Review: Fibra Natura Good Earth

The Dishcloth+ Series, sponsored by Universal Yarn, uses Fibra Natura Good Earth yarn. It’s been a blast to work with. Here’s my impression of the yarn.

Fibra Natura Good Earth

Yarn Features:

Universal Yarn describes Good Earth as: a soft cotton/linen blend that’s easy on the hands and a pleasure to work with.

Worsted Weight: 170 yrds / 100 g
53% Cotton and 47% Linen

Good Earth Pros:

  • Beautiful soft color pallette
  • Also available in variegated yarn colors
  • Creates a durable fabric
  • Fiber blend gives is a nice drape
  • Fabric softens with washing
  • Good for showing stitch definition
  • No elasticity, which is good for a durable dishcloth; it won’t get out of shape

Good Earth Cons:

I label the following as cons, but they might better be labeled “Things to be aware of.”

  • Shrinks when washed. Many fibers shrink when washed, and this is one. If the dimensions of the project matter, it might be a good idea to make the project a little larger.
  • Loses a bit of it’s sheen after going through washer/dryer. I’ve had other cotton fade drastically when washed. This maintains its beautiful color after washing with only a little loss of its sheen.

Good Earth Holding Up in the Wash

Good Earth WashedIt’s a dishcloth, so naturally I ran it through the wash. Pictured right is the Corner to Corner Dishcloth. Left, in Jade (green), is the original dishie. Right, in Canyon (pink), is the dishcloth after one time through the laundry.

Prior to washing, the dishcloth measured 8″x8″. After a trip through the washer and dryer it measured an inch smaller.

If you have to (or choose to) wash dishes by hand, this fiber is fabulous. It’s durable yet soft. It will soak up water like a sponge if it’s alreay damp, so it’s great for cleaning up spills.

The colors in this line blend well together. They are soft and soothing, a lovely mix of tones. Because it’s a blend of cotton and linen, it really is much softer to crochet with than many straight cotton yarns. The finished product is softer as well.

Dana is a big fan of knit and crochet dishies, so you’ll find this at her kitchen sink or in a drawer waiting for it’s turn to scrub pots and pans.

Both Dana and I have enjoyed working with Fibra Natura Good Earth in the Dishchloth+ Series. I look forward to showing you more fun kitchen and dining stuff in the coming months.

 

How to Single Crochet Photo Tutorial

How to Single Crochet Photo Tutorial – with 7 Easy Crochet Dishcloth Patterns

How to Single Crochet Photo Tutorial

If you or a friend want to learn how to single crochet, this photo tutorial is the perfect guide. It includes step-by-step photos and step-by-step written directions, making it a great reference tool.

Tutorial includes:

  • How to create a slip knot
  • How to Yarn Over (YO)
  • How to Make a Chain
  • How to Single Crochet
  • How to Crochet in Both Loops
  • How to Crochet in Front Loops
  • How to Crochet in Back Loops
  • How to Change Color at the end of a Row
  • Includes 7 Crochet Patterns that Use ONLY Single Crochet and Chain Stitch

This photo tutorial is perfect for people just learning to crochet as well as those wanting to brush up on their skills. When you finish these 7 crochet patterns, you’ll single crochet with confidence…you’ll crochet like a pro!

Yarn pictured is Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton.

Available in the Store

How to Single Crochet Photo Tutorial Available in the Store

7 Dish Clothes in the SetLearn more about this Photo Tutorial on How to Single Crochet in the store.

It includes 7 fun crochet patterns.
Step-by-Step Photos.
Step-by-Step Written Instructions.

Single Crochet like a pro!

Dishie Fauxchet Patterns

Dishie Fauxchet Patterns

Dish clothes are great projects for learning how to Fauxchet. In fact, these were some of the first projects we made.

fauxchet dishies

As we mentioned in our product review of the easyloop fauxchet tool, any pattern that uses a chain, slip stitch or single crochet can be made with the easyloop tool. The patterns below will list the abbreviation for both crochet and fauxchet.

dishie on sink

The dishies in these fauxchet patterns measure approximately 6”x6”. We love the smaller size for getting into cups and such.

