Caving to the Pressure

My yarn challenge for 2010 (see previous post) was to not buy any new yarn this year.  I wanted to use up my stash & save some money along the way.  I have a small allowance each month to spend if I need something to finish a project.  I made it to Feb. 12, and then…..I caved.  :-/

You see, I have this pattern for a really cute cardigan. I’ve wanted to make it for about 6 months, so when I found the pattern while cleaning the other day, I decided now would be the perfect time to make it :-).

Problem #1…..I need yarn.  The pattern calls for yarn I don’t crochet with.  Supermerino wool in DK weight.  I’ve used DK weight in the past, and may even have scraps in my stash, but I’m not sure I’ve ever used supermerino wool.  I could have gone through my yarn stash, but I’m pretty sure I have nothing but baby colors in DK weight. (Not really the look of the sweater).

Problem #2…..it calls for expense yarn ($5.99 a skein – even on eBay X 6 skeins), which would blow my budget WAY out of the water, and then I’d have nothing left for the whole year.  So, after looking into my options, I figured I only had 2 choices. I could either switch the yarn to something a little more reasonably priced, or I could not make the sweater.  I chose option #1.  I chose a DK/sport weight yarn but it was acrylic instead of the supermarino wool.  I’ve switched yarns before but never for a garment. We’ll see how it comes out.

All in all, I’m still over my budget for the year. It’s only February so I should not have spent more than $10 so far. I’m up to $19.19. That leaves me a balance of $30.81 until December.  hmmm…..we’ll see how I do.