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Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Aunt May Dishcloth

Every day I have thought I would get this pattern posted, and every day life pulls in the opposite direction.  It has been a month since I said I would share the pattern 'soon'...
In that month there has been lots of weeding, planting, hen keeping, biking, walking, and outdoor living going on as we enjoy one of the nicest Springs in many years.
And it's that time of year that some dish cloth knitting is about all the craftiness I manage to squeeze in.
This pattern is simply ribbing and garter stitch with a 12 row repeat and a crocheted border {if desired}.
If you make any, please let me know what you think,
especially if you find any mistakes :)

Aunt May Dishcloth

from homespun living

My great Aunt May lived in a farmhouse in the country. A favorite memory from my visits is of the old-fashioned hand-operated water pump perched next to her kitchen sink, which she was still using in the 1960’s to get water from the well every day. This dishcloth is named in memory of her.



Yarn: Lion Brand Nature’s Choice Organic Cotton in desired colors

Needles: Size 7 US {4.5mm}; crochet hook size H {5.0mm}

edited 3.21.12  I have corrected a major error in how I wrote this pattern, many thanks to those who have brought it to my attention.  Please let me know if you have any problems with these instructions...I promise that from now on, I will ask for someone to test knit a pattern before publishing...thanks much,  Deb
edited 6.9.10  Finished cloth measures about 8 inches square.

Notes: Pattern calls for slipping the first stitch and purling the last stitch of every
row ~ this makes for a very neat selvedge edge, which I learned thanks to
an Elizabeth Zimmerman book. I slipped the first stitch purlwise, holding the working
yarn to the back.

Tip: By casting on and binding off with a needle a couple sizes larger, it will be
much easier to insert your crochet needle into those stitches for the crocheted edging.

Begin: CO 37 stitches

Row 1: Slip 1, {K1, P1} x 2, * K7, P1, K1, P1 – repeat from * 2 more times, end with K1, P1.

Row 2: Slip 1, * {P1, K1} x 2, P1, K5 – repeat from * 2 more times, end with {P1, K1} x 2, P2.

Row 3: Slip 1, {K1, P1} x 2, * K7, P1, K1, P1 – repeat from * 2 more  times, end with K1, P1.

Row 4: Slip 1, * {P1, K1} x 2, P1, K5 – repeat from * 2 more times, end with {P1, K1} x 2, P2.

Row 5: Slip 1, {K1, P1} x 2, * K7, P1, K1, P1 – repeat from * 2 more times, end with K1, P1.

Row 6: Slip 1, * {P1, K1} x 2, P1, K5 – repeat from * 2 more times, end with {P1, K1} x 2, P2.

Row 7 : Slip 1, * K5, {P1, K1} x 2, P1 – repeat from * 2 more times, end with K5, P1.

Row 8: Slip 1, K6, * P1, K1, P1, K7 – repeat from * 1 more time, end with P1, K1, P1, K6, P1.

Row 9: Slip 1, * K5, {P1, K1} x 2, P1 – repeat from * 2 more times, end with K5, P1.

Row 10: Slip 1, K6, * P1, K1, P1, K7 – repeat from * 1 more time, end with P1, K1, P1, K6, P1.

Row 11: Slip 1, * K5, {P1, K1} x 2, P1 – repeat from * 2 more times, end with K5, P1.

Row 12: Slip 1, K6, * P1, K1, P1, K7 – repeat from * 1 more time, end with P1, K1, P1, K6, P1.

Work these 12 rows a total of 4 times. Bind off on last row, in pattern.

For optional crocheted edging:

Using crochet hook size H {5 mm}, join yarn to dishcloth and work 25 single crochet stitches along each side of dishcloth—this includes 2 single crochet stitches in each corner. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Credit:  Ribbing and garter stitch pattern is from The Complete Book of Knitting by Barbara Abbey; Viking Press, c. 1971.


59 comments:

  1. Super! I love this dishcloth. I can't wait to make one.
    Thanks so much for including the pattern.
    You have done your Aunt May proud.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh, yay! I have checked here often to see if it was posted yet. I'm past the first week of recovery, and can actually make sense of what I read now, so I'm going to copy the pattern to try. Thanks so much for sharing! It's been crazy busy around here, too. Enjoy your summer, Deb.
    Blessings,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Deb,

    I think this one looks really old-fashioned and country. I'm looking forward to trying it. I'll have to get some #7 needles first.

    I posted about this on my blog. Here's the link.

    http://harvestlanecottage.blogspot.com/2010/06/aunt-may-dishcloth.html


    Thanks for your generosity!

    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous4:42 PM

    It has indeed been one of the most beautiful springs in NY. I,too have not been able to update my blog... but have had time to read here and there :) Love the dishcloth pattern! Will cast on for it soon!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Deb that's such a simple stitch but so scrumptious! You are the queen of dishcloths, thanks for posting the pattern.xHope this finds you well and enjoy summer.

