Stash Dash is the brain-child of The KnitGirllls. The KnitGirllls, Laura and Leslie, co-host a weekly video podcast about all things yarn (knitting, weaving, crafting, spinning, cross-stitch, dying, crochet, and more). They discuss what they are working on, review knitting books, answer listener questions, and announce and discuss upcoming fiber events. Laura and Leslie also discuss books they are reading. I have learned a great deal from these ladies so I highly recommend giving them a look/listen. In fact, if you're a yarn stasher, just go subscribe now. Laura and Leslie have great rapport and a delightfully twisted sense of humor so they are well worth your time! (Leslie cross-stitches quotes such as “When work feels overwhelming, remember that you are going to die.” Episode 291: Wool is Cool)
Stash Dash 2016 is the fifth annual “insane and amazing” virtual race created to motivate you to use up your yarn stash and finish works-in-progress (WIPs). To participate in Stash Dash 2016, you must use yarn in your stash to create a finished project. You can use your yarn for handknitting, crochet, spinning, tatting, and weaving. Every meter of yarn you use up counts towards your Stash Dash goal. There are five levels at which you can compete: 3K, 5K, 7K, 10K, and 15K. Stash Dash is “super cheater-friendly” per Laura. This means you can have your work almost completely done and as long as you add at least one stitch during Stash Dash, the meterage of your entire project counts towards your goal. Stash Dash 2016 starts on May 27, 2016 at 12:01 am EST and ends on August 21, 2016 at 11:59 pm EST. This gives you 89 days to get through your stash! You can find all the details on Ravelry in The KnitGirllls board under Stash Dash 2016 or listen to their recent podcast called, “The KnitGirllls Stash Dash 2016 Overview.”
So now I go back to Jo Milmine’s advice on Knitting Goals (Shinybees podcast, episode 77) and get to planning. I currently have three WIPs that if I complete, could add up to 18,000 meters. Actually, I have four WIPs, but I’m not sure about the fourth one.
The first is the Knit 2 Together sweater by Tracey Ullman and Mel Clark. I bought the yarn in 2008 and never got past starting a gauge swatch. I've wanted this sweater for so long and it's time I finally make time for it. The sweater is knit in pieces and then sewn together, so I'll have to adjust the pattern to be able to knit it in the round. Completed, this pull-over will not only enhance my sweater collection, but will also add over 1000 meters to my Stash Dash.
Tallying up, if I complete the three WIPs and the two kits, I’ll have about 4k towards my Stash Dash goal of 7k.
Can I come up with some 3000 meters more of ideas? Back to the stash and see what I can do. I should probably do some yarn swatches too. You're going down, stash!