I love the idea of swapping the yarn you aren't excited to work with. I agree, its a huge investment to just give away, but swapping for yarn that appeals to you so you're excited to work with it seems like a better option than forcing yourself to make something you aren't as enthusiastic about just for the sake of using yarn you currently have.
I'm definitely excited to look into this idea more. I'm going to need lots of white sock yarn to finish my bee keeper's quilt and I'm hoping I can swap some of my hand dyed yarn scraps for some undyed or white ones. Because of the way I'm making it I won't be able to use every last scrap of my coloured yarns and they're sat in a bag tormenting me 😅
As a person who also does not have a ton of money. I like this idea of swapping. I found my self in your shoes. I'm going for a more buy for project and better quality. It doesn't always work . When patterns go on sale for $1.99 and change of season sales.
I'm commenting to back the swapping idea! Selling it is like the second best idea, because I don't think donating it is economically viable for you. I'm wondering if, maybe, you could make it a RU-vid swap chain with some friends in order to make it interesting for your viewers and your wallet, perhaps?
@@RetroClaudeI did a yarn swap several months ago with and found it very revitalizing. While I mostly swapped for the yarn I like to use most, I also impulsively decided to swap for some silk mohair (which I’d never worked with and, given how pricy it is, likely never would have bought). Getting yarn I like for yarn I had but wouldn’t have used was great, and it’s been really interesting trying out the mohair. I’d certainly recommend giving swapping a try (and I imagine it’d be pretty easy to find people who want to trade lace or fingering or sport weight for DK or worsted)
In my opinion using up the stash creatively is 100% a part of why this challenge is fun to watch, but - hear me out - swapping wool with other crafters so that both parties have wool they like better? That IS a creative way of using it up! In fact, it's kind of genius! (I kinda wish there was a way to have a yarn exchange website where one could bid on other people's stash yarn with one's own stash yarn, but of course when items are sent both ways, it really opens up the doors for scammers.)
That's my one concern. I don't want to end up just sending my yarn into the world and never getting anything in return. I'm going to try and do a few swaps IRL to test it out first. Or do like a points system for every 50g of yarn I sell I can buy another 50g but only second hand or something like that. I've still got some thinking to do 😊
Don’t use limited energy on knitting items you’re not exited about - we’ll follow you anyway and love to see the sparkle in your eyes, when you find and start That pattern 😘🤩
Another idea: why don't you knit for your audience? Suggest a project and a yarn and fans can bid in the finished project. The winner gets the project in their size, you continue with projects that challenge AND make some more money 😊 P.S Love that you consider the sustainability of your projects, I always wonder about that with YT creators making endless clothing, diys, etc.
@RetroClaude if you knit a sweater to fit over my norks it would really bust (ba doom tish) a big chunk of your stash!
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It’s a great idea!! It would also be really interesting say if it was an old pattern hear you talk about how to make it fit. If possible you could sell the pattern with changes. I know I wouldn’t try to knit an old pattern with the little experience I have
I think these really clever ideas, especially with the idea of involving the audience, even if not with the goal of knitting for a buyer. Like if there's vintage patterns that the audience is interested in seeing in a video. Or having polls saying "of these few patterns, what are people most interested in seeing me make?" I really enjoy the behind the scenes depictions of really interesting but intimidating vintage patterns, personally. And a general "here's my tips on making it work for you" sounds potentially like less effort than actually grading a pattern, though Claude would obviously know better than I would.
I find your stashbusting knitting videos so relaxing and fun to watch even though I'm not a knitter and I have no clue what the knitting terms mean half the time haha! I definitely think you should be working on projects that make you excited and at the end of the day that will likely make viewers excited about the videos too! So if that means swapping or selling some yarn then it makes sense.
Just did the math: you bought 35 extra balls of yarn (for the ripple blanket, the Victorian shawl and the beanie) which means you knitted up nearly double the amount during this year! Well done! Without this purchases you would be nearly down to 100
I think selling some of the yarn you know you're not going to use is fair game, and you'd get part of your investment back, but I also think you'd have more fun swapping yarns. In my own process of stashbusting, I've found it useful to just let go of yarn I don't like without feeling like I'm taking the easy way out. I have a IRL knitting friend I swap yarn with and it's helped us both! I also knit and crochet for other people - my parents, other relatives, friends etc. It helps me try out new things I wouldn't have otherwise. I can't wait to see what you make next! 🤍
The appeal of the series for me is simply you - I like you, your honesty, your candid explanations of life with chronic illness and your sense of humour. So whatever you decide to do, I’ll still be here. I feel that with limited resources, you deserve to have projects that fill you with joy. If that can’t be achieved with your current stash, and you’ve spent a year trying, then maybe swapping or selling is a good next step.
