Happy New Year and News

Happy new year to ya. I wanted to thank all those who bought gifts from my stores. A BIG thank you to you!

I'm working on making more scarves, and of course handbags. Recently, I've had a few requests that I should create some wedding items, like purses, fingerless gloves, that sort of thing. So I'm busy designing. 

I've also created a new blog http://independentteambeachbodycoachlisa.blogspot.com Would love you to follow along!

I recently unraveled a sweater and am re-using the yarn. The yarn is a wool that has been treated so it can be washed.  I took the yarn and wrapped it around a back of a chair, then used scrap yarn to tie it together. I wet the yarn and hung it in the shower. I attached a small weight to the bottom. I used a weight from my husband's fishing tackle box. Not a really heavy one, just heavy enough to pull the yarn straight. So when it is completely dry I can wind it into a hank.

What to do with all that yarn?

I often have conversations with other knitters & crocheters about yarn. We are stash-a-holics by nature. So here are some ideas how to reduce that stash.

1. If you have knitter friends have a yarn swap. You all agree to meet with each other and bring yarns that you want to get rid of. My favorite thing to do is meet for lunch and dump all the yarn in the middle of the table. Then everyone takes home the yarns that they are interested in. Maybe you have a bit of luxury yarn that someone always wanted to try but they didn't want to spend the money on. That way they can try it to see if they like it or not, that way no money is wasted.

2. Give a yarn donation to your local school. Teachers always need supplies and new ideas for the children. Or give it to your local charity store or church. Someone is always on the look for yarn to make church bazaar items.

3. If you or someone you know is having a yard sale. Donate a box of yarn. Believe me someone will always buy it.

4. Take all those swatches you've made from projects past and make a crazy afghan, sweater, rug, or use them as shabby decor coasters.

5. If you know someone who is into scrap booking. Give some to them and they can use it in their projects.

6. Use left over yarn for decorating gifts. Instead of a bow purchase use coordinating yarn to decorate the gift.

7. My most favorite idea. Take a bunch of yarn of colors that look good together. Wind them up into a skein or ball and make your own yarn blends. Who knows what great combinations you'll come up with?

Now you'll have enough room to buy new yarn! Happy Knitting!