Resolutions for Knitters
Monday January 1, 2007
Happy New Year! Now that the toasts have been made and the good cheer shared, it's time to starting thinking about your New Year's resolutions. Sure, it's great to pledge to lose weight, give up a bad habit or get more organized in 2007, but do you have any knitting resolutions?
My big one is to knit more out of my stash, which is currently at an all-time high. I've been thinking about all the balls and skeins of yarn all over my house and envisioning different projects that I could make with the supplies already in my house.
It's fun to come up with projects for yarn you already own. You probably put that ball of yarn into your stash because you love it. Wouldn't you love it more if you had a wonderful knitted item made out of it?
What are your knitting resloutions? I'd love to hear, either here or over in the forum.
My big one is to knit more out of my stash, which is currently at an all-time high. I've been thinking about all the balls and skeins of yarn all over my house and envisioning different projects that I could make with the supplies already in my house.
It's fun to come up with projects for yarn you already own. You probably put that ball of yarn into your stash because you love it. Wouldn't you love it more if you had a wonderful knitted item made out of it?
What are your knitting resloutions? I'd love to hear, either here or over in the forum.
Comments
Boy did you ever hit the nail on the head, I’m going to do just as you suggested, I did come up with that resolve by myself, I recently cleaned out a closet and was shocked to find all the Unfinished projects, so I started on a sweater I started years ago for my daughter, it has quilt like stars made of 8 colors so it’ a real doosey, but it has been fun getting back to something really hard after many scarfs and hats last year. I have a whole wall from floor to ceiling with my stashes, so have lots to work with whenever I get a new idea, the free patterns on the internet have been wonderful!
I love to knit. I hate to sew them together. I have lots of sweaters without sleeves, side seams, or both.
My resolve is to finish up the things I’ve already knitted.
My resolve is also to use from my stash, but I want to make a garment and try knitting a bag out of hemp.
I need to do exactly the same as you and Bobbie, I hate finishing too!
I will make socks. For me 2007 is The Year Of The Sock.
Decreasing my stash is one of those things that I keep promising myself I’ll “get round to”. A friend suggested granny square lapgans for the local nursing home. This will work well because I have so many small balls that nothing else could be made from them.
I will knit TIGHTER so that everything doesn’t turn out a size too big!
My resolution is to have two projects going so that I have a “Have to think” project and a “brainless” project. That way I always have a choice, depending on time and inclination.
Smiles!
I’m going to knit a sweater and a pair of socks. I’m also going to make the ultimate teacher cardigan to wear until I retire (many years from now). I resolve to spend more money on yarn this year because I don’t have enough.
I want to make more complicated projects. I have not enough time to make too simple projects. Modular and multidirectional knitting is something what I am really interested.
Another resolution is to make more embroidery. It is not so hard, even 5 minutes weekly is more than last year
These are great! Keep ‘em coming; you’re inspiring me to provide you with content that will help you reach your goals!
I have resolved to complete 2 sweaters each month this year and am now working on #2. This way I can reduce my stash and be ready for Christmas 2007. Keep me inspired folks and thanks.
I like the using-up-stash idea . . .(and it saves money!) - Donna mentioned afghans for nursing homes, and there are many organizations that collect for overseas needs too, such as Afghans for Afghans http://www.afghansforafghans.org/, to mention just one such group. If each of us made even just one to donate, think of the combined effect! Happy New Year.
Here’s a great idea for cleaning up that stash — donate it to Project Linus! We have thousands of volunteers who knit blankets for hospitalized children nationwide. Many of our knitters can’t afford to buy yarn but are very creative in taking different colors and turning them into one-of-a-kind blankets for children to cherish. Check Project Linus on-line to find your nearest Chapter and start the year knowing you have helped send a handmade hug to some child in trauma.
I know exactly what you mean about using up your stash. I have my yarn in about 25 Rubbermaid tubs. Still, I couldn’t resist a sale of 4.99 yarn for $1 each. I fell off the wagon already with 50 balls of this yarn. Oh well, I better get back to knitting.
Like many of you, I too need to decrease my stash although it is not too big. I have also committed to finishing off projects started. I have several knitting, crochet and sewing projects on the go right. What I need is insiration to do them as I have lots of time.