Find and work on projects that bring you joy to work on and knit them here on RU-vid. Then, donate them to a charity that helps people with disabilities. In my world, I have been knitting down my stash and making things for the homeless. I know what it is and means to be homeless and feel worthless. Making something for someone who has a need and provide an article of clothing that is brand new and never owned or worn by someone is an incredible gift. My big plus is I really enjoy knitting. I can make a quality product, give to someone in need, and provide encouragement; that to me is a huge win. Small bits of same size yarn can be granny squares that can be crocheted together as you go. One can make cardigans, blankets, pillows. All would be welcome by someone in need. It makes another person's day when they get to feel like someone made that thing just for them. You do not need to know who you are making it for. Just have fun, then give. 💚💚💚
I personally think that after a year, if you have honestly looked at a good chunk of your stash (and it seems like you have!) And whenever you look at it you struggle to come up even with something you arent excited about to do, it's admitting that maybe someone else out there could do something with it. I think also no one should be mad at you selling or swapping, yarn (especially wool!) is expensive. Just my two cents! Definitely inspiring me to think about looking about my own stash .....best of luck to you with this project!
Selling would be fun. I find knitting baby jumpers fun because they are so cute and small and knit up very quickly. I'm considering knitting and selling those (in cotton of course). I enjoy anything and everything you knit. I live vicariously thru you since I'd never fit in any vintage size patter. Also, I purchased 2 magazines that are of vintage patterns. One is from the late 1930's. If you'd be interested in seeing them and maybe wanting a copy, let me know. I can always scan and email you the one(s) you like. Lastly, where did the new music for your videos come from? I'll admit I loved the vintage music from previous videos.
This music is sort of 70s themed as that's when the Maywick Pullover is supposed to be from. I try and match the music to the era of project I'm working on but finding royalty free music that sounds 70s proved harder than I thought 😅
Also, just wanted to let you know that while I don't knit, I sew and being in a bit of a financial bind, I'm applying your stash busting idea to my stash of fabrics! So your videos are great creative and emotional support for me, and I love your energy. Looking forward to whatever you decide to make!
I think part of the appeal of this series is seeing how far you've got with the yarn you have, but a significant part of it is seeing you make things you're excited about with the yarn you have. If donating yarn doesn't feel right to you (and I agree with your reasons; I think they make complete sense), maybe an online sale or something would work? Especially if you could involve your followers somehow. A video sorting through the yarn you've decided you don't want and why you don't think it makes sense to keep in your stash would also be interesting and as it goes away you could include it in the stash busting totals as well. A large part of stashbusting seems to me to be about understanding your stash better and knowing what kinds of yarn you do and don't use, and you've got that knowledge now, so purging a little of it doesn't feel like giving up on the project but rather incorporating this newfound understanding into your making process. There really is no point making something for fun and enjoying neither the process of it nor the finished item.
I fully support selling and/or swapping. The appeal for me in this series is being on a similar journey. I had a pretty sizable stash (fortunately mostly donated to me but that means I didn't have any control over what I received) and I've mostly used the yarns that I had a larger quantity of the same yarn or my higher quality yarns. Seeing you challenge yourself to do mixing and matching or finding patterns to use smaller quantities gave me a lot of inspiration and ideas for using my odds and ends. I like how realistic your journey is and I'm getting to a similar spot where what I have left feels uninspiring or not useful and I've started buying yarn (or thrifting sweaters to unravel) to knit what inspires me. I've also started giving away some projects that I knitted to use up yarn that I never ended up wearing. Because the yarns I have left were donated to me I may give the rest away but if I were in your shoes, I'd sell
I really enjoy your stashbusting videos; they are such a good reminder to take a moment and look at all of the projects I have going on and focus on one or two to just get them done. Completely unrelated, I am knitting a pair of socks while watching this out of West Yorkshire Spinners which you used in a video ages ago. The bird colorways are just so cheerful to work with. It was a great recommendation of a fun, sturdy yarn!
Stash busting is about what works for your lifestyle. Be excited, swap with other people, donate if you can, it's the journey I am here for. Knitting is hard enough work without disliking the results!
A new stashbusting video! A new stashbusting video! I am so grateful for this series and and all the lovely ideas and comments, for inspiring me to do my own stashbusting like nothing else. I've tried a lot of new things, picked up new skills, worked with patterns and yarns I'd never think to try otherwise, and it all feels risk free because I already have the materials, so it is just my time and energy at risk - and I've gained so much. Thank you, Claude! You've got tons of great suggestions to go on already, so mine is just that I like the little-of-everything approach, and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens!
138 🎉 Maybe you could do a collaboration with someone, where they choose yarn from your stash and film their progress? Maybe make it some kind of challenge? This way you could donate and it will still be a part of your stashbusting series.
selling your unwanted yarn for sure and start knitting with no math and no stress with knits that are exciting for you . Thank you for this serie of videos, the best serie about knitting out there, love you videos Claude .
