Making a dent

Recently it was brought to my attention that I have a lot of yarn. Of course, most knitters or crocheters have a lot of yarn, but I just seem to have a lot of it because it keeps getting in the way of things.

Anyway, I have a rule that I can't purchase any more yarn until I get rid of at least a third of it. I may end up giving some away, but right now I am trying to find projects that 1) interest me and 2) can be done quickly. And since it is summer I prefer light projects that don't seem "hot." You know, no sweaters, blankets, or wool.

Well, I have done some filet crochet in the past and I actually enjoy thread crochet, so I started looking around for projects that were in that venue. Crochet Me is a a great crochet resource, with lots of modern crochet projects that make me excited to pick up a hook and ball of yarn.

I found this Happy Hippie Hair Tie in the Crochet Me archives and it begged to be stitched. As a plus, it works really well for my thick hair. I also made a pink version with white pony beads on the outer edge. It looks a bit more elegant but I had a hard time getting a decent picture. I used a cotton thread for both hair ties, so they stretch a little bit. Each one took me about half an hour. I would love to make more with beads, but since I can't buy any more yarn, I can't really justify starting a bead collection just yet.

One of the between issue emails that Crochet Me sent out recently included a free pattern called Hydrate! The purpose is to be a water bottle holder. In one evening I made this, using one ball of Sugar 'n Spice kitchen cotton (I think it is traditionally used for making kitchen dishcloths or hotpads). I liked the black and white because I like to think it will go with anything. And having my water bottle with me at all times really helps me keep my water intake to what it should be.

Now, these two projects may not have made a terrible dent in my stash, but it has helped me get inpsired to keep crocheting throughout the summer months. I plan on attacking a thrift store t-shirt and attempt my own version of the Galaxy Top. And I have a few bag patterns rolling around in my head as well.

Maybe by Fall I will have met my goal of using at least a third of my yarn. And if I am truly inspired, maybe I'll have exceeded it.
(Click pictures for larger view.)