A challenge....

Last year I managed to complete just-shy of 30 knitting projects. Yes, they ranged in complexity, size and skill -- from sweaters to baby booties, and from shawls and scarves to mitts -- but all are finished. That didn't exactly translate into a reduction to my yarn stash, but that's this year's challenge -- or at least half of it.

There are two terms that imply not adding (purchasing) additional yarn: 1. Cold Sheep; and 2. Lukewarm Llama. Last year I attempted Cold Sheep. Note the word "attempted". To the half-way point in the year I managed to keep my destashing/sale of unused/unloved yarn in balance with those that I felt compelled to add to my stash. I believe August was my downfall... too many lovelies and too many tempting patterns. The cold sheep defrosted in a hurry.

So a new year, a new beginning. I've never been a big fan of cold -- albeit it is a good chance to wear handknit woolies! -- so this year I'm attempting something a tad more moderated. Lukewarm Llama. I borrowed that term from a fellow knitter on Ravelry and felt it adequately desribed a manageable goal. For me it translates to "shopping" from stash first; if nothing is suitable, then and only then can an addition be made to the stash, and only for said specific project.

To date I've avoided a severe case of startitis -- the urge to cast on a number of different projects where yarn is paired with a pattern and anxiously awaiting progress. I have a few WIPs (works in progress) to finish from last year -- no, I'm not counting -- and I'll work those in to this year's accomplishments.

And that leads me to the second goal or challenge for this year.... to match or better my total of finished knitting projects. I'm already one project toward the goal, and if these WIPs enjoy some focussed time, a few more may be added in short order.

Here's to 2016....