Stashbusting Strategies (Part I)

Not all knitters have stashes, but most of us do.

This means stashbusting strategies are an essential part of our lives as makers, and heaven knows, they're a big part of mine. Now, truthfully, almost any project can with planning and care be adapted to serve as a stashbuster, but we all know some fulfill that purpose better than others.

Examples are always helpful, so let's look at a few projects and explore specific ways to leverage the stashbusting potential they offer.


Alaris Shawl

This modular cape-poncho-ruana-shawl offers infinite stashbusting possibilities. You could:

• Do something comparable to the version above and pair a single solid color with variegated yarns or a smooth yarn with a nubby one. (I did both.) 
• Use up singletons by working each panel in a different shade, or create tone-on-tone stripes with closely related colors. 
• Work the top, middle and bottom thirds in different shades of the same color for an appealing ombre effect.
• Adopt a multi-strand approach to move lots of yardage out of stash. (LOSY shawl, anyone? See this conversion chart for general guidelines.)

Dojeling Shawl

This easy triangular shawl readily adapts to a stash-based strategy. You could:

• Select two precious skeins with equal yardage and work two-row stripes and solid wings to make the most of every single yard. 
• Adopt a color block approach and work the center panel in one color and each wing in a different one.
• Subdue a wayward variegated by pairing it with a closely related solid shade worked in alternating stripes.
• Pair a single MC with CC leftovers and work an ever-changing series of contrasting stripes.
• Choose mix-and-match skeins that appeal to your eye, take the plunge and start knitting.

Breidan Afghan

Breidan's simple design and classic stitch accommodate yarns in any weight. To burn through stash:

• Pick a rainbow array of solids with similar weights and use a different color for each strip.
• Or choose assorted neutrals and do the same.
• Take an afghan quantity (AQ) of matching yarn, use it for the strips and seams, or use a contrasting orphan skein for the seams.
• Compile an afghan quantity (AQ) by selecting yarns in closely related colors (as I've done), then work each strip in a different shade for an ombre effect.

Color Check Afghan

Someday, I'd like to knit this as a classic nine-patch (three strips with three blocks each). Until that day comes, here are options to consider:

• Scale it up by adding more blocks to a strip or more strips to the layout, or scale it down to suit yarn on hand by working fewer blocks/strips.
• Opt for a traditional color block strategy, choosing one MC and two CCs to create a checkerboard pattern.
• Use up tricky variegated skeins by selecting a unifying MC and using a different variegated for each block (or strip).
• Use a similar strategy if you have lots of yarn in one color family: Pick a unifying MC and work each block/strip in a different CC.

Drumlin Afghan

This fast, easy knit readily lends itself to stashbusting. You could:

• Do what I did for the Bright version above, and work each strip with two closely related colors for muted stripes.
• Make solid strips in widths tailored to the amount of yarn you have (a strategy I used for both Gemtones and Almost Neutral).
• Create high contrast stripes by pairing a very light shade with a very deep one for a striking effect.

Flashpoint Afghan

This pattern is infinitely scalable, so it's very easy to adjust the triangular modules up or down to suit yarn on hand. To put stubborn stash to good use:

• Try working each triangle in a different color, fiber or a mix of both.
• Add a touch of whimsy, and work each seam and border in a different shade as well. 
• If you have a large quantity of one or two colors, use them for the modules and choose a contrasting color for seams and trim.

Twegen Afghan

As the first afghan pattern I released, Twegen holds a special place in my knitterly heart. From the beginning, it was conceived as a stashbusting design, and it's achieved that goal admirably. To accomplish the same:

• Scale the width and/or length to accommodate yarn on hand.
• Use a rainbow assortment of singletons to create something pretty and productive.
• Choose a handful of neutrals and make solid or two-tone strips similar to Twegen Coffee.
• Pair closely related colors to transform ugly yarns into something lovely.
• Subdue variegated, confetti or speckled skeins, and prevent pooling and splotches by pairing a closely related solid shade with the multi-colored yarn.

These are easy strategies that work with almost any project, so mix and match them in any way that works for you. My hope is they'll inspire you to examine your stash with fresh eyes and come up with creative ways to tame your own yarny hoard. Not only is it remarkably rewarding to convert stagnant stash into something pretty and purposeful, but once you've pared things down, it seems only reasonable to reward your diligence. 

Perhaps a fresh infusion of new yarn would do the trick?

RELATED

Stashbusting Strategies (Part II)	Stashbusting Strategies (Part III)

For more on stashes and stashbusting:
Stashbusting? 3 Reasons to Buy More Yarn
Yarn Logic
Room to Spare

WIP | How Twegen Came to Be

Last winter, I started an afghan. The primary goal was simple: Knit the stash.

The secondary goals were a bit more complex: I was so pleased with the Color Check afghan, I was eager to make another afghan but I wanted to test out a different approach.

