one skein (cotton) projects?

[bramble]

i'm a beginner, and in an attempt to familiarize myself with the way different yarns feel and work up, i bought a bunch of single skeins in various colors, some cotton. i thought i would then make them into squares for an afghan, but one thing that i learned is that (this kind of) cotton is not really suitable to such a use!

so, i have a few random skeins of various cottons, kind of kitchen cotton weight, and don't know what to do with them. they're a little too nice for dish towels, and i'm looking for something worthy of them to do that is also small enough to finish with one skein!

any suggestions?

[Julie]

You mean just basic 100% cotton, bramble? There actually is an afghan floating around out there made of 100% cotton. <a href="http://morici.typepad.com/bag_n_trash/2004/04/oooh_so_many_co.html" target="_new">Here</a>, in morici's blog, the third picture down. Some ladies are making bucket hats from it, I think Tiff and Marlo, but I've not tried that pattern yet. Personally, I buy the prettiest cotton yarn I can find. You have to have something nice to use in the kitchen, something to enjoy using at least! lol <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/laugh.gif" />

[lunchbox]

I've been making these cute bath mitts from the Bernat website. I think they are a good beginner project. The pattern calls for their Cottontots brand but I have been using Sugar n Cream and they have turned out well.

The only thing is that you have to sign up at the website. Not a huge deal. I have one email address that I use for the purpose and all the spam that comes along with it dumps there.

Once you sign up, just search for "bath mitt" and you'll find it. :)

HTH!

[Julie]

Oh that's a great pattern. Thanks! Looks like a great stocking stuffer to me! <img border=0 src="http://img28.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/thumbsup.gif" />

[bramble]

julie-
yes, they are 100% cotton. they are the standard type, not specially wool-ized like cottontots or mission falls stuff. so it has no wool-look or stretch, etc.

i don't really want to do kitchen/bathroom stuff b/c i don't have any need. i live in an nyc apartment and don't have room for 'decor' in the kitchen or bath! the hats are an idea to try, though i don't wear them, maybe i can find some willing giftees. :-)

one thing i did make so far was a belt (sorry for the funny picture, didn't know how to take a nice pic of a belt!):

http://www.implossible.com/albums/crafty/P6100183.highlight.jpg

[Julie]

Yeah, belts would be hard to photograph, but we get the idea! <img border=0 src="http://img28.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/bounce012.gif" /> You could always make the dishcloths as gift items, maybe a little gift basket for a new neighbor or college student. Those cotton cloths are also great just for washing your face, soft and yet textural, great for exfoliation! <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/tongue.gif" />

[bramble]

hm, i am answering myself now!

another idea i thought of is to make some 'jewelry'. bracelets and chokers, etc.

[Tiffany]

I would recommend a hat or a head kerchief. They're pretty simple to make and look cute. As soon as I redo the brim of my bucket hat, I'll post a pic and pattern. I took the advice of non-crocheting family members and made it ruffly and I look like a dork! :p Once it returns to it's normal bucket state, I'll share it with the world because it's just too cute not to. :)

[bramble]

thanks everyone for the ideas...i'll post the results when i get around to these!