This post is part of series where I document my efforts to use up my yarn throughout 2020 in an effort to become more minimal and intentional in my crafting, as well as save space and money. You can learn more about my original goal here, get tips on how to start the process of decluttering your own stash here and here, and see my previous monthly reflections for January, February, March, April, May, and June.
For this past month, I saw great progress in my efforts to destash my yarn supply. For the first time this year, I used up an average of one skein of yarn per day- but more on that later. I am really proud with how consistent I was at using up my yarn and had a lot of inspiration for projects. I released two patterns on my blog, the Sweet Pea Pacifier Clip and the Sweet Pea Dribble Bib (you can also buy a low cost PDF on my Etsy, Ravelry, and website stores). I also released my highly anticipated Sweet Pea Skirt as a size-inclusive pattern (XS-5X) that you can purchase on my Etsy, Ravelry, or website stores. I also spent a lot of time crocheting scarves and hats to donate to Elder Orphan Care’s Christmas in July event to be sent to Romanian older adults.
Additionally, in the middle of July, I was sick and off work for about a week and a half. During that time, I was able to channel my energy towards crocheting for others, which brought me great peace in a time of uncertainty. I am grateful that my symptoms were mild and I have since been able to return to work, and crochet was a great outlet to help me cope as I was healing.
My Budget
In keeping with my more minimal habits this year, I only purchased two skeins of yarn this past month. I was well within my previously set budget for July and purchased only the amount of yarn I needed to complete a specific project. I have not used up that yarn yet, but I intend to finish my newest large design for the Sweet Pea collection of patterns this month. In general, it is no longer hard to limit my yarn purchases to what I need at this current time.
My Yarn Stash
As I alluded to previously, I was finally successful at using up an average of one skein of yarn a day throughout the month of July. That’s right- I used up 31 skeins of yarn! Being home from work for a week and a half definitely helped me work through some yarn consistently, but I also found that make items to donate helped me use up some of my stash that I didn’t know what to do with. I originally learned how to crochet when I was nine years old, and so I have been accumulating yarn since then. Even though I didn’t have a lot of yarn from my growing-up years, what I did have was old and uninspiring to me. That yarn was usually gifted to me and did not really serve my own purposes and goals for my craft, especially more than a decade later. I ended up making two hats and three scarves to donate to Elder Orphan Care’s Christmas in July event. With those projects alone, I probably used up more than 15 skeins of yarn- I wish I had counted! I think donating handmade items to worthy causes and individuals in need is a great way to use up your stash yarn when you don’t know what to make. It was really motivating to make cold weather gear that I knew would help others, so my crojo fire was lit and I worked hard this past month! I also made an adorable owl pillow that finished off three skeins of super bulky yarn. Keep an eye out for the free pattern, coming soon!
Things I’ve Learned
My biggest takeaway from this past month of trying to attack my stash was to focus my efforts on making things for other people. It was often much more motivating to make a gift for someone, even a stranger, than to just work on something for myself. As fall is fast approaching, I know that I can put my crochet skills to use at making things for the homeless or others who may need some extra warmth and love as the weather cools. I have also thought more about my intentions for my yarn. Although at one time I bought a certain skein for one purpose, I can totally make what I inspired to crochet right now with that yarn; I shouldn’t limit what I make. If I had truly been inspired to make a specific thing when I purchased the yarn, I wouldn’t still have it in my stash.
Things to Change
As I am consolidating my yarn stash more and more, I realize that I need to sell a lot more completed projects to give me a reason to work through more yarn. I can only make donations, gifts, and personal projects so fast. I really want to spend more time working on my Etsy shop to clear our some of my craft fair stash. I have recently decided that I will not be participating in craft fairs this fall, even though that makes me really sad. However, we have a baby due at the end of October, and with the current public health situation I feel like it is probably not safe to expose myself right before or after the baby’s birth for risk of spreading diseases to her (including but not limited to COVID-19). I need to get creative at selling my handmade items to clear room for more stock (and in general less yarn). Also, as the baby gets closer and closer to her due date, I know that I need to find a different storage solution for the yarn I still have. Babies, although small, end up taking quite a bit of space with their sleeping arrangements, clothes, toys, and other baby items. I was able to consolidate my yarn into one less basket and one less box than last month, but in reality I have a lot more yarn to organize out of the way to make room for Baby Girl. Keep an eye out for yarn storage hacks coming later in August!
I am so proud of myself for working through 31 skeins of yarn during the month of July. I really hope I can keep up that momentum so that I can get below 400 total skeins in my stash. I have a couple pattern tests in my queue, as well as a design or two that I am working on right now, so I hope to be able to use my yarn for those items. I also hope to find a cause to which to donate more handmade items to those in need.
Let me know in the comments below or through Instagram @crowchetcreations or the hashtags #crowchetcreations or #attackmystash2020 how you are using up your yarn stash or trying to be more minimal in your craft!
XO, Emily