I cast on in February and started knitting. For months, I plugged away at this project. I knit and frogged and reknit. Finally around the end of May, I completed the last strip. All I had to do was join the pieces and the darn thing would be done.

It never happened. The afghan crawled into the Vortex of Uncertainty and dragged me along for company:

• Did the colors work? Uncertain. 
• Was it well knit? Uncertain. 
• Would the seams look delightful or disastrous? Uncertain. 
• What color worked best for the seams? Uncertain. (That was totally my own fault, I used the designated yarn in another project.)

That unfinished afghan mocked me throughout summer, fall and early winter. In January, I buckled down and frogged it. I started working to develop a new concept. The basic criteria may sound familiar: Fast. Easy. Reversible. Strip construction. And 100% from existing stash.

Two weeks ago, desperate for a hint of sunshine to cut through the gloom, I cast on. After a bit of fussing and frogging and knitting and reknitting, I’ve made some headway.

(The yellow strip shows the back; the others show the front.)

The good news? The new concept is working well. So far.

The better news? It’s moving forward quickly.

The best news?  There’s visible progress. If this project continues at its current pace, this pesky yarn will soon be warming my legs and feet as an FO instead of skulking in the stash.

The prospect is satisfying, and it's a feeling I know you understand quite well.

UPDATE
Twegen, the pattern for this fast and easy reversible afghan has been released. 

• To view the description and purchase the pattern, click here. 
• To read more about it, go to Pattern | Twegen Reversible Afghan.
• To read about the FO, go to FO | Twegen Harvest.

FO | Twegen Afghan (Harvest)

The Twegen afghan has the features I crave most.

The fluted rib stitch is reversible. The front and back textures are completely different, which I like. The two-tone stitch adds interest, transforming a pile of one-skein yarns into something useful and pretty with eight different colors blended into a modified gradient ranging from lemon squash to heritage pumpkin.

It was a fast and easy knit (exactly 3 weeks from the day the first strip was cast on to the day the last end was woven). It relies on strip construction, my favorite approach to afghans. And it was made with yarn solely from stash.

Here it is, not yet blocked:

Twegen has some additional features I find equally appealing.

The strip strategy makes it highly portable, and because the strips are narrow, it was easy to pick up and work a couple rows in spare moments. Overall, strip construction means I can knit afghans year round without the warmth and weight of a blanket in my lap during the peak of summer heat and humidity. Plus, strips are more manageable and put less stress on my wrists and hands.

Joining is also fast and easy because of the modified three-needle bind off, and it provides stability that helps control the natural tendency of any knitted afghan to stretch (and keep on stretching) with use. The edging on the end pieces serves the same purpose and adds a nice finishing touch.

Twegen Afghan (Harvest)
Yarn: Four Seasons (Classic Elite, discontinued)
Weight: Worsted
Yardage: 1000 yards +/- 
Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm)
Dimensions: 30 x 40 ins +/- (unblocked)
Ravelry Notes: Here
Related Posts:  Here, here and here

It's deliberately compact, because in this household, smaller afghans tend to get near-constant use. This size works beautifully as a lap robe or lapghan, but the stitch and strip strategy make it infinitely scalable from baby blanket to full-sized throw. (Update: Done! The Twegen pattern includes three sizes.)

This concept is a keeper. It came together quickly (a powerful lure for a slow knitter like me), and I'm delighted with the finished result.

I predict you'll be seeing more of these. In fact, I've scoured the stash and selected eight more singleton skeins. Why? Because I hope to cast on for another one this weekend. (Yes, clearly I'm addicted.)

UPDATE
The pattern for Twegen has been released: To view the description and purchase the pattern, click here. To read more about this design, go to Pattern | Twegen Reversible Afghan.

PS
During the WIP stage, this afghan was called the fluted rib afghan. Yep, boring! I think the name Twegen suits it much better, don't you?

FO | Drumlin Afghan (Bright)

Of the three Drumlin afghans I've completed so far, the Bright version is my favorite.

Why? It's colorful, fresh and new, so it’s nearest and dearest to my heart. This week, that is. We all know how fickle I can be.

Like all my recent afghans, this was fast, easy and featured the essentials: Strip construction. Solely from stash. Reversible.

The fluted ridge stitch is the same on both sides, although in person there are subtle differences created by the alternating bands of light and dark yarns. In the photo above, the top portion of the afghan is folded over so you can see the reverse side of the stitch. (If you're in the mood for comparisons, take a look at the solid colored stitch in Drumlin Neutral and Drumlin Gemtones.)

Drumlin Bright is composed of four strips and each strip consists of two shades from the same color family. This strategy allowed me to use eight partial skeins and the contrasting trim brought the partial-skein total to nine. 

I had planned to spare you the obligatory shots of the assembly phase, but the photos above and below help show how vibrant the colors are. (Yep, there's a reason it's called "Bright.")