It's dawned on me you use my local Yarn shop - do pop in one Thurs morning to say hello - I'm almost always knitting and nattering! 🧶 love your channel
I love your videos, Claude, and will continue watching regardless of how you finish the stashbusting series. For what it’s worth, I think life is too short and energy too precious to spend time making projects you aren’t excited about. So far as stashbusting is “using creatively”, I vote that you get creative about trading what you have and don’t love for something that would add value to your life (selling, swapping, making on commission, etc), and then share with us how you did that. Your happiness and satisfaction matter! 💛💛💛
I love the scrap busting, but the more excited you are about a project, the more fun they are. The only thing, I’d worry less about when you’re knitting for others if they’ll care properly for the object. My wool baby items are heirlooms for my kids to do with what they want!
I’m sorry your knitting hasn’t been making you happy. Your jumper and blanket are glorious, and you’re a huge inspiration for so many people. Serious question: would you wear handmade hats? Fingerless gloves? Vintage slippers? Would anyone in your life appreciate a smaller handmade item as a gift? I hope you find a way that brings you more joy and fewer headaches. Finally, the “worsted” pronunciation guide really made me smile. You’re a treasure!
I think I can persuade a few friends to receive a handmade knitted gift this Christmas! And I think it was less of a guide and more of an experiment 😂 results still inconclusive!
I love your idea of making for other people. Thats what I do when I really feel like I have too much stuff. I start thinking of christmas presents, or donating for charity, that way I can keep making
Swapping yarn doesn't change the total but gives you an opportunity to work on things you're interested in, without losing your investment. That seems like win win situation!
Love the crochet blanket, hope it will bring you joy now it is finished. I am sure all viewers want you to be happy and not feel like your stash is a burden or just there for content creation. Feel free to swap, sell what doesn't inspire you or do what you want which can also include keeping it. Noone stopped watching knitty natty when she donated or swapped her yarn for her destash, so don't be too tied to your stash busting. Hope you find a pattern that finds you joy soon. Thanks for all your videos.
1) make what you want to make and use. 2) sell your yarn, you have some YT audience, maybe it helps. If big stash doesn't bother you clutterwise, keep it. 3) your pronounciation of "ö" is perfect, you could totally speak estonian :) ❤
I always feel better when I have made a mistake, no matter how far back it is, to correct it. Otherwise, it is always the first and only thing I can see when I look at what I have made. My OCD kicking in. And after years of knitting what I might not particularly like, that I must have something that I love on my needles. I have a stash that needs to be knit up also. You have inspired me to start on it! I love the colors in your Maywick by the way! Knit on!
So personally I really love watching your knitting videos, it's the main content I watch you for so I want to see more! But having said that, if you're not excited to work on things, then you shouldn't do them. I don't see a problem with you making yourself more knitted socks, jumpers , gloves (which I would love to see as I loved the autumn pattern you did a while ago) or scarves. You're already storing the yarn, so all you're doing is making it useful. I don't think that's over consuming. Alternatively if you don't want to do that, making stuff for others is really fulfilling. Just make sure they are patterns you like. Good luck!! ❤
I definatly support the swapping idea. Life is too short to knit with yarn you feel meh about (even if when you bought it you did like it. Tastes change). I do tend to use yarn I feel meh about held double (to achieve a marling effect and maybe even hide the colors I don't enjoy anymore) to knit and crochet home decor items (blankets, basket, flower pot baskets, pillow cases, rugs). The scrappy look has its charm. I know you mentioned that you have no more need for blankets, but maybe other home decor items could be an option (since they eat up a lot of yarn). I like that you talked about the overconsumption problem. I feel like maybe selling your finished pieces could be an option. Not even taking commissions, just knitting what you like in your own or other size you want and putting it up for sale (I'm sure there are a lot of people who enjoy vintage jumpers but don't knit :) )
Hi! I’ve also been stash busting my yarns and i did eventually decide to donate a few. I definitely didn’t start with as much yarn as you but it got to a point where i’m not excited about any of the yarn i have. So i got the ones i knew i would never use out, making it easier to see what’s left. You could otherwise make things and sell them. A little income from the video and some income from the sale. But again, you need to be excited about the project or you’ll continue to feel bored about it
On the topic of knitting that doesn't use a lot of yarn... I am making a lovely cardigan (believe it's late 40s) and the instructions said to use 4 skeins of yarn. I figured they meant 100g skeins since it is a cardigan with full length sleeves. So I bought 8 50g skeins of the main colour and one of the contrast. I genuinely think I'll be able to finish the entire cardigan with less than 150g.... So I could make 2 more identical cardigans with the amount of yarn I bought specifically for this pattern. I don't think I need 3 identical cardigans.
