Thoughts on the Fiber Stash

On fiber lists and blogs, I have read various opinions about yarn and fiber stashes. Most of us love to amass them and then reach a point where it gets to be too much. Not only is there not an inch left in the house to store the stuff but often it is not the right materials for what we want to do...Wrong colors, wrong fiber, not enough of anything to do a project with, etc. I reached that point about 3 years ago and just felt overwhelmed by it all. Since then I have hardly bought a single new yarn or fiber because I am determined to use up what I have. I have slipped a couple times but I doubt that has added up to a pound of yarn total so in all that time, that is not too bad. And I have done very well using up yarns and fleece by weaving several blankets, scarves and shawls and just spinning what I had for all my new projects. Believe me, there was enough so that I am not deprived in the least. After all that, the stash fit, well mostly fit, in one closet and several plastic tubs stowed around, but still that was a big improvement. Then we moved. Our condo has an elevator but it wasn't working yet. Hauling that stash up to the third floor, all 31 stairs, gave me a whole new perspective on what is STILL too much to have squirreled away. But, of course, now it is up here, I might as well just enjoy it but I'm going to continue to not buy more and use up what I have. My work has gotten more focused and so when I start buying fleeces again, I know exactly what I need and want. Basically, I think stashes are good if they are usable but what I had before got way out of hand.

Oh, and my other weakness is books. Carrying yarn up is nothing compared to a box of books! But now we are here and I don't intend on moving again any time soon so why worry? And the elevator is now working...

Towards the end of last week I finally felt like the move was over and I was getting back into weaving and regular life in general. It takes me a little time to settle in and have all my supplies unpacked and accessible and to just feel like getting back to work again. The place is pretty well organized, at least by my low standards of organizing things. I did spend some time this morning looking for my favorite metal ruler but I am back weaving every day and feeling pretty happy about it.

Last year I was a vendor at the Quilting in the Country Day the end of August and did quite well there so plan to do it again. My goal is to weave 10 new bags by then plus weave a new tapestry for the MAWS conference exhibit which is at the same time. Hopefully I will weave more small tapestries than that but the one is a must. I have ideas written down for 7 bags and one of them is woven but not assembled. I like to assemble 3-4 at one time. I've got a good start on weaving the second one. It won't all go so quickly because for some I need to spin and dye certain colors of yarn and for a couple I am doing some experiments so that doesn't always work out the first try. Anyway, the ideas are flowing again and I really love our new place and have a big pleasant work space so hopefully I can get a lot accomplished.