Stash Explosion

I've been desperately attempting to move some of my stash out of my stash since the New Year. I have gone Cold Sheep (96 days and counting!). I have projects galore, in my head at least.

But somehow, my stash has exploded beyond the tupperware in it is supposed to be confined to. I could pretend I don't know what happened. I really could. But alas, I can't. There are two reasons:

Reason One: I have several friends who have attempted to knit or crochet, or currently are knitters and crocheters, who give me yarn. I've received more yarn in the past 3 months for free (or for cookies in one case) than I have ever before.

I admittedly sold some of it on Craigslist. It was quite the achievement for me. But it didn't do much for my stash. Perhaps I should try listing some more on there to see if I can move a couple more skeins out?

I uploaded the entire stash to my Ravelry page, listing the majority of it on the "Will Trade or Sell" page. I got one inquiry, but no go. Maybe Craigslist is the way to go on that? Or Ebay?

I've used up some for Project Linus blankets. One is already completed, one is in progress, and one is in my head screaming to get out. I might let it out, it should go pretty fast and use up quite a bit of yarn...  I also have the good intention to make some baby hats for the NICU  too.

But alas, those do nothing for the Second Reason my stash is not going away;

I'm not knitting fast enough.

There are not enough hours in the day currently for me to get the knitting in that I would like to get in. I'm in the throes of thesis writing and trying to get all the loose ends of grad school gathered up and woven in. Sadly, that leaves little to no time for crafting. (As I type this I should be writing my thesis or at least reading some more research papers for it.)

And don't get me started on my fabric stash.

Fall Turns Me into a Creep

Photo by  Kimberly Davis (she has some great photography!)

Fall has officially arrived here. I can say it's officially arrived now since I've spent the past week freezing cold, and finally caved and pulled out a jacket and the long sleeve tees.

I've noticed, however, that fall has turned me into a mega-creep. Why? The sweaters. I realized yesterday that I had spent the majority of a meeting staring at the sweater of a co-worker. I could make that sweater, I had started counting stitches in the cables and such, then realized I had been staring and should probably stop.

It's been happening in classes too. I have to snap myself out of it. I am in the process of knitting two sweaters for myself, but still. All these sweaters! I need more!

I find myself resisting the urge to skip classes so I can cozy up on my couch with a cup of Milo or hot chocolate (managers special at Kroger, only 59 cents!) and my sweater in progress. I could have it done by Saturday if I didn't have these dang classes and that thing called work.

And all those lovely fabrics in the closet waiting to become quilts. There are just not enough hours in the day. Sigh.

In other knitting, I've discovered that The Yarn Haven is an official drop off spot for Project Linus. So this beauty, Red, White, and Blue, that has been languishing in the closet at my place, will be taken with tonight to Knit Night to be off to a new home!

HAPPY FALL MY FRIENDS!

Charity Knits

A sub-goal of my Goal for the Year of knitting 13 miles worth of yarn, is to knit 13 items for charity. I am nearly done with my first, a sweater for the charity Afghans for Afghans. I was contemplating this at church today as we talked about the Law of Consecration, and wondering how in the world I would be able to meet this sub-goal.

It's the fourth month of the year, I should be 25% done with my goal, meaning 5720 yards knit. I'm at 3969, only 17.34% done. Technically I should have already knit 3.25 charity items. I'm finishing up my first.

So, my question is this, how do I reach my goals? Will I have to revise them?

I think I have a solution, and want to know what you all think.

Would it 'count' as a charity knit if I make something that cannot be donated, but I sell the item and then donate the money I make from the sale to a charity? Does that count? I think it might.

Let me know what you think and if you have any ideas or suggestions on how I can reach both of these goals :)