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.
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