It seems we (knitbloggers) are fixated on the idea of "stash" this winter. There is the "Stash Along" in which participants apparently acquire no new yarn for some unreasonable amount of time...like months... whew, glad I didn't join that. And then there are the various photos of folks' stashes and essays about stashes that growl and mesmerize...and I got to wondering. We bandy that term about like it is a finite thing, not a fluid commodity. So, what is a stash? When we say stash, what yarn do we mean? I mean, how do we define the word? Actually, I think stash is something different to each of us.
My definition of stash is tight and well-defined for a reason. Which will become evident after I'm finished here.
Stash: n. yarn acquired with no particular project in mind; yarn acquired because it's freaking beautiful or soft or on sale; yarn acquired when I'm in the mood to acquire which meets the previous two requirements.
Stash is not:
- yarn acquired with a particular pattern in mind -- that is queue yarn which shall not be confused with stash yarn;
- yarn acquired with a particular use in mind -- that is class yarn, either felting or beginning knitter or scarf, hey, it's a business expense and shall not be confused with stash yarn.
- Yarn in a bag with a half completed project -- that is work in progress yarn;
- I could probably think of more categories if I got up and went to look at my stash..
.
So, you see...my stash as tightly defined above consists of merely two plastic boxes, a respectable number don't you think? Not the 10 boxes, 6 large white paper bags and 7 ziplocs the world sees when it opens my closet.
I'll have to post a sign...
I think of my stash as any yarn that's not WIP yarn, even if I have a specific project in mind for it. Until I actually cast on for that project, it is quite likely to become something else entirely . . .
Posted by: Theresa | February 20, 2006 at 09:19 AM
All my yarn is either WIP or queue yarn. Well, there is that Butterfly, worsted weight?, I got at the Olympic Village Shopping Center...I think that qualifies as stash, since I just couldn't resist it. BTW, thank you for your comment to my last post -- your kind words were much appreciated. It's amazing how much better things are after a good night's sleep.
Posted by: Pat K | February 20, 2006 at 09:38 AM
I have technically very very very little "stash" yarn. I have technically a WHOLE HECK OF A LOT of "stash" fabric. And notions. And other various sewing/quilting/crafting supplies. I am working on my yarn stash - buying extra when I plan for a project. Most of my yarn is queued or part of a WIP. Stash yarn is really great to have around if you want to send someone a little gift, have a quick contest prize or knit something up on short notice. I'm definitely in the stash growth mode.
Posted by: Laura | February 20, 2006 at 09:42 AM
See Harlot on "core stash." She basically has the same categories, only she points out that yarn may migrate into core stash under certain conditions, but will almost never migrate out.
(If you decrease the amount of yarn in your possession either by using it or by giving it away, especially if it is a lightweight yarn suitable for making foot coverings, you could call that a Stash Offloading eXperience, or SOX.)
Posted by: Lucia | February 20, 2006 at 09:47 AM
Well, when you put it like that, my stash looks downright scrawny! I usualy don't buy yarn without a project in mind, but I have a few odds and ends and lots of leftovers!
Posted by: Zarah | February 20, 2006 at 10:22 AM
Hee hee. If you look at it that way, I guess I don't have much stash at all. I usually buy yarn with a certain project in mind. I don't need to feel guilty about all my bags of yarn sitting around after all. Thanks for the boost.
Posted by: Jocele | February 20, 2006 at 10:23 AM
I totally identify with your definition of stash, and work to keep mine, as it fits those parameters, relatively low... but I do have a hefty queue!
Posted by: Birdsong | February 20, 2006 at 09:28 PM
You're getting dangerously close to the instructions for the "Holy Hand Grenade." 'Three is the number to which thou shalt count...'
Posted by: Amanda | February 21, 2006 at 12:00 PM
Oh, I really love the concept of categorizing my stash, so that less of it is actually STASH. Because I've got most of my stuff in the queue!
Posted by: Snow | February 21, 2006 at 01:30 PM
i think of stash as all yarn in my house :)
It is kinda like shoes though. I have lots of shoes I like but never wear, but I always am happy when i look at them!!
Posted by: pixie | February 21, 2006 at 03:27 PM
Now if only I read your criteria BEFORE I let the world know about my stash!
bw
colin
x
Posted by: Colin | February 21, 2006 at 04:22 PM
I think I must have "stash" stash because I rarely buy yarn FOR a project....I just seem to have some unfillable need for more and more yarn.
(How's the Olympics going? I finished my cabled shrug!)
Posted by: Jeanette | February 21, 2006 at 05:36 PM
Any yarn you have "stashed" away, be it in a project bag or not, is part of your yarn stash. Saying otherwise is rationalization.
I say we knitters have to learn to accept our ability to acquire yarn under any guise. If it is hurting your finances, then get it under control. If you can afford it, you don't need a justification. If you feel encumbered, then sell it off.
Stash angst is soooo last year.
Posted by: LaurieM | February 28, 2006 at 12:08 PM