Too Many?

So I just finished reading the Yarn Harlot's newest book, Casts Off and I think it's her best yet. The idea of a travel guide to knitting is just brilliant! The only thing I really dislike about her books is how it takes absolutely no time to read them. I wish she could crank them out faster.

Last month I read Knitting for Peace, which is a gorgeous little book. It explains the history of knitting for charitable causes and includes descriptions of many present-day organizations and projects. It includes several patterns too. I found it very inspiring and have vowed to do more charity knitting from now on. I want to make something for every cause mentioned! I almost immediately cast on for a blanket square for afghans for Afghans and right after that started a cuddly little bear for Mother Bear Project. Sarah made a really cute one last year. I still have to embroider the face, but I plan on making more of them. I think I could probably complete an afghan square between every 1 or 2 projects and it would help to keep me sane and go to a good cause. I've been using up some stash yarn for these projects that are machine washable, leftover from the Jayne hat. I want to make more hats, but I'm thinking some rough Lopi would be better for the cowboys in space look.

Anywho, after making Two socks & Two mittens, I needed some quick no frills projects. Hence the blanket square, the bear, and the following.



Project: Leo's Lap Blanket
Source: Mason Dixon Knitting
Yarn: TLC Essentials in Cranberry, Butter & Persimmon, Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Brown
Needles: US 8
Started: 2/26/07
Finished: 3/1/07
Comments: This is for my elderly cat Leo. He is frequently cold, his claws are constantly out and he sits on my lap as soon as I sit down. The blanket is to protect my poor legs & clothes from anymore painful clawings, as well as to keep him warm when I'm not around. It's been in use for about a week and is already pretty ripped up itself. No matter, he likes it okay, as do the other cats. It's maybe 14" x 14", just big enough to cover my lap and fit most of their bodies. Crochet border to "finish the look".

So after that, I ask you how many dishcloths is too many? I ran from the blanket straight into a dishcloth jag (thank you Harlot for that phrase). I was having trouble sleeping and was churning out an average of a cloth a day. Except for the monstrosity that is the Flower Petal. Here goes:



Project: Flower Petal Washcloth
Source: Weekend Knitting
Yarn: Lion Chenille Thick & Quick in Violet
Needles: US 6
Started: 2/26/07
Finished: 2/28/07
Comments: I hate this yarn and I cannot understand how people can knit with it. It was the first yarn I ever bought (also in 2 other colors) and it made me want to give up knitting before I had barely started it. I've never made anything with it and it is going straight to the Salvation Army next weekend. The cloth only took 2 days but it felt a lot longer. It was sheer will that got me through this. I believe it may have turned out much bigger than was intended. It is pretty soft, but it's so solid & bulky that I'm doubtful it will even soak up water.



Project: Slip Stitch Dishcloth & Double Woven Stitch Cloth
Source: Blossom Knitwear & Knitting Knonsense
Yarn: Sugar 'n Cream in Hot Pink & Red, SnC in Beach Ball Blue
Needles: US 7
Started: 3/9/07 & 3/11/07
Finished: 3/9/07 & 3/12/07
Comments: I love the Slip Stitch Cloth & will definitely use the pattern again.



Project: Eyelet Square & Swish with a Twist Cloth
Source: Knitting for Peace & Creative Knitting Magazine
Yarn: TLC Essentials in Butter & Snc in Cornflower Blue
Needles: US 7
Started: 3/2/07 & 3/8/07
Finished: 3/5/07 & 3/8/07
Comments: I love a cable dishcloth!



Project: Love & Shamrock Cloth
Source: Knitting Knonsense & Knitting Knonsense
Yarn: Snc in some kind of pink & emerald
Needles: US 7
Started: 3/7/07 & 3/10/07
Finished: 3/7/07 & 3/10/07
Comments: I like the idea of seasonal cloths. Now I need to find a bunny!

So five regular cloths & one giant one, that's enough for now...I think.