Hahahaha I felt so hard the "uuuuh, don't do any of those". But yeah, that's basically how I imagine the whole world thinking about me (which is probably false, but you know, self doubting and stuff)
Thank you for sharing your process and thoughts with us. I find it so rewarding to get to be in on another crafters decision making and rationaliting process. (I hope you understand my terrible spelling, disabled and none native english speaker). There is something to be said for sunk-cost-fallacy, when it comes to your stash-busting project too, And also there is nothing wrong with changing your mind on what you want to do now. We all change, change our minds and find different paths than were in sight some time ago.... Seeing you doing projects that bring you joy (or at least some happiness) is way better than watching you suffer though something you are starting to resent. I KNOW that if you wanted to do a project, that you dont have yarn for, your viewers would be more than happy to either send you yarn or money to invest in it. You have moore help than you know, and probably way moore than you have decided you deserve to ask for (my observation from a far, just watching your videos, and also recognisin where I do that myself). There are ALOT of very good generous people out there, that would love to get to help another human.
Something else that might be fun - you could present us with 3 different stash options and then we could vote on which stash you could plan to use next. It might take some overwhelm out of that decision and help you research projects.
I also like the idea of doing a swap of the wools you don't like working with/don't have any good ideas for/etc. You could pick your three least favorites to swap, so it doesn't feel like you're totally giving up on the spirit of stash busting? Also, I wonder if you would consider doing like...2 lottery project slots or something for wools that you know you wont enjoy wearing/don't belong in your wardrobe, but that you might still enjoy working with? You could set a price for the winner maybe (whatever you felt would cover the cost of the wool + shipping + your work), and followers of your channel could enter their names into a draw for each of the project slots. That way people could enter based on their budgets and colour/wool preferences? Just a thought!
That pink cotton is clearly cursed cotton. Srsly. You’re inspiring me to tackle my stash - which is not just mine, but inherited from my late mother as well! I mean, I have made SOME inroads into it, just not nearly as much as I’d like
Hi Claude!! Your reflections on the piling up of knitted items in our lives really resonated with me. I actually live in a tropical country, in an region where it does get chilly but our winters are probably what all the scandinavians I watch consider summer. I love working with wool but how many socks and sweaters can I wear in a season? How many is it even reasonable for me to own? I've yet to find out. On another note, I just wanted to express how much I enjoy this series. I find it really inspiring to watch you persevere when so many hurdles come along while you're making things. So much about this hobby can be about the consumption of yarn and it's refreshing to know this one channel that will be all about the knitting process. I think your lack of excitement for your current stash is only natural and a hard lesson for all of us - there is no point in buying something you won't be able to knit anytime soon, as it will probably lose it's shine down the road. I personally find that looking at other people's makes and obsessions (especially those with different tastes and styles) can be really inspiring and helps me look at my stash with new eyes. Whatever you choose to do I'm excited to keep up with it. :)
I must say it has been really fun to see you go beyond the usual "make a fugly striped blanket" stash busting. But the videos I like the most, personally, are the ones where you enjoy what you're making, and it doesn't matter much to me whether you've done something related before or not. You tend to switch something up anyway! With regards to the yarn, I don't see the problem in swapping or selling it! Re-homing your yarn to another consenting crafter who gives you something in return is a totally valid stashbust that ticks both the "stash is value" and "yarn should be used" boxes. Finally, have you considered... baby knits? (I am considering this a lot because my entire social circle got pregnant at the same time.) They're less stressful because they take up little yarn and can be easier to match to your stash, and there aren't endless pieces of stockinette because babies as as species tend to be rather small. You could sell them or gift them after they've been turned into sweet RU-vid nectar.
Your stash is decreasing quite fast! Most people definitely aren't faster than that, and there are so many folks who are openly and vocally stashbusting these days (a collective suffering of pandemic splurging consequences, I guess)... How about a mix of strategies going forward - you could do a sort of anti-Marie-Kondo-method, where you go through everything and pick the things that spark acute overwhelm or any other sharp anti-joy response, and then just sell/swap/donate only those. The rest could continue to go into the sort of creative projects you were talking about, and thus generate a little income here on YT. I really enjoyed seeing you come up with so many interesting ideas, your average version of a "scrappy project" is 99% more inspiring and beautiful (to me, at least) than 99% of the others I tend to see in the online sphere. You got me to discover the Rainbow Jumper and the weird Weldon's ankle socks that are worked flat (LOVE them, made them twice already), and I'm sure others have their own stories to add to that,. You're kind of curating patterns and ideas here on YT (like every podcaster does), and the combination of scrappy/stashy+vintage+knitting is still pretty rare. Thank you for all the inspiration! Btw, the whole 1970s vibe with the Maywick jumper and those jeans looks great on you :) Love how you often match up background music with the aesthetics or decade of a featured project, too!
