I got the Dishrag Tag box today. In the back of my mind, I’d been wondering whether I could manage same-day turn around. I knew that if the box came on a Thursday I couldn’t, because for some reason Thursday mail never arrives before five or six o’clock. But today being a Monday, I picked the box off the front porch at 1:30 and got to work. I admit that the dishrag I knit is merely utilitarian: knit-on-the-diagonal garter stitch. To jazz it up, I switched from variegated to solid yarn at the midway point. Nonetheless, I am deeply chuffed because I got it in the mail at four o’clock! I rock! Cotton Commandoes rock! If only all of us could channel all our competitive energy into dishrag knitting, beating our swords into needles. Imagine a world where international disputes get settled by a knit-off.
My Phoenix scarf is finished.
I made up this two-row stitch to try out with this particular skein from Tallgrass Yarns. I wanted a stitch that mixed Ks and Ps for maximum color-blending and that would have a clear vertical line to it.
Cast on 27 stitches (or any multiple of 5 + 2)
Odd rows: *K2, P1, K1 through the back loop, P1* repeat across, ending with K2
Even rows: *K2, P3* repeat across ending with K2
That’s all there is to it. My version used one 240-yard skein of worsted-weight yarn.
And now I must turn back into my everyday, non-dishrag-knitting self and finish all the work I tossed to one side when the box arrived. I’ve got a three-hour class to teach tomorrow.
P.S. Kudoes to Chris, who suggested Elann for yarn for Silver Belle. I’m looking at two of their aran-weight yarns. One is 80% wool/20% alpaca; the other is 50% wool/50% llama. Has anyone had experience working with either of these? How do they feel next to the skin?
P.P.S. Not only did Laurie send me a great dishrag in the Dishrag Tag box (a pretty yellow/white ombre), she also sent four lovely stitch markers and chocolate, the last of which may help explain my knitting speed. What wonderful treats!