Are there any books out there that really can help make a dent in your stash? Well, depends. Suppose you like to buy one ball of intriguing yarns so you have a lot of one-off skeins. There are several choices of books specifically for one-skein projects, including the One-Skein Wonders series (Lace, Crochet, Baby, Luxury, Sock Yarn and Designer) edited by Judith Durant and the books One Skein and One More Skein by Leigh Radford. (Sorry, crocheters, there are fewer options for us.)
How do these books stack up? I checked out these books recently (literally, out the library) and my recommendation for knitters is One Skein Wonders: 101 Yarn Shop Favorites and for crocheters Crochet One-Skein Wonders. Whether you have a boring ball of black worsted wool or the craziest novelty yarn, there is something you can find to make in these two books. All of the other versions of the book are really more of the same. The books by Leigh Radford may have a project or two that appeal to you, but if you can’t find something to make in One Skein Wonders you might as well just burn your yarn.
Here are the Cliff Notes. With one ball of yarn (especially a 50 g ball) you can’t make anything very big. Duh. There are lots of scarves/cowls, baby items, hats, small purses/bags, socks, gloves and some household items like pillow covers and bowls/baskets. With a fine yarn you can get a good-sized shawl or even a camisole whereas with chunky yarn you can make about a turtleneck-style cowl. There are also ideas for less-than-a-ball amounts, such as headbands, bookmarks, jewelry and motifs to use for embellishment of other items. The value of these books, in my opinion, is giving you ideas for what you can make from the yarn you have. Then you can substitute your favorite cable or lace pattern for the one called for, make it skinnier or wider, etc. Think of them as basic blue prints to be used for theme and variation using your own creativity.
Perusing these books inspired me! So get your mitts on one of these books, go through your stash, find some singleton balls and get crafting! I have started a cowl with a languishing ball of Patons Lace with Sequins….
…and also let myself buy a new ball of yarn I have been eyeballing because I found the perfect pattern for it. Stay tuned for details!
Here are some stash-management take-home messages: 1) consider buying more than one ball if you are a crocheter and when you are fondling the heavier weight yarns for more project options and 2) pick a project or two from the book that you want to make before you go to the LYS so you have a legitimate plan for a small but satisfying purchase.
Do you have another book suggestion for us? What is your favorite one-skein pattern? What ball of yarn is driving you bats?
stash mosh 