I am a dyed in the wool Stashaholic (pardon the pun)…let there be no mistake about it. This is why my recent experience left me feeling a bit off. So much so that today’s post is a bit of “navel gazing”.
As those in Canada know, our LYS Lewiscraft is going out of business in the next couple of weeks. When I first heard about it, I rushed in and bought a lot (and I do mean a LOT) of yarn. I was panicking that somehow I would never see it again. What you need to understand is that there is nothing special about this yarn – it’s mostly Patons yarns, readily available at other LYSs.
Now the price has dropped to 50% off and it’s leaving me cold. I go in and try to buy yarn, but nothing is appealing to me. There is nothing wrong with it, and in fact, I’ve bought many of the colours in the past (at full price I might add).
But I feel like I’ve made one too many trips to the buffet. I’m full. My apartment is full of WIPS, PIGS, Wants and Wont’s (my new term – Want to make it, Won’t ever finish it). I look around and I’m a bit ashamed at this obvious overindulgence.
My taste in yarn has also increased over the years. The Walmart pounders are few and far between, only used for charity work. Instead I have Fleece Artist cashmere and silk and more Briggs and Little wool than any woman should own. I have more sock yarn than a centipede has feet.
I’ve been thinking about the scene in the movie Forrest Gump, where he is running. Hoards of people follow him. Forrest just ran because he felt like it. I just bought because I felt like it.
2nd Reporter: Are you doing this for world peace?
3rd Reporter: Are you doing this for women’s right?
Newsman: Or for the environment?
Reporter: Or for animals?
3rd Reporter: Or for nuclear arms?
Forrest: (voice-over) They just couldn’t believe that somebody would do all that running for no particular reason.
2nd Reporter: Why are you doing this?
Forrest: I just felt like running.
One of my friends recently bought a house. While I’m crazy happy for her, I’ll admit to a tinge of jealousy. She made a point that she’s a “saver” while I’m obviously not. She said “how much do you spend on yarn a year, x 5 years = a down payment”. It made me really have to stop and think. She’s right.
In my Weight Watchers class, we discussed why we eat what we eat. The topic came around to whether it was worth the points on high fat items. One lady said that her method of deciding whether to eat or not, was to say to herself “am I ever going to see this again or is it a once in a lifetime deal”. If once in a lifetime, then have it. Otherwise don’t. I think that I may start this approach to stash enhancement.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy buying yarn, but I’m now starting to wonder if it’s become more of a habit than a hobby?