You've come this far on your stash busting, I think you should continue. One way to use up odds and ends is to use the same-weight yarns to make granny squares. Make them and put them in a pile or multiple piles by weight of yarn used. Granny squares can be used to make vests, sweaters, afghans, and tote bags (lined with fabric and with fabric straps). You could make each granny square in multicolors or a single color, depending on how much yarn you have. Colors of which you have the most in a single weight can be used to join the others together. Each granny square shouldn't take too long to make and you can give whatever items you make as gifts.
That's a great idea for gifts! Granny squares are very trendy just now and I think I have a few people in my life who would appreciate something like that 💚
Ooh I really do love the look of that sweater honestly. Out of curiosity, have you ever considered crochet plushies? If you're out of inspiration, they could be a fun project to experiment with, and they do use up yarn fast on account of the stitches being pretty tight. Could be a possibility for the weights of yarn you don't enjoy working with, and they make great presents. Anyway, I think you still cut down a respectable proportion of that stash, especially with the surprise cones and especially with health things happening. I know it's hard to judge oneself with as much kindness as we do others, but personally I'm impressed!
I have loved the stashbusting series because I find the creative thinking you do really interesting. If you continue the series, I'll keep watching and enjoying it. That being said, I enjoy it more when you enjoy the process and the final result, when you're not just making something to use the yarn up. In the end, I like all knitting videos you make, whether stashbusting or not, because I like your way of talking about the knitting and because I like the vintage patterns that you usually make. So I think selling or swapping the yarn so you can get yarn that you can use for the projects that you *want* to make, makes sense! The creative challenge can then maybe come from having to size up a pattern, or doing a pattern that you are very excited about but that is unusual and difficult in some way. Or knitting something for someone else, and having to fit it to their body without having them nearby to try it on?
If your arm and wrist still hurt you try a tennis elbow brace. It has helped me a lot and I hope it can help you. So glad I found your channel. New subscriber 💚
I feel the "I just need something to feel like Ive accomplished something" sooo hard! Have also been on a stash busting my sewing projects and esp fabric that Ive had for literal years (a lot 5+, some almost 15 😅). Goal was to sew 23 items (2023) of clothing and hopefully close to 40m of cloth as Im running out of room to store fabric I still buy... Didnt feel like I was getting too far anf have been stuck on getting a few items done but actually have made a lot of other things besides clothing for me! Love the idea of making useful and practical things as well as a selling/swap or making things for other people. I have given some of mine away as well as made up useful items for charity. Trying to sell some but it is tough. Love your videos even though I dont knit or crochet! Keep at it but I think you need to just let some of it go somehow that works for you.
Hi Hi Claude! I think you've accomplished tons over the past year! 👏👏👏 I agree that it's a great idea to swap some stash for your preferred yarn, or sell some to buy what you want. I can't believe you will ever have enough short-sleeve vintage sweaters but if you're looking for something different, I would love to see you make some of the items listed in your Ravelry faves, like the tea cozies, the Terresa Turban, the sweet robin and Liberty Coat No. 611! As I was watching, I was thinking you could make some throw pillow covers. That way you could swap them out and they won't take much room. Maybe to match your blue and white crocheted chevron blanket, or perhaps some holiday cushion covers. I was even thinking your Maywick sweater pattern would make a nice retro bargello-type cushion. And a vintage Christmas stocking would look swell hanging from your iron bed post! Someone suggested you make an item for your supporters to bid on. I think that's a great idea! Maybe you could raffle off a few small items, too! But please only create things that make you happy! ♥
I did a stash bust several years ago. It took me three years. I got to a point 18 months in (before I had to move again) where you are now. You know the wool you want to use and don’t have inspiration on. I was in a position where I could donate it and I did. For me it was a huge mental load off me to have the stuff I knew I would never use to be gone. Also bare in mind that it is kinda sunk cost at this point. You might be able to make more selling it online to your subscribers then you ad revenue. But I have no clue how much you make. That being said I have been enjoying your videos for the past year and would love to see more…
Three years! I'm very impressed! It's nice to hear from someone else who has done something similar. I do think I would enjoy a sense of relief if I just got rid of some stuff.
You have done amazingly in the last year. I think the weight used doesn't reflect the amount of work and detail you have put in which I understand must be so frustrating. For what to do with your yarn. If it feels like a weight dragging you down and stopping your joy of knitting then it is the time to sell it. If it still has the sense of adventure and challenge then post some photos and ask the community brain for interesting or avant-garde patterns. I would love to see another Alice Starmore pattern. Personally I like having 1 knit for myself and 1 gift/fundraiser going at the same time to balance the tricky mental battle of " I have energy I need to do something for others" and the " this is a treat for me and i don't get many". Also energy debit sucks and trying to pace when your brain is screaming "DO ALL THE THINGS!" Is a challenge that is so hard to explain. I hope you managed it a little in August and the awful weather didn't throw you off track. Thank you for your content as ever it is always a highlight of my day 😊
If you still have that Paintbox yarn from the blanket, you could make a coordinating sofa throw pillow cover! I'm still catching you up and it's been almost a year since this video, so you might have come up with a use for it already.
