|
Purchasing new yarn is one of the best thrills. I become filled with such excitement as I imagine the peace I will receive from working with the yarn, the joy of watching the object take form, and the fun of having a completed project. I never, ever think about what I'll do if I have left over yarn. As knitters and crocheters, we know it's better to buy more than run out. It only has to happen to you once to learn that lesson! But if you're like me, you probably have a bag, or a drawer, or maybe even a bin of wonderful, beautiful yarn that is left over from past projects and has no real purpose now. Maybe we should call it Land of the Misfit Skeins? Well, I've been doing some hunting and I've found a few fun projects that can use up your left overs. Your Ravelry login will be required.
On the rare occasion that you have an entire skein left, everyone should own one of the 101 One Skein Project Books. We try to keep these wonderful books stocked at the shop, but they often fly off our shelves. There are three books that cover all weights and one book that covers just sock weight yarn. Adorable ideas and each project truly only calls for one skein of yarn. Since cables are so hot this season, check out these two patterns from 101 One Skein Projects for some inspiration.
More likely though, you have a small ball of yarn that isn't enough to complete any one project entirely. Thankfully, there are others with lots of creative gumption who know what to do with such tidbits. I've broken these ideas into groupings just to help with organization. Also, I must tell you that these are the results of a cursory search. I'm sure you can come up with your own creative options.
Holiday
- Smitten Garland
- Gnome -- great for those of you who keep old wine corks. Use them as ornaments or placecards at your holiday table.
- Decorations-- Val Love has written a short pamphlet entiteld Holiday Decorations packed with patterns for small decorations for every holiday. yarn-love has several copies if you're looking for unique knick-knacks to spruce up any holiday's decor.
Shawls
Sock Yarn-- The colors and uniqueness of these blankets make them so beautiful
Animals-- These ideas are great for the littlest ones in our lives. Not only do they eat up our scrap yarn, they are sure to provide hours of imaginative fun. These particular designs can be found in Ysolda Teague's Whimsical Knit Pamphlets. We have both Whimsical Little Knits and Whimsical Little Knits 2 at yarn-love.
Other
- Hoot -- a lovely little owl that can be placed on a barrette or headband. Or make a bunch and use as gift tags for birthdays!
- Bunting -- a very fun and "green" way of decorating for any festivity. I did a variation on this and used scrap yarn to make a pom-pom garland for Miss T's birthday.
- Baby Booties --this particular pattern comes from Whimsical Little Knits 2 by Ysolda Teague
- Simple Baby Hat -- make stripes on the hat with your left over yarn. Babies love bright colorful hats and so do their mamas!
- Pear Apple Cozy --Pam made one of these a couple years back. It would be a perfect way of using up scrap yarn!
~Kristin
|