Dilemma ~ I tend to buy similar colorways in groups

[MarineWife]

I have noticed recently that I tend to buy the same colors in groups, if that makes sense. I am addicted to co-ops and buy from several co-ops every month. When I go back to organize what I've ordered so I can keep track of when I should be getting my new yarn, I inevitably find that I've ordered 2 or 3 colorways with very similar color combos. For example, with the last 3 co-ops I have ordered from I ordered 3 different colorways with browns, oranges, blues and yellows. They are varying shades and combos but still essentially the same. What am I going to do with 3 such similar colorways?

I've tried keeping track of what I order as I go so I won't get the same colors in the next co-op. The problem is that I don't usually know ahead of time what colorways will be offered in what co-ops and something will be offered that I absolutely love but is hard to get so I have to order it. I need an intervention!

[MeepyCat]

I have every sympathy, but Mama, it may be time to put your stash on a diet.  Fewer coops would mean less repetition. 

[Shantimama]

 That is true

On the other hand, you should buy colours you love Most of my stash falls within the same colour groups and I am quite happy with that because it means that the things I knit are all in colours I love. I occasionally buy yarns in colourways I am not drawn to because they make great gifts but even my kids and closest friends tend to like the same colours I do!

[MarineWife]

Originally Posted by MeepyCat 

I have every sympathy, but Mama, it may be time to put your stash on a diet.  Fewer coops would mean less repetition. 

Well, in my defense, my stash is a lot smaller than some others I have seen. I knit the stuff I get for my boys almost as fast as I get it. The stuff I have sitting around is stuff I got for myself that I never get to because I want to make a new thing for one of the boys before they grow too much.

Right now I'm trying to stock up for the new baby. Plus, I need to get stuff for my older boys and they grow so fast that I almost always need more. I think the fact that I have only boys is part of the problem, too. There aren't nearly as many options for boys as there are for girls. I'm so sick of blue. And, lately the co-ops have been very girly colorway heavy.

[honeybunmom]

If they are on the same or similar bases, you can knit them altogether to create something truly unique!  I have used some of my similar colorway handpainted yarns in this manner.  Well, ok, only 1 project, but, it's the basis for future ones!  I made my son some mittens out of yarns that were browns and blues.  I changed every 2 rows, I believe.  I think this would make a lovely sweater, hat or longies.  There are a lot of examples of this "scrappy" method.  You can see them on Hyena Cart and probably easily find them by searching "scrappy" in the projects on ravelry.

[MarineWife]

Originally Posted by honeybunmom 

If they are on the same or similar bases, you can knit them altogether to create something truly unique!  I have used some of my similar colorway handpainted yarns in this manner.  Well, ok, only 1 project, but, it's the basis for future ones!  I made my son some mittens out of yarns that were browns and blues.  I changed every 2 rows, I believe.  I think this would make a lovely sweater, hat or longies.  There are a lot of examples of this "scrappy" method.  You can see them on Hyena Cart and probably easily find them by searching "scrappy" in the projects on ravelry.

I know. I've seen some beautiful scrappy FOs. I've been going through my scraps recently trying to see if I have enough to make anything. I have lots of scraps but on too many different bases. I did just pull some out today that I think I might be able to eek a newborn soaker out of.