Pardon My Stash

My precioussssssss…

We all have them – those super special skeins, hanks, and balls of yarn that we treasure close to our hearts. We adore them. We display them. Every so often we reach up and pet them, or take them down to admire them. What we don’t do…

Is use them.

How do you finally bite the bullet and craft your irreplaceable yarn? How do you gather the courage to consume that which, once used, can never be used again? Furthermore, what qualifies a yarn as “irreplaceable?”

Is it value? Is it a skein so amazingly precious in fiber content or monetary value that you work yourself into a frenzy thinking that no project will ever bring it justice?

Is it its origins? Did it come from a place you may never return to, a yarn shop that is now closed, a dyer that has shut up shop and quit the business? Are there a limited number of skeins in the world, and you know you’ll never have another?

Is it the unique colorway? A base that has been discontinued? The possibilities are endless!

In this episode of Pardon My Stash, Tina leads the cast in discussion what makes a yarn precious, and ways to combat this Gollum-like reluctance to move from adoring our yarn like so much art and using it for its original purpose – to create art. We discuss yarns that we have prized over the years, how we finally convinced ourselves to use them, and even a few confessions of how we have not convinced ourselves… and still need more convincing!

Celebrations:

Meg finished Selbu Modern!

Current Projects:

There’s nothing like settling in with a friend (or like-minded strangers who are about to become friends) with some good yarn, needles (or hook), and a project you can share! This week the cast – led by Drea – talks about make alongs, why we love them, the ones we’ve participated in in the past, and what keeps us coming back for more.

Speaking of Make Alongs, the cast of Pardon My Stash will be kicking off our 2023 make along season with the Tea Time Cozy MAL! Running from April 1st -September 1st, the Tea Time Cozy MAL is all about comfort… and tea! Pick any project that you like, as long as it in some way relates to tea time? A tea cozy for your tea pot? A fancy doily to display those cute little tea snacks? Maybe a pair of mitts to protect your hands from the heat of your mug. Or a mug insulator, to cut out the middle man. The possibilities are endless and the restrictions are few! If you’d like to join us (and we hope you do), head on over to our Get Involved page to sign up! Sign ups run from now until March 31st. And be sure to tag your progress with our official hashtag, #PMSTEAMCOZY23MAL.

Current Projects:

“Knitting and crochet are for old ladies!”

“You’re going to wind up a spinster with a dozen cats!” (Is that meant to be a blessing or a curse?)

“How much could a sweater you make possibly be worth? $20?”

We’ve allllll heard them – the typical misconceptions about knitting/crocheting/weaving/spinning/working in the fiber arts in general! Which, to be fair — aren’t there misconceptions about any hobby that we ourselves don’t personally partake in? In our latest episode, we talk about the common — and fallacious — beliefs that outsiders have about the fiber arts in general. We consider how to respond (or not respond) when someone actually uses one of these misconceptions on us, and we also refocus on the why we choose to hand-make anything. Which, in the end, is probably the part that befuddles outsiders the most!

Current WIPs:

What misconceptions have you met from people outside the fiber arts? Anyone ever ask you why you don’t sell your handmade objects? Let us know in the comments!

And the next time someone calls you old, just channel our good friend Jackie, look them dead in the eye, and say “I’m Old Lady/Man/Person Level Grinding.”

If you’re a fiber arts enthusiast, you probably have experienced the joy and frustration that come with creating something with your own hands. In this week’s episode of the Pardon My Stash podcast, host Jess explores the lessons that can be learned from crafting, both good and bad.

Crafting is an excellent hobby for anyone who enjoys making things, working with their hands, and learning new skills. But as Jess explains in this episode, there are lessons to be learned from the experience of crafting. One of the most important is the art of saying no. Whether it’s taking on too many projects or feeling pressured to monetize your crafts, knowing when to say no is essential for preserving your passion and creativity in crafting.

Current Works in Progress (WIPs) from Cast

Another lesson that Jess and castmates, Drea, Meg, and Tina discuss is the importance of taking your time and avoiding the temptation to turn slow fashion into a consumerist hobby. With the rise of the slow fashion movement, more people are turning to crafting to create their own clothing and accessories. However, as the cast notes, there is a risk of falling into the trap of buying more materials than you need or feeling the pressure to constantly churn out new creations.