I would like to finish a wrap I started for myself last year - this will help me complete the goal of actually knitting something for myself, which I have never done! I suppose using up stash yarn is an ongoing goal. . . Happy New Year Knitters!
I also need to use up my stash. Even my 10 yr old says ” mom. don’t use that gift card you got for Christmas til you’ve used up at least some of what you have, we’ll all get lost in it all if you don’t!” I have finished up 2 ufo’s so far & plan on finishing more before starting anything new.
I have two knitting resolutions.
1)to finish my WIPs. I have a sweater, a hat, armwarmers, and a pair of socks on the needles now, and a skirt and a bag that I owe my best friend for Christmas that I haven’t even started (I’m afraid of the skirt . . . Snapping Turtle Skirt from “Knitting Nature” . . .)
2) to knit for MYSELF. I’m always knitting for other people - the sweater is for me, and I’ve been knitting it since JULY because I’m always working on things for other people. I LOVE knitted lace, so I think I’m going to do some elaborate shawl.
There is a bumper sticker that says “Whoever dies with the most yarn, wins”.
In 2006 I learned to make socks, I learned how to cable, how to do intarsia and fair isle knitting, and how to knit lace. I would like to learn at least as many new things in 2007. I am also determined to be more adventurous in choosing color for my projects.
same as everyone. I have boxes of yarn and kits that have been bought over the years because I fell in love with them and/or they were a great buy. My goal, knit more while walking on the treadmill!
Well, I’m not the only one with a big stash of wool. I sorted it all out last year - by colour, now I know what I have got of each colour, have ideas in my head of what I would like to do with it, but well I keep buying more wool - you know just in case there is not enough of what you have to finish the project that is in my mind - maybe I need a resolution to use up more of my stash before I allow myself to buy more wool - they’re going to have to close all wool shops for that to work!
I want to do some knitting for me! I love to make things for others but I think I am ready to do something for me.My current project is an afghan and I was going to give it to my mother-in-law but I think I will keep it for myself-only me; not my son or husband!
I’m already doing projects to use up my stash. I resolve to never again make a complex project for someone who won’t appreciate it. Life is just too darn short.
HATE TO SEW ??????So do I so years ago I started knitting on circular needles, this eliminates a lot of sewing things together!!
There is a stash reducer scarf pattern that combines 3″,4″, and 5″ squares using a multitude of leftovers (colors and textures.) Unique design? Some squares have a couple of different colors, textures, etc. Each square is knitted from the outside in on double points, creating corners and ending up with a 1″ hole in the middle. Sew together after knitting in an eye-catching rotation. I used up a lot of browns, greens, and eggplant to match 2 Geiger boiled wool coats.
I agreement with Carol who said never make a complicated pattern for someone who won’t appreciate it..I also plan not to make anything for people tht will not appreciate it and the time involved..I have been blessed with a family that does understand that but I have made projects that were not..that leads me to thinking ..just knit for myself..but I always end up doing for others..
Lois
I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one with a stash. I have started making Christmas gifts for this Christmas. As well, I’m making socks, mitts, hats, scarves for a local charity. That should help to deplete the stash. I also plan to learn some new stitches I’ve never done before.
For all those cutting back on yarn purchases,here are 10 good reasons to buy more yarn:
1.It insulates the cupboard where it is
(this is a continuation of above)
2.It keeps the economy moving
3.It is less expensive and more fun than csychiatric care
4.The one who dies and leaves the most yarn wins
5.I keeps without refrigeration and is low maintenance
6.Because I’m worth it
8.It is not immoral, illegal or fattening. It calms the nerver,ratifies the soul and makes me feel good
9.because it is on sale
10.Buy it now before your husband retires and goes shopping with you
More later, I have to leave for a yarn sale and a coupon.
I have quite a stash of yarn myself and have been thinking of my next project which will chip away at some of it. A great way to store yarn is in the vacuum bags…clear, compact and bug free!!! Knitting on circular needles and having “neck down” patterns eliminates a lot of seaming….I hate sewing knitted garments together too! I too always a “no-brainer” project and a more complictated one to work on…happy to see others doing the same.Happy knitting!!!
