One Stash to Rule All Stashes

The saying goes that you aren't truly a real knitter until you have a stash. The whole concept of a yarn stash cracks me up. Now I am not judging those of us (including myself) who have piles upon piles of unused yarn lying around, whether its the odds and ends you can't seem to part with or the plethora of perfectly bound balls we didn't think we could live without, but isn't a stash a hoard?

As someone who previously worked for an animal shelter I have seen my share of hoarders. Isn't a stash the starting of hoarding? Is there any knitter out there who cannot say that at times they haven't felt like they need more more more?!

The stash is a thing of beauty. It always fascinates me how I love to pick up more and more yarn when I probably have the perfect yarn sitting at home or at Mom's house waiting for me. I remember as a young girl going to visit some of my mother's friends from the knitting guild and being AMAZED at their knitting stashes. Some of them have whole rooms they can barely enter due to their enormous hoards of yarn. Ahh....a house full of yarn, is there a much better dream?

A stash is quite an amazing thing. Today I am offering a challenge. I would love a little contest to see who has the stash to rule all stashes. Send in your photos of your stash and I would love to see what you guys have just waiting for the perfect project!

Until Next Time
Broke Knitter

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...Cherish It!

So you are all probably pretty sick of hearing me rant about working too much. Well I am sick of it too! I am making a stand now to stop complaining about work.

Last night Jen was my "Phonathon helper" so she stayed late at work with me. We spoke to the students about some of the projects we are working on, and they were VERY excited. Two of them actually expressed an interest in learning how to knit. So I said to myself, "Self, maybe you should start a knitting group on campus." And that is what I am going to do. I know several students on campus who expressed interest last fall in starting a knitting circle, so I am making a pact to do that!

Another very important revelation came to Jen and myself yesterday - cherishing the small projects. Just because you are super busy doesn't mean you cannot find time to find success in your knitting projects. It can be very discouraging when you work on a big big project, say, a Christmas tree skirt, to feel like you are getting anywhere when you find yourself strapped for time.

Jen suggested I pick up some small, "quick and dirty" projects during Phonathon time so that I can feel accomplished. I have decided to do just that! I started a quick and easy st stitch baby blanket in Plymouth's nice and plushy "Heaven." I am using a light and dark colored purple and I am super excited to finish it up this evening.

Two day project - now that's what I am talking about!

Inspirational Message of the Day - Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...Cherish It

Sometimes you need to step back and relax. Admire the work you can complete and love every minute of every project even if it feels silly, small and dinky.

Until Next Time...
Broke Knitter

Work Work Work All Day Long

I am so overwhelmed! Why is it that our jobs take over our lives?! It makes no sense to me. It is very frustrating that our culture is so entrenched in our careers. Have you ever noticed when someone says, "tell me about yourself" we automatically respond with our career information.

I have been working an extra week's worth of time each pay period. Knitting has become my only respite and I find myself rapidly clicking those needles each night as I process the day's events. Anyone else feel the same way?

Broke Knitter

Knitting MochiMochi

Jen gave me the CUTEST book to borrow that she picked up from designer Anna Hrachovec herself at Vogue Knitting Live - Knitting Mochmochi. This book is 20 patterns for "super-cute strange designs" from knitted alligators and chicks to even fun slippers that look like a little monster is eating your foot.

I was trying to figure out which of these I would like to make, and honestly, they are ALL adorable. For anyone looking for cute little knick-knacks to knit their grandchild or toddler in their life, please check out of a copy of this book. The designs are adorable, fun and very easy to make!

Until Next Time!

                                               MochiMochi - Broke Knitter

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day fellow readers. Today I want to spend some time talking about two of the greatest people I ever knew, and the best knitter that ever lived. This is my first St. Patrick's Day without either of my maternal grandparents.

My grandmother was the greatest knitter who ever lived. She adored knitting. Grammy turned to knitting when she left teaching in public schools - but you know the saying - "Once a teacher, always a teacher." Very soon after she started knitting she began teaching classes. My grandmother adored teaching. I don't know if she just adored being the center of attention (something I have obviously picked up from her) or just her passion for sharing knitting with others, but she was a wonderful teacher.

She and my grandfather were so happily in love and married for more than 50 years. Without them I don't know who I would be today. My grandmother, while not only a great knitter, was also a great Irishwoman. The woman loved green, loved shamrocks and LOVED a good party. St. Patrick's Day was such a special day to them and I am sure that they are having a blast together partying these days.

St. Patrick's Day is a very special day for me because it is a day to happily remember two of the most influential people in my life. St. Patrick's Day is a day to celebrate all that they taught me. Whether it's Grampy's famous pulling his finger off trick, or Grammy's long tail cast on measurement where you HAD to touch your finder to your nose, today is a day that I am having a great time just remembering.

In their honor I am wearing (for those of you know know me..spoiler alert) my green velour jacket, my green scarf and an adorable green wool hat my mother brought back with her from Dublin. Today I will proudly get out my needles and knit knit knit thinking of the woman who started it all.

Love You Grammy and Grampy!

Broke Knitter

Getting Ready for the Big Show

Why is it that children can wear the most adorable bright colors and people think it's cute. Then again, if I venture outside of earth tones and maybe dare a pastel I look like either:

1. A crazy person
2. A homeless person
or...
3. A crazy homeless person

Today I am missing the days of brightly knit hats that look like dinosaur tails matched with a pair of comfy tapered sweatpants. Gone are the days when you can pretend to be whatever you want to be.

I have decided that because tomorrow, St. Patrick's Day, is a day when the fools come out in full I have decided to be festive and wear all my crazy greens. Doesn't matter the shade, texture, whatever. I am going to be the cutest most festive little Irish thing tomorrow.

Until Next Time..
Party On Garth!

Book Worm

I guess it is time to admit to myself and the world again, I am not a very cool person. But it's okay. I have realized that I have never been cool, why not embrace the fact that I love knitting, cats, and of course, books.

And that is today's topic for discussion - books. I LOVE to read. Having a 3 hour commute each day leaves lots of time for knitting and reading on public transportation. To be honest, I hate the commute but at least I have some hobbies to keep myself entertained on the long trips.

Anyways, I wanted to talk about the most recent book series I just finished, the "Hunger Games" trilogy by Suzanne Collins. For those of you who like to indulge from time to time in young adult novels, this is the PERFECT set of books for you to read. I know I am off topic today, but I just had to share how much I enjoyed these books. I will warn you, they are a bit dark.

The basis of the trilogy is about Katniss, a teenage girl who lives in a post-apocalyptic America where the government controls everything in the outer districts. To quell the districts from fighting against the government, the Capital hosts the hunger games each year in which one boy and one girl from each district are sent into an arena to fight to the death. The final victor promises their district glory and food for the year.

Well, of course, Katniss ends up at the hunger games. The stories look at the morals and ethics behind the games and about standing up for what you believe in.

This is such a wonderful trilogy I just had to share how much I enjoyed it. Does anyone else have good suggestions for reading?

Until Next Time

Broke Knitter