Easy dishcloth

Today is a good day. I'm sitting in my pj's with freshly brewed coffee, drinking from my favourite owl mug. The dogs are quiet after a long morning walk. I'm warm and cozy on the couch, and enjoying the after holidays calmness. Oh, scratch that. As soon as I wrote this, Noodle jumped on the couch and started a wrestling match with Ody. I have now safely retreated to the desk. Still, not so bad. I get to spend some time sharing with you some of the gifts I was working on for the last few months. It was really great to be able to send some handmade gifts this year, and I enjoyed the time spent making them for special people in my life. Next year, I promise, I'll start earlier to avoid the cramps and sore hands.

For my mom, I started by making some dishcloths. I enjoy replacing something so common, never exciting to purchase, by something pretty and personal. At some point I realized that for some reason, all of our dishcloths were (used to be) white (with stripes or plaid). They are from Ikea, and it seemed like a good idea to get a bunch for not very much. But they are no longer decent looking, and I've grown to strongly dislike them. I've been meaning to make some for us, but they make such nice and easy gifts, that all the ones I've made so far have moved on to other homes. One day. 

For my dishcloths I prefer to use yarn dyed in changing colours, so any unfortunate stain won't show too much. My husband has quite the ketchup obsession, so better prepared than sorry. I love the texture of this pattern, and how quick they are to make.

(Adapted from homespun living)

Material:

1 skein of Cotton Classic Lite by Tahki Yarns for 2 dishcloths. The finish size is approximately 8 1/2" by 8 1/2". Any other 100% cotton sport weight yarn would also work.
US 5 needles, if using circular, 16".
Darning needle.

Instructions:

With a 40" tail, cast on loosely 38 stitches using the long tail method.

First 3 rows: Knit all stitches.

Repeat the following 4 rows 15 times:
Row 1: Knit all stitches.
Row 2: Knit 3, Purl to last 3 stitches, Knit 3.
Row 3: Knit 3, [Purl 2, Knit 1] to last 5 stitches, Purl 2, Knit 3.
Row 4: Knit 3, [Knit 2, Purl 1] to last 5 stitches, Knit 5.

Last 4 rows: Knit all stitches.

Cast off very loosely. Using the darning needle, weave in ends.