Good job finishing two of your wips! I’m committed to stash busting this year. It’s really satisfying using what you have and a fun creative challenge. I’ve found that there’s no use being to rigid about it all. I’ve had to buy yarn to be able to finish a few projects and I’ve also realised I just won’t use some of the yarn I have. It’s totally ok and certainly not cheating, to sell or donate what you don’t want to use. (And I promise you we all happily watch a video focusing on what to get rid of and what to keep.)
Hello Claude, 🌸I really really love these stashbusting videos, they inspire me so much as I have a huge stash of my own...of course it needs to be fun for you, so it's important to find your way, maybe you can do a bit of all, try swapping at first, then maybe selling. yes, the whole point is the challenge, it's the best part, so maybe the challenge for you is actually finding whatever way to knit what you like, using your yarn as the resource? so if you swap it or sell it I see it still as stash busting! keep busting all the way! 🌺
I really love your knitting/destash video, I also love the vintage knitting aspect as there is not enough vintage knitting content on RU-vid and your videos are one of the best. I do however completely understand that you don't want to just make things that you don't need/ don't wear is also not good though, what about making vintage sweaters for videos but then selling the item on your Kofi to members xxxxx
I love your content! I've rewatched videos and get so excited when I see that you've posted. I think you should keep it going if you're still up for it. Swapping could be a goos idea for inspiration!!
I'm so glad you finished your stripey crochet blanket. It looks stunning. Good job! And your chevron jumper turned out really well. I like the length as it is, as I think it works with the 3/4 sleeves, and high rise jeans. 👌 Looking forward to seeing how those lace daisies turn into a garment...🤔 PS Don't give your yarn away, definitely try to sell or swap it.
Sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy the Maywick!! We all have things we find enjoyable and things we do t. I absolutely loved making mine and didn’t have the same issues. But, at least it’s finished and more stash busted!
I think you should plan a mix of strategies - making a few small items that your audience can bid on (best to start with things that aren't fitted and make sure to have the buyer cover any shipping costs). See how it goes. A few yarns could also be sold on your social media - highest bidder maybe? Also, I know people who like scraps, so don't hesitate to make up bundles. The question is not can I use this yarn but what would using it mean for me? Would I learn and enjoy the learning process, or is it just because I have it? It's ok to move on from the past you and do it in a way that recovers some or all of your investment (or more!). You could get under your 100 skeins pretty quickly with a variety of plans to get there.
I love having these videos every once in a while, but I do understand it’s a bit difficult to always have something you’re interested in making. What I immediately thought when you mentioned you are liking crochet better, is that you could make some of the vintage projects like the ones Engineering Knits made (i.e. the victorian cape). Crochet does use a lot of yarn and that way you could enjoy the new craft while doing some challenging projects like the vintage crochet patterns
Girl, you are breaking my heart! Stop being so hard on yourself! I am an over thinker, too, but I don't beat myself up. The internet has enough people who think it's their job to beat people up, so don't pile it on yourself. If you need inspiration in your stash, perhaps you should try over dying. If you gravitate towards the worsted weight cardigans, knit 2 fingering yarns held together for super stash busting! I truly enjoy your content and your talent. I pray for you and your health. 🙏❤
I'm currently working away on a project on a knitting dolly myself and I'd definitely recommend using a crochet hook, nice and fast and you can hold it much more comfortably
I am honestly so impressed you've spent a whole year knitting things you're not excited about! I think it's amazing you've kept at it. I like the idea of swapping, then your total doesn't go down so you can still stashbust, you retain the value of your yarn, but you also get the chance to work with materials you enjoy more.
I think a swap sounds like a great idea! Then you’ll get new things you like. Maybe try selling some on your social media too? I wonder also if you considered knitting for videos to be “work” and not “hobby” knitting, as in you’re doing it for the video money rather than passion or fun, would help you use the yarn you’ve bought to earn money without being as frustrated that it isn’t enjoyable? I’m sorry it hasn’t been as much as you expected; that’s true of me too with my stash!
Well done on using so much yarn in a year! I think it's an extra impressive feat because you knit with such fine yarn, so an entire garment may only use up 2-3 balls of wool. I think swapping would be a good idea as you'll be able to get yarn that is new to you, perhaps the reason why you aren't as excited about your stash is that you have already used the yarn for other projects. But there's also no shame in giving yarn away, you've already spent the money so having the yarn sit unused in your stash for years isn't going to get you your money back, and it's just going to make you feel more guilty about not using it.
