Sunday, 10 November 2013

Christmas Gifts: Crocheted Washcloths


I think this post should really be called "Something for the Ladies" as the colours and nature of these gifts mean they are unlikely to be well received by my brother in law. I finally finished something on my Christmas gift list - six cotton washcloths. I'm really, really pleased with how these turned out. The colours are dreamy and the yarn is smooth and soft. The cotton gives them such a pleasing weight and substantial feel in the hand. 



They were a delight to work up, each one taking only a couple of hours at most (and that's with my slow hooking skills) and a pattern easy enough to memorise and do a little of here and there, or an solid hour in front of an episode of Homeland. 

They are basically a sort of granny square, working out from a central circle. The pattern is from here, via Ravelry. 


I used Debbie Bliss Eco Baby yarn, bought from my local yarn shop, and used a 3.5 mm hook. Each cloth measures 18 cm or 7 inches square and cost about £1.70 each to make. They would certainly be cheaper if I'd used less expensive cotton yarn, but I love this organic, un-mercerised yarn and think it was worth the extra money.


Look at them, so neat and pretty in a pile. I want to keep them all.


But they are not for me, and will be packaged up in twos with a jar of homemade sugar scrub and some other bits and bobs into boxes of pampering goodness. 


Lucky ladies. 



58 comments:

  1. Lucky ladies indeed! As you say, the colours are dreamy, I love them!

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  2. Oh, I love them! They're really beautiful. I'm just thinking about trying to crochet myself some washcloths. Your knitted one really inspired me, I even bought myself some nicer soap to wash my face with after seeing yours (stalker much? Haha). I only have inexpensive cotton yarn so I might look for something a little nicer because I don't know whether this yarn would make a soft cloth. I really like these, Gillian. Lucky ladies, indeed. I am sure they will be much appreciated.

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  3. What delicious watermelon like colours Gillian, they look like a real luxury and I am sure will be loved by all those who receives them. Funny that you are posting about face cloths, I have been busy knitting my first one this evening to go with some stunning homemade aromatherapy soap I bought at a Christmas Fair on Saturday xox Happy making x Penny
    Ps. Did you see my Tunnocks cushion creation? We love it so x Thanks once again

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  4. Snap, Gillian!!!! I've been knitting wash cloths with Debbie Bliss eco cotton. The yarn is so soft and the colours are gorgeous, I've done my cloths with the recipients initials, added a bar of luxury soap then tied with matching coloured raffia.
    http://www.knittingknonsense.com/index2.html.

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  5. These gifts will be delightfully received, Gillian. The colours are perfect in my opinion!

    Stephanie

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  6. These are beautiful and totally fuelling my washcloth envy after I saw your last post!
    http://gonebeading.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/washcloth-connundrum.html

    The recipients will be very lucky ladies indeed!

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  7. I always receive oodles of inspiration when I visit here Gillian. Another gorgeous project made for some very lucky recipients, tres jealous xx

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  8. Lucky ladies indeed, these look fab!
    Happy new week,
    Xx

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  9. Just gorgeous can I ask a daft practical question forgive me ! Do they stretch and loose shape when wet ?

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    1. Hi Iona.

      I haven't tried with these crocheted ones, but I knitted a washcloth with this same yarn a couple of months ago and I have washed and tumbled dried it many times and I think it's held it's shape fantastically well. Fingers crossed that these ones do the same!

      Gillian x

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  10. They are so pretty and I love the color combination! They look just gorgeous all tied up with a nice ribbon. Very lucky ladies indeed.

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  11. Gillian they are delightful what a beautiful gift x

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  12. Hi, Gillian! They really turned out neat and beautiful! Well done :) You gave a nice idea for Christmas gifts, I might try!

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  13. I love them, what a gorgeous gift, the colours are indeed lush...homemade sugar scrub sounds interesting, please do share. Have a lovely week, Sarah xo

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  14. Lovely idea for a gift. I have a ball of Eco Baby in my stash so might dig it out and have a go. x

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  15. Gorgeous colours and I love this particular pattern. My only completed project crochet project to date was a cushion in this exact pattern, except striped. You are so diligent getting on with all your Christmas crafting, you are an inspiration. mel x

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  16. What a lovely present they will make, how they are received well. :)

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  17. Lucky ladies indeed!! Looking great. The colours are lovely. They're so neat! X

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  18. So lovely as everything you make always is Gillian, I'm sure that the recipients of your gifts will be delighted. Happy making!! xx

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  19. So pretty Gillian ... very lucky ladies indeed ... a gorgeous, thoughtful present ... Bee xx

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  20. They're all so pretty and the colours are definitely dreamy. Your female relatives are so lucky.x

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  21. They're lovely. I was just running my hands over a little of that yarn on Saturday and thinking how very nice it was.