Drumlin Reversible Afghan
Yarn: Cotton Fleece (Brown Sheep)
Weight: Worsted
Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) and US 9 (5.5 mm)
Sizes: SML (baby-lapghan-throw)
Ravelry Notes: Here
Related Posts: Here, here and here

Meanwhile, my afghan addiction continues unabated. 

I’ve begun swatching for another, and knowing me, I’m sure I’ll be unable to resist telling you all about it soon. I think it will feature another slip stitch, one that's fascinated me for years. It creates two very distinctive looks and since I find both sides attractive, it meets my criteria for reversibility.

If all goes as planned, the new afghan will feature a mix of warm, earthy neutrals. It will use up another 900 to 1000 yards of stash. It will also reduce the supply of Cotton Fleece (my go-to yarn) to scraps and remainders, a prospect I still find a bit unsettling.


UPDATE
The Drumlin Reversible Afghan pattern is now available. To read the description and buy the pattern, click here. (Remember, you can purchase patterns through Ravelry even if you're not a member.)

WIP | An Afghan Named Sweater?

Originally, this heap of knitting was intended to be a sweater – or more accurately, a loose, unstructured, kimono-like jacket with an emphasis on color.

As haphazard as it looks in the photo, there was a plan. And believe it or not, the project was nearly done. Then it stalled. This happened for a number of reasons, including a string of family crises beyond my control. Now, it's long past time to take this languishing UFO and turn it into ... something.

The new plan? Finish this as quickly as possible by converting it into an afghan. As easy as that sounds, it will take some doing, but at the moment it seems worth it. An afghan would see immediate and constant use due to the bitter cold we're experiencing.

The sweater-to-afghan conversion is now underway (accompanied by a bit of muttering and some mild profanity). Soon, however, I hope to be flaunting an FO and sharing a few project highlights.

Meanwhile, do you think if I continue to call this afghan "Sweater" it would qualify as an FO for the Stash Knit Down sweater group? Just wondering ...

UPDATE
The pattern has been released: Color Check Afghan (affectionately known as the Swafghan).
Brown Sheep Company has featured Color Check on their Facebook page.

Afghans | Size Matters

In addition to the other projects in the pipeline, I'm working on another afghan design. It's still in the development stages so it's too early to discuss details, but as always the process has me thinking about the issue of dimensions.

TWEGEN

Afghans are infinitely variable, but size matters at every stage from concept through completion. Size affects overall design composition and color distribution. It also affects all the practical elements from stitch combinations to yardage, weight, usability and long-term care.

 DRUMLIN

Because I design afghans, people sometimes ask for advice on dimensions. This can be a tricky question to answer since every knitter (and recipient) has their preferences where size is concerned.

When I started writing patterns for release rather than just my own use, it seemed wise to establish some standard criteria and be consistent. The table below highlights the basic dimensions I use for the most common types of afghan and blankets.

AFGHANS & BLANKETS

SIZE	TYPE	SHAPE	TYPICAL DIMENSIONS (width x length)	APPROX. YARDAGE Worsted *
Extra Small (XS)	Car Seat	Rectangle	18 x 28 ins	450
	Stroller	Rectangle	22 x 30 ins	600
Small (S)	Baby	Rectangle	28 x 36 ins	900
	Baby	Square	36 x 36 ins	1200
	Baby	Circular	36 ins diameter	1200
Medium (M)	Lap Robe/Lapghan	Rectangle	35 x 45 ins	1400
	Crib/Toddler	Rectangle	36 x 48 ins	1500
Large (L)	Throw	Rectangle	42 x 60 ins	2000
Extra Large (XL)	Twin Topper	Rectangle	38 x 75 ins	2200
	Full Topper	Rectangle	53 x 75 ins	3100
	Queen Topper	Rectangle	60 x 80 ins	3800
	King Topper	Rectangle	76 x 80 ins	4820
* Yardage estimates are generous.

If you’re making an afghan for use on a bed, keep in mind the dimensions shown are for toppers that cover only the bed surface. Simply move up to the next largest size to create a blanket or throw with enough coverage to drape over the sides.

BREIDAN

Every afghan pattern I've released includes directions for the three most popular sizes (SML) along with easy ways to adjust the sizes up or down, but personally, I tend to favor medium-sized afghans (lap robes/lapghans).

They're a fast project comparatively speaking, and the compact size allows me to make the most of yarn from stash. They're smaller and more portable as WIPs, and much easier to handle, wash, care for and store when they're finished. These factors are essential, since afghans get near-constant use on a year-round basis in my household.

COLOR CHECK 

With spring on the horizon, many knitters will be turning to light, lacy projects, a few of which will undoubtedly find their way onto my needles, too.

If you're at all like me, however, you'll also have at least one afghan in the works, because in knitting world, afghan season lasts all year long.



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