I had a request for the pattern of a crochet potholder.  There are so many patterns but I think this is one of the easiest, fastest and very heat-proof.   Let me know what you think.

Using a "K" hook and 2 strands of 100% cotton yarn at a time,

• Chain about 20 or desired width.
• First row:  Single chain in the second chain from the hook and in each stitch across. 
• Rows 2-15 (or until it is a square):  Chain 1 and turn to go the other way.  Next, single crochet (sc) in first  stitch  and double crochet (dc) in that same stitch.   **Skip the next stitch, then sc and dc in the next stitch.**   Repeat the pattern between the **'s  til the last 2 stitches.   Then, skip the next to last stitch and sc in the last stitch. 
• Row 16 (or last row of your square):  Chain 1 and turn.  Then sc in each stitch across.
• Edging:  Chain 1 and turn.  Then, sc in each stitch across til last stitch.  Do 2 sc in that last stitch.  Then, chain 10 and slip stitch in the side of the last sc made (to form your hanging loop). Then sc in the same stitch.  Next, sc across to the end of the rows.  Do 3 sc in the corner stiches to help turn the corners.  Then, work along the next side with a sc in each stitch.   Join with a slip stitch at the end and finish off.

That's all there is to it.  I hope it makes sense.  Feel free to let me know if there is anything confusing.  It really is an easy pattern of skip a next stitch and sc & dc in  next.   That's really about it. 

As I mentioned, I am making a bunch for Christmas.  I got huge skeins of cotton yarn at WalMart for a great price.   A couple pot holders with some cookies and treats in a jar and we are all set. 

I have actually never given cookies in a jar before and always wanted to.  I already have the recipes picked out and little tags printed for them.  We should have fun putting them all together.  I really want the whole family involved with the "family" gifts we are giving.  No more, Mommy picks them out, send them and signs it from the whole family.  It will more meaningful and fun this way.  So everyone will help assemble and then, contribute one of the ornaments they made.   Should be nice. 

In need of some new pot holders, I ventured out to crochet some.  They were so easy and turned out so heat proof.  I am pleased.  I used two strands of yarn at a time so they are nice and thick.

And here is a close up of one of the rectangular ones:

And a close up of the circular one:

Just a quicky to post my newest favorite crochet wash rag pattern.  There are so many out there but I just kind of do my own thing.  Recently, I started doing it this way and really like them.  They are so easy and fast.  I whipped one up earlier this afternoon in such a short amount of time. 

Using 100 cotton yarn and a size G or H hook,

Chain &  Turn.

Row 1:  In chain 2nd away from hook, single crochet (sc). Now, sc all the way across the row.  There should be 35 sc. Next, Chain 1 & turn.

Row 2:  sc in each sc chain all the way across, chain 1 & turn

Row 3:  double crochet (dc) all the way across, chain 1 & turn

*Rows 4 & 5:  sc row, chain 1 & turn

Row 6:  dc row, chain 1 & turn. ***

Just repeat from * to *** over and over again until you have a square, making sure to end with 2 rows of sc. 

Then, sc all the way around the wash rag to give it a finished look.

There you have it.  Simple, simple, simple.  I'll put some pictures up of a couple of mine when I get my other computer working again.  I will also post  a picture of an adorable little wash rag soap holder I made for the boys.  It is basically a tube wash rag which you can insert a bar of soap into, tie up the ends and then use the whole thing to scrub up.  The boys are loving it.  Makes a great gift, especially with some homemade soap. 

Soap Holder picture is finally here  :-)