Crochet Cleaning Pad

Somewhere between resting after a days work, watching tv and looking over at the dirty dishes in the sink, I decided to make a dish sponge to try.

Its not limp like the dish rags I have made even though they are still wonderful too, this cleaning pad is just the right size to fit in my hand and since its double layered,  its sturdy and gets the job done. One side is bumpy for scrubbing and the other is smooth for wiping.

 

I used 100% cotton yarn. Cotton yarn is what I use for household items because its absorbent and washes up really well in the wash. And frankly, I like the natural, soft and clean feel of cotton.

You can make these any size you want but here is how I made mine.

I used an H hook and cotton yarn.
Special stitch is the popcorn stitch also known as the bobble stitch. Click here to learn how to make this special stitch.

Chain 15
Row 1: Starting in the next chain from hook, sc across (14), ch 1 turn.
Row 2: sc across (14)
Row 3: sc, sc, bobble stitch, sc ,sc, bobble (repeat to end), ch 1 turn
Row 4: sc across (this is the back side of a cloth or inside of the pad), ch1 turn.
Row 5-10: repeat row 3 and 4
Row 11: sc across, ch1 turn
Row 12-24:  repeat row 11
To finish off: fold in half and sc together all the way around,(including the fold side). making 2 sc in the corners.
sl stitch to beginning and tie off ends.

I have not tested the pattern since I typed it out, so let me know if it does not work for you. If it does work for you, id love to see your finished project.

This cleaning pad can be used on many different things around the house. The possibilities are useful anywhere.


Ive shared this at:
dare-to-share at pamspartyandpracticaltips
anything-goes-linky at bacontimewiththehungryhypo
submarine-sunday at usscrafty
monday-handmade-linkup-party at judyscardmakingandpapercrafts
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy
amaze-me-monday at dwellings-theheartofyourhome
worthwhile-wednesdays at thecraftiestallie

Skinny Eclair

Its been a while since I made something sweet but while scrolling thought facebook and Pinterest, I discovered an easy recipe to an Eclair cake.

Its been so hot outside here in North Carolina that I dread cranking up the oven for anything. This recipe had me at "no bake". That's right. Its a no bake recipe. Its as easy as making instant pudding.

The only problem is that Im actually on a diet. Im trying to eat lighter and healthier. So far I have been doing pretty good at that so that's why I decided to make this Éclair skinny, meaning light or low fat.

This can still be a diet bomber but I made it less fattening by using fat and sugar free pudding and 2% milk. I mean, that's something, right? Im sure its not as good as the original recipe found here. But its pretty darn good and hit the sweet spot just right.

 Skinny No bake Eclair

2 small packages- Sugar and fat free Vanilla Instant Pudding mix, dry

3½ cups- 2% milk

12 oz.- Sugar Free cool whip

2 (14.4) oz box- graham crackers 

-CHOCOLATE TOPPING -

3 Tbsp.- butter

3 Tbsp.- 2% milk

3 Tbsp.- cocoa

1 cup -powdered sugar

1. Mix milk and vanilla pudding packets until it starts thickening (about 2 min).
2. mix in Cool Whip.
3. In a 9x13 pan, Layer graham crackers to cover entire bottom of pan.
4. Pour some of the pudding/cool whip mixture on top and level.
5. Put another layer of graham crackers to cover entire surface.
6. Repeat layers- I did 3 but two makes up great too.
7. Put the final layer of graham crackers on top with bumpy side down. This will help the top look more smooth when you go to put the frosting on top.
8. FROSTING: Microwave butter and milk just enough until melted. Do not boil it.
9. Add cocoa and powdered sugar and blend together. 
10. Pour over top of graham crackers and smooth out nicely.
11. Refrigerate overnight

The hardest part of the whole recipe is #11. I skipped that part.

I had to dig into it within two hours of making it. It was not set yet and the crackers were still not as soft as they are suppose to be. So make sure you let refrigerate at least 8 hours.

You can do it!!


Ive shared this at:
snickerdoodle-sunday at 2crochethooks
mix-it-up-monday at flourmewithlove
amaze-me-monday at dwellings-theheartofyourhome
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage
thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop at katherinescorner