Thursday, September 28, 2006

Its conventional wisdom that if you don't look for a boyfriend, he will come. While I haven't found that to be the case, because where is he already, dammit?, I have found that sometimes, when you're not trying, the most amazing things happen.

In August, as you know, I went on a major yarn diet, and a cast-on freeze. Every day was a struggle. It was hard just to get up in the morning knowing that the day was not going to hold a new project, or a yummy skein of yarn. I trudged through the weeks. I posted my progress. I counted the days until September.

And, now, it's September. The freeze is over, let the buying begin! And, you know what, since I've returned from the Cape, I have not cast on one project, nor have I bought any yarn - and I only realized it last night when I plunked down five skeins of Koigu on the counter at Rosie's to start Maude - huh? when was the last time I bought anything? I am successfully on the road to a slimmed down stash, and I didn't even know it! (Now, if I could only look down and find that my pants don't fit because I've lost ten pounds without trying).

And, I've been faithful - to Sarcelle - amazing. Aside from ripping out the Jaywalkers, and casting them on in a bigger size, I really haven't worked on anything else in September. I've finished the straight rows, and once I find where I put the pattern, I can begin the very exciting decrease rows.

Am I on the road to reformation? I think maybe I should have remained blind to my newfound good habits. Because you know what else they say about boyfriends - when it rains it pours - now that I've reigned in my stash, and been faithful to one project - the avalanche might begin again anew. Although, I did walk out of Rosie's last night, completely forgetting about the Koigu I had left on the counter . . . that's not to say, I'm not going to go back and buy it today.

10 comments:

Liz K. said...

Summer of Stash was a similar experience for me, as I was beginning to feel literally oppressed by my yarn stash, as if each new acquisition was getting me further from the last one, and from patterns I really wanted to knit.

Perhaps you have simply returned your focus back to the knitting, and less on the yarn collection. I, for one, am a more peaceful knitter for it.

And really, is it fair for the rest of us for you to hoard all the Anne and Koigu?? ; )

AmyDe said...

That's wonderful! It's seasonal with me. I buy lots when it's hot and knit lots when the weather starts to change.

I've been clearing out my craft room and physically seeing everything I have make a big impression on the buying aspect. It's overwhelming to think about buying new things when I already have so many nice things I want to make.

Here's to continued clairty of purpose and project!

Theresa said...

Have you taken your temperature recently? Walking out without Koigu? Scary!

That being said, since I started dating the new boy, I've been asked out more than ever before in my life!

Wendy said...

You know, it's weird. I haven't cast on much either and the only thing I've bought since then is a kiddie wool/acrylic mix for sweaters for the boys ... maybe we've somehow reformed? Though I do plan on making two yarn store stops when I go to New Mexico next week (Fiesta outlet and one in Santa Fe near my hotel), but that's in October...

Plus, there's Stitches East that's coming to Baltimore and I already have my ticket. :)

Anonymous said...

Good job on following through with your yarn diet/cast-on freeze. You can be reassured that you don't have a problem as long as you know that you can quit whenever you like...

The hoards of boyfriends can't be far behind.

Jennifer said...

You really need to quit reading my mind...it's quite scary!! I was on a forced yarn diet for a while.

But, now that I can buy yarn again, I find that I am choosier than I used to be and I don't buy yarn just to buy yarn. I think that it has helped me to treasure what I get even more and makes knitting it more exciting.

Now, if only guys worked the same way....

Dorothy said...

Left without Koigu, wow! You have done some changing! It sounds like you don't mind the change though so it's all good. Who knows, maybe someday you will have saved enough money to go on a great trip. Where you will meet a fabulous guy with a sexy accent who will fall madly in love with you and sweep you off your feet with gifts of yarn, knitting needles and trips to festivals. :D

iSeL said...

I felt the same way after my yarn diet. After the diet was over, I was more selective and have remained like that ever since. I usually buy for a specific project now, unless it's something really special that I won't find anywhere else. I even enjoy watching my stash go down.

Of course, most of that goes out the window when I travel...

Valerie said...

I am (she said, wiping away a tear) so proud. I myself, have attempted to put a dent in the BAGS of yarn already in my closet before starting down the new and dangerous road of . . . spinning.

Shannon said...

Yo Wendy! Good job, I know exactly what you mean--although my clothes started to feel bigger and I'm all yeah-I am finally losing weight. Actually, the scale was up a bit...does that mean my gaining weight is causing my clothes to stretch? Eww. Bad thought.

Can't wait for you to cast on for Maude!