Practically Knitting

A while ago, I briefly alluded to my latest knitting project. You know how buzzed I am by the idea of "capsule collections" these days. So I came up with my newest - all the better cuz it's FREE.

Enter: Sensible Stash Busting. Yeah. I know it's not exciting on the surface. But it's not exciting to have dozens of half balls of yarn all over the place - that really cuts into ones stash space! Not to mention that I bought all that yarn - and I love it. Why not see what I can make with the remnants, right?

Moreover, this kind of Make, Do and Mend concept gives me an opportunity to hang out in the universe of Ravelry. I love using that advanced search feature, entering in the amount of yarn I have and the kind of stuff I'd like to make with it and seeing what turns up.

I can tell you that, if you have less than 150 yards, it's a crap shoot unless you like half-mitts (which I am so done with). And, given that I'm not really into mixing and matching yarns (to make stripey things, for example), it does further limit one's options.

I'm queuing my Sensible Stash Busting projects as I determine them - to ensure that I've got a system in place and that I don't accidentally double-assign any yarn.

Terrifically, these sorts of projects make excellent Xmas gifts - they're not too involved (how involved can one get with 300 yards of string?) and I know how the fibre will respond to needles/blocking etc. Gauge swatches aren't really indicated which, after making 12 sweaters in a year, is kind of the head space I'm in. And who doesn't love portable projects?

So, first up is a project I've made many times - and it never gets old:

Cabled Keyhole Scarf by Anne Hanson

This was the second or third pattern I ever made and I didn't realize the venerability of its designer till I went back into my archives. This time I lengthened it as, it's both short and on the narrow side. Next time, I think I'll add a couple of stitches to the width on either side of the cables.

Even lengthened substantially, it took less than 150 yards of yarn. And it looks so complicated! (It's not.) I've taught people to knit on this pattern.

So, stay tuned for the next project, another Anne Hanson scarf...