knittingthestash Episode 159: Surf's Up & Stash Trouble

[@debbieretzlaff2912]

Thanks for the information on super wash yarn (going blah)! I’ve never heard that before. I love natural yarns best. I love the look of the surf 🏄‍♀️ sweater and the stripes! A very relaxed and cool look for summer❣️

[@metaspencer]

I love that sweater! Kinda looks like a sweatshirt but in the best way

[@dorothyrainey1141]

Love the Surf sweater! I think the length on you is perfect. Thanks for sharing the technique too! Happy Planting!

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks! And yes, I left it at this length . . . I can always change my mind later, right??

[@retahallonquist7614]

I have found it very helpful to create a yarn stash inventory in Excel. I put as much of the yarn label data as I can into the spreadsheet, along with weighing the yarn to calculate the remaining yardage. Then, I've organized it into tubs with labels to indicate if the yarn is predominantly animal fibers, plant fibers, manmade fibers, or ???. There are of course a few formulas involved to automatically calculate/recalculate the quantities. Then when I want to start a project, I use the filters to find what will work. I know it sounds sort of anal retentive, but it works for me.

[@debbieretzlaff2912]

PS We plant lots of trees every year too, Melissa. Some years we start oaks from acorns. Lots of work (especially watering the first few years) but they grow so fast and add so much to the ecosystem❣️

[@knittingthestash]

Yay for tree planters! Thanks, Debbie!

[@KittenWAW]

Because I'm lazyish, I would probably tackle Surf this way: 1. Unbind off, just far enough to do the following. 2. Drop a couple/few columns of purl stitches as far up as I think I want to raise the ribbing, then swap the knits for purls with a crochet hook. I'd do this this in the area that has the stripe, to see if I was OK with, or even liked, the stripe being part of the ribbing, or if it even needed to go up that far. If I was happy with the look, I'd do this all the way around, only redoing the stitches as far as down as i need. 3. Frog back to where my corrections are. 4. Bind off again. OR: If I wasn't happy with how that would turn out, I'd live with it as it is. Because I'm lazyish - meaning about 3 steps beyond lazy.

[@knittingthestash]

hahah. I took your advice and left it alone. "Living with things," as it turns out, is a way of life as you get a little older. As my friend Amy used to say, "I can't be bothered . . ."

[@nlturcott5168]

Your Surf sweater is lovely. Beautifully done. The lenght looks good. I hear you about the yarn in the stash and the pattern I pick for Next.

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks so much!!

[@michellelindgren8419]

Hi Melissa. So great to see you!! Thanks for sharing that yarn forward technique. I’ll be checking it out.

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks, Michelle! I hope all is well with you!

[@sunnyw4148]

I definitely find yarn in my stash that I want to knit with and then go to try a pattern. Even then it can be iffy. Happy Knitting.

[@knittingthestash]

agreed, Sunny!

[@wendysullivan5511]

One of my favorite cardigans, Lauren, has an asymmetrical front. I think the subtle asymmetry in your Surf is just right-enough to be interesting but not in-your-face crazy. Will be interested to hear how this one wears😁. Happy (almost) May!

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks, Wendy. Sounds like we both appreciate a little bit of asymmetry :)

[@retahallonquist7614]

Oh yeah, I forgot to add that I also keep the label and like yarns in zip lock baggies, or some other plastic bag inside the tubs to make sure it all stays grouped together.

[@valeriebishop561]

Its really just fine! Go on!😊

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks, Valerie! I'll take the boost

[@kimsechrest2202]

A comment on 'yarn forward'. I've been using that method for awhile now for helical knitting, but have struggled in getting a line where the change happens (usually put it under the arm/sleeve so it goes down the side)--so I'll try your tip of putting a needle in that stitch to keep it properly sized next time I use it. Didn't consider this method for strips (single) but sure--it will work great. Could probably work fine for 2 row/rounds stripes too--just carry the color up that round. Will have to try it. Thanks for sharing. I always learn something from you.

[@knittingthestash]

Oh cool. Glad to hear it's helpful. Thanks, Kim!