Skill Level: Easy

Stitches Used: Chain (ch), slip stitch (sl st), single fauxchet (sf), single crochet (sc)

Techniques Used: fauxchet/crochet in rows, fauxceht/crochet in the round


FAUXCHET PATTERN 1: V-Stitch Dishie

The v-stitch is widely used in crochet…and is easy to fauxchet as well.

v-stitch dishie

Materials List:

  • Easyloop fauxchet tool (or Crochet Hook: H/8/5.00mm)
  • Lily Sugar’n Cream worsted weight (4) cotton
    HOT PURPLE
  • Yarn Needle for sewing

V-Stitch Dishie Fauxchet Pattern

Ch 17

Row 1: In 3rd ch from tool work *sf(sc), ch 1, sf(sc), skip 2 ch* across.

Row 2-17: Ch 2, turn. *In ch-1 sp work sf(sc), ch 1, sf(sc), skip 2 sts* across.

Rnd 18: Sf(sc) around all four sides of dishie. Join with sl st. Weave in ends.


FAUXCHET PATTERN 2: Mini Blocks Dishie

Another popular crochet pattern is mini blocks. Again, an excellent project for learning the easyloop fauxchet tool.

mini blocks dishie

Materials List:

  • Easyloop fauxchet tool (or Crochet Hook: H/8/5.00mm)
  • Lily Sugar’n Cream worsted weight (4) cotton
    LAVENDER
  • Yarn Needle for sewing

Mini Blocks Dishie Fauxchet Pattern

Ch 23

Row 1: Sf(sc) in 6th ch from tool, sf(sc) *ch 2, skip 2 ch, 2 sf(sc)* across. End with ch 2, skip 2 ch, 1 sf(sc).

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. *2 sf(sc) on ch-2 sp, ch 2, skip 2 sts* across. End with 2 sf(sc).

Row 3: Ch 3. *Skip 2 sts, 2 sf(sc), ch 2* across. End with skip 2 sts, 1 sf(sc).

Rows 4-18: Repeat Rows 2 & 3 alternately.

Rnd 19: Sf(sc) around all four sides of dishie. Join with sl st. Weave in ends.


More Fauxchet

To learn more about the easyloop fauxchet tool, visit the fauxchet website.

PDF’s of our Free Fauxchet Patterns are available on the Free Fauxchet Patterns page.

Knitted Dishcloth Patterns

Knitted Dishcloth Patterns

Surprise! We are happy to share some knitted dishcloth patterns with you. I know, a departure from our usual offerings. These are simple projects that are perfect for the beginner knitter….like us! This is the first knitting project we’ve put together for this blog!

Free Knit Dishies

The back story: When my teenage neighbors taught me (Dana) to knit, the first project they showed me was Grandmother’s Favorite dishcloth. Later, after getting the hang of how to knit and purl, I wanted to spruce up the dishcloths a bit. So, I sought out other patterns and even charted my own (the smiley face is my own creation)! So, here you go.

Knitted Dishcloth Patterns –Details About The Dishies

The knitted dishcloth patterns are free and come with three designs. Along with written directions, there are charts are for the dishcloths with patterns in their centers.

Skill Level: Easy

Materials: Cotton Yarn

Here’s what’s included:

simple knit dishie1. Simple Knit Dishie

Perfect for the beginner. Pick up a beautiful variegated yarn and work up this simple knit dishie. It is knit on the diagonal using an increase and decrease and knit stitch.

A special thanks to my sister-in-law for sharing this with us. Thanks, Mary!

Measures 7 ½” square

 

2. Heart in Grandmother’s Favorite Knit Dishie

heart dishieShare the love with a purled heart in Grandmother’s favorite dishie. People are impressed with this extra little touch. It takes a little extra time, but it’s chalk full of love and it shows.

The yarn over border also looks stunning when paired with the purled heart.

It looks best in solid yarns. It is knit on the diagonal using increase, decrease, knit and purl.

Measures 7” square

 

3. Smile on Grandmother’s Favorite Knit Dishie

smile dishieSpread cheer one dishie at a time with a fun twist on Grandmother’s Favorite. Kids will find dish duty more fun with this friendly dishie. Wait…so will adults!

It looks best in solid colored yarns. It is knit on the diagonal using increase, decrease, knit and purl.

Measures 7” square

Knitted Dishcloth Patterns – FREE Patterns

All three knitted dishcloth patterns are available in the store and on the Free Knitting Patterns page.

FREE Patterns

Feel free to print and share the patterns with friends and family.

Making these as gifts? Consider what color scheme your recipients would like. What color is their kitchen, for example. Or consider their personality. Would they prefer a white dishcloth so they can bleach it?

These fun and practical dishies will look beautiful and clean up nicely in any kitchen.