Casting On, Casting Off

Casting on, Casting off, issue #3 6/26/2009 ...supplemental Sunday, July 12, 2009

Casting on: Family of Spa Cloths

This is a family...they have one element in common (the base pattern) but all are unique and different. everyone in the family can have their own pattern. Should you choose to make all 7 variations, I would suggest doing pattern 5 last as it takes more time.

You can use any yarn you want...except feltable. In this pattern I used worsted weight cone cotton ragg. needed...size 6 strait needles 100% cone cotton (8 ply) any cottong works...sugar and spice is really good....but doesn't last long around here cuz we use hot water and high heat.

gauge: about 5 sts /4 rows = 1 inch whatever yarn you use, your towel should finish as a 10 to 12 inch square.

Base pattern: Cast on 49 sts row 1 - 4: KNIT (garter st) row 5: k 1, yo, k2tog, across continue these 5 rows until item reaches 10 - 12 inches. bind off all sts. (11 pattern repeats)

pattern 2: base, then 2 rows of seed st between base pattern rows.

pattern 3: base, k 1 rows, repeat row 5, return to base pattern

pattern 4: base, base, rib 5 rows, base, rib 5 rows, base..etc. for 10 inches, end on base, base, bind off all sts. see pic. Family of Spa Cloths pattern 4

pattern 5: base 1 time, k across 1 time, repeat row 5, then seed st for 10 inches, then row 5, k across next row, then row 5, then garter 4 and bind off. (this makes a larger cloth than the other variants) see pic.Family of Spa Cloths pattern 5 in progress.

pattern 6: base, seed st 4 rows between base, repeat 6 times, ending with base. bind off. see pic.Family of Spa Cloths pattern 6 pattern 7: base, 4 garter, 5 rib, base continue for 10 inches, bind off on base. pattern 8: make your own variation from the base pattern if you chose. after binding off weave in the ends, anchor with fray chek and let it dry if you want too, block. then before the first use, wash in warm or hot water...dry high heat, lay flat for at least an hour and voila you're done. Please scan or take a picture and show me your work. I must warn you...this is about as addictive as making socks. With the exception of pattern 5, I made most of these in one day for each. Pattern 5 took me 3 days becuz of all that seed st. Casting off.

~Lakaya M. Peeples

Note: this post is being transferred from my notes on facebook....using my phone. When I am at the computer...I will update with the pictures.