For anyone who has ever thought to try to make a knitted parachute or attempted to construct a fort out of yarn and blankets, this episode is sure to resonate. As the cast reveals, even the most experienced fiber artists have their share of crafting failures and lessons learned. But as they also note, these experiences are all part of the joy of crafting and can ultimately make us better creators.

Cast’s Finished Objects

One of the most interesting points made in this episode by Meg is about the power of swatches. For many fiber artists, swatches are an essential part of the crafting process, allowing them to test out different stitch patterns, gauge, and colors before committing to a full project. But as Jess and Drea point out, swatches can also be a source of frustration and anxiety, particularly for new crafters who may feel overwhelmed by the process.

Overall, this episode offers a thoughtful and engaging exploration of the lessons that can be learned from crafting. Whether you’re a seasoned fiber artist or just starting out, there is something to be gained from the experiences and insights shared by Pardon My Stash.

In their latest episode, the cast discusses the topic of “Knitting with Intention” and shares their tips and tricks for making the most of your crafting time.

If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, knitting and crochet can be a wonderful way to practice mindfulness and self-care. As the cast explains, approaching your projects with intention and purpose can help you stay focused and feel more in control.

Current Works in Progress (WIPs) from Cast

Each of the hosts has their own approach to knitting with intention. Jess likes to choose projects based on how she’s feeling in the moment, while Meg is always looking for new challenges and ways to learn. Drea prefers to keep her knitting practical, and Tina finds joy in spreading happiness through “gift bombing” – creating handmade items for people she meets that are in need that she does not necessarily know personally.

One of the key takeaways from this episode is the importance of letting go of deadlines and focusing on the process of creating. By taking the time to enjoy the journey, you can bring more mindfulness and intention to your knitting and crochet projects.

So how can you apply these ideas to your own crafting practice? The cast suggests setting aside time for self-care and choosing projects that are both challenging and rewarding. You might also consider creating handmade gifts for friends and family, or trying new techniques and stitch patterns to keep your projects fresh and exciting.

With its focus on knitting with intention, this episode offers valuable insights and ideas for making the most of your crafting time. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, there’s something for everyone in this episode. So grab your knitting needles and settle in for a fun and inspiring listen!

AAAAAAND… we’re back! After a January hiatus, Pardon My Stash is back in the swing of things (or, at least we are trying…) and back to our regularly scheduled podcasting.

This week, we tackle frogging – what it is, why it’s important, and when it’s a good time to frog. Short answer: whenever your project is not bringing you joy. We talk about past frogging escapades, why we have had to frog… and sometimes, how we’ve even enjoyed it.

Celebrations:

Tina finished her French Cancan!

Pattern: French Cancan by Mademoiselle C. Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids

Meg finished Dark Academia!

Pattern: Dark Academia by RiverRoadKnits. Yarn: Critical Hit Dyes Ranger in “Aerolth’s Crystal” and “Gold Dragon”

Current WIPs:

Drea: Akemi by Isabell Kraemer (Yarn: Silver Moon Fiber Arts Fingering in “Faded Jeans”)

Meg: Ocean Stones by Gretha Mensen (Yarn: Fyberspates Vivacious DK in “Heavenly”)

Tina: Ingalls Sweater (Yarn: String Yarns NYC Dolcetto DK in “Red”, “Gray” and “Dark Gray”)

Jess: I am Dragon II by Alexandra Davidoff (Yarn is Critical Hit Dyes Ranger in “Morgan”)

We’re saying so long to 2022 and looking forward to the future. With another year gone, the cast of Pardon My Stash talks about their goals, both crafty and otherwise, that they hope to hit in the new year, and what they’ve learned about slowing down, taking it easy, and making time for one’s self.

In light of the new year, several major events happening in January, and a new dedication to self-care and taking time to breathe, Pardon My Stash will be taking a hiatus for the month of January. We expect to re-commence recording in February of 2023. Have a safe, happy and relaxing New Year, and we hope to see you in 2023!

Celebrations:

Drea finished her Antler Toque!

Jess and Meg finished the Cardinal Mittens – Thick and Quick, and the Go Big or Go Gnome Hat!

