Page 78 - The Connection Warren-Watchung Edition September 2012

Basic HTML Version

View Full Version

Table of Contents

Page 77

Page 79

PAGE 78

THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION

SEPTEMBER 2012

@ Warren Racquet Club

@ Nassau Tennis Club

Stash Buster Ideas: Part 2

By: Carolyn Hanson

I was overwhelmed by the response to my last article,

Taking Stock of Your Stash,

June 2012. It’s comforting to know

we are not alone in our need to surround ourselves with ever more fabulous fiber than could possibly be knit/cro-

cheted in one lifetime. (Though we will try.)

This article is a response to a fan, Marianne R, who requested suggestions for stash buster patterns now that she’s

tallied hers. My favorites use big hooks, multiple strands held together and multiple colors. As the self-proclaimed

queen of the one-ball-wonder, I have many loners in need of a home, hence lots of potential for creating something

fun and wonderful.

First, throw away your fear that all the yarn has to match. This is the opportunity to mix color, texture, fiber, and

weight and get a great outcome. One of my favorite Saturday morning self indulgences is dumping my stash on the

floor while taking advantage of the natural light, and seeing what combinations spontaneously occur. Then out

comes the color wheel and my imagination is in motion.

- Use a color wheel to select colors that make a pleasing combination. Advertisements, National Geographic and

your favorite art also have great color

- Group several yarns together of different weights to achieve a heavier yarn

- Mix variegated, solids, and tweeds without abash

- Use a large hook (size U, S, T) or needles (size 15, 17, 19, 35, 50)

So here are my favs. Find pattern information on the Internet or Ravelry-www.ravelry.com.

Crochet –

• Babette Blanket by Kathy Merrick. A fun multi-colored granny square afghan that uses many different size squares

and yarns. No boredom here.

• For the free spirit, try freeform crochet. Search for Prudence Mapstone and see what she does with scrumbles,

free form, ameba-shaped pieces that are woven together to make wonderful garments, purses and more. Lots of

color, texture and style. Anything goes; now that is freedom.

• Lots of cotton yarn can make a great bath mat. Or turn old T-shirts into strips and use this instead of yarn.

Tunisian crochet – Crochet hook with long shaft

• Pom-Pom Scarf/Neck Warmer. My design. Uses 3 different yarns of the same weight, finished with decorative

pom-pom closure.

• Tweed Purse. Another design of mine. Uses the Tunisian V-Stitch, Tunisian Simple Stitch, and a large hook. Fast

and fun. www.ravelry.com/people/passionknitpm

Hairpin Lace Crochet –

If you have not tired this yet, give it a whirl.

Hairpin lace uses a simple handloom to make long loopy strips with a

single crochet spine. The strips are woven together in beautiful pat-

terns. It’s the weaving that makes the design lacy and lovely.

• Klimt Shrug by Stitch Diva. In this piece the strips are made into cir-

cles and the circles are woven together. I made mine in many colors

• Shawl or scarf from long strips of different width and the same

length. Ribbon and hairpin make a great combination. Try a mono-

chromatic piece with all different types of yarn for great texture and

interest. Use different joins for a lacy look.

• Kaffe Fassett’s Child’s Square Button Shoulder sweater. I made this for my son as a toddler and now it hangs on

the wall as art. Uses 31 different colors. This sweater was made totally from stash yarn.

• Baby Booties are quick, easy and need only one skein. Make several pair and have at the ready.

• Type Lizard Ridge into Ravelry and you’ll see a slew of projects including hats, washcloths, bags and afghans. All

use many colors.

• Socks. If you are a sock knitter than you have lots of bits of color. Make your own Magic Ball of yarn by tying

the bits together in various lengths to get a fun pattern. The socks do not need to match but they can.

• Have some bulky yarn but not enough, combine lighter weight yarns together to make your own bulky weight

yarn and have fun making a pillow cover and more.

Just about any pattern can be used as a stash buster. Look for patterns that have multiple pieces or sections that

could be jazzed up with other colors/designs. Other ideas to reduce stash if you can’t crochet/knit it all:

• Organize a yarn swap with your knitting group and trade or barter

• Donate! Give to local charity knitters, schools, women’s prisons, or assisted living facility.

• Add to Ravelry’s Inventory site. Go to your page, select Stash, add your yarn and indicate Will Trade or Sell. It’s

a great feeling knowing you’re helping a fellow Stash Buster who needs just one more skein.

Gather your friends together …along with their stash, and let your creative energy flow. Inspiration and friends are

a great combination too. Enjoy.

Carolyn Hanson is a local knitting and crochet designer, teacher and fiber artist. She can be contacted at cchanson3

Shrine of St. Joseph

Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

(Rain date - Sat., Sept. 29, 2012)

The Shrine of St. Joseph

1050 Long Hill Rd. Stirling, NJ 07980

(908) 647-0208

http://www.stshrine.org/FunFest/2012

NJ State Private Inspection Facility • License #10745

Emissions Repair Facility • License #1330

834 VALLEY ROAD, GILLETTE

908-647-7276

COMPLETE SERVICE & REPAIR - IMPORTED & DOMESTIC

SUPER EXTRA-VALUE SERVICE PLUS

• Change Oil • Change Filter

• Lubricate Chassis Fittings

• Test Coolant • Rotate Tires

• Inspect Brake Linings

• Test Battery • Check Wiper Blades

• Check Shocks, Struts, Suspension

• PLUS OUR FAMOUS 48 POINT SERVICE CHECK

Our Goal... Complete

Customer Satisfaction

Auto Repair

Mark A. Ierubino, Prop.

ASE Master Technician

Engine & Transmission

Diagnostics & Repair

Computerized 4 Wheel Alignments

Air Conditioning Service

CHECK US OUT AT:

MarksAuto.com

Family Owned & Operated

www.theconnectionsnj.com

The Connections NJ