other 36 sts. Sew handles together and sew bottom hole of bag closed. Crochet around all edges.



Optional: Crochet a chain loop when you finish the edges. Sew a button of choice on the side opposite the chain.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

ReadyMop Pads and solutions

I'm going to add to my many craft talents here as well. I sew, do beadwork, and even play with polimer clay (I know that's not spelled right, so give me a break, it's 4am here).The following is an eco-friendly version of the ReadyMop Pads and solution.

I thought I would share my pattern and the recipe I found for my Clorox Ready Mop with the world. I don't know much about the Swiffer Mop, though from what I heard, there is a way to get the cap off of the bottle and you can refill with this solution.

I'm starting off with the pads I made for my ready mop. I did 9 of these in a single afternoon, so it's not that hard to do.












This first picture shows both the front and back of 2 of the pads.












This one is a close-up of the netting I put on the front.


The materials I used were a package of white wash cloths from Wal-Mart. You know, the ones that they have 2 for $5 (the cheap ones). I'm sure you can use those Microfiber cloths that are out there, but since I'm on a tight budget, I haven't tried that yet

An old thick (in this case, an ugly pink) towel, but even another folded washcloth should work here.

And last, but not least, Nylon Netting. You can get the netting at any fabric store.


Now while I designed these using the Ready Mop pads, I'm going to put in measurements so you don't have the frustration (sometimes it's better if you have one of the disposable pads close by for reference).


For as many pads as your going to make, you need to cut rectangles out of the old towel and netting 4 inches wide by 11 (?) inches long. The length does depend on how big the washcloth is. Placement of these 2 on the main cloth is in the middle 1/3rd. My washcloths measure about 11 3/4 inches, so from one side I measured in 3 1/2 inches. I know it doesn't sound right, but it does work out. I laid the pink towel on one side, then holding it, turned the whole thing over and laid the netting on the other side. (sometimes it helps to have a clean disposable pad on hand to check the placement) Grab the sewing machine and I zig-zagged around the netting. When that was done, double check to make sure you caught the towel on the other side. That's it!! The reason why I used the pink towel was so I can make sure that the pink side is always against the head so I can use the netting as a type of scrubber. And it helps the kids to make sure the cloth is put on the right way. I ran a test between the 2, disposable pad vs. this home-made one. Honestly, the homemade one held more liquid and cleaned the floor better than the disposable one. The only thing I don't know is if this pattern could be adapted to the Swiffer Mop.


One thing I did notice is that there is some extra cloth on each side when you put it on the mop. I'm hoping that soon I can afford a serger and see about removing this extra edge for a neater appearance.


At this time, I have forgotten where I found this cleaner. But, IMHO, it works just as good as the cleaner you buy in the stores.
All Purpose Spray Cleaner (Clorox mop liquid)
1 pint rubbing alcohol
1 tbsp dishwashing detergent
1 tbsp household ammonia
1 tbsp vinegar
1 gallon Water (this is optional, as you can use a clean Milk Jug Container and tap water)
If using bought water, pour some out into a pitcher and hang on to it, or if using a an old milk jug, then fill it about half full. Using a funnel, put all ingredients in the jug, top off with reserved water (or tap water) and shake gently. Pour into a spray bottle (or mop bottle) and start cleaning.
This solution works very well with the Ready Mop, plus I keep some in a spray bottle for the counters and mirrors. So far, I havn't found anything that it won't clean. Even tried it on some nasty spots in my carpet, and it did wonders.
A friend doesn't have the ReadyMop system, so she uses it in a spray bottle with rags on her Swiffer and it does a wonderful job as well.