Current WIPS:

Drea: Akemi by Isabell Kraemer (Yarn is Silver Moon Fiber Arts Fingering in “Faded Jeans”

Meg: Dark Academia by Sharon Hartley (Yarn is Critical Hit Dyes Ranger in “Aerolth’s Crystal” and “Gold Dragon”)

Tina: French Can Can by Mademoiselle C (Yarn is Big Twist Soft in “Taupe”)

Jess: I am Dragon II by Alexandra Davidoff Studio (Yarn is Critical Hit Dyes Ranger in “Morgan”)

Picture it: you find the perfect pattern. But you have no idea what the yarn in question is like – how it feels, how it behaves, and how it holds its shape. What do you do? In this week’s episode, the cast discusses your options for when you’re ready to cast on, but you don’t know the yarn. This episode has literally everything – yarn speed-dating, the case for swatches (yes there definitely is one, stop laughing) and Tina’s plan for a billion-dollar dickie business. If you know, you know.

Celebrations:

Tina finished some commissioned headbands!

Current WIPs:

Drea: Antler Toque by Tin Can Knits (Yarn: Malabrigo Rios, “Azul Profundo”)

Meg: Go Big or Go Gnome Hat by Sarah Schira (Yarn: Critical Hit Dyes Ranger Fingering in “Natural”, “Cardinal” and “Gnome Green”)

Tina: Ingalls Sweater by Caitlin Hunter (Yarn is String NYC Dolcetto DK, in Red, Light Gray, and Dark Gray)

Jess: Cardinal Mittens, Thick and Quick, by Natalia Moreva (Yarn is Critical Hit Dyes, Druid DK, in Natural, Cardinal, Barkskin, and Gnome Green)

To piggyback off our episode from last week “Stress and the Struggle Bus,” in this latest episode, we talk about what to get for your crafting bestie. We talk about what to get your crafty friends whether you’re on a budget or splurging, and how to give your crafty gifts that personal touch even if you aren’t handmaking them!

Although at different points in the podcast we mention items and vendors by name, Pardon My Stash is not affiliated with any of these vendors and these are not paid advertisements. All opinions on products are our own.

Celebrations:

Jess finished a mitten!

Tina finished scrunchies!

Current WIPs:

Drea: Antler Toque by Tin Can Knits (Yarn: Malabrigo Rios, “Azul Profundo”)

Meg: Go Big or Go Gnome Hat by Sarah Schira (Yarn: Critical Hit Dyes Ranger Fingering in “Natural”, “Cardinal” and “Gnome Green”)

Tina:  Ingalls Sweater by Caitlin Hunter (Yarn is String NYC Dolcetto DK, in Red, Light Gray, and Dark Gray)

Jess: Cardinal Mittens, Thick and Quick, by Natalia Moreva (Yarn is Critical Hit Dyes, Druid DK, in Natural, Cardinal, Barkskin, and Gnome Green)

The lead-up to the holiday season is always full of excitement and bustle… but it can also be a trying time for many of us. With the days getting shorter and darker (at least in the northern hemisphere), all the stress and strain of holiday chaos, and the pressure others put upon us – and we put on ourselves – the approaching holidays can bring with them a lot of unwelcome unhappiness.

In this week’s episode, we talk about the benefits of freeing yourself from the oft-felt obligation of holiday knitting and the stressor that not finishing items can often be. We give a friendly reminder that crafting is a hobby, and therefore should only be pursued in the cause of giving yourself happiness, not sadness or stress. We also give some pointers about how to reduce stress on yourself if you do choose to gift crafty gifts for the holidays, and how to hopefully avoid that last-minute panic. Remember: crafting should always be fun.

Celebrations:

Jess completed her Norrland Mittens!

Meg finished her Autumn Poplars Cowl!

Current WIPs:

Drea:  Gazanka Shawl by Anna Lipinska (Yarn: Silver Moon Fiber Arts Fingering, “Faded Jeans”)

Meg: Go Big or Go Gnome Hat by Sarah Schira (Yarn: Critical Hit Dyes Ranger in Natural, Cardinal, and Gnome Green)

Tina: Ingalls Sweater by Caitlin Hunter (Yarn is String NYC Dolcetto DK, in Red, Light Gray, and Dark Gray.

Jess: Cardinal Mittens, Thick and Quick, by Natalia Moreva (Yarn is Critical Hit Dyes, Druid DK, in Natural, Cardinal, Barkskin, and Gnome Green).