I think it has stretched your creative problem solving skills and its been really good to learn from you along the way. Knitting or crocheting for others is a good way to do different types of projects and swapping could be a great way to freshen your approach. I'm still shocked that you use use so little yarn for garments. Maybe find a plus size friend who'd desperately love a handknitted jumper. I need at least 16 x 50gm for a 30s style jumper or cardigan for myself.
That is the blessing of being size 1 or 2 (usually) in a pattern. I'd like to make some things in bigger sizes because I imagine it's also more work and more intimidating for beginners!
1) I'm from the Southern US and I saw worsted like "wer-sted. 2) congrats on all the knitting! I love the picture at the Maywick turned out. The low contrast stripes are very nice. 3) I watch this series because I enjoy seeing the projects you're working on and the progress you make each month. As a fellow disabled knitter it's nice to see someone else plodding along with projects. I honestly am not here for the stash busting part of it. That said, I do agree that your stash is an investment and I would keep it if I were you. The thing I would look into would be potentially selling the nicer yarns second hand online instead of donating them or making garments that interest you and then selling those. You have a pretty good online following so you might be able to make a sweater that you find interesting and then sell it online. 4) I'd hate to see you force yourself to continue doing things that aren't fun. It might be worth doing a second year review of all of the yarns still in your stash. You can reorganize and check for moths and maybe get a better idea of what you have that you can make into interesting projects. You could try something like a DK lace stole sampler that's a larger weight yarn but allows you to practice lace designs at the larger weight to maybe use them on the smaller weight you prefer. No matter what, good luck, and take care of yourself.
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I’ll watch any video of yours, old stach or new. I was thinking sense you like “the old times” could you knit some men-things. Maybe a brother or uncle would love a dubbel knit sweater? Or really thick socks? I’m currently working on gifts but my ambition is more on using less so socks and hats 😅
My grandfather made me a knitting doll many years ago when I was a child and my grandmother taught me how to use it. Sadly I lost it leaving a bad situation but I purchased one recently. I also had no idea what to do with it but knitting the cords sounds interesting! My grandmother also tried to teach me to knit when I was young but I couldn't get into it so it's very satisfying to have it as a hobby now ☺️
Fabulous video. You have accomplished so much this past year. Sometimes numbers don’t tell the true story. I always appreciate your candid musings. I’m confident you’ll find the best path forward to new inspiration.
Look into expression fiber arts for crochet/knit patterns. They are American patterns so I believe the stitch names vary but you might find something there you love that fills a need.
Now i feel like im spamming your comments! 😊 But, excess yarn from a blanket - make a blanket case. Fold your blanket into a nice fat square and measure it. Then make a rectangle out of the same pattern as the blanket which is just under 3 times the size of the square. Then sew it into an envelope style pillow case or even one with a couple of funky buttons. Then when you want to store the blanket you have a neat compact bundle to go on a shelf or you have an extra cushion.
There are many lovely suggestions here on what you can do with the yarn you're not as excited about in your stash and I'm sure you'll pick a way that works best for you forward - but I did want to celebrate the progress you have made! You've gotten through a big project and made a blanket and finished a sweater!! That is fantastic! With the autumn and winter ahead, you might find yourself in a more knitty mood, and even if not we're all always very interested to see what and how you tackle a project!
Yay! A big chunk of the total amount is down! Good on you! For the suatainability of your projects, i think that selling the yarn you have-especially large qualtities of the same yarn colour/fibre- wouldnt be seen as a huge cop out to the challenge youve set yourself, just a new way of reducing the amount. You could make the selling/swapping of yarn a challenge within itself like only using x amount of yarn as a kind of a stashbusting boost. Youve inspired me to reduce my yarn stash and i have given some yarn away. I decided to after looking at the colour, the sheen, the fibre, and how i could try to implement it into my life. I found that i really didnt want to because it just wasnt for me, no matter how hard i tried. I ended up giving it to a friend who really wanted it so there we are! Your videos are always so lovely to watch!