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  22. Oh my gosh Gillian, they're totally gorgeous, You know me and my dishcloth obsession...
    http://justpootling.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/dishcloth-love.html
    BEAUTIFUL !
    Kate x

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  23. Absolutely beautiful! I wish I was one of your friends in receipt of them x

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  24. Beautiful gifts to receive! Yes, they will be lucky ladies...

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  25. I am off this second to buy some yarn ... And I am going to treat myself to the nicest.

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  26. They are very lucky ladies, I just love the colors and that you trimmed them all in different colors, that adds a lot to the pattern. Well done.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  27. These are so pretty Gillian, I might just make some myself, to go with the mountains of soap I have made these last few weeks.

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  28. Oh you clever girl. The colours are gorgeous. I have made lots of homemade stuff for gifts this year. Some are edible (and I have sweets and biscuits to make nearer the time). Some you can drink ( my Mum loves a Sloe Gin tipple). I have also made a few things (cushions, a couple of scarves). You and Jenifer at Thistlebear have really inspired and encouraged a latent desire to give it a go. I'm not sure my offerings are as lovely or as well made as yours, but I enjoyed the process. And my family are far too polite to tell me what I made is rubbish!!

    Leanne xx

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  29. I really like these and the colours you chose. I copied (slightly different pattern found online) your knitted washcloth. Have made three so far which are destined for gifts with some posh soaps.

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  30. I am having a need, want, must have moment. what a wonderful gift

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  31. Gillian, they're gorgeous! I have a total crush on that pretty pinky coral colour at the moment. Such a perfect gift. xx

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  32. The cloths are gorgeous. After your washcloth post I sought out my copy of Mollie Makes and had a go. It's a fabulous idea for a gift, I'm sure they'll be really well received.

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  33. Such a perfect gift Gillian!!! Lucky ladies indeed x

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  34. They are beautiful and indeed something I would get very excited about. Thank you for sharing the pattern as I've been after a different one so will give this a go. Thanks also for sharing the secrets of Parkin as pudding with me. Xoxo

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  35. What a fantastic idea, love the thought of the homemade sugar scrub too, such a thoughtful gift, and so pretty :) xx

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  36. I love gifting washcloths, they are useful and beautiful and always well received! Your little stack is so pretty, the colours are simply lovely, and I really like your idea of packaging them with the scrub - what a gorgeous indulgent gift! I made some dishcloths and matching potholders one year for friends, in colours to match their kitchens. So satisfying, isn't it? :-) Chrissie x

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  37. A perfect gift, I agree that yarn does feel like it should be round your face - so soft and natural. Jo x

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  38. They are lovely Gillian and a great idea for a pressie! thanks for the inspiration, Pati x

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  39. Aww they look gorgeous isnt it amazing how ribbon can transform something as well. I REALLY must learn how to crochet!!!

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  40. These are lovely, not sure who would get having them as a present - definitely not my brother in laws either! You are so organised - isn't Christmas ages away???? I might manage to do one by then. katie x

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  41. That cotton looks really lovely - so much so - I've just added a couple of balls to my yarn order! Whoops! How did that happen? x

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  42. these are lovely... luck ladies indeed! as I said on instagram, I'm so impressed with your crochet skills... I can't even make the round bit in the middle! x

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  43. You said it! They are very lucky to be getting such pretty gifts, made with love.
    Lisa x

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  44. They do look so pretty all stacked and wrapped with ribbon. I'm sure your sister in law will love them.

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  45. They look so beautiful and especially when piled up like that. Don't you love it when simple things look so divine. Lucky ladies indeed!

    S x

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  46. What a lovely gift to receive. Very pretty colours!

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  47. These are just lovely - very lucky ladies indeed

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  48. They are super Gillian! I don't know why face cloths / dish cloths are so satisfying to make but they certainly are. Love the colours you've chosen. And thrifty to boot! Just shows that homemade presents are still thrifty as well as much nicer, of course. E x

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  49. What a lovely handmade present to receive.. These look great.

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  50. This is my first visit to your blog, first post and i've fallen in love at first sight!
    These are beautiful, I'd be thrilled to receive these at Christmas. You are very clever
    Liv (Aussie) xx

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  51. Anyone that recieves these gorgeous cotton wash clothes is blessed! I love cotton and I try not to buy anything (including yarn) that can't be recycled so these are just perfect all around!! What kind of scrubs do you make? I gave scrubs as gifts last year... I'd love to swap recipes!
    You are so talented Gillian!
    Much love,
    Tammy xx

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  52. oh the colours in your photos are just beautiful. always.

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  53. What a great, wonderful idea. I'm going to try to make some of these for Christmas gifts next year :)

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