Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Tunesian Crochet Washcloth

Wow!  Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!  I've been so busy, it feels like I haven't had a moment to myself lately.  As some of you (most of you?) know, I'm a full-time caregiver for my 93-year-old grandma.  Just before Thanksgiving, she had another mini-stroke that has left her very confused, and barely mobile.  It's been very challenging to create a new routine that works for both of us.  I was used to a (small) amount of freedom in my day, you know, to run errands, grocery shop, etc.  My new routine requires an additional person to come in and watch her while I'm gone.  Thankfully, my Dad has been able to come watch her for a few hours during the day for the last 6 weeks or so, and my Mom has watched her a few evenings so that we could go to a couple of movies as a family.  

The good part is that I've had a lot more time to crochet, now that all of the holiday hoopla is over.  I've become fascinated with tunesian crochet, and I've been simple-stitching away like a mad woman!  


I made some crazy simple washcloths using the simple stitch, which were so quick, and so fun, I really think you all should try it (unless, of course, you're already a tunesian crocheting goddess, in which case, carry on!).  I used THIS great tutorial on The Purl Bee to help me get started.


TUNESIAN CROCHET WASHCLOTH

Size H tunesian crochet hook
100% cotton yarn - worsted weight (I used Lily's Sugar N Cream in Pink Camo - one skein will make 2 washcloths!)

Ch 30
R1: Starting in 2nd chain work a preparation row into each st of the foundation chain (30 loops)
R2: Work a return row (1 loop on hook)
R3: Work a forward row (30 loops on hook)
R4-51: Repeat rows 2-3
R52: Work a return row (1 loop on hook)
Fasten off.  Weave in ends.

Attach yarn in corner, sc 30 st along each side, working a (sc, ch 1, sc) in each corner.
Fasten off. Weave in ends

Alternately, you could just start your final sc border without fastening off, and then re-attaching yarn. But honestly, the stitches look a lot like purl stitches in knitting, so weaving in the extra ends is not a big deal.

I've got some fun and exciting projects planned for the next couple of months, so I hope you'll come back soon!

xoxo!