Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

The WSJ tells us the correct way to load a dishwasher

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right-way-to-load-dishwasher

Update: Sorry everyone. When I opened the article, it allowed me to read without any subscription issues. I am not sure what changed between my reading it and linking to it. 

The source of a lot of tension in our house, centers around the humble dishwasher.

I have my way, which is organized, everything in its right place, rinse the dishes once – way. My wife, has her own way, which can be only described in one word as – chaotic.

So I read this article by Wall Street Journal, and I was delighted to note that this issue isn’t just in my house. Almost every household has the same fight.

Do you have a favourite way to load the dishwasher? Does it lead to fights in your house too?

Read the full article here (paid subscription required).

Comments

  1. Would like to have read the article but I’m not paying for the pleasure!

  2. Ditto to Shari, above.

    My problem with dishwasher loading instructions is that I don’t have the same items as shown in the photos. I have 4 different sized people in the house and they use differently sized crockery, drinkware and utensils – not to mention lunchboxes, medicine cups, food containers, bakeware…. Loading would be extremely easy if the 4 of us used only 4 cups, 4 glasses, 4 plates, 4 bowls. But life isn’t like that!

  3. It would be nice if you would warn in advance that the link requires you to get a news subscription before you can read an article. I am not that interested.

  4. Not only that but it you have an old dishwasher, you can’t put large items on the bottom because the water never reaches the top and item on top do not get clean. Plates and flatware on the bottom. Glasses and bowls on top – that’s our motto. Pre-rinse optional, depending on how much is going in. 😉

  7. Sorry everyone. When I opened the article, it allowed me to read without any subscription issues. I am not sure what changed between my reading it and linking to it. I have updated this post to reflect that.

Have you read?

Vintage Crochet Baby Dress Pattern Review

There is something especially charming about a vintage baby dress pattern, and this Crocheted Cutie Dress #3112 has all the details that make older crochet designs so appealing.

The dress features a neatly shaped bodice, short sleeves, contrast stripes and a full lace skirt with a scalloped finish. It has that classic heirloom look without feeling overly formal, which makes it suitable for birthdays, family photos, baby showers or simply as a special handmade outfit.

One of the nicest things about this design is the balance between the structured upper section and the much softer, more decorative skirt. The bodice is worked in a simple repeating texture, while the skirt opens into a detailed lace pattern that gives the dress plenty of movement and fullness. The white trim around the neckline, sleeves and hem also helps define the shape beautifully.

The pattern includes instructions for sizes 1 and 2, with the second size shown in parentheses throughout. As with many vintage patterns, the sizing does not line up neatly with modern age labels, so it is important to check the gauge and finished proportions rather than relying on the size number alone.

This would be best suited to an intermediate crocheter, or a confident beginner who is comfortable reading traditional pattern instructions. The design uses chain stitches, single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, colour changes, shaping, repeated lace sections and separate pieces that are sewn together during finishing.

The sleeves and collar are made separately and attached to the completed bodice. The back is finished with three buttons, giving the dress a practical opening while keeping the front clean and decorative.

The original version uses pink and white mercerized crochet cotton, but the design works beautifully in more modern combinations too. Sage and cream give it a soft botanical feel, lemon and white make it fresh and summery, while orange and ivory create a much warmer retro look.

Because the pattern was originally written for vintage crochet cotton and a steel hook, I would strongly recommend making a gauge swatch before beginning. Modern threads and hook-sizing systems can vary, and the bodice needs to fit correctly before the lace skirt is added.

The professionally reformatted PDF is much easier to follow than an unedited scan. It keeps the original stitch counts and construction while improving spacing and readability. It also includes a modern mockup and the original vintage reference image, which is helpful when visualising the finished shape.

Overall, this is a lovely pattern for anyone who enjoys making vintage-inspired baby clothes. The lace skirt is the real highlight, but the striped bodice and matching collar give the finished dress a polished, complete look.