    Your Aussie mate,
    Rose

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lovely dishcloth... nice memories as well.. thanks for sharing the pattern

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm heading out Friday on a very, very long plane ride to a week long vacation and then a very, very long plane ride home. I'd gathered materials for knitting dishcloths. This one looks like I may have to include it in the plans! Thanks, great timing!

    Karen B.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for the pattern - and just in time! In a few weeks a group of friends at church is putting together gift baskets for the Habitat homeowners whose houses we helped build this year, and I'd love to add one of these to each basket.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yea! Can't wait to try it. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Aloha Deb;
    I miss your posts, welcome back. Yes, you definitely sound busy! I love your Aunt's dishcloth.I've found these knitted towels really handle the jobs at hand when it comes to wiping down, so absorbent. I'll have to try this pattern next. Thank you so much for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I loved your first pattern, and I've been waiting for this one. Thanks so much for sharing! Now I know what I'll be working on tonight.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous4:43 AM

    Thanks so much for this pattern. Could you please tell me what size the dishcloth is once it is finished.
    Thanks so much.

    ReplyDelete
  13. This looks like a lovely pattern, and I can't wait to get a chance to give it a try! Thanks for sharing it. Glad to hear you are enjoying your great weather!
    ~Elissa

    ReplyDelete
  14. Lena~
    I meant to include the size and forget. The finished dishcloth is about 8 inches square,

    Deb

    ReplyDelete
  15. Deb, I loved your last pattern and can't wait to try this one!
    Enjoy this wonderful Spring!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Beautiful blog, I love the effortless crafty vibe you have! Gorgeous pictures too, I'll be sure to continue checking back for inspiration.

    -Van

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love this dish cloth pattern and I hope to give it a try soon. I have been knitting some other ones with just a plain pattern, so it will be nice to give this one a try.

    Thanks for posting the pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Deb,

    I still haven't mastered knitting, but I've been leaning to crochet, and I'm really enjoying it. I like your dishcloth.

    This might seem a silly question, but I just bought some cotton yarn, and I love it, but I was wondering, will I have to think a lot about shrinkage if I use it in something that will be washed often?

    Thank you,
    Lena

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thank you for sharing the pattern. I tried it today and love the result. I made mine a little bigger, 5 stitches and 6 rows more. The crochet edging is really cute.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Love a new dishcloth pattern -- thank you!
    Blessings,
    G

    ReplyDelete
  21. I can't wait to try this patter! I just started another set of your waffle weave patterned dishclothes for my sister who just moved into her first apartment. Thanks for sharing!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi, I've just tried to make this dishcloth but am stumped on the first direction which is to slip the first stitch. I know how to slip a stich at the end of a project when casting off ( first knit then pull one stitch over another and slide off). Do you do the same thing here? Sorry I'm just learning to knit and appreciate you sharing the pattern. It is very generous of you and I like your other pattern too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think she states how in start of pattern

      Delete
    2. I think she states how in start of pattern. Notes: Pattern calls for slipping the first stitch and purling the last stitch of every
      row ~ this makes for a very neat selvedge edge, which I learned thanks to
      an Elizabeth Zimmerman book. I slipped the first stitch purlwise, holding the working
      yarn to the back.

      Delete
  23. Tonight I have cast on for the coffee cup cozy and it's going great so far!

    I am doing the Aunt May Dishcloth next. What is the color you used around the edging? Mustard maybe?

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I can't wait to try this patter! I just started another set of your waffle weave patterned dishclothes for my sister who just moved into her first apartment. Thanks for sharing!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love this dish cloth pattern and I hope to give it a try soon. I have been knitting some other ones with just a plain pattern, so it will be nice to give this one a try.

    Thanks for posting the pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Beautiful blog, I love the effortless crafty vibe you have! Gorgeous pictures too, I'll be sure to continue checking back for inspiration.

    -Van

    ReplyDelete
  27. This looks like a lovely pattern, and I can't wait to get a chance to give it a try! Thanks for sharing it. Glad to hear you are enjoying your great weather!
    ~Elissa

    ReplyDelete
  28. Aloha Deb;
    I miss your posts, welcome back. Yes, you definitely sound busy! I love your Aunt's dishcloth.I've found these knitted towels really handle the jobs at hand when it comes to wiping down, so absorbent. I'll have to try this pattern next. Thank you so much for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thanks for the pattern - and just in time! In a few weeks a group of friends at church is putting together gift baskets for the Habitat homeowners whose houses we helped build this year, and I'd love to add one of these to each basket.

    ReplyDelete
  30. It has indeed been one of the most beautiful springs in NY. I,too have not been able to update my blog... but have had time to read here and there :) Love the dishcloth pattern! Will cast on for it soon!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi Deb,

    I think this one looks really old-fashioned and country. I'm looking forward to trying it. I'll have to get some #7 needles first.

    I posted about this on my blog. Here's the link.

    http://harvestlanecottage.blogspot.com/2010/06/aunt-may-dishcloth.html


    Thanks for your generosity!

