Stash Magic

Last week, as I prepared for the magic ball and shawl workshop, I wanted to gather materials to use as an example and to have a project of my own. I pulled out my stash and started mixing and matching to see what I could find. I wanted a combination of colors and textures that would be beautiful, I'd love to work with, and I'd enjoy wearing.

I was inspired by some off white yarns. What I had was a great start and I was able to get a picture in my mind of what I wanted but it just wasn't enough. So, off to the store I went. I bought a couple more skeins in different textures. And, when I came home, I pulled a couple more from my stash that all of sudden seemed to be perfect. I couldn't wait to get started.


I'm so pleased with how these yarns are coming together. I can't stop looking at it! And, I can't wait to wear it. My daughter has already asked if she can wear it too. :-)


The more I work with it, the more I love it! It's hard to put it down.


The yarns I'm using are (from left to right):

1. A boucle from my weaving stash. I have pounds of this stuff...and I've already woven yards of great fabric from it. It's nice to find another use for it.

2. JoAnn Sensations "Beautiful". It's sooooo soft. This is one of the yarns I picked up to fill in. I wanted something fluffy, soft and angora-like. This works perfectly, at a fraction of the price.

3. Caron Spa left over from a cowl project. I love that little touch of pink!

4. A white terry cloth type of yarn, left over from a poncho I made years ago. I have no idea what kind it is but the bright white adds a nice highlight to this shawl and the texture is nice too.

5. Rave by Crystal Palace. It was waiting for just the right project. I love how much this ribbon adds to the look of this. I have to use it sparingly though as there are only 44 yards in the ball.

6. Bernat Satin...another yarn that I bought to fill in. It was inexpensive and adds some shine.

7. Off white Fun Fur. This is the kind of yarn that got me interested in knitting about six years ago. I'm not crazy about it nowadays but it sure adds a lot of texture and interest to a project like this.

I'm using size 11 needles. I started by casting on a few stitches and I'm increasing at the beginning and end of each row. I was inspired by one of the students at the workshop to mix the yarns as I go. It kind of feels like I'm painting a picture...when I feel I need a little more pink here or there or shine or fluff, I just cut what I'm knitting with, tie on the new yarn and start knitting again. It's a lot of fun!

The pictures came out pretty good but it's much prettier in person. I'm trying to figure out a name for it that expresses the glamour and prettiness but the casualness of it too. Do you have any ideas? I'd love to hear them.

Thanks for stopping by! :-)