Sunday, January 2, 2011

Increase Your Brain Power and Brighten Your Kitchen at the Same Time


I was reading an article by Oliver Sacks in the New York Times yesterday about New Year's resolutions and how few people resolve to change and strengthen their brains in the same way they resolve to strengthen and change their bodies.  So, this year in addition to resolving to make yourself better physically, learn a new skill to make yourself better mentally.

Here is a picture of just one way you can increase your brain power and go green in the New Year.  It's inexpensive and fun, and always appreciated -- hand-knit dishcloths made of cotton yarn.  For about a dollar (when on sale or with a coupon) you can buy a skein of cotton yarn in a variety of fun colors to use to knit a very effective, colorful, and REUSABLE cloth for washing dishes.  No more purchased wipes that trap bacteria, don't hold up to being thrown into the washer, and need to be purchased again and again.  These are lovely, fun to use, and make a great hostess gift when rolled up and tied with a ribbon.  I have a red one that was made well over 2 years ago and it is still very bright red and going strong. I also have pale blue, dark blue, purple (shown), am working on a multi-colored French-style cloth, and another of my own design with a contrasting-colored scallop shell in the center to gift a friend the next time we visit her and her husband at their shore house (If you're reading this Carol S., act surprised!). 

There are ten patterns in this book and I plan to make them all, but many patterns are offered for free online at various web sites like this one.  My husband likes them so much that, two years ago when we went to Austin for a month-long fellowship, I knitted some in the car on the drive down so we'd have them to use while we were there.  So break out the knitting needles, clip out the Michael's coupons and get started!  Do it for your brain, and the planet; both will be better for it.

Garden Dishcloths to Knit (Leisure Arts #3934)Color-Splash Dishcloths: 15 Knit Designs (Leisure Arts #3394)Trendy Knit Dishcloths (Leisure Arts #3892)American School: Knit Dishcloth Sampler

This post is linked to  Sunday Favorites

3 comments:

Elizabeth said...

As you know, I have a list of things I want to learn in 2011. Knitting is one of them and I love the idea of learning while knitting dishcloths. One can learn new stitches and techniques without have to make a huge commitment to a larger project. Thanks for the idea:)

podso said...

You know I've put four of these together, and then crocheted a border around for a lovely baby blanket. Or just kept knitting until the dishcloth was the size of a small baby blanket. OR, make a wee big larger than a dishcloth and give to a small girl for her doll blanket! I love to keep my hands busy, such as you did when you were riding in the car.

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Pattie...

I just love the crocheted dish cloths! I have a dear friend that makes them to give as gifts to all of our graduating high school seniors! I must admit that I have never made any myself...it has been so long since I have done any crochet! Guess I should get started again...especially now that I live in Colorado and need to find things to keep me busy during the long winter months! I will keep this great crochet book in mind! Thank you for sharing it with us...as well as your pretty dish cloths...for the Sunday Favorites party this week!

Have a Happy Memorial Day, my friend!
Chari @Happy To Design