Agaraderra

My new spanish word is agaraderra. I love to really roll the r's in the word. It means potholder! Here is my vintage Spinoff magazine with a recipe for crochet potholders.

Spring 1996 was dedicated to using small and well loved amounts of handspun. My 2015 new years resolution is to make new potholders for the in house chef, aka her majesty's loyal opposition. The previous ones had very exciting thin spots when in use, it was time!

The technique allows you to use many and any small scraps. You needn't even tuck the ends in, because they are all enclosed in the finished potholder. Just remember to tie a sturdy knot on the inside with each new join. I use the surgeons knot for complete confidence.

Start with a chain as usual, I prefer to use a hook one size larger for the cast on.

Single crochet the next row, don't turn the work at the end, single crochet at the end and along the other side of the chain. Some people crochet 3 stitches into the end stitch on the foundation row, I didn't find it made much of a difference. I swtiched to the new Clover hook for the main work, the one in orchid purple, and found it just delightful to use. The grip material is just a bit sticky, so no slippage. The other hook is a Clover ergonomic hook, which is also good for me because of the robust handle.

Add the new colours as you will, I tried many variations on the stripes, each one had it's own charm. I like the way the work looks like a little canoe at the beginning. Make me think of summer and camping. 

Keep going around and around in a spiral, until you have a pencil case sized bag.

Then fold it diagonally and sew up the seam. Double thickness works for me. I also sew a ring to one corner, using Coats button and craft thread for strength. Finished! and on to the mate agaraderra. In the magazine article they also suggest this technique for chair pads and cushions.

I used Tove for the agaraderra's. The previous ones had been made with Lopi, which was quite lovely, but having used Tove for other projects I know it is a stronger yarn for cooking purposes. Tove is special for felting, has a pretty colour range and attractive price. I have seen versions of this agaraderra on Ravelry made in cotton, though I prefer the heat resistence and felting of wool which happens as the agaraderra's get laundered.