Today is the last day of the Use Your Stash Challenge 2017, and I’d like to share with you what I learned–and, of course, what I finished. Looking back at the 32 days of the challenge, I have to admit I thought I would use more yarn. I seem to have worked more on half-finished things rather than the huge yarn stash sitting in my studio.
So, the bad news is that I still have a large stash.
The good news is I’m no longer storing half-finished projects, nor letting them take up space in my mind or my storage bins.
To be honest, I feel like I have climbed Mount Everest. My creative juices are at an all time high! Yet, my crocheting muscles are tired. I haven’t crocheted at all today. I’m just really drained.
What I Learned
Thirty-two days is a long time. The list of projects seemed impossible at the beginning. But, I have almost finished my list of “partials,” and I managed to get many discouraging projects completed (they seem much prettier now).
Here is the quick list of what I have learned over the past month.
- Pinning squares or hexagons with safety pins to keep them in order is a lifesaving idea!
- Unfinished, procrastinated projects all look ugly. Finishing them is the only way to see just how pretty they really are. You might be surprised at how much you love (or at least like) them.
- Unfinished projects take up creative space in my mind. I’m always thinking, “Well, you should really finish up that _______Â project first.” Once you complete a project, you are free to think of new projects.
- Self-talk can be really discouraging for you if you aren’t nice to yourself. Find someone to be your cheerleader and talk to them instead. They’ll keep you going in a positive way!
- I prefer crocheting new and inspired projects.
What I Finished
Here are the projects I completed. They turned out to be more beautiful than I imagined. (I even like the hexagon blanket–a little.)
This blanket came out so fun and lovely. The bright colors keep me smiling. Even though I had enough small squares to crochet a twin-size blanket, I’m glad I finished it as a lap-size blanket. It allowed me to move along and work on some of the other projects on my list.
I put this hexagon blanket aside back in the fall, fully intending to finish it in time for Christmas. It truly is a scrap blanket and was incredibly frustrating to work on. It is now finished and in our living room.
Sewing these squares together for this pillow was super easy–and fun! This kept me encouraged to continue crocheting along until I finished. The hardest part was realizing I didn’t need buttons to finish it. I just sewed it shut.
Noelle’s blanket was a complete surprise. It came out beautiful after all! I have no idea why I didn’t finish it sooner.
Look at this beautiful color pattern on this purse. I can’t wait to use it–I love everything about it!
The Final Two Projects
After completing this baby blanket, I needed a change of pace. I just finished it two days ago and wanted to start and finish at least one project during this challenge. So, I made a crochet bowl but neglected to get photos of it. Sorry! It was quick and easy since I crocheted over clothesline. I love how the bowl turned out and have supplies to crochet another one.
There is still a ton of yarn left, but the bins are less full. I am so glad I challenged myself this way! I am motivated and energized to keep working on decreasing my yarn stash. And, now I have plans to use some yarn that I am not thrilled about–another challenge, but this time an easier one! I have it scheduled for sometime in July. Something like hats for the needy! I’m not totally sure yet, and I’m open to suggestions. My only requirement is that I don’t buy any new yarn for the project.
Do you have any suggestions for how to use my leftover yarn? Leave a comment below, or on my Facebook page, or drop me an email. I’d love to know what you would do with leftover yarn!
Talk to you later,
Karen