At the beginning of June, I decided that it was time to reduce my stash of both fabric and yarn. I have a huge amount of fabric waiting to be turned into project bags and shopping bags. I began by re-organizing all my fabric. I was amazed at how much I’ve accumulated. All those years that I was working, I used shopping as stress relief. I’d browse through the stores dreaming of the time I would be able to sew and knit and I’d purchase whatever called to me at the time.

I’ve got a long way to go but here’s a few of the bags that I made so far.

I’m having a lot of fun sewing. I’m not sure what I’ll do with these bags. Maybe, an online shop or just a quick sale on Facebook. I’ll let you know when I decide.

At the same time, I began to de-stash some yarn by starting a hat project. My goal is to use as many of those single skeins that I can to knit hats. I’ve found a few patterns that I really like and at some point, I may design a hat of my own. I’m hoping to donate these this coming winter. I’m looking for a local place to donate them. I haven’t found a place yet.

This hat style is a bulky hat. The pattern is the Bulky Waffle Hat. It is simple to knit and I like the texture. Here’s one of the finished hats knit on Size 9 needles.

This blue hat went to the Hat not Hate project. It’s a worsted weight yarn using the pattern named Hive Queen Hat  It is a free pattern on Ravelry.

I’m enjoying this de-stash. As I use all these beautiful items that I’ve accumulated, there is a tremendous feeling of satisfaction. I’m determined to reduce my stash going forward. I’ll just need to knit and sew more often, although I’m at about 5 hours a day now so I’m not sure how much more time I can devote to my projects.