Ladies, you don’t want to use up your stash. When you are retired or money get tight - then you go shopping in your closet. If you are like me you have as good a supply as the craft store.
I don`t get it, every new year, the same resolutions, I am going to decrease my stash…. I am not willing to do that, I am at the opposit opinion, I am going to keep up the good work,and buy yarn as I have done all earlier year. http://good-times.webshots.com/album/552980952hGaYxp
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/551540484qZdwNY
just check it up, and it is all mine
I agree with the last comment… you don’t want to use up ALL of your stash. It’s like money in the bank, food in the cupboard, very comforting and secure. Now if I could only FIRMLY resolve to finish the 14 sweaters, 1 vest, 6 scarves, 2 hats and one pair of socks I have in progress, I would be happy. I get bored before I get done and want different yarn, different stitches, whatever. And I really hate the putting it all together part. Any suggestions for completing projects? I am open to all ideas.
You and I are on the same page, so to speak. I will be on jury duty soon, and I am lining up projects to do with patterns and yarn that are wainting for me right here at home. I also find I can make lots of nice mittens and tiny people clothes with my stash.
Problem: I too love the knitting, hate the sewing!
Solution: Find a friend who likes to sew! This has been my saving grace!
I’ve been knitting for a year now and I like to try new things, projects that teach me something each time. I want to knit something with Noro yarn, which I LOVE, but which I never buy cos it’s a bit pricey for me. I want to knit a sweater for my boyfriend, trying to convert the easy pattern I have from straight to circular needles cos it’s so much neater and easier without seams, lol. I want to knit mittens and socks for the first time. And finally, something really nice for my mom who was the one to suggest I start knitting in the first place!
Well, I’m a born again knitter. My stash is still in its teeny tiny stage. However, I plan to put projects TOGETHER in bags w/ the yarn and the pattern so that I don’t mistakenly use the yarn for something else. I’m also going to make sure that I don’t forget to knit things for me as well as for some special LOCAL to the US charity projects. I’ll be more than happy to knit something for a friend if they buy the yarn and do something handmade for me in return. Like a casserole or two for the freezer since I’m not a big cooker or being a movie companion or buying yarn for their project as well as a charity project of my choice.
To learn new things. And –in that vein– yesterday I began a pair of toe-up sox doubleknitting (one inside the other)
! Oh, and to finish all the UFOs in bags under the bed & in the closet. Or to frog & recycle the yarn.
Happy New Year to all. My grand-daughter gave me an idea: all my leftover yarn skeins are in a big green bag. She wants a stripe crocheted blanket and I pick the balls at random in the bag, which gives a funny look to the blanket. To the delight of my teen-ager. Wonderful way to use those leftovers.
Beside having a good time.
Fondly.
Jacqueline.
I have three knitting-related resolutions.
1. Knit from the stash.
2. Knit only things that make me happy.
3. Complete some of those WIPs.
So far, I’m good, though I’m really jonesin’ for some pretty sock yarn I saw….
Thanks for the laughs - I can give a hearty AMEN to every single post listed! I’ve made it through 2 skeins of my stash so far by making hats, booties & a diagonal knit blankie - all for premature babies. http://project-angel-kisses.150m.com/1memberprojects.html I’ve discovered that I LOVE diagonal knitting and now I’m searching for more patterns!
My goal is to continue to reduce the stash I have and replace it with higher quality yarns for ME. I’ve depleted much of my non designated wool by knitting for Afghans and knitting with machine washables for Project Linus. I’ve cleaned out the bits and pieces and the no longer interesting stuff and shipped it off to the SD Men’s Prison Project where it feels like a double donation. Instead of having a stash that feels like a burden, me stash is becoming pure luxury.
I did it!! I made socks! On pair #2 now and have the yarn for more.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Congratulations, Alison! They’re a little addicting, aren’t they?
I have also started my xmas gifts for 2007…
Bonnie, I would love to have your pattern for using up scraps of yarn. Knitting has become a super important to me this year and my sewing has been set aside. My yarn stash is not horrible but could easily get out of hand if I don’t keep knitting and need to quit buying yarn on sale.