Latest addiction- Woven Dishcloths

i'm not sure how i got so behind with this blog, but now that winter is here i am in full hibernation mode.  So i'm going to try to play a bit of catch up.  November and December were super busy, i had a couple craft shows, we took a trip to Michigan and i always go a little crazy preparing for the holidays.  It's when my sales are the best, so i bust butt to get as much work made/sold as possible. i've been working in the glass shop regularly up until xmas, and still haven't quite recovered from all that. This week we've been recovering from the stomach bug that hit over the weekend and the kids just went back to school ( from a weather extended break) today.

Anyhow, i picked up a new hobby (addiction) and wanted to share.

While up in Michigan visiting family, my MIL showed me how to use a 10" square bias loom to make a continuous weave dishcloth. My MIL in an amazing weaver, and my FIL makes all their looms from hand. They have an etsy shop where you can find the looms and other weaving materials. 

i ended up making dishcloths all the way home in the car, while the husband drove.  i knew they would make fantastic gifts, and wanted to have a nice selection for a craft show i was participating in Dec.

Fast forward, hibernation mode. This has been me, since xmas. Doctor who marathon, and weaving dishcloths.  They are so easy and fun to make, and really make a nice sturdy dishcloth.

i add a simple crocheted border to them, and once washed they tighten up nicely.  This is quite similar to the old pot holder looms i did as a child, but because it's continuous weave, you are weaving the top and bottom simultaneously and so they really go quite quickly.

i can not stress how much i love to make these. It's the perfect activity on a cold winter day, sitting by the fire and binge watching my favorite netflix show. :) 

i've been putting them together in sets to sell at the Floyd Artisan market this spring, along with my glasswork. i used a little raffia, applesauce cinnamon ornaments and mini pinecones to decorate the sets. i currently have 14 sets of 3 made up and that doesn't include the ones i've already sold and gifted. i'm really enjoying these, and i know once garden season starts i won't want to sit around and make them so i'm taking advantage of my need to hibernate while i can.

i'm making these using  a 10" mini loom, 100% cotton yarn (peaches & cream, sugar & cream) a crochet hook and a large tapesty  needle (for weaving in the ends).

My dish cloths are available for $5 each or $12 for a set of 3.  i'm hoping to have them at the Floyd Artisan market this spring and i'll have some available online as well.  i'm also going to put together a tutorial for how i make these, for those interested.

 i just wanted to pop in and let you know what i've been up to!  i've working through a few back posts, and then will try to get back to posting regularly.