Reducing the Stash - A Progress Report

I couldn't stop myself from buying 2 balls of this "Sweet Pea" cotton. I can always make wash cloths right??

I don't know the brand, but I have two generous balls of this rich red wool. A scarf or hat maybe?

I have two hanks of this Nottingham Tweed colorway, and a wrap/wide scarf pattern it seems suited for.

6 skeins of this color #79 wool is the larget haul. I think it should be a sweater - or maybe a poncho?

Six weeks ago I joined Marie at Underground Crafter and a few other adventurous souls on a mission to prepare for the holiday gift giving season while reducing the amount of yarn in our stash. Today it’s time to take stock of our progress and adjust the plan accordingly for the future.

My  motivation for joining has never been about decreasing the yarn I have on hand, because I really don’t (didn’t?) have that much. It has been about being prepared for the holidays and having ample time to create the handmade gifts that I wish to lavishly shower my friends and family with. I always have grand and lofty plans. Images of each of my gifts being as unique and special as the recipient.  I see them all (in my head of course) being pieces of perfection that are wrapped in sparkling packages adorned with hand curled ribbon and custom labels that double as decorations. And they are all under the tree weeks in advance where they are admired and coveted by adults and children alike. Of course this has never happened.

This year however, things are different. Because of Marie’s challenge I have been forcing myself to not only think about my gifts, but to actually take action.  So far I have compiled a list that is manageable and realistic.  I have inventoried the small offerings of my original yarn stash. And thanks to the kindness of my knitting/crochet group I have added several new items.  All of my new acquisitions are good quality and ample quantity to be useful in making gifts. I did have a moment of weakness and I purchased two little balls of Peaches and Cream cotton. How could I resist something called “sweet pea”?! I have been scouring the internet as well as the library looking for projects that will be loved by whoever I make it for and that I will find a pleasure to create. That’s hard though isn’t it? Sometimes things that look wonderful end up being a terror to crochet. I’ve got several in my Ravelry queue and bookmarked in my browser.  I’ve made a few swatches, ruled out a few patterns and even began a project with a recipient in mind!

All things considered, I’m quite pleased with my progress. There’s still plenty of work to do, but that’s okay. As long as I pay attention to what needs to be done, and keep on taking little steps forward I just might have a few things under the tree before Christmas Eve!

Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!