I like the idea of a swapping or selling challenge. Maybe I could give myself points for every 50g sold so I can buy another 50g or something? That could be fun! 💚
I like this series mostly because it's you showing that the dusty parts of a stash can be used to knit things you love making and/or have an actual use for (though I am counting Christmas and baby gifts as a use here...). Bending over backward to force yarn you're feeling meh about to do things you don't look forward to, only to end up with something you can only toss on the internet or into a charity shop, because it serves zero purpose in your life... That sounds like a recipe for burnout. So swapping on ravelry seems a good way to retain the monetary value of your stash, but fine-tune it to suit your needs. That yarn was still sitting in someone else's stash, as unused as yours is now, so the purpose remains the same. Seeing you try new things and stepping out of your comfort zone is only fun as long as you're excited about it, in the same sense that it's fun to watch a granny discover bubble tea, or a toddler go to the zoo for the first time, or someone spending their mid-life crisis learning how to rollerblade. When you're doing it because you have to, it's no different than a child being told they're not leaving the dinner table until they finish a plate full of broccoli. (At least to me, maybe the rest of youtube's knitting community gets a kick out of seeing others suffer)
I really enjoy watching these stash busting videos, whatever you decide to do in the future. I do think you should knit what makes you happy, not just knit to knit something - if the yarn isn't inspiring, maybe it wasn't meant to be a project with you and would make sense to swap / sell to someone else. As for how many sweaters does one need or have the space for, I'm someone who only in the past 7-8? months got into garment knitting instead of accessories, it's very inspiring to see your vintage knits! It's a totally different style than what I'm looking to make, but that makes it so nice to watch :)
I've thoroughly enjoyed watching your stash busting and creative uses for yarn you've already got, as someone in a tight finantial situation its inspired me to find patterns and methods of using the yarn I already have in a creative way, rather than feeling 'guilty' that I had all this yarn sitting around that I wasnt doing anything with and then buying more. Its also stopped me from impulse buying "budget" yarn or reduced yarn because I already have multiple projects on the go, and so I've managed to save some money up for some more Luxury stuff like nice hand dyed sock yarn.... is this possibly a slippery slope, maybe, but once every few months buying a skein (second hand from facebook marketplace, someone was destashing) isnt going to kill me and I love it. I have however manaed to figure out I'm much more motivated to use my yarn if I'm making gifts for people, so I'm on my christmas knitting waggon right now and working away on several projects which might be where you could look next, if you're feeling all your needs are filled and or not sure of where your gaps are yet then maybe some gift projects for loved ones/close friends.
Consider that it's also not sustainable to continuously knit things you don't like very much for the sake of making them. If you won't use or enjoy the final product, it still isn't an environmentally friendly use of your yarn (and not a good use of time either!). I'd recommend selling any substantial (50g+) amounts of yarn you definitely won't use at a high discount to recoup some costs, and donating any amounts smaller than 50g you won't use. Still love this series though and excited to see your stash decrease, no matter how you decrease it! :)
Your stash busting videos are so wonderful to watch. They represent the dilemmas we all have and prompt more thought. I have seriously looked at what I have and what I buy now - it must have a purpose or project. Thanks Claude.❤
I'm all for donating any unnecessary yarn and thus getting rid of too big a stash, which I also have, so can empathize with that! (Though I don't really sweat over it ;)) Selling online is hard at least here, as huge postal costs don't make it worth buying, & same for swapping; but then most of my stash is bought from charity shops anyway, so not a big investment to give away ;)
Geez, you gave me so much stress from your stash stress. I understand the desire to “control” the stash but the fiber is supposed to bring you joy. I think I would toss the yarn in a public bin before spending this amount of time trying to use it. Just me. My stash size doesn’t bother me.
You could pick a random batch of yarn you want to get rid of next and have viewers/followers suggest patterns for it? (And presumably pick the one which intrigues you the most) I have really enjoyed watching your stash busting videos and they have inspired me to get started on my own stash busting adventure
Maybe split your stash into yarn you want to work with and yarn that doesn’t inspire you and try to sell that yarn? I personally would love to purchase some yarn to support you, and I’m sure others would as well! Plus you can keep with the stash busting, just with a more reasonable stash :)
I'm a crocheter and I find that using hooks with a rubbery handle is kinder to my arthritic hands than the thin metal ones. I recently made some fimo clay handles for some metal hooks when I couldn't get the size hook I needed in a soft handle. I made the handled longer and crikey O'Reilly an extra 2cm makes a huge difference in hand comfort.
Creative ways to use yarn swap, gift , make they all count in my view . Need to make things you enjoy making maybe if it’s not for you sell it ? Enjoying this series as it shows how a long term project can be less then perfect and still be finished ( hopefully) I’m looking forward to the highlights of my 2-3 year stash busting project réel where you have multiple shots of you saying it’s just…frustrating really and oh well and I didn’t know . So good to see the reality not the perfect I decided to make this I made it it’s perfect I’m perfect rubbish . Love the channel
I relate to a lot of this. I've been in a knitting rut this summer. Everything I make seems to turn out wonky in some way right now. It's so frustrating.
I love Vintage Knitter Brain where we're like "hm yes 3.25mm needles those are quite large" 😂 I love these videos! I've been trying to use more stash yarn lately and this project has been a big reason why.
I think swapping/selling is not a bad idea. Since I buy all my yarn second hand, I would definitelly encourage you to put yarn you don't wish to use anymore on the second hand market ^^ If you wish to donate, you could make it interesting for your channel by making it a giveaway, but then you'll have to use some money to ship it to the winners, which might also not be an option. A challenge is fun an interesting, but if you're going to end up stressed and disapointing, it's not good either. So, yeah, just try to find the option that makes you the happiest ^^
