It may almost be summer, but it sure hasn't felt like it the past few days. Instead of being sunny, it's been cold and wet, leaving many of us trapped inside with our activities rained out. Such days are the perfect time knit something fast and easy, something you can pick up and finish within a few hours while you're waiting for the sun to (hopefully) re-emerge. Something like... a dishcloth!

We've got a wonderful rainbow of dishcloth cottons at the Knit & Stitch, each at only $2.99 a ball. Once you grab one, all you need is a nice pattern, and you'll have one knit up in no time - and maybe, just maybe, the sun will be out by the time you're done. Here are three of our favorite quick, easy and free dishcloth patterns!

This washcloth is simply beautiful, with its circular shape and points running along the outer edge, and it's perfect to show off a variegated yarn. What's more, it's also an extremely easy knit - garter stitch all the way through!

Using only knit and slipped stitches, this pattern creates a sturdy, textured dishcloth that'll hold up for years of regular use. 

This dishcloth features a fun, elegant wave pattern, created using only knit and purl stitches. 

It's almost summer here in West Vancouver, and though the average person might not necessarily associate summer with knitting, summer might actually be the best ​time of the year to knit. (Along with, you know, all the other times of the year.) Summer garments allow you to be creative with the shapes, colors and materials you use in your knitting. It's the perfect opportunity to start that project you've never been confident enough to try, whether you want to experiment with openwork, use a new linen yarn, or wear bright colors you've never worn before. And at The Knit & Stitch Shoppe, we've got all the supplies you need to get started with your summer knitting adventures. Here are three beautiful projects you can try out this summer with yarns from The Knit & Stitch!

This easy, top-down tee features an elegant but simple lace pattern around the yoke. It would be perfect for a cool day spent wandering the beach, or to throw on over a swimsuit - and our Phildar Muse, a light, drapey cotton/linen/tencel blend, would suit this free pattern perfectly.

This crescent shawl is colorful, fringed, and an easy knit to boot. The free pattern was written specifically for our Diamond Luxury Collection Summertime yarn, a bright, shimmery cotton/acrylic blend. The Summertime Shawl would really shine on a sunny day in the park. 

This pattern is an original from our very own Head Knitter, Ingrid - so you'll have to come into the store to get it! It's simple, versatile, and oh-so-easy to knit. I'll be honest with you here - this pattern works with every yarn. But it looks stunning here in Cascade Tangier, a beautiful, textured silk/acrylic/cotton/rayon blend which changes colors as you knit.