*DING* - Light Bulb Moment

My story is old.   I see a project on Ravelry, rush to the yarn store, buy the yarn, wind the yarn, see a new project on Ravelery, stash the yarn I just bought, rush to the yarn store ... This is a vicious wooly cycle that needs to be broken.  I am dependent on yarn and it's taking over my basement, my office, and every unused basket, shelf, and container in my house.  I've tried to go "cold sheep" but I need help.  I need a 12 step program and a Ravelry group as my sponsor.  

Step 1:  Admit that I am powerless to yarn. 

(see paragraph above and second paragraph under Step 2)

Step 2:  Find a group/sponsor.

Enter The Yarn Stash Project 2013 group.  A group designed to knit your stash one week at a time, yard by yard.  

Step 3:  Comply with group guidelines:

Immediately upon joining I had to assemble a Challenge Box and commit to the day of the week that I would post my progress.  Down to the basement I ran to figure out what yarns and projects I wanted to include my first Challenge Box.  At the time I didn't realize that box was monthly and I went a bit overboard - throwing in yarns for a cowly short sleeved cardigan, an adult-sized afghan, a Gap-tastic cowl, felted slippers, a BFF cowl (I'm starting to see that I may also have a cowl addiction), a 5th Avenue Infinity Scarf (yup definitely an addiction), one more cardigan, and some preemie hats.   All in one month!  

Then it hit me (here comes the light bulb moment).  My addiction isn't just with yarn, it's with trying to knit too much - eyes bigger than stomach kind of scenario).  There is no way in H E double hockey sticks that I could knit all of that in one month.  I am addicted to the concept that enough is never enough.  Oh boy ... this may require professional, medical assistance.  But let me take this one step at a time.

1. I've figured out and admitted my addiction(s).
2. I've found a group/sponsor.
3. I've assembled my Challenge Box and I've committed to posting my progress each week on Sunday evening.

I resolve to ....

First, here is my most recent WIP - Legwarmies (designed by Alana Dakos).  They are for my niece "Baby Belly"!  She's 14 months old and her mom's a dance instructor.  I think dancing is in her blood.  The legwarmies are modeled by my dog Maisy who is not a dancer.


RESOLUTIONS

Although we are half way through January, I thought I'd jot down my knitting resolutions.  I think I should reward myself for completed resolutions.

1.  Finish WIPS.  I think I have 6, but as I dig through my hidden stashes, I think I'll find more.

2.  Use as much stashed yarn as possible, when possible.  (Love the little out I put in there for my LYS addicted-self.)

3.  Design something knitted.

4.  Knit a project that involves intarsia.  I am afraid of intarsia and will go out of my way to avoid it by stranding or knitting something else.

5.  Knit a Christmas gift a month.

I'm sure I could make 100 more resolutions, but why set myself up for failure.  These 5 are going to be stretch ... especially the using stashed yarn.

Resolution In Progress (RIP)

I'll admit that I have WAY too much yarn, an addiction to Kaleidoscope Yarns, and not nearly enough time to knit.  My stash (not the one on my lip that requires waxing) grows on a biweekly basis - on average.  So for the second year in a row, I am resolving to used up stashed yarn as much a possible for new projects.  I purposefully put the loophole "as much as possible" in that resolution because, well ... you don't always have what you need and a year is a really long time!

I am hoping to make the following with the following:

• French Press Slippers (at least 4 pair)  /  Knit Picks: Wool of the Andes
• Classic Washcloths (2-3)  /  Crystal Palace:  Cotton Chenille
• Peruvian Tweed Shawl  /  Joseph Galler:  Peruvian Tweek
• Foliage  /  Malabrigo Yarn Chunky
• Laptop Case  /  Cascade 220
• Cabled Vest  /  Jo Sharp Silk Road Tweed DK
• Simple Garter Baby Blanket  /  Classic Elite Premier
• Otis Kimono Wrap  /  Classic Elite Premier
• Captain's Hat and Bella's Mittens  /  Berroco Comfort Chunky
• Whisper Cardigan  /  Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Semi Solid

Fun with Scraps

The break from school is awfully nice. I'm actually getting some knitting and crocheting projects done. There's still some javascript homework outstanding, but, honestly, I'm working on that too!! (Just in case my prof. reads my blog!!)

So this is a "Scrat" - a hat made from scrap worsted weight yarn. I borrowed an idea from another crafter who tied small scraps of yarn together and then winds it into a ball. It creates a very unique fabric and the color combinations can easily be altered to the individual. I used a basic crocheted hat pattern and a Size J hook. This Scrat happens to be a bit too big because after the 6th increase round I was worried it was too small.

Up next .... a "Scarp" - a scarf made from scraps!