would you want to make a potholder?

It's been a really long time since I started up a knitalong.

It's ironic that I've been so focused on writing my new book, I let the main concept of my first book go to the dogs. I have been remiss in asking all of you friends whether you'd like to knit and send me things!

Yesterday, I had reason to search in the cards and notes that you all sent me when you mailed me afghan squares years ago. I was digging for Heather's address and soon found myself sitting wistfully amidst a pile of lovely notes and letters and cards and tags and bits of tiny artwork. I'd forgotten the power of people all knitting something together. I resist the sentimentality of it, but then again, sitting on the floor in my yarn room, I find it's true.

So, who wants to make a potholder?

Not many things evoke a grandma's beloved home better than a knit or crocheted potholder or dishcloth. When I spoke to dozens of designer and knitters, even those whose grandmothers were the no-nonsense, non-decorative type recalled a handmade dishcloth or two hanging from a faucet. Or perhaps a scorched but pretty potholder on the oven door.

I'm going to be at a vendor fair on December 3rd here in my neighborhood, at one of my favorite places--Cooper's Coffee Shop.  (I wrote good portions of my book at Cooper's, sitting at their wooden tables.) I'll be selling the book at my table, and I'm thinking that a vivid collection of colorful, perhaps kitschy, potholders/dishcloths could be a perfect complement to a book about grandmas.

It would be a mini art installation/fundraiser. 100% of the proceeds would go to a charity. I'm thinking of our library's Raising A Reader early literacy program for at-risk children. (I work for the program, so it's dear to me.) However, I'm open to the idea that it should be an inernational charity instead, to represent our knitting community. What do you think?

Here's what it would be like:

• You sign up to send me one or more potholders/dishcloths by the end of November.
• You can use any pattern, any technique (knit, crochet, woven) and any yarn you like. You mail them to me.
• If you'd like, put your name and location on them so people can see who donated them and where they hail from.
• I'll enter you once per item into a drawing for a copy of My Grandmother's Knitting or other wonderful prizes, like free patterns.
• I'll post photos of your work.
• And brag about it on ravelry.
• Every potholder/dishcloth will be sold for something like $10 (tbd) and all funds will go to the charity.

The pattern above is a dishcloth pattern--designed after a classic doily--by Judy Becker. Grandma's Fan Dishcloth appears in My Grandmother's Knitting. I'll provide the pattern for Grandma's Fan Dishcloth to anyone who signs up for this KAL and wants it.

I'm amazed the holidays are coming. How can it be that I'm already getting set for a holiday fair?

Eeeep.

Comments

[Rose]

I'd love to!! Do you need me to message you on ravelry? I would like to try your pattern; it would work for a pot holder, wouldn't it??

[Evelyn]

This sounds like fun and I love knitting for charity. I'd love to participate.

[Ellen Bloom]

I'm in! Ellen Bloom, "ellblo" on Ravelry! Let me know the due date and where to send my creation!

[Connie]

Me too, I'm in! I'm knitsnspins on Rav or use my email.

[ElizabethD]

Oh, I wish I could -- but with Christmas coming and an afghans for Afghans campaign underway, I'd be crazy to add more on top! Good luck (love your choice of charity).

[larissa]

Awesome! I am so happy you all are in, and I appreciate the best wishes ElizabethD.

I'll message each of you on ravelry if I have a rav name for you. Or I'll email you with the email you've left here.

Thank you...

[Brianna Asaro]

Count me in! This sounds delightful! I love knitting and crocheting potholders, especially pretty ones. When I was younger I used to make the really "square" kind that weren't very pretty, but as I've aged, I've realized "pretty" potholders are just the thing to make your kitchen both useful AND beautiful!

[Jodi]

Sounds terrific! What a great time of year to do something like this. I'd be happy to try your pattern, too.

rav: caffeinatedyarn

[Gigi]

I love knitting dishcloths & would be happy to make one for your kal. I'd love to try your pattern too. I'm EveningStarDust on ravelry.

[Chante]

Funny thing is that I was cleaning out my hard drive the other day and found the original meathead pattern and started to reminisce over the knits I've made over the years. On that note, I would love to make a potholder!

[Lindsey]

Hello! I'd like to participate - it's funny timing but I JUST started on a big dishcloth kick!
I'm deerlyneeded on ravelry, or just use my e-mail here to shoot me a message with the details - I LOVE your pattern (not sure how i missed that before) and would love to make something! Also, I'm part of a knitting group at work and we love doing charity things...we're working on hats now but I'll see if anyone wants to join me on this.
Lindsey

[patryce]

i have never made a pot holder before but have considered it many times. i would like to give it a try!

[patryce]

I would give knitting pot holders a try! Have never joined a knitalong before but have followed your blog for some time. Thanks in advance!

[larissa]

Hi everyone,

This is awesome! I was away for three very busy days, so I'm going to update everyone tonight. I appreciate it so much.

[Kathy]

I'm in! I loved knitting the socks for your first book. And I'd love to try your pattern.

[Aemmeleia.wordpress.com]

Yes, please! I think this sounds like a great project to be involved with, and a lot of fun too. How long could one little potholder take?
("aemmeleia" on Ravelry)

[Pat Higgins]

I need to be kick started on some holiday knitting. Count me in. Thanks

[monika]

Hello, I love, love this dishcloth! I just stumbled over your post and fell in love with this pattern. Is there any chance I can purchase it (without buying the whole book) since a missed this fundraiser KAL. Thank you so much, Monika
buchta1us@yahoo.com

[larissa]

Monika, I'm glad you like the pattern, but alas it's part of the book collection and I can't sell it alone. However, the entire book is $15 on amazon today, basically the cost of 3 individual patterns but you get 22. Or it is likely available at your public library. Thanks!