Before I get on with my kitchen story, just wanted to post a quick photo of this week's Four-patch Pin cushion. . . On April 9th, I committed to a goal to try to complete a pin cushion each week to finish a pin cushion project that started years ago to use up stray and scrappy four-patch blocks. I think I actually started the weekly finishes a couple weeks before that.
Looking at my stack, I have 6 recently-completed pin cushions. Therefore, I'm gonna assume that I started the weekly completion project closer to the start of the COVID shut down in New York State, where I live. Around March 15th.
I thought it might be fun snap a photo of the newest addition in an arrangement of all the 'shut-down' pin cushions. This week's blue and green addition. . . Only a million (or so) to go!
Back to the kitchen story. I went grocery shopping earlier this week. A new adventure in 'strange,' don't you think? Anyway, I hit the trifecta and found toilet paper, paper towels, AND tissues in stock! These items have been on my list for a few weeks now, and you can imagine my excitement. [Aside: how pathetic is it that these ordinary things bring such joy?]
My newly-acquired prized possessions along with other non-perishables, are currently in purgatory (my garage) for a few days before gaining access to my house. The goal is for any unlikely errant virus molecules to (hopefully) die a painful death in this suspended location. Do virus molecules feel pain? I hope so; if not, they should!
Perhaps the tide is changing and the supply chains in some areas are indeed beginning to heal, so perhaps this next bit I'm about to discuss isn't as relevant.
Because of the recent paper towel availability issues, I've become much more aware of every single paper towel I use. . . and I've started using less of it. MUCH less.
And I honestly think this is a good thing. Used paper towel is just another thing that goes into the waste stream. At least it's biodegradable, but it's still waste.
You still need to wipe the counter from time to time and wipe your frequently-washed hands on something other than your pajama pants (daytime OR nighttime version).
For this, I've turned more frequently to a small handful of cotton hand towels I knitted years ago, made up in a simple pattern from cotton worsted weight yarn.
My hand-made towels are tired and used up. They've needed replacement for quite some time, but other 'stuff' always seems to get in the way. Until now. I received an email about a week ago from Purl Soho with a simple waffle wash cloth pattern.
Their version uses linen yarn, (very nice stuff). My version, after a good rummage through an aging cotton yarn stash and an impulsive but productive online shopping spree, uses big-box store skeins (like Lion Brand, for example). I bet they have something similar at your local yarn shop that you could acquire online or curbside if they're not open.
It's a fun pattern, a little different. Curls a bit at the edges (I know I can fix that with a variety of remedies - but that requires brain effort I'd rather not use). I can live with a little curl.
I'm sure my gauge is off from the pattern recommendation, but it's a rectangle - I just make it until it's the size I want. Then finish with the loop for convenience. (Or not!)
I used size 7 needles and finished one up in an evening in front of TV.
Then made a couple larger ones for hand towels.
I want to make a bunch more small ones (maybe about 7x9") to use INSTEAD of paper towels for quick counter clean up or spills. Completely washable.
And once I have a stack of them made, I can use one for each daily meal prep, then add it to the usual weekly laundry bin.
To make things fun, of course, I have needles with a little birdy on the end. Doesn't everybody? (They should.)
Now I can conserve my precious-s-s-s paper towels for when I really, really need them!
It's a little thing. One of many little things that seem to make a lot of difference any more.
For those who were *supposed* to be wrapping up a fabulous quilt cruise to Hawaii with me this week. This pineapple dessert tells you I'm thinking of you. I know it's a poor substitute, but our turn will come. Stay the course.
Be well!
Hey, good to see you all the way down here at the bottom of this post!
Here's an easy cake recipe. I've been spending a lot of time in the kitchen lately.
This cake-mix version of Pineapple Upside-down Cake is easier than easy to make. And oh-so-tasty.
Enjoy!
Happy Stitching!
Joan Ford
Head Hummingbird
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