Thursday, July 31, 2014

De-Stash and FO Challenge

I've decided that a challenge is in order.  A challenge to de-stash my yarn (and other materials) and finish as many projects as I can over the next month.  The challenge is for me...and anyone else who'd like to join in on the fun.  I'm going to start off by trying to complete and blog at least one item a day for the next few days.  I have several things that are almost finished....they only need to be blocked, have ends tucked in, or some other small thing to complete them.  This challenge should help me finally get to it!  Here's item number one....

I started this cowl before my road trip and finished it while I was gone.  This week, I finally got around to tucking in the ends.  It's made with yarn I spun myself.  It's the "Gaptastic" shawl...a free pattern on Ravelry.  I used size 11 circular needles and cast on 131 stitches.  The pattern says to knit for 15" but I only made mine 10" wide.  I felt like it was plenty wide with how thick it is.  My finished length is 27" (the loop laid flat).

I love this pattern and I've knitted it before.  It's comfy, warm, and versatile.
I like how it can be looped twice around my neck when it's really cold.


It can just be worn this way when it's not so cold...


The seed stitch texture is so pretty.


I think this pattern was a great match for this yarn.  It seems to really bring out the colors
It also works well with the unevenness of this yarn and the inconsistent twist.
It's a yarn spun up a few years ago and, even though I'm proud of it and love it, it's not as good as I could do now.  I'm so happy to have made something out of it that I love so much.

Here's a picture I posted when I started the project.
I love it because it shows the roving, the yarn, and the project.


If anyone else wants to join me in this challenge just let me know.  We can cheer each other on.  And, I'd love to provide links on my blog to the posts you create with your FO's.  Who knows....if enough of us get together to do this...we could even create something like FO Fridays or something!  :-D

UPDATE 8/10/2014 - I just found out about a stash-busting party at "Linda's Crafty Corner".  I've never done a link party but it sounds like fun.  So, I'm going to try to join in, starting with this stash-busting FO.  It's open to anyone.  So, if you'd like to join in on the fun, hop on over to her blog.


8 comments:

mamasmercantile said...

Such a lovely idea, a great encouragement for each other.

Delighted Hands said...

I like the idea of FO Friday. I have become very ADD with my knitting and it is irritating me to no end. This might work to get me focused again! I will join in after a vacation next week!

Oh, yes-the cowl is stunning!

judith said...

That's been my goal since I got out of school early June. I've done pretty well. Finished a baby blanket last week, but forgot to take a picture. Two more projects to be done this weekend.

roxie said...

Beautiful! And I love seed stitch. I can do it in the dark. This looks like an awesome de-stasher. You could use up odds and bobs in color co-ordinated stripes, too.

Mereknits said...

You are my hero because seed stitch makes me want to shoot my head off, your cowl turned out so beautiful.
I am only working from stash for the foreseeable future.
Hugs,
Meredith

Debbie said...

I've taken your idea to heart and hand. Thus far I've finished a knitted/crochet wrap and part way done a half granny square throw. The items you find in the stash closet! I'll post pictures by Friday.

Quinn said...

Lovely match of yarn and project :)
So interesting to see the roving and the yarn...I would never have anticipated the yarn color/s! Do you get to a point where you can visualize ahead of spinning, or do you still find yourself surprised at times?

benita said...

Those colors remind me of colors just before sunset. Lovely!