Stash busting goodness

Back in January I started scrapbooking our last San Francisco trip. I found myself working in a constricted area and had to move the sewing machine to claim any possible flat space. Still I kept loosing the photos under paper scraps. This photo doesn't show the real mess off to the right, but you get the idea. I knew it was time for a clean up.

It's been getting easier each time (is there a lesson there?) and I've been able to keep some level of organization, but things always pile back up far too quickly. With the everything in its place mantra I dug into the deep and hidden corners this round. Entertaining fantasies of actually keeping a semblance of order now. Time is the revelator.

For now, the sewing machine has its spot back and the desk is usable. Even the bags full of projects stuffed under the desk are gone! All logged and stored properly. Miracles never cease.

One goal for '08 is to use Ravelry's pattern and yarn database to match every (OK, almost every) yarn in my stash to at least one pattern and build a queue arranged by gauge to keep me on track. A big problem in the past has been buying the suggested yarn for a pattern, only to find my gauge didn't work. Changing needles only alters about 1 stitch per 4" for me and I've learned the hard way that if I have to knit too tightly on too small a needle to get gauge I won't be able to hold that tension throughout the project or my hands will start to get scary sore. The gauge needs to be there naturally. Decided doing it bassackwards is the solution, so now I'm making swatches for every yarn and then looking for patterns that match the gauge, fiber content, weight and yardage. I did some more swatches and a lots of potential marriages have been arranged. Here are the cast ons so far...

This is Sienna from IK Fall '06. Spec'd in Blue Sky worsted wool, but I got the 16/4" gauge with Blue Sky worsted cotton. Every pattern I have for this yarn has an 18/4 gauge, but I found knitting this thick cotton tightly on smaller needles made my fingers ache.

I suspect like many of you, I generally ignore row gauge, but of course it's there for a reason. After getting up to the shoulders on the front panels, I had to rip back and cut the top cable repeat in half so the neckline would start low enough. Tried a few other solutions, but this one looks best without huge frogging. Now it's time to refigure the sleeve caps.

Still waiting to see Knitting Daily's gallery of the new IK Spring '08 patterns, but I think the Flutter Sleeve Cardigan will work on me. This Lavold Silky Wool has been languishing for far too long. The texture and color are a good fit for the pattern. I can get the label gauge of 22/4 using US 5's, but on 6's my gauge relaxes to 20+, which is what is called for in this pattern.

Had a long wait for car servicing yesterday, so I settled into an armchair with a latte at the coffeeshop next door and cast on. Given that the other shopping opportunities at that strip mall are TJ Maxx and Bev Mo I think I made the right choice. Last time I had a long service appt I spent more than the car repair on remaindered housewares, shoes and liquor. Using stash feels positively thrifty. The color above is accurate in low light, and below is pretty close in bright light. This is one of those yarns that changes tone quite a bit depending on the light.

This beautiful verdigris color of Lavold's Silky Wool is also from stash. The yarn is perfect for our weather here, so it's criminal not to use it. This one will be slower going, but I love the Cable-Down Raglan pattern from IK Spring '07.

Finally, I must have a truly mindless project for late night, carpool and social knitting and none of the above qualify. Enter the Lizard Ridge throw from Knitty. I've got ten different skeins of Kureyon I scored on sale. I'll wait until they're knitted up before I add any more colors. I went to my first knitting/crochet Meetup last Saturday and made good progress on one of these blocks. It was really nice get out with other knitters, so I think I'll be going back when I can get free of the family on Saturday mornings.

Quilting alert! Yes, I still love that too. Next time there will be final photos of the Funky Monkey quilt. I sewed the binding on Sunday afternoon. Just need to pull in the loose threads and stage a photoshoot. Whenever I'd stop to fidget with the corners Miss Raven would try to make a nest on the quilt. I'm thrilled to report that the Moda chenille tape really works. You can see it lying flat here (the blue line), but after a wash and dry it fluffed up just as advertised.

   

Comments

[Maria]

Your problem is you're just too darn talented! It looks like you've got some fun projects going!

[Susan]

Talented AND organized! I always have so many irons in the fire I can't get a grasp on any. Thanks for sharing your many accomplishments with us ... it gives me hope! ;)

[juliet]

You are so busy - I spend so much time just pondering at the moment! That verdgris yarn is exquisite - what an amazing colour and I love the other yarns too - I can't wait to see the flutter sleeve cardigan progress it is really pretty. Are you paying Raven to pose?

[Cindra]

Ah! The need to be organized is hitting a lot of people. I spent all of Sunday working on it and I didn't even seem to skim the surface. I will attack it again this weekend. You have inspired me.

Love the Lizard Ridge. I have a few squares of that myself. Wish I wasn't so ADD.

[Octopus Knits]

Wow, you've got so many great things going on!

P.S. LOVE your colorful pillow, and the cat/colored blocks photos are wonderful, too!

[Jolanda]

Wow, you're such an inspiration!

[moni]

As I read your blog post I added,like, two or three projects to my queue. :) I like your idea of matching the project to the gauge you get on your yarn. I may have to follow you on that one. I generally do not get gauge on specific projects and it can be very frustrating at times.

[sheree]

Nancy, you are just amazing! YOu have so many projects going, all are stunning, and I have been checking out your furniture in the background....gorgeous...you have great taste! :)

Your knitting is so lovely...I love seeing all your happy colors. And the quilts are stunning also. Your blog has brightened my day. :)