Two months ago, my youngest son, Julian, had to have surgery and stayed at the Stollery Children’s Hospital. Long story short,we discovered he had congenital hernia and they had to operate on him asap. Scary.
But let’s focus on how fortunate we were to have been at the Stollery and worked with many wonderful and caring medical professionals. We felt so taken care of, and supported, it made this difficult time an easier pill to swallow.
And I want to thank them all.
I wanted to give them something more meaningful (handmade) and show that we put thoughts into it. I knew I would bring them treats for sure (Who doesn’t like treats?),but I also want something that they can keep. So after talking to a few friends and searching on Pinterest, I decided to make them dishcloths. It’s affordable, quick and easy, so that I know I can make it happen even with 2 young children. It’s a little more useful and meaningful than a little doll or a figurine that just sits there (those are lovely, too. I’m just kind of practical that way…) And, these “dish clothes” can also be used as trivet (I had to google that up lol), or just something pretty to put anything on!
This dishcloth is super easy, and made with double crochet stitches. This allows it to be more flexible and dries out faster. Also faster to make. Efficiency is important here when I have to make 16 of them in a limited amount of time.
Start with a chain of 24. (or more if you like them wider.)
Now all you do after this is double crochet. Back and forth. Back and forth.
After about 12-13 rows (depending on how tight or lose you crochet), single stitch all around the piece to get a tidier edge.
Easy, right? Perfect beginner’s project because it’s easy and fast. AND you can use it or gift it!
I got the yarn when Michaels had their buy one get one 60% off sale. I use the small size Bernat Handicraft yarn. Which makes 1 to 2 dishcloths. Or I can make 3 dishcloths with 2 balls of yarn. I bought quite a few different colours, and got Jordan to help pick some colors, too.
Here’s the pattern for the dishcloth:
Materials:
Any 100% cotton yarn. I used Bernat Handicraft yarn.
Size 6mm hook
Pattern:
Ch-Chain
dc- double crochet
sc- single crochet
Ch 24.
R1. dc into the 3rd stitch from the hook. dc all the way to the end of the row. ch 2. Turn.(22)
R2-12. dc across the row. ch 2. Turn. (22)
When reach desire length. sc all the way around the piece. Space the sc as even as possible. Make sure that the sc are not too tight as that will curl the piece. It’s better to have it loser rather than tighter.
Fasten off.
That’s all!!
When I finally had these dishcloths done, I put together a little gift pack for each of the nurses that worked with Julian. Julian was in isolation care for most of the time we were at the hospital, so we would always have one nurse that stayed in the room with him. They were all so amazing. As a mom, what I appreciated the most was that, not only were they caring towards Julian, they also went above and beyond to make Jordan’s day. They would play with Jordan and take him around the ward with them. They also took care of us. Made sure we have everything that we needed, and that we are caring for ourselves.
It was a tough time both physically and emotionally, but these nurses (and Julian’s surgeon) made it the warmest and safest experience it could be (sounds weird but really). I’ve always had a lot of respect for nurses. This time, we are also grateful.
I wrapped up the dishcloth with a pack of gum and a black pen (I was told thats what nurses use and always lose lol). I also made a card for them that says “Some angels don’t have wings. They wear scrubs.”
If you ,too, want to show your nurse that you appreciate them, feel free to download the pdf and use it.
I’ll leave you with a picture of my lovely-and-all-better Julian.
Grateful.
My little buzz lightyear.
Chat soon,
Stephy
If you wish you share the pattern, please link to this site. Thank you.
stephyeverafter.com 