    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  32. Theresa1:47 PM

    I have many dishcloth patterns but none that are basket weave. What a nice change to my collection! The dishcloths have that country appeal I'm looking for. Thanks! Theresa

    ReplyDelete
  33. You're welcome Theresa--enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  34. kericho1201:36 AM

    I like this dishcloth and I've just made my first one though I have yet to crochet the edge. I didn't use a plain coloured yarn, just what I had on hand so now have to scrounge for a plain coloured trim. I enjoyed making this but am not the best knitter so the concentration aspect really has to be there for me. There is nothing wrong with pattern at all. I like how you repeated each line of the pattern, rather than just say "work the pattern". It took me a while to figure out how to slip the first stitch being newish to knitting but I found instructions on youtube. Thanks for sharing the pattern. I'm sure to make it again ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  35. You're very welcome!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Redmms8:59 PM

    I was reading the pattern and I'm trying to try a very simple pattern as I have not knited in years. I guess I'm a little confused what the "slipping the first stitch" is about. Can you explain this to me?

    ReplyDelete
  37. From what I've heard, slipping the first stitch of the row can make for a neater edge--so I decided to try it with this pattern.
    You just insert your needle purlwise into the first stitch and slip it onto your right hand needle; continue knitting as directed in pattern.  And, if you prefer, you could just eliminate the slipped stitch and knit/purl it normally--it will not make a huge difference in the finished product.
    Hope this helps!

    ReplyDelete
  38. well for me...I could not * K7, P1, K1, P1 – repeat from * 3 times, end with K1, P1.
    if you do this from the star (asterisk), you cannot repeat it 3 times? what am I doing wrong

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. you have to count the first one you do as part of the 3 times. i figured that one out the hard way...

      Delete
    2. Diane,
      Thank you for bringing this to my attention! I have read your email over numerous times, intending to respond, but apparently I was having a mental block...I could not see what was wrong. Thanks to 3girlsmom for making it all obviously clear! A pattern writer I am not :(
      I will make the change to the pattern instructions...I am so sorry you had to struggle with this....Deb

      Delete
  39. thanks for this beautiful pattern. i just finished my first one. i knitted the main body in white and used an aqua border and it came out gorgeous! will be making about 5 more to complete the set for my niece's wedding. i will do three different colors for the borders; aqua, chartreuse, and orange or blue. haven't decided on the third color yet. thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, I'm glad you're finding it useful. Most of all thank you for helping out Diane with my pattern mistake...I'm off to correct the instructions now...Deb

      Delete
  40. Anonymous7:12 PM

    Greetings from a rainy Old East Coast of England......and thank you for posting this pattern. I have done it in discloth cotton that was sent to me from the States and it hascome out lovely. I imagine that once my daughter sees it, it might just disappear!!! Oh well, I take that as a compliment. Thanks again, Marlena

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marlena, you're welcome! Thanks so much for your kind comment. Best wishes, Deb

      Delete
  41. robsDaughter8:04 AM

    I absolutely LOVE the look of this pattern....however, as I'm sitting down to knit this., I keep getting a count of 29 stitches instead of 37. What in the world am I doing wrong?

    ReplyDelete
  42. robsDaughter8:07 AM

    As I'm writing down., what I'm doing for u to see.....I think I just figured it out. Give me a second....

    ReplyDelete
  43. robsDaughter8:13 AM

    Sorry! Not enough coffee yet, this morning.... I was "seeing" the * after the (P1 K1) 2 times, instead of before.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So glad it worked out...I make those same sort of mistakes!...Deb

      Delete
  44. Anonymous9:29 AM

    I would just like to say, this is my absolute favorite dishcloth pattern. It has enough "scrubbiness", looks great, and its easy to make :) Thank you for sharing the pattern.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome--thank you for stopping by. So glad you like the pattern...Deb

      Delete
  45. Hi Deb,
    I love this pattern, thanks much for sharing this with us. Do you have an updated version correcting the mistakes? If not, I will send them to you as soon as I write them down. I will be making another one soon and scribe as I knit.
    Again, thanks for sharing.

    Pat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Pat,
      If you don't mind sending me an updated version, that would be great. I will check it against my latest updates to make sure all is correct.
      I'm glad you're enjoying the pattern!
      Thanks so much for offering to do this for me,
      Deb

      Delete
  46. What are the finished measurements?

    ReplyDelete
  47. If I wanted to make this a little larger how many more do I cast on? Sorry I am a novice knitter. Thank you for your help.

    ReplyDelete
  48. DONE! Easy to do, done in variegated autumn yarn, I'm surprised how well the pattern shows up in the variegated yarn. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  49. i'm in the middle of doing this and mine doesn't look like the picture above here.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I am really enjoying this pattern, but I'm having trouble with row 7, which it seems others don't have a problem. I'm relatively new at knitting, but I crochet very well. Following patterns is not a problem for me, but it seems that in row 7, there are 4 extra stitches that don't get worked when I follow the pattern. What am I doing wrong?

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking time to leave a comment--I love reading each and every one! I will try to answer any questions you have in the comment section. Due to the amount of spam, I am sadly no longer able to accept Anonymous comments....Kindly, Deb