Yarny Treasures

I know I've said over and over that I'm on a yarn diet.

Really, I am.

I bought just one skein of yarn last year, and have been limiting my stash expansion since late 2009.

But who can say no to a yarn crawl with a 10 percent discount? Especially if it's for the good stuff! So, I started the year with a yarn glut.

The Indiana Roving Yarn Crawl at the end of February was excellent. I'd love to go again next year. And hey, two of the skeins I bought during the adventure are already getting used up.

I made a cute little bobble clutch with Dream in Color Smooshy with Cashmere. This stuff is the softest, smoothest and most vibrant yarn I've ever worked with. It was worth every penny. Plus, it should make at least one more clutch. Here's how it turned out:

Meanwhile, I am turning the skein of Araucania Tepa into a snuggly cabled hat for next winter. I love this chunky yarn. It's squishy and soft. And it's blue-green. I love blue-green.

From the Finish Line

Well, I did it! I completed the Anisette Cardi in just 42 days.

I finished the buttonhole band just before work yesterday, quickly wove in the ends and wore the thing to work. It was glorious. And I can't tell you how wonderful a short-sleeve cardigan sweater is.

For one, you can wear it over a light long-sleeved shirt. It adds just enough warmth so that you're cozy in your fall jacket but not steaming hot, even in the car.

Now, I'm surveying my stash and looking for my next victim. I even ventured into the under-the-bed storage unit to see what I could dig up.

Well, I could be industrious and start on next year's Christmas presents ... but I decided first thing's first.

I need a new hat. I lost my beloved teal slouchy at the county courthouse a little while ago. Time to whip up something for myself! The boyfriend said I should try something red. I have a little over a hundred yards of bright red yarn leftover from a tie I knitted for my dad years and years ago. So, that's first on the list for sure.

Also, I have to finish a pair of socks I started around this time last year. I hate socks. I vow that this will be my last pair of socks I knit in the round the traditional way. My Second Sock Syndrome is killing me. I better learn how to double knit or else the sock yarn in my stash will turn into many, many scarves.

I'm kind of looking forward to the yearly State of the Stash post in January! I think my stash has shrunk since New Year. By my count, I've at least used up around 22 balls of yarn for my holiday and birthday knitting.

Well, toodles for now. I'm off to finish up those pesky bunny slippers and that errant single sock.

The Diet Continues

I think ... it's working! No yarn purchases in roughly two months since my yarn purge/reorganization. I can look at yarn, touch it and not be compelled to own it. I've fondled hanks of luscious handspuns and cones of beautiful alpaca, but not once did I cave in. Amazing. Simply amazing. In fact, I've made great progress on two projects: a crocheted beret and knitted hand warmers. They are ready to block and finish!