Bright and Breezy Crochet Tawashi

Whilst browsing a (very useful) list of lovely Japanese craft books the other day, I noticed one for crochet 'tawashi'. I was intrigued and on further investigation realised that I had been using a traditional style Kamenoko Tawashi to scrub my veggies for a while now, although I no idea what it was called! It's extremely effective and has an excellent name which translates as 'tawashi (bundle) like a larva of a turtle'. So, a plan began to form. I like my tawashi, I love to crochet, I have lots of brightly coloured acrylic yarn (the ideal stuff because it's usefully scratchy)... it had to be time to make some eco-tawashi! Although there are, as far as I can tell, lots & lots of patterns available - just Google crochet tawashi or magic scrubber and you will find loads of links and books - I decided to have a go at my own. The pattern I've used on one side (pictured) consists of rows of double crochet interspersed with lovely lumpy bobbles which are very effective in getting the dirt off your pans. Also great fun to see hanging around your kitchen sink too. The other side is just double crochet stripes in the same eye-wateringly bright colours. I crocheted up the 2 sides separately then crocheted them together, creating a loop to hang it with at the same time. It was hugely fun to do and I've already started another one in slightly more subtle colours. I'm hoping to write up the pattern and blog it here very soon. The other thing that I'm working on at the moment (and in fact is finished apart from it's final press!) is my Garden Swap project. It has taken quite a lot of time, but as far as I am concerned the finished product is absolutely worth it. I hope Chrissy (of the brilliant Spoilt Pig) likes it...