Probably a dozen or so years ago, I was doing some business with a company and I purchased a new product that they had been touting and bragging about. I had, what I felt like, was a major problem with a component and, since I never can keep my mouth shut at the appropriate time, late one night, I fired off an email to them and, after explaining the issues I was having, I said something like “This product gets an F- in my opinion!” I was aggravated because one of their big selling points just wasn’t working as it was intended and I felt that it should have been noticed and corrected before this item was sold and delivered.
They were very nice and professional . . way more so than I had been. They wrote me back something like “We would like to make this right. An F- is very hard to overcome.”
My response: Yes, I know. I have a son in high school. 🙂
Yesterday, I had to laugh at myself . . you know . . one of those times when you laugh to keep from crying. I’m trying so hard to seriously do some yarn stashbusting this year. One of the skeins I’m using in my fade sock project is Madelintosh’s Electric Rainbow on Twist Light. I love Twist Light and I’m totally smitten by the Electric Rainbow colorway.
Electric Rainbow
It is the second from the right. For the longest time, it was on back order and then I finally got a skein but, for this project, I’m using a part of the skein, which means I no longer have a whole skein. Before I could think twice, I ordered a new skein because I didn’t want to be without a full skein.
Then it hit me . . I am such a total failure . . an F- . . at stashbusting. The whole purpose is to use what I have, and NOT replace it as soon as I use it. I think I understand now. I hope I’ll do better but it truly is hard to use some of these beloved yarns and not want to replace them immediately.
The first yarn I’m using in my fade sock is Western Sky’s Magnolia Sock in the “Royalty” color. I started knitting. I said “I love this yarn” and I looked to see if that color is still available. I was thinking about getting another skein! No! I cannot do that. Lucky for me, or for Vince’s budget, that color is no longer available.
The next color is a Cephalopod Skinny Bugga and that yarn is no longer available. The color is “Crown of Thorns Starfish”. Love the yarn. Love the color. Never to be available again.
If I’m going to grieve over every skein of yarn as I use it from my stash, this is going to be painful.
Yep . . an F- for Judy in the stashbusting efforts. I’m going to succeed. It may break my heart to use the yarn but I am going to win this battle . . some day!
Donna says
I do the exact same with fabric, yarn, embroidery threads, and the list goes on. I’m supposed to be stash busting, too, but then I’ve never been one to do what I was SUPPOSED to do often.
Carolyn says
When I began Rug Hooking I said I would not buy wool the same way I did fabric as a quilter. Yes, I have 12 tubs of fabrics all organized. I will not have confession nor show pictures of my wool stash…..absolutely no way does anyone need to know that much information. Aren’t promises made to be broken….occasionally?
pandrpeele says
I am a paper crafter! When Graphics 45 would come out with a new line(paper(6×6,8×8,12×12), embellishments, stickers,whatever. I had to buy one to use and 1 to keep. Now they are bringing back the original lines!!! So now I try to bash my starch and use it so it won’t be trashed when I go…..or I could add to my will to throw it in with new!
Linda in NE says
I’m thinking you might try digital scrapbooking. You never actually “use” the paper or element, you just use a copy of it so your original is always there for you to admire and love. And the best part is that your stash is on the computer, not taking up space in the house. I’ve always thought it was a win win.
Nelle Coursey says
LOL I don’t believe in “someday”! LOL You are a woman and we do this. It is because we are afraid some day we will need yarn and can’t afford it or we will need that particular color again! LOL Hoarding in a different way!
Susan says
If you are making things for yourself, you aren’t using the yarn. You are simply storing it differently. =)
lacefaerie says
I have the same problem with my favorite quilting fabrics! I love it and want to use it but if I use it, I will no longer have it! My HH just shakes his head.
Dorothy Matheson says
Everytime I use something in my quilting fabric I remind myself that they are continuing to make fabric and new ones are so pretty and I want new not old. So used up is OK there will be more lovely fabric to purchase.
For so long I had to shop the free table or only had the fabric that was gifted to me to use. We were just getting by. Now at least I have enough income to buy some new and my Mother is gifting me money of my inherantce. My only sibling has passed so she really wants to start giving it to me now.
I just finished a quilt in Dec and another one in Jan but have so many planned for this year.
Better get off computer and get to sewing.
Sharlene Barrett says
I also share your love of Cephalopod yarns and am so worried about using up the couple of skeins I have stashed away. Worried that I may ‘waste’ it on a project not worthy of its splendour.
Judy Laquidara says
I’m always happy to be able to use it but sad to no longer have it in my stash. I’m not sure if my affection for it is because I know I can no longer get it or because I really love it.