Persistent Knitter

I stumbled across a very interesting blog post on yarn purchases and why/how we buy:

http://nanasadiesplace.blogspot.com/2006/04/yarn-focus-challenge-voluntary.html

I think I fall into the category of "ooh-pretty-I want it-Buy it-take it home-put it in stash" very nicely. Over the past year, as I see how many bins my stash occupies I’ve been really trying to think about what I buy and why.  I’ve become a bit more project focused. I used to buy sock yarn at the drop of a hat. I don’t do that anymore; but some sock yarn has made it home with me, and has been made into socks.

Recently my downfall has been roving. Which is really just a nice way of saying pre-yarn. Eventually this roving will make it’s way into my stash as yarn.  Sometimes I get asked, "What are you going to make out of that roving?" My answer is always "yarn".  Sometimes I buy enough to make a whole sweater. Most times it’s only 8oz of roving so I can spin it and enjoy it. Hopefully it will turn into something useful later on.  I have done well lately because every yarn purchase has had a specific project in mind.  Now, the problem is that I have three sweaters (for myself!) all planned; but have only been able to swatch for them.  I’m trying to finish what is currently in the knitting bag:

• Test knitting for Sock of the Month at theknitter.com On sock #2 already. This should go fast
• Toddler sweater for an as of yet unplanned welcome-new-baby party.

Planned out:

• GoL lace sweater. Swatch made. Waiting to be cast on (Yarn was purchased for this)
• The Debbie Cable/Aran Sweater. Swatch made. Yarn on back order
• Lace sweater from a Dale book. Yarn from Stash (!). Swatch needed
• Kilimanjaro Kat Shawl with the Alpaca/Silk yarn I just bought yesterday

Guilt Projects (defined as projects that have been started, but not yet finished, and are currently in an unknown location in the stash)

• Lacy scarf made of Misty Alpaca lace weight.  I’m a few inches in on this; but it was difficult bus knitting
• Fair Isle Cow/Sheep/Pig sweater for my son. I forget why this got put aside. Body was halfway done. It’s totally cute, and fun to knit. He won’t wear it until next winter though given current temps.  Gotta pull it out and make sure it’ll still fit him next winter.
• Kitchen towels being woven. I’m on towel #2 of 6. Loom is in basement, where it’s totally inconvenient and boring to be. Maybe we should do some moving watching for a few nights so I can weave while we watch the movies.
• Other stuff that is so old, I can’t even remember what/where it is.

I have however managed to complete a few small projects in the meantime – a few hats for the kids. the Christmas Scarf for Katie (which she was wearing as a belt last night), Gloves for myself that turned out too big, but I love them anyway. And let’s not forget the sweater I finished for my mom!

I have been in a knitting slump lately; but I am feeling re-energized and excited to be working on the things I have planned. Hopefully I can get a little done on the guilt projects too, to make more room for new projects.