Stashbusting and some FOs

Stashbusting 2007?

I've always claimed not to have a true "stash" anymore, being that I opened a yarn store and all. . . I mean, I can pull from anything on the shelf, so why would I need to accumulate a separate, personal stash of yarn?

But one year ago almost exactly, I entered the world of sock knitting, and somehow began to accumulate a stash. At first it was just a couple of skeins of Koigu or Lorna's, sock yarns that I don't carry and felt justified in buying. But then somehow the new "permission" to buy sock yarn morphed into a larger quest to accumulate goodies. And not just purchased stuff, but also wonderful gifts of handspun from Lavender Sheep, and lovelies given to me by swap partners, and then in the ultimate concession to my addiction to fiber, my own handspun as I took up spinning.

So this morning, armed with the energy from a half/decaf latte (no, I haven't cut out caffeine entirely), I decided to do a little stashbusting when I got into work (did I mention I keep this stash here at the store?). I sorted out two bins worth of stash into WIPs needing to be finished, frogged WIPs needing a new life and planned projects, sock yarn, handspun yarn, and leftover sock yarn waiting to become socks for Campbell and Baby Pineapple. Behold, my (so-called) stash:

These pictures might look unimposing, compared to some of the great stash-collectors out there. But mind you, just because I have this stash doesn't mean I don't still pull yarn willy-nilly from the shelves when I want to knit something with it.

So in addition to the organization came the list-making, of projects to finish and projects to start and projects to abandon. First up? The herringbone weave scarf out of Imperial Lopi that was started over six months ago. I've been working all morning and should finish this afternoon, just in time to take it home and block it.

And now on to some FOs! I have two new felted bag samples for the store - both quick, fun, and easy knits. The first:

The Sheep Tote by Fiber Trends. We've had this pattern in the store for a long time, but I finally saw one knit up by a customer and decided to do one myself. I haven't decided if I'm going to needle-felt any kind of design onto it or not. . . we'll see. It's knitted out of Debbie Bliss Chunky Donegal Tweed (soon to be added to the store site) on size 13 needles. I love the four outer pockets. Next:

Sorry for the dark photo - the heart cables weren't showing up with the flash. This is the Little Rudy Bag by Figheadh Yarnworks, knit on size 10s out of Nashua Ivy. There's a little twinkle in the yarn that you can't see in the photo. Took just over 1 ball, and was very quick and satisfying to knit  - just in time for Valentine's Day!

Well folks, that's all for now. In personal news, Jason and I have been very busy these last couple of weeks and I'll share the reason why with y'all soon. Don't wanna jinx it, now, do I?

Comments

[Amanda]

There's something about sock yarn that doesn't seem to count toward stash. I think it's because you always know how much you need for socks. I can't buy yarn without a specific project in mind--unless it's sock yarn. I mean, for a sweater you might need anywhere from 10-16 balls of yarn depending on the pattern you wind up choosing. Socks take 2. Easy enough. ;)
Definitely intrigued on the busy weeks!