The Pleasure of Needlearts

Vintage hotpads and dishcloths
“A lovely display of vintage hotpads and dishcloths.” Photo Credit: Pinterest

Staying out at the farm brings out the nostalgia in me. My grandma didn’t have fancy things. And when she sewed, her aim was function, not fashion. She mended sheets, shirts, and work pants. She often used old blankets, and even old quilts, as the batting for new ones. She sandwiched the old between fabric if she had the money…sheets if she didn’t. Then she tied them with colorful yarn or perle cotton every few inches. I found a pair of knitting needles and some yarn in her work basket but she said she had never mastered the craft.

Every once in a while, someone would give Grandma a pretty little handmade potholder like the ones in this picture. She hung them on the fridge with a magnet and never used them…they were too pretty. She also had hand-knit dishcloths. Those she used. And I love them! When I first really picked up knitting, I practiced by making dishcloths. They are soft and absorbent and you can have a simple one made up in an hour. They make lovely hostess gifts at the holidays. Here is a page with twelve easy dishcloth patterns. I use a cotton yarn called Sugar and Cream for my dishcloths. ❤️

“As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.”

1 Samuel 18:1 ESV

https://www.allfreeknitting.com/Dish/Learn-How-To-Knit-With-a-Knit-Dishcloth-Pattern-Patterns-For-Beginners

6 thoughts on “The Pleasure of Needlearts

  1. Did she also crochet edging on plain pillow cases? I have a few of those left given at my wedding shower 50 years ago, they added nice touches wherever they could.

  2. Ginny – your photo for this post really drew me in. I love all linens but especially vintage ones. Do you remember the table cloths with red cherries on them? When going to flea markets, garage sales, and antique shops I always go straight to the linens.

  3. I think I have a little Ben addiction. I have lots of my grandmas old doilies. I collect embroideried pillow cases and scarves. I also have a collection of these little pot holders. Iuse them for coasters. I love this photo and am going to take a picture of mine ❤️

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