Sunday, June 04, 2006

Let's Talk Stash!!!!

Okay, this is a regular subject I see brandied about on knitting blogs. "I'll never knit all the yarn in my stash" "I have too much yarn" (of course, we know there's no such thing). "I must use up some of my stash before I can buy more yarn".

I think the problem is that most people don't understand that knitting and yarn collecting are actually two seperate hobbies. They are related, and most people that knit also collect yarn.

I've never heard someone that collects baskets say "oh, I'll never use all my Longaberger baskets". Of course not, because the idea behind Longaberger baskets is to collect them. Why can't we do the same thing with yarn?

I get the same pleasure buying yarn for my stash as someone that collects any other item. I know comic book collectors, Longaberger basket collectors, Hummel collectors and even spouse collectors. I like buying yarn simply for the sake of having it. To display it, to touch it, and yes, maybe even to knit it. Okay especially to knit it. I love planning what I can do with a yarn. Choosing colors/patterns/needles, etc is one of the reasons I knit. I like the idea of the practicallity of my hobby- turning something I've bought into something useful.

So embrace your yarn stash collection just as any collector would. Display it. Catalogue it. Rearrange it. It's a collection.

Oh, and yarn doesn't need to be dusted.

6 comments:

  1. Anonymous11:07 AM

    Cindy - that is brilliant! I have called myself a collector (especially of sock yarn), but never fully embraced it as I do my other collecting (cows.) You really did hit the nail on the head though. Sometimes we just have to have this yarn "because" and I get immense pleasure out of seeing it, rearranging it, petting it...and yes...even occasionally knitting with it.

    I don't feel guilty or apologize for the size of my other collection. I never get tired of opening a gift from someone who has remembered I collect cows and thoughtfully added to my collection. I even have cow wallpaper in my utility room, and cow curtains on the door leading to the garage. Black and white cows border my dining room, kitchen and entry way ceilings. The cow wall art and knickknack population has grown exponentially. Are they all useful? No. Some are just to look at.

    I sure never get tired of opening gifts of yarn, knitting books or gift certificates to purchase them. I admit to stalking the sites of certain sock yarn makers with mad dyeing skills. Every new release of an Opal sock yarn collection gives me the same thrill some women feel when a designer's seasonal clothing line comes out.

    I think we need a button. Yarn Collector.

    BTW - thank you so much for going to help Joan. I have grown to love her dearly through our online interaction.

    blissfulknitter AT gmail DOT com

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  2. Amen, sister! Although, I admit some of my yarn does need to be dusted due to my habit of displaying it in an open basket. If it ever gets knitted, I'll wash it!

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  3. Anonymous9:19 PM

    Ooh, I like Bliss' idea about a "Yarn Collector" button. Personally, I'm not as worried about the size of my stash as much as I am the size of my WIP list! I'm in the "must finish something (or several somethings) before starting something new" mood, but when I'm all done (hah! right, like I'm going to actually finish everything in this lifetime!) I'll still have a substantial stash. ;)

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  4. I'm glad I'm not the only one that sees yarn as something onto itself, deserving of our respect!

    Collect on!

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