Lost Control -Well not completely

When I sat at the computer today to write a post, the first thought that came to mind was that I just have too many projects started....I lost Control!

Some items in the photo are just a few steps from completion -- weave in a strand or sew on buttons. Others are half finished and some are really just me designing- make a sample swatch or knitting a shawl as I design it.   There is crochet and knitting in the mix.  Charity and gifts.

And did you notice the lovely bags to hold my projects.
(Thanks Katie and Brenda)

Now I could beat myself up about this situation, but the truth of the matter is I need diversity.   I need to have different skill level projects to meet the needs of knitting gatherings..you know it's best to have a mindless project when you knit at Murphy's Pub.  You understand, just in case a cool beer or Margarita fits the bill that day.   

(as an aside, this has been the hottest summer ever).  

How many projects do you have started?   

I have 9. .  No wait, where is that beautiful chevron scarf with the Spanish Yarn????

Stash busting!!

 I joined a site that is stash busting and here is the link, you may be interested in doing the same.
The Destash Challenge

Last year I decided to knit every pattern in Knit One, Knit All by Elizabeth Zimmerman using all stash yarns (see previous posts) and  although Holiday gift knitting postponed that project, I am back on track.

Another use of my stash----A few weeks ago I just happened to stop at one of the local yarn shops, Sonoma Yarn and a guest author was presenting a trunk show that afternoon..so happy about this show, but had to wait a while.  So it was off to lunch at The Hacienda for my favorite fish taco..then back for the show.

The author is Sandra McIver and she is absolutely a genius..her book knit, swirl is beautiful and the designs are lovely.   The most amazing thing is that one size sweater fit perfectly on women of various sizes!! One young lady, who had to be a size 2, tried on a swirl and then another woman put the exact same swirl on (she was at least 6 inches taller and many sizes larger) and the sweater hung and draped perfectly on her also!!! It was just amazing.   I don't think I would have believed how gorgeous the sweaters looked if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes.    Take a look at the designs.   knit, swirl
After much swatching  and combining yarns, I choose to use Melody by JOJOland (purchased at the Adventures in Knitting event in Provincetown Mass in 2010)  and a silk and merino yarn from A Touch of Twist (purchased in Rhinebeck 2009)    At this point I have about 5 welts done, mind you I cast on over 650 stitches!!!