Yarn? Where Art Thou?

I ask you this, and I mean that I am actually asking you this. It is not a rhetorical question. It is a real one: Why is it, I happen upon a pattern that I just have to knit NOW and I just know that there must be a couple hundred yards of an appropriate yarn for the job in my endless stash and then when I check my stash, there is nothing that comes close. Even if I search under my bed and in the luggage. Nothing. Not one hank, skein, ball or wad. There is nothing that will fit the bill.

And I'm not fooling myself, either. I know there have been times when I say the same thing to myself, that there must be something in my stash and then I take a look and, yes, there are suitable yarns there, but for some reason, I'm compelled to buy some "fresher" stuff instead of using the stash-stuff. But this time, I am telling the truth. I am being honest. Honest like crap. You know, honest-honest. (And that is really honest. Crap don't lie.)

I have floppy cotton. I have cotton with slubs of rayon. I have cotton with some bamboo. I have kitchen cotton (see? I just finished a scrubbie thingy.) I have cotton like all get out. But not the "right" kind of cotton. The type of cotton that will stand on end and measures exactly 4.5 stitches to the inch and has that certain je ne sais quoi. You know what I mean. . .

Worse, I won't even wear this until, oh, December or January. But I gotta knit it anyway. Right now.

About the Yogini Bolero: I finished one sleeve for the long sleeve version. I was on eggshells while it was blocking but it turned out just right. That blue linen looks like worn denim and I am absolutely in love with it.

BTW: The Bunny is fine. Her eye is still a little "off," but her hip, the 4-inch incision, is perfectly flat and pink-free. Oh, and get this: Speaking of poop, We finally found something that Rocko won't eat: Huge, long, meaty grubs the likes you wouldn't even believe if they appeared on some sort of crazy Larvae YouTube/World Wide Records show, or whatever the heck they call it.

I relayed the story to our wonderful gardener in whatever Spanish I could muster today about a huge grub that hissed at me and wouldn't exit our backyard. Then, he replied, in perfect English: "So, he stand up and look at you and wave his arms like crazy?"

I shivered and gagged and nearly threw up.

Then he said, while patting my shoulder: "I take care of him. I will bring my big lasso next time. Adios. Oh, and tell your husband Arturo and George will fix the broken sprinkler for 80 dollars. Cash, please."

Life is good.

Comments

[Lizbon]

When your magnificent gardener is finished lassoing the giant worm, perhaps you could put him on a plane and send him here? I've got a couple (hundred) cockroaches of unusual size with his name on them.

[Wendy]

He may just do it, Lizbon. He's a keeper, and very cute, to boot.

[Tammy]

They have that yarn at the LYS! It's kinda hidden in the back corner. But it's there!

[Tammy]

Oh, and btw, fresher yarn is so much better!

[Wendy]

Really? Must go find it!

[Dusa]

Catching up on the blog reading - give The Bunny a smoochie for me. Our 14-yr old 22# 'kitten' also sleeps either mashed between us (on a full-size bed) or around my head like a turban. Even in the summer. And we don't have air conditioning. I know I'll miss her like crazy one day, but for now, I would relish a full night's sleep without being contorted like a pretzel.

[Melissa]

Long-time reader; first time commenter.

I knit an awful lot of hats, and usually I pair two or more yarns from my stash together to get just the right texture, and some interesting color combinations!

[Amy]

I find that if I buy yarn and stash it, the "gild is off the lilly" very quickly. There is always something newer and better.

Amy

[elizabeth m]

I absolutely have experienced that project/stash misalignment, too. And it baffles the hell out of me, because there really shouldn't be any yarn categories that interest me that I don't have covered already.

[rudee]

I think my daughter will love that hat. Sadly (or not), there isn't a single suitable yarn in my stash either. I have a 1pm at the hair salon which happens to be right next door to my favorite LYS. Uh oh.

[Lynae]

Wow, I didn't know you were such an enabler. Not only did I go purchase the pattern, I will head to the LYS at lunchtime to get the yarn. My daughter will LOVE it!

[Jen]

So true! How many times have I purchased discount yarn for my stash and then when I get a new pattern I can't possibly find anything in my stash worth using on it!

[Lizbon]

Woohoo! Cute to boot is always welcome.

[MonkeyGurrl]

Oooooh!!! That hat will look SO cute on you!!! you are definitely a hat person. And it deserves new yarn. :) I go through the same thing with stash (and I GOT STASH!) yarn. I think a lot of my stash is like art. I just like to have it and hold it and appreciate it. I wouldn't want to ruin it by trying to knit it (which would not be the same problem with you, Master Knitter).

Oh, your gardener is funny. :) really. He should get an extry holiday bonus just for that.

[Wendolene]

In spite of stashes missing that little something you absolutely need for the world to keep spinning, I can definitely say I'd take knitting over gardening any day.

[Kari]

Ah... to knit, perchance to dream...

Knitting is very much about dreaming (for me, at least.) Picturing just the right combination of pattern, yarn and color; and dreaming of a finished object that is both functional and figure flattering. It may still be just a dream, but I'll be damned if I won't keep working towards it. Hehe.

(I've managed to make a few "perfect" accessories, but have yet to tackle a true garment. Can't wait for the Yogini!)

[Sedie]

I'm working hard on using my stash on whatever pattern I select. However, it's proving to be VERY DIFFICULT! There is just something about going out and getting "Fresh" yarn for a new project! (sigh)

[Mary]

I think stash yarn is like a security blanket. It's really not meant to be used. It just makes you feel better knowing that if some catastrophe occured you'd be all set with not being able to get to a yarn shop for a few days/weeks or months in my case! ;-)

[Melinda]

I LOVE the Yogini Bolero, both versions! Just gorgeous! Can't wait for the pattern to come out!

Hope your cat is better soon!

[Lacy]

I about fell off my chair reading about the grub and the gardener... ha ha. The other day I was pick strawberries in the garden and I grabbed a big old slug the size of a golf ball instead of a strawberry and I liked to have fainted. It put me off the strawberries, so the dogs got to eat them.
Love the Yogini - when do we get to purchase the pattern. Waiting with fresh yarn in hand!

[Miz Booshay]

Wendy,
If knitting is an art form then yarn is your pallet, your oils.
And when you have a vision that inspires you and your creativity bursts forth....
you must go with it....
wearing it is immaterial.
I think you are a successful designer because you have not held yourself back by worries of 'when will I wear it'.

You knit by inspiration and it shows.

[Jessica]

*squeal* I'm so glad you like the hat pattern! I can't wait to see yours... I totally know what you mean about fresh yarn... my stash is taking over a wall in my bedroom and yet & run out and buy more for nearly every project.

Eeeeeewwwww... grubs. Even the word is shudder-y.

[Cheri]

When your gardener is done can you send him to catch the voles that seem to be eating all of my beautiful (and now nearly dead) fruit trees?!

What is the linen yarn that you love so much? Is it lovely to knit with (well, it must be if you love it right!?). I wonder if my nearest yarn peddler has any I could visit before I buy...

[Wendy]

I am using the light worsted Louet Sales Euroflax Linen!

[Miss Scarlett]

Congrats - just saw your pattern on the KnitScene preview.
Love the details on the cuffs.