New patterns; new adventures

I love new patterns. I have fun with them. Yes, it is incredibly frustrating the first time I work a new pattern. But I feel every time I complete a new pattern (and I do it correctly), I have such a feeling of accomplishment. Another battle won, another pretty thing thrown into the world.

The first time I made a pair of Flip-Furs, I had no clue what I was doing. I had a pattern for spa slippers and I was testing out different pattern variations for different sizes. The first row is always the hardest, no matter what the pattern is. Especially if the first row needs to be a certain length. In the beginning, I bought a bunch of flip-flops in different sizes, then I would use those as my size gauge. I know, doesn't work for sweaters or anything else.

I admit - I'm not the greatest when it comes to making a gauge swatch. I never make one. I crochet tight and knit loose. Go figure, right?

When I'm starting with a new pattern, it isn't uncommon for me to make mistakes. And being the perfectionist I am, I tend to rip out whatever I'm working on until I hit the mistake and then continue. Sometimes, I have to rip out the entire piece and start over. Especially with knitting, since I'm just beginning and I don't know how to go back on patterns and pick up stitches.

So, the reason for this post - I'm working on a new knit pattern. Which means that if I make a mistake, I have to rip out the entire thing and start over. I've done that 4 times so far with this pattern. Pretty par for course if you ask me. But, I'm having fun doing it. I love new patterns.

This pattern is a hanging towel. One of the old fashioned ones that have a button that you can hang off a stove handle. Just a little something to wipe your hands with while you are cooking. It matches the new rugs I made - both the giveaway rug and the rug that will be listed after the giveaway. I'll also have washcloths available as soon as I can make a set to photograph. I can't wait to show you everything.

After this set is complete, I will be making some rag rugs. I love shopping at the Salvation Army store for old sheets and fabric. I came home with a treasure trove on Friday. I can't wait to to start playing with it. I have found yet another store I can get in trouble in.

Don't forget to enter for a chance to win my new rug. The contest ends in a few days.

a Rafflecopter giveaway