I’ve avoided challenges for a while now, being too busy to give them the focus they need. I’m also avoiding swaps for the same reason. But there’s been an itch growing somewhere in the back of my mind, partly a growing awareness of where my interests are shifting, partly a familiar guilt over projects I haven’t got to yet.

Today I went into full end-of-year assessment and planning mode. Usually it doesn’t start until after Christmas, but this year it’s got a hold of me early. Work deadlines, house and garden projects, fitness goals, crafting directions… they’re all getting a thorough examination. After considering how much yarn I bought this year, the lack of gift knitting recipients in my life, the abundance of accessories I have, and my shift in interest from knitting to weaving, I came up with this:

Yep. Another stash diet. But with a different set of rules than last time:

1. Knit From Your Stash 2009 starts Jan 1st with the target end date of 30th June.

2. I will not buy any yarn during that period, with the following exceptions:

2.a. Yarn for weaving projects. This is Knit From Your Stash, not Weave From Your Stash.

2.b. If someone asks for a specific knitted gift that I really and truly do not have the yarn for, I may buy yarn to knit that gift.

2.c. If I am knitting something and run out of yarn, I may purchase enough to complete the project.

2.d. If someone takes me to a yarn store not knowing I’m on a stash diet, I am allowed to buy a little yarn to show my gratitude. But yarn for weaving, a magazine or book, a pattern, or tools would be better.

2.e. If I’m away from home and run out of yarn, I am allowed to buy something to ‘get me through’. But ONLY if I run out of yarn.

2.f. If a yarn manufacturer makes a product I’ve been wishing they made for ages (say, red Patonyle) I am allowed to buy ONE ‘encouragement’ ball.

3. I am allowed to receive gifts of yarn.

4. I will knit jumpers, jackets and cardigans in preference to socks and accessories whenever possible. I don’t need more socks and hats, and I suspect I’m going to end up with a lot of woven scarves. The only exception is:

4.a. If I knit gifts or for charity.